2011 Acura MDX SH-AWD Elite Review

Stylishly Practical

Article by Miranda Lightstone,

Monday, December 12, 2011

Page 1 of 3
Previous
1
2
3
Next

For anyone who follows my reviews and articles (which, of course, you all do), you'll know I'm not a fan of bigger vehicles. SUVs, pickups, even some CUVs are usually lost on me. I like sedans, compacts and subcompacts: the more a manufacturer can cram into a small package, the better it is for me. Perhaps it's my lifestyle: I have no need for such a vehicle - at least, that used to be the case.

The times they are a-changin' and it seems I may be in need of more space in the very near future; so my perceptions, opinions and attitudes are changing with my growing belly. That's right, a mini Miranda (of the male persuasion) is about to enter the great big world, and it's got me thinking about vehicular size and space in a whole new light.

2011 Acura MDX SH-AWD Elite front 3/4 view

My Aspen White Pearl MDX Elite showed up riding on 19" aluminum-alloy wheels and it was like a breath of fresh air. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com)

Enter the 2011 Acura MDX Elite.

First off, it's important to note that the MDX model is Acura's No. 1 selling vehicle. This surprised me to say the least. With a starting price of $52,690 this isn't a cheap SUV, and yet it's popular. I was intrigued.

From the outside, I quite liked the looks of the MDX. After the Acura ZDX graced our parking lot just a few week's prior, I was left with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth (and a few bumps on my head from trying to get in and out of the rear seats). But then my Aspen White Pearl MDX Elite showed up riding on 19" aluminum-alloy wheels and it was like a breath of fresh air.

While the angular, modern front grille is a bit much on the Acura TL, it works well on the body of the Acura MDX. Symmetrically laid out no matter where you look on the car, the MDX is balanced in every sense of the word. Despite housing three rows of seating (room for seven), the Acura MDX, blissfully, doesn't look that massive from the outside.

Inside the 2011 Acura MDX Elite, the symmetry and stylish look continues with faux-wood inserts, brushed chrome and leather seating. Whether you're in the front seat, middle row or all the way at the back, you've got yourself a comfy seat. Roomy and plush, these are made for long trips (either to the country or sitting in traffic).

Here's where the Acura's interior gets a bit polarizing though: all those bloody buttons. Now, I'm all for technology, really I am; however, in the Acura MDX Elite it's all just a bit much. The centre stack looks like an airplane cockpit and the steering wheel buttons are so spread out, I found myself having to look down to ensure my thumbs were hitting the right buttons. This is not conducive to safe driving, in my opinion.

Whether you're in the front seat, middle row or all the way at the back, you've got yourself a comfy seat. Roomy and plush, these are made for long trips. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com)