2001AcuraMDXAcura MDX2001 Acura MDXSport UtilityWagonFWDOntario, CanadaAcura brings a new sport-utility vehicle to the marketplace, combining great on-road performance, class-leading fuel economy and outstanding all-weather handling with seven-passenger seating and cavernous cargo capacity.Powerful ULEV V6 engine, nicely appointed interior, seven-passenger seating, excellent on-road performance.No 4WD-low range, meager tow rating, protruding proboscis.Acura may be late to the SUV party, but they've decided to come dressed to the nines with a uniquely transformable interior wrapped in an angularly attractive skin supported by a four-wheel independent suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. With its standard 240-horsepower, 3.5-liter VTEC V6 (which meets ULEV regulations nationwide) and electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, the MDX delivers better performance than many of its competitors. With an estimated EPA rating of 17 city and 23 highway, the MDX is also one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. Power travels to the wheels through Acura's new Variable Torque Management (VTM) full-time four-wheel-drive system, which uses sensors to determine the vehicle's dynamic position and transfers engine torque to the wheels with the most grip. Unlike conventional automatic 4WD systems, Acura's proactively distributes engine torque during acceleration before wheel slip occurs. Unlike a Mercedes ML320, the MDX doesn't have a 4WD-low gear range and the towing capacity is low (at 3,500 pounds) for its class. In terms of appearance, MDX includes Acura's signature pentagon grille, clean headlamp treatment and sharply chiseled front fascia, but with a muscular look appropriate to an SUV. Some of us find the bulky nose a bit off-putting, but from most viewpoints, the MDX is quite a looker. We like to think of it as a luxury off-road minivan that you can take through the brush all day, and the valet will still front-line it for you when you reach Spago for lunch. Inside, the MDX features second- and third-row seats that split and fold flat into the floor, creating an interior that can be easily reconfigured from seven-passenger hauler (though we wouldn't recommend adults trying to cram in the third row) to a flat-floor Home Depot runner in a matter of seconds. Large, flowing shapes dominate the instrument panel and center console, which is highlighted by wood-grained trim. The MDX comes with a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including leather seating surfaces (on first- and second-row seating), eight-way power and heated front seats, side airbags for front passengers, keyless entry, power moonroof, automatic climate control and a multi-function digital trip computer. Opt for the Touring Package and the front seat positions become linked to the key fob remotes, plus you get a 200-watt Acura/Bose stereo with in-dash six-disc CD changer as well as a handy roof rack. An optional DVD navigation system, mapped for all the 48 contiguous states, is also available. Sure, Acura may be a latecomer to the SUV party, but this is by far the most agreeable urban runabout to ever hit this segment. However, if serious boulder bashing or towing is in your future, shop elsewhere. BMW X5Lexus RX 300Lincoln NavigatorMercedes-Benz M-Class450,000450,000450,0005UnlimitedNANANA63.5 litersV6240 hp @ 5300 rpm245 ft-lbs. @ 3000 rpm82 cu.ft.1362 lbs.4500 lbs.188.5 in.77 in.68.7 in.4323 lbs.106.3 in.38 ft.8 in.38.7 in.39 in.NANANANA41.5 in.37.8 in.7StandardNot AvailableNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested19.2 gal.17 mpg / 23 mpg326 mi. / 442 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$30,621$34,3707.35%$480N/A2% of the Base MSRPBASE (5A): 3.5L V6 SOHC SMPI 24-valve engine, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; VTM-4 four wheel drive system, 4.43 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; front independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering with engine speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 19.2 gal. capacity fuel tank; front mud flaps, side impact bars; liftback rear cargo door; power sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade; front and rear body-colored bumpers, rear bumper; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps with delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heatedfolding outside mirrors; 17" x 6.5" polished alloy wheels; P235/65TR17 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning with climate control, rear air conditioning with separate controls, air filter, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, single-disc CD player, 7 speakers, theft deterrent, integrated roof antenna, radio steering wheel controls; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power door locks, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, remote fuel door release; 3 power accessory outlets, driver's foot rest, garage door opener; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, compass, exterior temp, trip computer, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar, trunk ajar, service interval; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's seat-mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm,security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window wiper, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 7, front bucket seats, heated-cushion driver's and passenger's seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 8-way power adjustment, lumbar support, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; 60/40 folding split-bench 2nd-row reclining seat with adjustable headrests, center armrest; 3rd-row reclining split-bench seat with adjustable headrest; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; leather seats, leather door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, simulated wood dashboard insert, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, simulated wood door panel insert, simulated wood console insert, chrome interior accents; interior lights include dome light with fade, front andrear reading lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console with storage, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins, rear door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light, concealed cargo storage; grille with chrome bar, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding and chrome door handles.