2012 Acura MDX

The 2012 Acura MDX can be availed in a single, standalone configuration with a price tag of $43,030. The 2012 Acura MDX comes in a standalone trim and is generously loaded. The buyers get 18-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, fog lamps, heated side mirrors, a power liftgate, a sunroof, heated eight-way power front seats, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker sound system as standard.

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Since there’s a single, standalone trim level for the 2012 Acura MDX, that eliminates the stress to choose. Also, the luxury sub-brand Acura loads the MDX with a plethora of features. Yet we recommend adding the optional Advance package that adds various safety aids along with adaptive suspension and adaptive cruise control.

The 2012 Acura MDX features a 3.7 L Naturally Aspirated V6 that punches out 300-hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. To assist the engine, 6-speed automatic transmission provides added convenience. An all-wheel-drive powertrain comes as standard with the 2012 MDX. The power is seamless and smooth and the V6 does a great job with linear power delivery.

The front-wheel-biased AWD system balances economy and added grip, while the MDX manages to be very planted around hard corners. Stabbing the throttle from a standstill would take around 7-second to complete a 0-60 mph run, while a quarter-mile takes 15.4 seconds. The acceleration of the MDX is soft, takes time to make the pace, but once the revs reach midrange, the MDX is good to go. The Acura MDX cuts a big part of the obvious body roll thanks to a lower center of gravity than estimated on any crossover.

The Acura MDX and Lexus GX 460, both prominent Japanese luxury sub-brand vehicles, pose as more potent than the two German rivals in the lot. But the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class manages to be the quickest in the rivalry. The Acura MDX is one of the faster vehicles in the segment, trailing right behind the Mercedes.

The 2012 Acura MDX punches out healthy power figures, but it also manages to be efficient and be less stressful to the pockets. The V6 block under the hood manages to deliver 18 mpg combined. The MDX also fits a substantial 18-gallon fuel tank, thus the crossover can run for more than 380 combined miles on a full tank.

The Acura MDX surely impresses with those economical figures, but then the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class enters with the best figures and everyone gets silent. The Lexus GX 460 is the least efficient fossil-fuel chugger, but a significantly larger fuel tank helps it offer a great range, and yet, it’s still short of the Audi Q7.

The interiors of the 2012 Acura MDX can seat 7 passengers, and owing to boxy-exterior, the utility and roominess of the cabin are top-notch. The cabin is furnished gorgeously and sumptuously, and it treats its occupants with a premium outlook and comfortable seating. The front seats caress the occupants with great bolsters and supportive shape. The driver and the occupants can easily reach out to the dash and various buttons on the center stack. The dashboard design is simple, except for the center stack, which is quite busy. The 2012 MDX decorates the dash with a medium brown shade, and tinted woodgrain trim, that makes the cabin look lavish. 

The second row has ample headroom and legroom to seat adults. The seats recline to add more comfort but make it difficult for the occupants in third seats. The second-row seats can be tilted and slid forward, making a small corridor to access the rearmost seats. The third row is cramped in terms of legroom and is best suited for children. One can add upgraded leather upholstery by opting for an optional Navigation package, while the heated second row comes with an optional entertainment package. The 2012 MDX offers a 15 cu-ft boot space behind the third row, which soars to 83.5 cu-ft with both second and third-row seats folded down.

The Acura MDX is generously spacious, except in the third row, where it is quite tight for adults to squeeze in. Rivals like Mercedes-Benz GL-Class offer a more practical third row, without reducing the feasible boot space. In terms of cargo space, the MDX offers a big boot, with respect to the Audi Q7 and Lexus GX460. Standout interior features in the 2012 Acura MDX include:

• Heated eight-way power front seats
• 2-way adjustable driver lumbar
• Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Leather upholstery
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Optional upgraded leather upholstery
• Optional heated second-row seats
• Optional ventilated front seats

How intuitive is the 2012 Acura MDX’s infotainment unit?

The 2012 Acura MDX takes care of the entertainment of the occupants with important infotainment amenities. As standard, the MDX features an eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer. The system also incorporates Bluetooth, an auxiliary audio jack, and satellite radio. Opting for the available Technology Package will add a navigation system with an 8-inch display and dial controller, which makes the cabin look advanced. 

The package also brings goodies like GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control, 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 interface. You can also add a rear-seat entertainment system that keeps the passengers busy. Standout infotainment features:

• 8-speaker sound system
• GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control
• Voice commands
• 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system
• Rear seat entertainment system
• Satellite radio

The 2012 Acura MDX remains unchanged, but the smart and handsome exterior still looks mesmerizing. The three-row MDX has a great presence on the road, and the elegant body lines make it look very family-friendly and appealing. In the front, the angular headlights and chrome grille make it look upmarket, while the subtle side body lines add to the simple yet imposing appearance. The vehicle rides on 18-inch wheels as standard, while 19-inch ones can be availed as an option.

The 2012 MDX is surprisingly light and weighs the least in the rivalry. The Audi Q7 is the lightest car in the line-up. The small stance and high ground clearance add to the looks of the luxury crossover. But the most prominent names like the Audi and Mercedes-Benz would attract more eyeballs with less hassle. Standout exterior features in the 2012 Acura MDX include:

• 18-inch wheels
• Automatic xenon headlamps
• Fog lamps
• Power liftgate
• Sunroof
• Heated side mirrors
• Optional 19-inch wheels

Safety is a top priority and being a sub-brand to a widespread name like Honda, Acura manages to stand up to its reputation. The 2012 Acura MDX features a wide range of standard safety aids, while buyers can also opt for various modern features. In NHTSA tests, the MDX secured an impressive 4-star safety rating while the IIHS awarded the mid-size SUV with “Good" ratings in aspects like occupant protection in frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests. Standout safety features in the 2012 Acura MDX include:

• Traction control
• Stability control
• Blind-spot warning system
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Auto-leveling headlamps

The Acura MDX is a great choice for buyers looking for a premium vehicle, with sumptuous interiors, top-notch safety, and impressive ride quality. For the sticker price, the MDX can give the German crossovers a good run for their money. In addition, it carries Honda’s reliability caliber. Being available as a single standalone trim removes the hassle of choosing from various trim levels. Yet there are optional packages to add more goodies.