2008 Acura MDX SUV

What Changed for 2008:

• Automatic-dimming rearview mirror


• Acura Navigation System with voice recognition available in Hawaii


• AcuraLink real-time traffic expands to 76 metropolitan areas


• New Sterling Gray Metallic exterior paint


• Taupe interior comes with Aspen White Pearl exterior

Overview
Acura entered the sport utility market with its 2001 MDX, which featured three rows of seating. The Acura SUV got a power boost two years later, and then entered its second generation with a redesigned and re-engineered new version for 2007.

The MDX comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Acura MDX is available in one model, though it can be enhanced through three optional packages and various dealer-installed accessories.

The MDX offers 3 rows of seats with leather surfaces, 10-way power for the driver’s seat and 8-way power from the front passenger’s position. The second row reclines and includes a fold-down center armrest with cupholders. The third row also folds flat. The second row seatback features a 60/40 split while the third row is split 50/50.

Standard equipment includes: 3-zone automatic climate controls; cruise control; power windows with a remote windows-open feature; remote entry; steering-wheel-mounted controls; Bluetooth HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface; HomeLink garage opener; electronic tilt and telescoping steering column; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; 10 beverage holders; illuminated vanity mirrors; cargo-area lighting; multi-information display screen; trip computer; exterior temperature indicator; 253-watt Acura Premium sound system with in-dash, 6-disc CD changer; MP3 and WMA connection; XM satellite radio; fog lights; speed-sensing intermittent windshield wipers; and an intermittent rear wiper.

An optional Technology package includes navigation with voice recognition and Zagat Survey reviews as well as a rearview camera. The package also includes AcuraLink satellite communications with real-time traffic information and an upgraded 410-watt Acura/ELS Surround Premium system, as well as a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control.

The Sport package includes active damper sport suspension, premium leather, exclusive wheels, auto-leveling Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps and interior trim.

An Entertainment package includes a rear DVD-based entertainment system, heated second-row seats, remote-linked power tailgate, and a 115-volt power outlet in the front center console.

Powertrain
The 2008 Acura MDX comes with a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control technology. The powertrain is rated at 15 mpg city/20 mph highway.

Acura’s large SUV also features what Acura calls Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, which includes Vehicle Stability Assist and traction control, all designed to enhance vehicle dexterity and directional stability in inclement weather and emergency maneuvers.

Safety
The 2008 Acura MDX is equipped with 13-inch front disc brakes and 13.2-inch rear discs with anti-lock, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist technology, as well as Vehicle Stability Assist. The MDX can tow 5000 pounds and comes with technology to keep a trailer stable while being pulled down the road. Tire-pressure monitoring also is standard equipment, as are Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps, fog lamps and daytime running lights.

Passive safety gear includes front and side (thorax) air bags for the driver and front-seat passenger and side curtain air bags that cover all rows.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Acura MDX 5 stars for all four frontal- and side-impact crash tests and 4 stars for its resistance to rollover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the Acura MDX “Good” in both frontal- and side-impact protection.

Technology
Trailer Stability Assist is a technology designed to interpret oscillation or wag in the vehicle/trailer connection, a situation that Acura says can occur if the trailer is not loaded correctly, or under certain speed and road conditions. The system uses torque reduction and applies individual brakes to return the trailer to a stable rolling condition.

Acura’s tri-zone automatic climate control system, which installed in a vehicle with satellite navigation, links with GPS-based, solar-sensing technology that continually updates the vehicle position and determines the position of the sun relative to the driver and passenger. When climate controls are in their automatic mode, the system uses the sun-related information to automatically adjust the temperature from side to side as needed to compensate for asymmetrical solar heating.