Acura MDX 2008 $23,300

Vehicle Overview The seven-seat MDX enjoyed a complete redesign for 2007, adding more horsepower, a 5,000-pound tow rating and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, so changes for 2008 are few. There's a new paint color called Sterling Gray Metallic, and the automatic-dimming rearview mirror is now standard. Acura also offers its navigation system in Hawaii now, and has extended its real-time traffic feature to almost twice as many metropolitan areas as before, for a total of 76. The MDX is a single trim level, leaving Technology and Sport option packages to distinguish one version from another. The MDX a long-standing Cars.com Best Bet competes against such rivals as the BMW X5, Cadillac SRX , Lexus RX 350 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. It's top-rated in crash tests and has a history of above-average reliability. Exterior With the 2007 redesign, Acura went for a more integrated look in the MDX's rear quarters. No longer does the rear glass area look tacked on. Instead, conventional A-, B- and C-pillars are in place, and the overall look is more similar to BMW's SUVs than to Lexus models. The grille is pronounced, with two planes of metal framing the Acura symbol. Side views show a pronounced, fender-like arch over the wheel wells. At the rear, there is an integrated bumper and a smooth, chiseled appearance. The MDX comes with 18-inch wheels and high-intensity-discharge low-beam headlights. A Sport Package adds auto-leveling xenon headlights and a different wheel design. Nineteen-inch wheels and running boards may be available from your dealer. Interior The MDX carries seven people in standard leather seats and has a 10-way power driver's seat that can remember settings for two drivers. Front passengers get eight-way adjustment. Both seats are heated. There's also standard automatic three-zone climate control and a cargo space that can be configured six ways depending on how the seats are folded. An optional Entertainment Package includes a rear DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote, a 110-volt power outlet in the center console, heated outboard seats in the second row and a remote-operated power tailgate. The Technology Package includes Acura's voice-recognition navigation system and real-time traffic information and solar-sensing automatic climate control system. The Sport Package adds upgraded leather seating surfaces and metallic accents to various trim pieces. Under the Hood The MDX's 3.7-liter V-6 turns out 300 horsepower and 275 pounds-feet of torque, the most powerful engine Acura makes. It's mated to a five-speed automatic with sequential manual shifting. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is standard. The Sport Package adds an active-damping suspension that varies shock-absorber firmness to smooth the ride and control body lean. Safety The MDX boasts a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, having received top scores in frontal-, side- and rear-impact crash tests. Dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all three rows of seats are standard. Both front occupants get knee airbags and active head restraints. All-disc antilock brakes are standard, as is an electronic stability system with traction control. Driving Impressions I drove the new MDX on a track as well as the road, and it's truly outstanding, able to handle sharp cornering effortlessly, especially when equipped with the optional Sport Package. Much of the new athleticism comes courtesy of the standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, which can send more power to the rear wheels than the front and can drive the outside rear wheel faster than the inside wheel when in a turn. The Active Damper System's Comfort button on the center console makes a relatively small difference in the ride quality, but it does a good job overall in maximizing ride and handling. Overall, the MDX is quite quick

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