Cruising along in sixth-gear on the Pacific Coast Highway, it takes three taps of the left paddle shifter to realize that the 2015 Acura MDX isn't your average seven-passenger luxury crossover utility vehicle: tap -- fifth-gear -- tap -- fourth-gear -- tap -- third-gear. The tach swings past 4,000 RPM as the big 3.5-liter engine coughs up a delicious throttle blip with each successive downshift. Suddenly, the MDX's whisper-quiet interior is filled with the distinct maniacal drone of a Honda/Acura V6 engine, a sound that's been ingrained in our brains since we first heard Acura's NSX sports car take to Torrance, California's streets in 1990.
Exterior
Of course, the big 2015 Acura MDX will never be the looker the original Acura NSX was; however, compared to rivals like the Buick Enclave and Infiniti QX60, the 2015 Acura MDX may as well be a low-slung sports car.
Acura's signature grille along with the company's Jewel Eye LED headlights, give the 2015 Acura MDX an attractive front end appearance.
The rest of the car is much more conservative in its design. Clean lines and distinct arches over the rear wheels give the MDX an overall look that is both chiseled and elegant, with our tester's seven-spoke 19-inch wheels and chrome roof rails (both part of the optional Advance Package) completing the big crossover's tasteful exterior detailing.
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Interior
Inside, the MDX doesn't disappoint. Quality interior materials abound, with soft-touch plastics decorating the dashboard and door panels, and standard leather upholstery gracing all seven seats. Two screens take up real estate in the center stack: a large top-mounted screen that displays audio information or available navigation information, and a smaller touchscreen unit that allows users to access HVAC controls and input audio commands. A massive center console storage bin can hold anything from a small purse, to a handful of DVDs for use with the optional rear entertainment system.
Part of the Entertainment Package, the rear entertainment system includes a 9-inch screen for back-seat passengers to watch movies or binge-watch full seasons of television shows. When equipped with the top-of-the-line Advance Package, the rear screen size increases to a massive 16.2-inches. The Entertainment Package also adds niceties like heated second-row seats, side window sunshades for second-row passengers and a 110-volt power outlet in the front center console.
Along with the Entertainment Package, our loaded test car also came equipped with the Advance Package. While 2015 Acura MDX's equipped with the Technology Package can be had without the Entertainment Package, MDX's with the Advance Package are only available with the Entertainment Package. The Entertainment Package is unavailable on the base Acura MDX.
The Technology Package includes features like automatic windshield wipers, smart key entry for the rear doors (smart key entry for the front doors is standard) and a built-in navigation system. The Advance Package adds a 12th speaker to the Acura/ELS premium sound system (10 speakers are standard and the Entertainment Package brings an 11th), premium "Milano" leather seating, ventilated front seats, front-passenger lumbar support, remote engine start and automatically dimming side-view mirrors.
Interior space is an MDX strong point. First- and second-row passengers are treated like kings, with headroom and legroom aplenty. Not surprisingly, the third-row is a bit tight; however, with almost 15 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, it is possible to fill the MDX with passengers and still have enough room for toting cargo. With both the second- and third-row folded, the MDX offers a generous 68.4 cubic-feet of space.
Performance
The 2015 Acura MDX's V6 engine sounds better than the engines in many sports cars. With 290 horsepower on tap and a base curb weight that's just a smidge over 4,000 lbs, the 2015 Acura MDX is able to move with ample authority. The 6-speed automatic transmission does an excellent job of keeping the MDX on its toes, while steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters give the driver an added sense of control.
Our test vehicle was equipped with the available SH-AWD system, which can move the MDX's 290 horses to both front and rear wheels, and to its left and right wheels as needed. The system works seamlessly, and Acura offers a graphic power flow display for curious drivers. Front-wheel drive is standard, and MDX's equipped this way are able to achieve an impressive 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (SH-AWD MDX's manage a less efficient, though still impressive, 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway).
While comfort remains the MDX's priority, its chassis dynamics bring just enough fun to the table to keep things interesting. Acura's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) comes standard and allows the driver to choose the level of steering weight and throttle response with the push of a button. Segregated between "Comfort," "Normal" and "Sport," we were partial to the "Comfort" setting, as "Normal" seemed to lighten the steering to unnatural levels and "Sport" made the throttle too touchy.
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Safety
Standard front, side and side-curtain airbags, not to mention a knee airbag, a rear-view camera and vehicle stability assist, make the MDX a top choice for consumers who value safety.
The Technology Package adds a blind spot monitoring system, a forward collision warning system and a lane departure warning system, while the Advance Package includes adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigation braking system, a lane keeping assist system, and front and rear parking sensors.
Due to the 2015 Acura MDX's strong crash test performance and available safety technology, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the big crossover its highest rating of "Top Safety Pick+."
Overall
The 2015 Acura MDX is a great luxury crossover SUV for individuals who need to carry large loads or multiple passengers, but don't want to sacrifice luxury or technology along the way. If you're still not convinced the 2015 Acura MDX is the right choice for you, we suggest tapping the left paddle shifter a handful of times on your test drive. Because if the beak nose and Jewel Eye LED headlamps don't strike a chord in your heart, then surely the glorious sound of the MDX's big V6 throttle-blipping its way up the rev-range will.
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To learn more about the 2015 Acura MDX talk to one of our sales team members at AutoNation Acura South Bay.
