Honda engineers have revised the MDX's 3.7-liter V6; output remains the same, at 300 horsepower, but torque has dropped by a fraction, from 275 to 270 pound-feet. By replacing last year's five-speed automatic with the new six-speed Sequential SportShift transmission, Honda managed to nudge the EPA city/highway fuel economy figures by 1 mpg each, to 16/21 mpg. New gearing also provides better acceleration, the company says.
The 2010 MDX should behave a tad better, with a marginally smoother ride — the result of revisions to the power steering and rear suspension. A new Advance package bundles revised active dampers with larger 19-inch wheels and tires. The standard MDX gets revised 18-inch alloy wheels.
Besides the in-your-face grille, the designers touched up the front and rear fascias while revising the hood, side sills and taillamps. Interior enhancements include the addition of a thicker sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, revised gauges, more LED lighting and such new features as a rearview camera, a full VGA nav screen, plus AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting. A blind-spot information system is new as well.
Inside Line says: All of those modest changes add up to a greatly improved package. Except for that grille. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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hscoggins says:
04:27 PM, 05/15/2011
I think the front grill on the MDX while better looking than in the pass, its still takes away from otherwisea nice looking vehicle. A larger moonroof with a fixed rear section would have been nice. Folding side mirrors would also help.
1duke says:
02:27 AM, 11/02/2009
I like the updated face more than last years, this really works. Acura really stepped the tech up in the MDX this year, the top of the line has got to be over 50 grand now..