‘HIGH PERFORMANCE MEETS LUXURY, COMFORT AND CONNECTIVITY’
First introduced in 2001 and winner of Motor Trend Magazine’s ‘Sport Utility of the Year’ award, it was last refreshed in 2010 with the addition of the Acura signature ‘over-bite’ grille and a powertrain upgrade with the 300hp 3.7 liter SOHC V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic with paddle shifting. The 2013 model that I tested is long overdue for a totally new look and Acura promises that to happen in the 2014 model year. In the meantime, this MDX Advance and Technology edition maintains the core elements that make this SUV so enticing and exciting to drive-the 300hp V6 engine with sequential shifting paddles on the steering wheel, a Nurburgring tuned fully independent suspension with comfort and sport settings, Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, Acura’s ‘ACE’ body structure, a luxurious interior with room for seven passengers and a load of advanced features including Acura’s Navigation System, with voice recognition, an awesome 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround sound system, a power liftgate and a rearview camera. These and a host of other features are standard and make the MDX one of the best high-performing luxury sport utility vehicles on the market. It leaves out nothing except for a Smart Access Key Fob and push button start/stop which isn’t the end of the world, but standard on most high-end sport utility vehicles-they will probably be available in the all-new 2014 edition.
Other than those two tidbits, the 2013 Acura MDX is awesome as I enjoyed every minute behind the wheel in city and highway driving.
A generous 300 horsepower and 270lb.ft. of torque is generated by the 3.7 liter, SOHC, 24-valve, all-aluminum V6 with VVT & Lift Electronic Control (VTEC). It gives the 300 horses a wide power band at the low end for quick launches and gas-saving low rpm when cruising down the highway. The smooth shifting and sport-minded sequential sportshift six-speed automatic transmission has paddle shifter on the steering wheel, Grade Logic Control, shift hold control, cornering G shift control and hill start assist. Whether driving up or down on pavement or off-road, this transmission enhances your capabilities by adding extra control of your speed and handling. Speaking of handling, the super handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) system is fantastic-super quick changing torque to each wheel as needed when driving on wet or slick pavement and when off-roading to your favorite destination. The center of the instrument cluster shows you the torque bias at all four wheels as it is happening as you drive. It is seamless so you don’t know that the system is assisting you when on the road or off-road. The torque-sensing power-assisted rack & pinion steering system is quick acting to your inputs with great feel for the road and on-center when driving straight-ahead at speed. The drive is solid as a rock further enhanced with the big footprint of …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts