Inside Line offers 2007 Acura MDX "First Drive"

Yeah, yeah, I know if you really want towing there are better choices out there than either the RDX or MDX; but for me 5K towing is more than enough, whereas 1.5K is less than enough. Also, I like the styling of the MDX more than I do the RDX, especially from the front; but as we all know styling is purely subjective, so you can take my opinion for what it's worth... In any event, I just find this new MDX to be a far more appealing package than the '06 model.

One of the reasons is that Acura's SH-AWD is now part of the package (as it is also part of the RDX package). Unlike the old Real-Time 4WD, this is a full-time unit, meaning it is proactive, rather than reactive. While the merits of this are up for debate, it's my preferred choice when it comes to AWD. The other thing that sets this SH-AWD apart from other AWD systems is its ability to shift all the rear wheel power to the outside wheel when cornering. I like that a lot, as that really helps the handling.

The frosting on the cake is the new 300 hp 3.7L V6 engine, which certainly helps the sporty aspect of this vehicle. Is there anything I wish this vehicle had? Yeah, a few things: I'd like to have seen a 6-speed automatic offered, as more and more vehicles in this class now seem to have trannys with more than five gears. I'd also like to have seen a low range offered, if for no other reason as to aid in pulling a 5K boat up a steep boat ramp. Oh, one more thing would be nice: A lower MSRP.

Snippet: At the track, Acura reps assembled the aforementioned BMW X5 3.0i and Porsche Cayenne V6, and threw in a V8-powered Volvo XC90 to add insult to injury. Granted, there were no representatives from the other vehicles' manufacturers to prepare, observe or defend the contest, so it falls short of an authorized comparison. The unofficial results, however, indicate the MDX was the superior vehicle. It was easily quicker, more controlled and entertaining when compared to the BMW or Volvo. Where the X5 and XC90 summoned either overzealous stability-control intervention or developed terminal understeer entering a corner, the MDX simply dove in and powered out of those same corners.