Acura MDX subdues most of rivals in best luxury SUVs list – Consumer Reports
The redesigned Acura MDX outpointed competitors from Cadillac, BMW, and Lincoln in Consumer Reports’ tests of five mid-sized luxury SUVs for the July issue.
Acura MDX now rank in fourth place among the 18 mid-sized SUVs recently tested by Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports’ top three rated vehicles in this category are all from the Toyota family. The number one, and also the Top Pick vehicle in the Annual April Auto Issue, is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Another hybrid, the Lexus RX400h, is ranked second overall. RX350 round up the highest three.
CR tested a total of five luxury SUVs for the July issue—the RX350, the MDX, the Cadillac SRX, BMW X5, and Lincoln MKX. Loaded with features such as sunroofs, high-end sound systems, and more, prices for these SUVs ranged from $43,595 for the MKX to $56,745 for the X5.
Alhough the SRX achieved a “Very Good” overall score, it still finished just midpack in this competitive segment. The X5 and MKX finished at the bottom of CR’s rankings for this class.
Actually, Acura MDX and RX350 finished in a virtual tie, with 80 points each overall. But the battle went down to the varying driving characters. The five-passenger RX is luxurious and comfortable and delivers the quickest acceleration and the best fuel economy in this group—at 19 mpg overall. The three-row, seven-passenger Acura MDX, on the other hand, has better handling and a powertrain that feels sportier than the Lexus, but a firmer ride.
Details about the how the tests and racings of the mid-sized and large SUVs were done appear in Consumer Reports’ July issue released last June 5. The full reports can also be obtained on-line from www.ConsumerReports.org.
Consumer Reports features only two of the five mid-sized SUVs in this issue—the Acura MDX and RX350. CR did recommend the SRX because of its subpar reliability record; CR does not yet have reliability data on the X5 and MKX.
Consumer Reports only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Car Reliability Survey of its own subscribers, and performed at least adequately when crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
The newly-facelifted Acura MDX is a well-rounded, seven-seat SUV that outscores vehicles costing thousands more. CR noted its refined powertrain, responsive handling, and controlled ride. But the third-row seat is tight for anyone but kids. The Acura MDX ($46,365 MSRP as tested) is dragged by a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 that delivers quick acceleration coupled with a smooth and responsive five-speed automatic transmission. Braking is highly touted.
Consumer Reports is one of the most reliable sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. Anchored by the magazine’s auto experts who have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars, Consumer Reports conducts the most comprehensive auto-testing program of any U.S. publication or Web site.