2009 Acura MDX Luxury SUV Review (Canada)

2009 Acura MDX Luxury SUV Review (Canada)

There are all sorts of luxurious SUVs on the market, including models such as the BMW X5, the Mercedes M-Class, the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7. But one Canadian-made SUV stands out from the crowd with its proven track record on the road.

It's the 2009 MDX, Acura's flagship SUV built at Honda's manufacturing facility in Alliston, Ont. For 2009, the MDX comes in three trims: a base model at $52,500, a Technology trim at $57,200, and an Elite version at $62,200. Personally, I'd skip the Elite trim, stick with the base model and pocket the extra cash.

After all, the base trim is well-equipped with a power moon roof, cruise control, a power tilt and telescoping steering column and heated front and heated second-row outboard seats. The Technology trim adds a navigation system, a backup camera and power tailgate.
My Elite test vehicle is filled with luxurious appointments and extras such as auto-levelling front headlamps, an active damper system, a 115-volt power outlet and a DVD entertainment system with 9-inch display, integrated remote control and wireless headsets with surround sound.

From the outside, the MDX is conservative in design although I do like its strong, chiselled face, dark tinted glass and 18-inch Euro silver aluminum-alloy wheels.

Its step-in is high, but once you're in the driver's seat you have a commanding view of the road ahead.

The cabin is spacious with three rows of seats for seven passengers. The front leather seats are comfortable and tightly bolstered for extra support.