2010 Acura MDX: First Look
Back to where it all began. When the Acura MDX was redesigned for 2007, its new two-tiered, mesh-like “shield” of a front grille would soon become the inspiration for Acura’s new corporate face. Every model, including the TSX, TL, RL and RDX, now sport a revised take on that look. Now, for 2010, the MDX’s original shield has been replaced by what it brought: a solid, silver V-shaped crest.
We’re not sure of the final treatment. The still-spectacular headlights don’t seem to line up properly with the new grille. Perhaps if the silver V floated in the middle of the grille instead of at the top, the proportions would look more streamlined. New lower vents aped from the new TL are a definite improvement, however. The rear and hood also get some slight tweaks.
More important, the 3.7-liter V-6 engine is thankfully now accompanied by a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode and shift paddles on the steering wheel. It’s still good for 300 hp, but mileage goes from 15/20 mpg city/highway to 16/21 mpg, according to early estimates. The MDX still comes with standard all-wheel drive.
The interior is mostly the same, with new leather seating surfaces, a slightly larger steering wheel and other updated materials. The layout, however, remains basically unchanged.
There is still a base trim and a Technology Package trim, which adds navigation and an upgraded sound system. Instead of a Sport Package topping the lineup, there’s now an Advanced Package that includes the Technology Package plus performance equipment like 19-inch wheels and a new adaptable suspension system, as well as additional creature comforts, like heated and ventilated seats.
The current MDX is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, and the 2010 will supposedly pass future roof-strength tests as well. According to Acura, the MDX’s roof can support three times the vehicle’s weight instead of the mandated 1.5 times.
The 2010 goes on sale this fall and will likely be priced similar to the outgoing model’s $40,990-$47,140 range.
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2010 and 2009 Acura MDX
2010 Acura MDX Interior
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"spectacular headlights"?
They don't look all that special to me. I hope one of the improvements was making that all "wood" real- the last mdx that I sat in it felt really really cheap and hollow. Otherwise I really liked the car.
Broq
Looks worse than before, not that we are shocked. No real wood yet? Interior of this vehicle looks great from a distance due to all the buttons and high tech features. Up close its hardly luxurious. Also, the gap between the dash and door panels is egregious. I've noticed that on models at the auto show as well. Naturally no review mentions the gap.
When asked about real wood at the previous gen's launch Acura said test groups were shown both, the simulated it has and the real wood and were asked, "would you pay $200 more for the real wood" and the overwhelming majority said no.
Not sure if it was $200 exactly but it was a pretty insignificant number.
So they went with the fake stuff.
i don't mind fake wood, no real need in cutting down trees for a car interior. But if they are going to put it in there, make sure it is not paper thin, because that is how it sounded when I tapped on the center of an MDX- on that flat area near the shifter.
Broq
Looks like a nice car only front overhang is little too long.
I'd buy this over the caddy...the plastic is better quality.
wow. id rather have the 09 personally they shouldve integrated the fog lights in that airdam that looks like two flared nostrals. overall this gets a thumbs down from me.
Ziggy,
I see what you did there.
$7000 will get you that "better quality" plastic...titanium color and fake plood are thrown in no charge. And yes it really looks fake in these pictures especially the one of the center console.
"I'd buy this over the caddy...the plastic is better quality."
I'm sure Dave concurs.
BTW, that excuse Acura offered about not offering real wood sounds like something "Old GM" would've said when explaining why they cut a corner. Wood costs more and Acura didn't want to use it. I'm not agaisn't fake wood in lower end cars, but when you get close to $50k you should have the real thing. The RL has real wood. Some fake wood looks somewhat convincing (new Lacrosse) but Acura doesn't have that type. Looks terribly plastic. Poor mileage, ugly front end and unusable 3rd row explain why this vehicle is struggling. Good to see Acura joining the 21st century with the 6 speed though.
This is the best car in it's class hands-down. If you want more luxury and less sport/handling then the Lexus RX may be more to your liking. The only other vehicle that even comes close to the MDX is the X5 and that's considerably more expensive. Before GM blew-it on it's interior quality with the Cadillac SRX they used the MDX and RX as segment benchmarks. If you've driven an MDX you can see why they're so popular and selling at a premium price.
Guys, you're confusing vehicle class! The MDX DOES NOT COMPETE with the SRX or RX. Here is the clarity in the numbers:
May 2009 Unit Sales (Luxury 7-passenger SUV)
Acura MDX 2455
Audi Q7 795
BMW X5 2198
Lexus GX 668
Merc-Benz GL 1118
Surprise! The MDX is the best-sselling SUV in its segment - whether you like the grille or not. Thank you Dave Wuss.
Oh yeah: And the front-end redesign (and the new wheels and rear bumper) --- kick ass! Take that Audi Q7!
I went for the 2009 MDX with Sport Package. I love the headlights though they do not follow the steering wheel like some Lexus cars do. I don't hate the plastic trim inside the car. Black wood made me a lot of money in the music business. I was very disappointed in the Sport radio system. A lot of [do nothing] buttons that when lit the function is OFF! Ride is better than my '04 MDX especially on curves at higher speeds. Same seat heater control with no air conditioning. Rear gate is electric. Window wipers seem to know what to do now compared to my '04. Manual shifting is not as "quick" as it should be. Very stable around curves. Bigger wider tires not for the gas mileage monitoring types. Biggest gripes are center console box. Gone are the two tier sections. Try and find a pen quick now! And the DVD Player. No modern support for a Game Box. Composit video in this day and age? Should have been HDMI and/or S Video. No modern support for iPhone or iPod when Entertainment Package is added. Poor on that move Acura. I still love my MDX though.
First then make the 08 TL look like crap with the 09, then they make the 09 MDX look like crap with the 2010 -
I love Acura engineering but can no longer stand their designs. Guess I better get a 2009 MDX when I trade my 2004 TL and hope they fix this mess when I need another car around 2013.
I may be forced to buy a Mazda - god forbid
Have had two Acura MDXs. Presently
have an 03 with 83,000. Miles. Must agree
Acura is getting like GM vehicles.
Goood features in my '03 now missing.
Blind spots looking out. By reducing
visibility the vehicle may not be as safe.
The sunvisors in my 03 extends o when driving with a lot of sun I could block sunlight that you cannot with newer MDX models. Overall interior is a step down in quality. Rough edges on steering wheel in 09 I drove, and agree with others that looks very ceap inside for what was a luxury car. My biggest issue is that if you look at the 08 to 09 MDX they did nothing to imporve it according to the dealer. So why invest in such a high end vehicle that the manufacturer does not improve? Yes new face and a transmission option in new '10. Now it is time
to buy a repalcement for my 03 MDX and Acura is making me think what I am going to buy.
In the past their quality would not require
such pause.
In base trim the Acura MDX is quite complete and equal to Toyota's Highlander limited editions at about the same cost. I test drove an MDX 2009 model and suspension felt a little jiggly but overall great performance and luxury. I will wait to compare to BMW X5 before I buy. Think the Acura price is quite good though.
I'm about to buy my first SUV. I'm currently owning a 2006 TL, which I like. However, I don't like the quality of the 2009 MDX. It looks cheap.
Lets see what the 2010 will give us.
I´ll love to have one of those°
Anyone have some comments between the different Acura levels for 2010?
The blue-tooth hand-free support the voice command. The design of MDX is nice.