2010 Acura MDX Preview

Hardware

The 2010 Acura MDX continues with its 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6 engine driving all four wheels through the company's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system, which automatically transfers the majority of engine power to a single rear wheel as necessary and desirable, depending on road and driving conditions. For 2010, a 6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel replaces the 5-speed transmission in the 2009 model. Acura says that when the shift selector is in "S," or Sport mode, the driver continuously controls gear selection using the paddles, and can even obtain a "double kickdown" of gears for more passing power.

Additionally, Acura has modified the MDX's available Active Damping Suspension to provide a better ride in Comfort mode and improved handling in Sport mode. Furthermore, new Hill Start Assist technology prevents the MDX from rolling backward on a hill as the driver moves her foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator, Acura says. Finally, new alloy wheel designs debut, with 18-inchers standard and a 19-inch wheel design for models equipped with the top-of-the-line Advance package.

Technology

The biggest news for the 2010 MDX is with regard to the technology offered on the SUV. Every MDX gets a reversing camera and enhanced Bluetooth connectivity in 2010, but the real advances are made in the optional Technology, Advance and Entertainment packages.

This year, the Technology package includes a new hard disk drive navigation system with full VGA resolution screen; Acura/ELS surround sound system with a hard disk drive and Song By Voice music library playback; USB connection; real-time traffic and weather including Doppler-style mapping; AcuraLink satellite communications; and a multi-view rear camera that shows a panoramic 180-degree view as well as a top-down picture of the rear bumper and surroundings. Premium Milano leather is also included in this package.

For 2010, the Advance package replaces last year's Sport package. It includes everything in the Technology package, plus the active damping suspension, 19-inch wheels, Milano perforated leather with ventilated front seats, blind-spot information system, and adaptive cruise control. The latter feature can automatically slow the MDX to match the cruising speed of a vehicle ahead in the event the Acura catches up to traffic while the cruise control is engaged. Also included in this package is Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System, which uses the adaptive cruise control system to detect rapid closing rates between the MDX and traffic ahead to determine if an accident is imminent. The system will sound a warning, and if the warning produces no response from the driver, will automatically apply the MDX's brakes to slow the vehicle before impact, reducing the chance of injury.

The Entertainment package is available on any MDX equipped with the Technology or Advance packages. It includes a DVD player with a 9-inch rear screen, which is motorized for 2010 and switches to VGA graphics for a 400-percent increase in resolution, Acura claims. Also included in this package is a 115-volt outlet, perfect for plugging in a video game system, and heated second-row seats. For 2010, Acura says it has also simplified the entertainment system's remote control.