2011 Acura MDX Features & Specs

 

What's New for 2011

The Acura MDX is unchanged for 2011.

Introduction

The Acura brand is typically the purveyor of sensible luxury cars with strong value and copious features. You buy an Acura because it's reliable and well-made; ultimate brand cachet isn't as important. That mindset also applies to the 2011 Acura MDX, but in this case the MDX also happens to be one of the most luxurious and fun-to-drive midsize luxury crossover SUVs in its class.
Much of the fun-to-drive quality relates to Acura's so-called "Super Handling" all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD). By proportioning power automatically to the outside wheels during cornering, the system helps make the MDX feel more agile and happier in the corners. Finally, well-controlled body roll and communicative steering contribute to a responsive crossover that drives much smaller than it is.
Inside, the MDX has a cabin that matches Acura's RL flagship for quality and certainly all of its similarly priced SUV competitors. Wood trim, soft-touch materials and high-quality switchgear create a luxurious ambience. As for features, even the base MDX comes with a wealth of standard equipment, and the three available option packages up the luxury and convenience quotient even further. If there's any point of contention, it's that the center stack is awash with buttons, though they prove to be intuitive once you know where everything is.
For the money, the 2011 Acura MDX makes a lot of sense. True, vehicles like the Buick Enclave and Ford Flex are roomier, but the Acura is certainly a more high-end item. The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class are smaller and more expensive, the Infiniti FX is considerably smaller, the Land Rover LR4 is thirstier and more expensive, and the Lexus RX 350 lacks a third-row seat. All certainly have benefits of their own, but when it comes to being both sensible and desirable, the Acura MDX is second-to-none.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Acura MDX is available in one trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, foglamps, a power liftgate, a sunroof, privacy glass, heated eight-way power front seats, two-way adjustable driver lumbar, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.
The Technology package adds a multiview parking camera, GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control, upgraded leather upholstery, a navigation system, real-time traffic and weather, voice controls and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with digital music storage and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Advance package includes all Technology items and adds 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), auto-leveling headlamps, a sport steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The Entertainment package, which can be added to the Technology or Advanced packages, adds a rear-seat entertainment system and heated second-row seats.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Acura MDX is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and Acura's "Super-Handling" all-wheel-drive system are standard.
In Edmunds performance testing, the MDX went from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. When properly equipped, the MDX's maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Safety

Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Acura MDX includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and stability control with a stabilizing feature for trailer towing. The optional CMBS, by monitoring following distance and rate of closure, alerts the driver if a collision seems probable via visual and auditory warnings. If a collision is imminent, the system can automatically apply hard braking and cinch up the front seatbelts.
In Edmunds brake testing, the MDX came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet -- a solid distance for this type of vehicle. The MDX has not yet been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash tests. According to 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 ratings) the Acura MDX earned a top five-star rating in all of the frontal-impact and side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave a top score of "Good" to the same vehicle for occupant protection in frontal offset and side-impact crashes.

Interior Design and Special Features

The MDX's cabin is a technology-lover's dream. Even the base model has its share of electronic toys, and the Technology and Advance packages add even more. Best of all, they are easy to use thanks to the use of not only buttons but also a multipurpose knob and voice commands. Basically, you can do things the way you prefer. The Panasonic/ELS surround-sound system is one of the best, as is the navigation system.
The MDX is pretty spacious for a three-row midsize luxury crossover SUV. An adult can fit in the third row for a short journey, although the rearmost seats are better suited for kids. If you want legitimate room for adults, the Buick Enclave or Ford Flex are better choices. A total of 83.5 cubic feet of cargo space is available with the second and third rows folded, which is also above average for a midsize luxury crossover.

Driving Impressions

For a three-row SUV, the 2011 Acura MDX does a fine job of acting as if it's not one. On curvy roads, the MDX is an eager partner thanks to the "Super-Handling" all-wheel drive. There's a sensation of torque shifting from wheel to wheel as needed during hard cornering, cluing the driver into the magic behind the electronic curtain, but it all happens so effectively that the result is encouraging rather than distracting. Equipped with the Advance package, the MDX's active dampers soak up the bumps when necessary and firm up when the pace quickens. The MDX is truly one of the most rewarding luxury crossovers to drive.
Acceleration from the 3.7-liter V6 is a shade soft until the tach needle climbs into the midrange, at which point the engine pulls with enthusiasm. The MDX's six-speed automatic transmission upshifts smoothly and quickly downshifts when the throttle is prodded.

Colors

Exterior

Interior

Exterior

Body

• Rear spoiler

Tires and Wheels

• Alloy wheels
• 18 x 8.0 in. wheels
• Steel spare wheel
• P255/55R18 104H tires
• All season tires
• Underbody mounted spare tire
• Temporary spare tire

Roof and Glass

• Variable intermittent wipers
• Privacy glass
• Rear defogger
• Intermittent rear wiper
• Power glass sunroof
• Remote sunroof operation

Truck Features

• Auxiliary transmission fluid cooler

Doors

• Fixed lifgate window
• Rear power liftgate door

Towing and Hauling

• Cargo tie downs

Measurements

• Width: 78.5 in.
• Height: 68.2 in.
• Length: 191.6 in.
• Ground clearance: 8.2 in.
• Front track: 67.7 in.
• Rear track: 67.5 in.
• Wheel base: 108.3 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 15.0 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 83.5 cu.ft.

• Maximum towing capacity: 5000 lbs.**
• Curb weight: 4550 lbs.
• Angle of approach: 22.2 degrees
• Angle of departure: 23.8 degrees

Mechanical

Engine & Performance

• Base engine size: 3.7 L
• Cam type: Single overhead cam (SOHC)
• Cylinders: V6
• Valves: 24
• Valve timing: Variable
• Torque: 270 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm
• Horsepower: 300 hp @ 6300 rpm
• Turning circle: 37.6 ft.

• Base engine type: gas

DriveTrain

• Drive type: all wheel drive
• Mechanical center differential
• Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
• Center and rear limited slip differential
• Transmission hill holder

Suspension

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Front and rear stabilizer bar

Fuel

• Fuel type: gas
• Fuel type: premium unleaded (required)
• Fuel tank capacity: 21.0 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 336.0/441.0 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 16/21 mpg

Safety

Safety & Security

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front, rear and third row head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Emergency braking assist
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Daytime running lights
• Engine immobilizer
• Front fog/driving lights
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
• 2 front headrests
• 2 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Turn signal mirrors
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front height adjustable headrests
• Rear height adjustable headrests
• Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
• Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
• Tire pressure monitoring

Warranty

• Basic: 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
• Drivetrain: 6 yr./ 70000 mi.
• Roadside: 4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Interior

Front Seats

• Front head room: 39.2 in.
• Front hip room: 59.0 in.
• Front leg room: 41.2 in.
• Front shoulder room: 61.6 in.
• Multi-level heating passenger seat
• 8 -way power passenger seat
• 8 -way power driver seat
• Multi-level heating driver seat
• Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Height adjustable passenger seat
• Leather
• Sport front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 59.1 in.
• Rear head room: 38.6 in.
• Rear leg room: 38.7 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 61.5 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Reclining rear seats
• Folding with storage center armrest
• Manual folding split-bench third row seats
• Rear ventilation ducts with fan control

Power Features

• Remote power door locks
• Reverse tilt dual mirrors provides curb view when vehicle in reverse
• Power mirrors
• Heated mirrors
• 2 one-touch power windows
• Remote window operation

Convenience

• Cruise control
• Cargo net
• Front console with storage
• Front, rear and 3rd row cupholders
• Front and rear door pockets
• Overhead console with storage
• Retained accessory power
• Front seatback storage
• Speed-proportional power steering
• Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
• 12V front and 12V cargo area power outlet(s)
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
• Rear view

Comfort

• Interior air filtration
• Three zone climate control
• Cargo area light
• Leather and simulated wood trim on center console
• Simulated wood trim on dash
• Leather, wood and simulated alloy trim on doors
• Front and rear reading lights
• Leather trim on shift knob
• Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel
• Front and rear floor mats
• Turn signal in mirrors
• Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

Memorized settings

• Memorized settings includes audio system
• Memorized settings includes climate control
• Memorized settings for 2 drivers
• Memorized settings includes steering wheel

Instrumentation

• Clock
• Tachometer
• Trip computer
• External temperature display
• Low fuel level warning

In Car Entertainment

• Diversity antenna
• 7 total speakers
• 253 watts stereo output
• AM/FM in-dash 6 CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
• XM satellite radio
• Adjustable speed sensitive volume control
• Auxiliary MP3 audio input
• 1 subwoofer(s)
• 3 Months of provided satellite radio service
• Radio data system

Telematics

• Pre-wired for phone
• Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone