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2010 Acura MDX

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The MDX was the first Acura model to use the new “belt buckle” grille design when it came out a few years ago.
So the the revision isn’t drastic. It seems even toned down a bit. Or maybe I’m just getting used to it.
But I do think it looks a bit better than before.

It has a new 6 speed automatic, but HWY mileage is still just 21 MPG. Which is something Acura should really be a shamed of.
21MPG on the Highway in 2010??? Really?

I even got over 25 driving the Infiniti FX35 a few months ago, and I didn’t think it was so great.

But the real joke is the “smaller than MDX” revised 2010 RDX AWD that gets only 17/20 City/Highway out of its much smaller 4 cylinder engine…

Conversation 30 comments

  2. Hmm, let's see:
    – 4WD hardware
    – Every luxury gimmick known to man
    – 87 airbags
    – Huge frontal area
    – Massive rubber (wide surface area)
    – 0-60 in less than 8 seconds (thanks to big V-6)

    Think about this spec list and ask yourself why should this 8-passenger wagon-cum-SUV should get better than 21 MPG? The answer is – it shouldn't. This is a big, tall, heavy, luxury truck with a big engine, big wheels and tires, and, not being able to defeat the laws of physics, it must burn some fossil fuel to propel the vehicle forward at a fast rate of speed.

  4. HWY MPG:

    -Buick Enclave :24 MPG
    -Ford Flex:24MPG
    -Lincoln MKT:22MPG (With 355hp!)

    Almost everyone is doing better .
    In the case of the RDX, everyone is doing better than that.
    And that's coming from Honda, a company that prides itself with "efficiency" as a priority. Recently canceling their V8 project.
    Shameful…

  5. Finally, Acura finally put the bucktooth grille on the right model….hated the current MDX grille with a passion. I agree with you Vince it looks toned down….thats a good thing. But it still looks like a glorified Honda Odd-essey.

    The Acura MDX is kinda like dating a chick that could be on the show "Dance Your Fat A$$ Off" who just so happens to be a rocket scientist…..yeah you like the perks (gadgets, luxury, technology) that she offers, but would you really want to be seen around town with her.

    Caution: Acura MDX has been known to lower men's sperm counts and sex drives so beware!

  6. I think this is the best application of the logo to date.

    It's still ugly, but it's the lesser of all evils…

  8. MPG is about right for a vehicle of this size.

    Audi Q7 280hp, 14/20.
    BMW X5 260hp, 15/21
    Lexus GX470, 263hp 14/18
    Lincoln MKX 265 HP 17/23 (AWD)
    Buick Enclave 288 HP 16/22 (AWD)

  9. lets be fair here. All those cars in their 4wd versions get 22MPG, not 24mpg.

    Also, 2010 MDX fuel economy does go up to 16/21, which is on par with all those vehicles you mentioned.

    However MDX runs on premium fuel.

    That's a pretty much 2.5mpg penalty in terms of cost.

  10. Vince, I agree with all your points. I would add though that the MDX is top rated by many services. But, I think that HONDA needs to get into hybrid engines quick for its SUVs.

  11. "0-60 in less than 8 seconds (thanks to big V-6)

    Think about this spec list and ask yourself why should this 8-passenger wagon-cum-SUV should get better than 21 MPG? " ACTUALLY the Escalade LONG-wheelbase Hybrid is FASTER AND MUCH BETTER MPG!!! (and it hauls EIGHT people AND pulls one heck of a gigantic boat behind it!) How is Honda better than GM?? I forget.

  12. GMC YUKON HYBRID (4wd) tows 6000lbs AND gets 21city/22hwy. ( Yes: 21 CITY !!) What idiot would by an Acura when he could have had a (GMC) V8??? Especially since the Yukon EASILY trumps Acura in the area MOST important in a LUXURY SUV: SPACIOUSNESS (ie; comfort)

  13. How is Honda better than GM?? I forget.

    Overall quality throughout the lineup.

    And Honda isn't bankrupt taking government money.

  14. Why? Because GM vehicles are still built like crap compared with Honda/Acura vehicles.

    And Vince, stop comparing apples and oranges. It's only appropriate to compare EPA numbers to EPA numbers. In that fair comparison, the FX35 comes up short. Try again.

    Finally, Vince, at least get your numbers right. The RDX gets 17/22.

  15. Hold on. You're comparing EPA numbers with real-world numbers:

    FX35 AWD: 16/21/18
    MDX AWD '09: 15/20/17
    MDX AWD '10: ?/21/18

    The MDX '10 would then be on par with FX35 (but more powerful engine).

    EPA might be only 20mpg highway for '09 MDX but I'm able to get 25mpg highway. The '10 MDX has 5% improvement due to 6 speed so in theory 26-27mpg should be possible.

    I personally don't like the new front and sadly if you don't like it too bad since all Acura's have now identical front.

  18. "Anonymous said…
    "0-60 in less than 8 seconds (thanks to big V-6)

    Think about this spec list and ask yourself why should this 8-passenger wagon-cum-SUV should get better than 21 MPG? " ACTUALLY the Escalade LONG-wheelbase Hybrid is FASTER AND MUCH BETTER MPG!!! (and it hauls EIGHT people AND pulls one heck of a gigantic boat behind it!) How is Honda better than GM?? I forget.

    July 28, 2009 4:48 PM"

    The MDX costs $40,000 less, you idiot. What a moronic comparison.

    How is Honda better than GM? They haven't gone bankrupt and they manufacture some of the worlds best vehicles. GM? Not so much.

    "Anonymous said…
    Why? Because GM vehicles are still built like crap compared with Honda/Acura vehicles.

    And Vince, stop comparing apples and oranges. It's only appropriate to compare EPA numbers to EPA numbers. In that fair comparison, the FX35 comes up short. Try again.

    Finally, Vince, at least get your numbers right. The RDX gets 17/22.

    July 28, 2009 8:34 PM"

    Exactly.

    Vince, you need to do more research before you post. You can't get a 2WD MDX, why would you compare a 2WD Enclave to a 4WD MDX?

    Like someone else had posted, it is right on par with the competition, but the MDX is a MUCH more compelling package than any of these:

    Audi Q7 280hp, 14/20.
    BMW X5 260hp, 15/21
    Lexus GX470, 263hp 14/18
    Lincoln MKX 265 HP 17/23 (AWD)
    Buick Enclave 288 HP 16/22 (AWD)

  19. I replaced a nightmare Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with a MDX and I couldn't possibly be any happier.

    I drove all of the other vehicles in the MDXs segment and it is by far the best. It has the most features for the lowest price, and Acura/Honda vehicles are incredibly reliable. I have 60K on mine and not a single, even minor problem. I am averaging about 24-25 on highway trips, don't listen to those EPA numbers.

    When the next MDX comes out I'll replace my current one with another, that is for sure.

  20. The MDX is for the below 200 pounds crowd. The obese can choose a GM product. Plenty of monster trucks and SUVs.

  21. my 2001 mdx has 168,000 miles on it and all it has needed is regular maintenance. not a single part has failed and I tow a 4000 pound trailer almost every weekend during race season.

    acura and honda know how to build a good vehicle. i am going to replace my beloved '01 with a '10 shortly, just need to get the wifes approval!

  22. I see a bunch of these things around. They look nice to both men and women. Not too aggresive looking and not childishly stupid looking either.

  23. Acura used to make really exciting vehicles that made sense… and the 'A' symbol of a rocket went along with their philosphy of fast, great cars with luxury. Now, its just two basic modes: 1) big, fat SUVs, and 2) sedans.

    They really ought to cut this foolishness and drop the idea of being a GroupA, ClassA, TypeA (whatever) automaker, and focus on making great cars. Like something in 2 doors! It wasnt that the customer didnt understand your focus with the RSX or the CL. You just made crappy choices in their designs and drove your base away. I predict the ZDX will follow suit… and for the hope that Acura will realize theres more than a $50k sedan and SUV market out there, I hope the ZDX falls on its ass too.

  24. "Anonymous said…
    Acura used to make really exciting vehicles that made sense… and the 'A' symbol of a rocket went along with their philosphy of fast, great cars with luxury. Now, its just two basic modes: 1) big, fat SUVs, and 2) sedans.

    They really ought to cut this foolishness and drop the idea of being a GroupA, ClassA, TypeA (whatever) automaker, and focus on making great cars. Like something in 2 doors! It wasnt that the customer didnt understand your focus with the RSX or the CL. You just made crappy choices in their designs and drove your base away. I predict the ZDX will follow suit… and for the hope that Acura will realize theres more than a $50k sedan and SUV market out there, I hope the ZDX falls on its ass too.

    July 29, 2009 12:32 PM"

    What an ignorant, misinformed comment.

    The CL and RSX failed because of market DEMAND, not because of poor designs. There was no demand for coupes, they didn't drive their "market base" away.

    The CL was a great car, especially with the six speed manual. The RSX was by far the best vehicle in its segment until that entire segment WENT AWAY.

    By the way, it is Tier 1.

  26. EPA calculated MPG…

    Funny thing, I get 25 MPG in mixed use driving on regular octane fuel… funny, because it's the mpg explanation in the Owner's Manual depicts similiar (real-world) ratings…

  27. "Anonymous said…
    That is because the RSX was overpriced FWD crap.

    July 29, 2009 4:17 PM"

    Riiiiiiiiiiight.

    It was priced right in line with its competition, and it was far superior as proven by the automotive press.

    You fail.

  29. The RSX was an expensive little tin can that handled well…Too expensive for the people who would actually want one.

    The MDX is a big heavy car that has crash safety as it's priority…People who spend this much don't want to die in an accident probably because they value their life more than a $20 wage earner.

  30. " Anonymous said…

    Proven by the automotive press? Not proven to any paying customer.

    You fail.

    July 31, 2009 8:39 AM"

    IT WAS THE BEST SELLING VEHICLE IN ITS (slightly) SEGMENT!!!!!! It even beat out the less expensive Celica!

    Seriously, what in the hell are you talking about??? Go check the data yourself, it is public and available on all of the manufacturers corporate websites.

    As for automototive publications, read any of your favorites between 2001-2006. There were a bunch of tests.

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