The award winning Acura MDX luxury performance SUV is considered by many as the benchmark of its class and the 2009 model provides luxury, performance, technology and sophistication in one of the most stylish seven-passenger configurations available. At the same time, the MDX delivers maximum power and efficiency from its VTEC® V-6 engine and, thanks to Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, also provides handling prowess normally associated only with luxury sports sedans.

An available Active Damper System, developed exclusively for the MDX Sport Package, further expands the MDX’s performance envelope while retaining the comfortable, quiet and controlled ride quality of a luxury vehicle.
In keeping with Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced, customer-relevant technologies, the 7-passenger MDX harnesses a vast array of leading-edge technologies to greatly enhance the driving and ownership experience, thus providing its occupants with an unprecedented level of information access and control.

For 2009, the MDX’s power rear tailgate feature is now standard equipment with the Technology and Sport packages- previously the power rear tailgate was only available on the Entertainment Package. In addition, for 2009 there are updates to the navigation and AcuraLink® real-time traffic systems including the addition of another major metropolitan market (Dayton, Ohio) bringing the total to 77 major markets. The MDX also improves on its style with the availability to two new exterior colors for 2009- Bali Blue replaces Steel Blue Metallic and Mocha Metallic replaces Desert Rock Metallic. The MDX is the ultimate in performance, technology and style in the luxury SUV market,’ said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. ‘The reaction to the MDX has been truly remarkable, because consumers appreciate seven-passenger capability in a ‘right-sized’ vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice power or efficiency.

Price: $40,790 – 48,690.
Invoice: $37,070 – 44,234.

Powertrain

Powering the MDX is a 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 engine that produces 300 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 275 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The V-6 employs a unique dual-stage magnesium intake manifold, direct ignition system, variable flow exhaust and an electronic Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system to help deliver V-8 performance with the fuel economy of a V-6. The MDX delivers an EPA fuel economy rating of 15/20/17 mpg* (city/highway/combined), placing it among the most fuel efficient SUVs in its class despite its performance, feature and safety advantages. The 2009 MDX, like all 2009 Acura vehicles, also meets stringent EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV emissions standards.

The MDX’s advanced V-6 is mated to an electronically-controlled Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control System designed to maximize acceleration and fuel economy. Operated via a console-mounted shifter, the Sequential SportShift transmission can function in a conventional fully-automatic mode or in manual mode for maximum driver control. To support the MDX’s generous towing capacity (rated at 5,000 pounds), a special front-mount transmission fluid cooler is employed. The MDX puts power to the ground through Acura’s breakthrough Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, an innovative full-time all-wheel-drive system that uses torque vectoring to actively distribute the optimum amount of power not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels.

With torque vectoring, the yaw moment of the MDX can be controlled throughout a turn as the SH-AWD® system simultaneously improves traction and reduces understeer to greatly enhance handling precision and ultimate cornering ability. Working in conjunction with the MDX’s standard cooperative Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, SH-AWD® provides enhanced traction and driver control whether it be on-road or off-road, in dry, rain, snow or ice. When towing, special Trailer Stability Assist algorithms built into the VSA® logic help stabilize the vehicle after sensing oscillations of the vehicle or trailer. The MDX’s SH-AWD® system is further enhanced with hill logic that automatically adjusts the front/rear torque distribution based on the steepness of the hill grades.

Chassis

With an emphasis on top-level handling performance, MDX engineers targeted the world-class dynamics and driving feel of the top European SUV competitors. This led to the development of a long wheelbase wheelbase platform and a sophisticated suspension system that was tuned at Germany’s famed Nürburgring race circuit. The MDX’s 4-wheel fully-independent suspension makes use of MacPherson front struts and a multi-link rear design mounted to a rigid unit body structure with isolated subframes. The front suspension also uses unique hydro-compliance bushings that provide superior ride isolation and chassis vibration control.

Anti-dive properties were carefully engineered to reduce impact harshness and improve ride comfort. The rear suspension uses aluminum uprights to reduce unsprung weight for improved response, while special trailing-arm mounting points reduce body squat during acceleration. Coil springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars are tuned for the optimum combination of smooth ride and precise handling. For excellent stopping power and control, the MDX employs 13-inch diameter ventilated front brake rotors and 13.2-inch solid rear brake rotors along with anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. With Brake Assist, the MDX driver has the ability to more quickly apply full braking pressure during an accident avoidance situation.

An available Sport Package incorporates Acura’s exclusive Active Damper System that delivers an optimized combination of ride comfort and excellent handling. Using ‘active’ magneto-rheological fluid dampers and predictive computer algorithms, in as little as five milliseconds (0.005 sec.) the MDX can individually adjust the damping force of its shock absorbers ahead of actual body movements to provide vastly improved transient handling, road isolation, and body control. A cockpit mounted control allows the driver to choose between sport and comfort settings for the Active Damper System.

Exterior/Interior

The MDX has distinctive exterior styling that builds on the themes embodied in recent Acura products. The bold grille is framed by Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) front headlights, giving the MDX an unmistakable presence on the road. The MDX rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels and P255/55R18 M+S tires help give it a wide, solid stance. The cleanly sculpted MDX body design was inspired by the image of a high-end yacht.

The MDX interior blends purposeful sport sedan intensity with the best elements of SUV utility. Soft leather, highly supportive front bucket seats and a driver-oriented cockpit make it clear that the MDX is focused on the driver, without compromising passenger comfort. The outboard second-row seats echo the style and lateral support of the front seats, giving the interior a unique 4+3 seating design to further highlight its blend of sport and utility. There are multiple configurations of the MDX’s three rows of seating thus enabling a maximum useable cargo volume of 83.5 cubic feet. Additionally, a load flat floor is available when the second and third row seats are folded down.

Technology

In keeping with Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced, customer-relevant technologies, the 7-passenger MDX harnesses a vast array of leading-edge technologies to greatly enhance the driving and ownership experience, thus providing its occupants with an unprecedented level of information access and control. True to the advanced character of Acura, the MDX has an impressive selection of standard electronic features designed for convenience and ease of use. These features include a Tri-zone automatic climate control system with air filtration and humidity control, Maintenance Minder™ system, a Multi-Information Display (MID) that allows access to multiple electronic functions and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface that works with Bluetooth®-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation.

Also standard with the MDX is an 8-speaker, 253-watt Acura Premium Sound System that features an AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, WMA player, MP3 capability, XM® Satellite Radio and an auxiliary jack for connecting personal audio devices. Three optional packages are available on the MDX: Technology, Entertainment and Sport. The Technology Package features a spectacular 410-watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround™ Premium Sound System with 6-disc CD/DVD-Audio changer, DTS® changer, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio and AUX jack connectivity. Engineered by multiple Grammy® award-winning recording engineer and producer Elliott Scheiner, this advanced Acura/ELS® system delivers six discreet audio channels (instead of the usual two channels) when playing DVD-Audio discs.

The Technology Package also includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and AcuraLink® real-time traffic, which can display up-to-the-minute traffic information including freeway flow, accident, construction and weather related incidents in 77 major metropolitan areas-an increase of one new market (Dayton, Ohio) for 2009. In addition, an 8-inch navigation screen displays a behind-the-vehicle image from a rearview camera when the transmission is placed in Reverse and a power-operated rear tailgate is now included. Featured in the Technology Package is the AcuraLink® satellite communication system that allows for 2-way communication between Acura and the MDX which provides customers the latest information specific to their vehicle including required maintenance. The Technology Package also includes a GPS-linked, solar-sensing Tri-Zone climate control system that automatically adjusts the temperature and fan speed according to the position of the sun.

The Sport Package includes all of the upgrades of the Technology Package and adds the Active Damper System that provides both Sport and Comfort settings to handle varying road conditions, an exclusive alloy wheel design and auto-leveling HID front headlights. Inside, luxurious perforated Milano premium leather seating surfaces and unique textured metallic accents on radio, cupholder and shifter trims are also included. The Entertainment Package focuses on enhancing passenger comfort and convenience. A 9-inch flip-down Thin Film Transistor (TFT) color screen is mounted in an overhead console to provide on-the-road entertainment for the second and third row passengers. The audio signal plays in Dolby Digital® surround sound through speakers, two wireless Personal Surround™ headphones and three audio jacks. The package also includes a 110-volt AC power outlet within the center console along with second-row heated seats for outboard occupants.

Safety

In keeping with Acura’s ‘Safety Through Innovation’ initiative, the 2009 MDX provides state-of-the-art safety for its passengers, including the application of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure.
The ACE™ body employs a network of interconnected front frame structures that work to absorb and redirect frontal collision forces away from the passenger cabin while improving crash compatibility with vehicles of different sizes. A special frame member located below the MDX’s front bumper is designed to engage the front bumper of a lower vehicle, allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles to attenuate crash energy more efficiently. Inside the handsomely appointed interior, occupants will find more advanced safety features including the latest generation of dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger. There are also side airbags for the driver and front passenger along with side curtain airbags (activated by a rollover sensor) for all outboard occupants.

Active front head restraints help reduce the likelihood of neck injury and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) mounting systems in the second row seating allow quick and secure installation of child seats. The MDX is one of a select few luxury SUVs in its class to achieve top safety ratings in both NHTSA* (5-Star ratings in NCAP frontal crash, SINCAP side crash and Rollover Resistance) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (GOOD ratings in Frontal Offset, Side Impact and Rear Crash Protection) crash tests including the IIHS’s coveted TOP SAFETY PICK designation.