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The 2009 Acura MDX is a four-door sport utility vehicle that is a carryover from
the prior model year. This seven-passenger SUV includes a powerful engine,
advanced navigation unit, and several features to enhance passenger comfort.
This luxury model, compared on size to the Audi Q7, is both elegant and modern,
with a streamlined, graceful exterior. Buyers can upgrade their 2009 MDX with a
number of packages that include accessories like sophisticated entertainment
equipment and a power liftgate. However, some potential buyers might be turned
off by the high sticker price. Nevertheless, consumers can rest assured knowing
that they will certainly be getting their money's worth.
Under the hood, the Acura MDX is fitted with an impressive 300 horsepower 3.7L
V6 engine. While the engine has generous power, some consumers could be
disappointed with the lack of options. A five-speed automatic transmission is
standard and includes Sequential Sportshift. This feature creates smoother
shifting, keeps the transmission in the appropriate gear, and can adapt to
manual mode for more driver control. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
improves handling in high-performance circumstances. For example, when going
around a curve, the SH-AWD will select the proper gear and hold it, rather than
switching in the middle of a turn. Also, the Acura MDX gets around 15 city MPG
and 20 highway MPG - around the median fuel efficiency for a mid-size SUV.
Inside, the 2009 MDX includes tri-zone climate control. This allows the driver,
front passenger, and rear passengers to each control the climate to meet their
specific needs. Steering wheel mounted controls let the driver connect to the
Bluetooth system, adjust the volume or radio station, and access the navigation
system directly from the steering wheel. A multi-informational display is
located in the instrument cluster. This digital readout will alert drivers when
maintenance is needed on their MDX and if a tire has too much or too little
pressure.
One of the biggest selling features of the 2009 MDX is the Acura Navigation
System. Available with the upgrade to either the Technology or Sport Package,
this in-dash navigation unit includes an eight-inch LCD screen and a voice
recognition system. The voice recognition can understand commands and
automatically insert the data into the unit, without a driver even having to
lift a finger. AcuraLink Real-time Traffic will provide drivers with up-to-date
traffic reports, and the Zagat Survey feature can give owners restaurant
suggestions in the area. However, buyers should be aware that even with the
purchase of an upgrade package that includes the nav unit, the extra features on
the system expire after 90 days and require a fee-based subscription to continue
services.
Overall, the 2009 Acura MDX includes a great number of features that are sure to
impress even the most discriminating buyers. However, families on a budget might
be hard pressed to come up with the $40,790 base price. Not only that, but with
only one engine and transmission choice, those that are looking to customize a
drive train will need to look elsewhere. Of course, for buyers that are
searching for cutting edge technology and driver and passenger comfort, the
Acura MDX is hard to beat. |
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