Harry's Talking About The 2011 Acura MDX

Embrace life, kiss it on the mouth, go directly to GO! Then make an appointment with your nearest Acura Dealer and test-drive the 2011 Acura MDX. We did and we liked it!

Trim: 2011 Acura MDX Base

MSRP: $42,580

Engine: 3.7L V6

Transmission: Automatic


Drivetrain: AWD

Fuel Type: Gas

Curb Weight: 4,550 lbs.
Review

The 2011 Acura MDX SUV features a new V6 engine and the versatility and performance that one expects from Honda’s luxury brand.

The standard Acura MDX sports a 3.7 liter, 300 horsepower V6 engine with 270 lbs of torque and a Drive-by-Wire throttle control. The EPA estimated fuel mileage is 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. The new throttle system and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) provide excellent acceleration and vehicle control. The six speed automatic transmission is equipped with Shift Hold Control, Grade Logic and Sequential SportShift paddle shifters.
Specifications

Here are specs we know so far on the 2011 Acura MDX:

* Pricing: the 2011 MDX should start at around $51,885 MSRP; no invoice data available
* Fuel economy: fuel economy car ratings for the MDX are 16/21 mpg city/highway
* Engine: 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V6
* Drivetrain: six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control
* Acceleration: 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds likely, but no data available yet
* Model lineup: five existing trim levels will probably carry over to 2011, but only select trims may be available with new diesel engine
* Car safety features: identical to those of the 2010 MDX
* Suspension: active sport suspension available with Advance package trim
* Warranty: four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty; six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty; roadside assistance for life of the vehicle

Interior Features

Entertainment features include the Acura Premium Audio System with seven speakers delivering 253 watts of power. XM Radio provides 1700 digital channels although this requires a monthly subscription after a 90-day free trial. Other audio systems include a 6-disc CD player and speed-specific volume control that compensates for audio gain. The optional Acura/ELS Surround Sound system was designed by Grammy award winning producer Elliot Scheiner and features state-of-the-art audio technology.

A USB socket allows you to plug in Apple’s iPod and other USB devices using MP3, WMA and AAC music formats. A Song by Voice feature allows the user to select music from the iPod or hard drive through voice commands.

Exterior Features

The handsomely styled exterior is complemented by an attractive and comfortable interior with nice illumination features. The steering wheel is tilt adjustable with power steering and cruise control. The audio and cruise controls are located on the steering wheel. The automatic climate control system links to the Acura Navigation System’s GPS receiver to provide continuous information on the orientation of the vehicle relative to the sun. The GPS data together with a solar sensor that provides intensity information allow the climate control system to compensate for heating in areas exposed to direct sunlight.

Windows and the moonroof are power-controlled and both will continue to operate for 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off, or after the front doors are opened.

Performance

Honda has not confirmed any changes under the hood for the 2011 Acura MDX. However, the automaker has said that it would like to offer a fuel-efficient diesel V6 engine option in the MDX for either the 2011 or 2012 model years. Should the MDX offer a diesel option for 2011, buyers can expect radically improved fuel economy. Changes to the existing 3.7-liter, 300-hp V6 are unlikely for the coming year. We’ll know more about the performance, braking, and handling of the 2011 Acura MDX once we conduct an official road test.
Road Test

Early road testing of the new Acura MDX indicates that this luxury SUV has good acceleration on the highway, and that the powerful engine responds well to driver control. The vehicle comes with a four-year 50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with six years of coverage on the powertrain and full vehicle life roadside assistance.
Summary

The positives, there is so much to be said about the 2011 Acura MDX from its superb performance to its exceptional entertainment features. Few vehicles stand out so clearly from their competitors. The technology level on the MDX is truly state of the art, but that hardly seems reflected in the price tag. If there is a drawback, it may be that the MDX does not look quite as impressive as it should for such an outstanding vehicle.

Drivers would be hard pressed to find a finer luxury SUV than the 2011 Acura MDX, which offers so much to like in a single vehicle.

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