2015 Acura MDX
The last Acura MDX we tested was a 2014 model, not long after Honda's upscale brand restyled its mid-size crossover, bringing to it, among other things, the standard LED headlights that have since migrated to the rest of the Acura line.
For 2016, Acura added a new nine-speed automatic transmission, gave the engine an auto stop/start feature, upgraded the Super Handling AWD (SH-AWD) system with a new rear differential, and added new available driving assist features.
Though that 2016 model is already on sale, Honda shipped us a 2015 model to test, with the same six-speed auto and last-generation AWD system that were in that last version we drove, in late 2013.
So we'll have to wait to try out the shiny new one, but since the MDX is a popular vehicle, it's worth a spin to revisit the reasons why it's one of the best-selling luxury crossovers on the market. (Overall score: 7.5)
Walkaround
We're not sure what makes an SUV or crossover attractive, but the MDX certainly isn't the most distinctive, and doesn't look particularly athletic. Homogeneity is the word in this segment, where most buyers don't care to stand out.
Where German brands (Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche) offer a range of engine choices in their mid-size models, this Acura comes with just one and, much like the styling, that 300-horsepower, 3.5-litre V-6 goes for the middle of the segment, aiming to please the masses and annoy as few potential buyers as possible. (Score: 6.7)
Interior
MDX's heavily bolstered front seats provide good lateral support for those occasions when you feel like testing an SUV's cornering capability, but they can be an annoyance for anyone not narrow enough to fit perfectly between then.
The back seat is roomy, but it's clear some second-row space was sacrificed in favour of making a pair of third row seats possible; they're standard here, but are kid-friendly only. On the upside, there's a load of cargo space behind the second row, and both second and third rows fold flat to expand carrying capacity.
Top-end Elite trim includes attractive olive ash wood trim on the dash and centre console; its exposed grain is a nice change from the ubiquity of overly-glossed wood lookalikes in upscale cars and wannabes. (Score: 7.6)
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Tech
All MDX models come with intelligent keyless entry with pushbutton start, those LED headlights, and 432-watt stereo. By the time you get to the top-trim Elite version, Acura has thrown in navigation, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, and front and rear parking sensors.
The 2016 model adds available road departure mitigation—which is better at keeping the car between the lines when the lines are faded or nonexistent—and rear cross traffic alert. (Score: 8.5)
Driving
There are two kinds of upscale car: those that emphasize a smooth, quiet ride, and vehicles that sacrifice some refinement for a more engaging drive. The MDX falls into the latter category, with a firm ride and sharp handling.
Road noise isn't intrusive on good pavement, but the rear suspension transmits all kinds of clunking and clomping sounds into the cabin on rough surfaces, a soundtrack that would barely be acceptable in a contemporary economy car, never mind in a luxury crossover with a $50,000-plus starting price.
Honda's 3.5-litre V-6 is a good performer, but while I normally argue that a six-speed transmission is adequate in almost any vehicle, this one's wide ratio gaps aren't well-suited to the engine's high-revving nature, and that's not helped by an unwillingness to downshift at speed, no matter which drive mode (comfort, normal or sport) you choose. For that reason alone, the 2016's nine-speed would have been worth the wait. (That said, the new transmission, built by German supplier ZF, has demonstrated performance issues in the other Acura, Chrysler and Land Rover models that also use it.)
On the powertrain's side was its observed fuel consumption, which averaged out to 12.3 L/100 km in spirited city driving, against the 2015's ratings of 12.7/9.1; the 2016 model's ratings are identical in spite of its three extra gear ratios. (Score: 7.2)
Value
A 2015 MDX started at $50,290, with my Elite tester wearing a $64,290 price tag; the 2016 model's extra kit means a starting price $2,700 higher, though the Elite comes with just a $700 increase. This is still a strong value next to German competitors, but Acura faces legitimate competition from, in particular, the dark-horse Kia Sorento which, for less than $50,000, just about matches the MDX's features list. It's not as sharp a performer and its interior doesn't feel quite as upscale, but it's comfortable, sports great fit and finish, and feels more expensive than it is. (Score: 7.7)
Conclusion
Acura's 2016 improvements promise to make the MDX an even stronger value, but they don't correct the noisy suspension, which was this 2015's biggest turn-off.
If you want a crossover that offers some driving enjoyment at an attractive price, the MDX has both of those things; where luxury-level refinement is concerned, however, you'll find better value elsewhere if you're willing to forego the upscale brand badge on the tailgate.
Autofocus.ca is a Canadian automotive website dedicated to making car shopping easier and driving more fun. Follow Autofocus on Facebook and Twitter.
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