2014 Acura MDX SH-AWD + Advance

Acura has once again hit a grand slam into the midsize luxury SUV centerfield. Dealerships can't keep them on the lots long enough, to calculate an average DII (days in inventory, that coveted demand statistic) all across the North American market.

Standard are all the traditional luxury appointments, including leather interior, heated front AND second row seats, tilt down and heated rear view mirrors, a backup camera (with Acura's patented Multi-View camera) and Tri-Zone Auto Climate Control; along with standard 7 passenger seating, standard 290 HP DI V6 and Acura Premium Audio System with 8 speakers. New standard features now includes keyless access with Push Button Start (finally!), sliding second row to provide Limo style seating for 2nd row or easier access to 3rd row, and On Demand Multi-Use Display touchscreen interface, and the list goes on and on. All wrapped in a recreated exterior sporting those attention grabbing Jewel Eye LED headlights and incorporating the first in class Driver Knee Airbag.

                                         


   


$45K.........really? Wow! What's the catch? None.
Well...if having to buy your upgrades in bulk is a turnoff, then coughing up a separate installation fee for each goodie might be your idea of getting what you pay for. Not mine.

Upgrading is offered through a variety of packages, with Technology, Entertainment and Advance bringing you everything from AcuraLink Navigation, ELS Premium Audio with HDD and a number of high tech safety features, Rear Entertainment System and rear sunshades, and Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, Premium Milano Leather and upgrades on Wheels, 16.2" Rear Display and Adaptive Cruise Control. Fully loaded this is the under $60K Luxury SUV all day long!

The drivetrain on this SUV has exhilarating performance while maintaining the ability to provide an estimated 25 mpg highway. Available SH-AWD (super handling all wheel drive) kept that power on the road very well. Even in the harshest conditions, this car keeps traction.

Seating configuration is a definite plus on this family targeted SUV. 60/40 split 2nd row and 50/50 split 3rd row provide for a variety of spacing options that will have you considering trips to IKEA more often than before. And now with sliding passenger and driver side 2nd row, access to that 3rd row will no longer feel like a parkour workout. 3rd row up compromises a substantial amount of luggage space, while up from the previous model is expected in this segment. Rear hatch redesign limits the ability to stack up luggage as in the previous model. Nonetheless, it is a notable improvement.

In the electronics realm, while the center toggle button remains, electronics are extremely easy to command via the new ON Demand Multi-Use Display, which controls the radio, equipped 100GB HDD, AcuraLink Navigation, Ipod or MP3 device via USB port, DVD, and with Pandora and Aha connectivity (through your phone) all your favorite music is at the touch of your fingertips, or with voice keywords. Acura's redesigned 9 button center cluster is intuitive and feels well placed.
 

All around this is a very well designed and developed evolution of a soon to be classic in this segment. Lack of additional engine options, soft close doors, and use of more authentic interior materials are what might be keeping more of these from flying into homes all across north america.