A Great All-Around SUV

We originally put down a deposit on the MDX, but later switched to the BMW X5. There's much to recommend the MDX, and we continue to believe that it will be an ideal SUV for many people.

There’s no such thing as the perfect vehicle to meet everyone’s needs. We’ve therefore put our own considerations at the end of this review, so that the reader can put our judgments into perspective. We’ve also listed our references at the end, and cite them by number in the review. We test-drove each vehicle at least twice, but found that we got much more information through library and internet research. Indeed, it’s easy to get seduced away from important considerations on the dealer’s lot when smelling the new leather and revving up the engine.

FIRST IMPRESSION

The MDX is Honda/Acura’s first legitimate entry into the upscale SUV market (not counting the rebadged Isuzu Trooper/Acura SLX), with more power, cargo space and off-road capability than many of its competitors. Its cousin (chassis & power train, roughly) is the Honda Odyssey, which has earned Consumer Report’s top "Recommended Buy" title. The MDX has been receiving rave reviews and earning top performer ratings in auto magazine SUV comparison tests (1, 7), and is currently back-ordered in many Acura dealerships throughout the U.S. (per our investigation of dealer and auction web sites, as well as calls to West Coast dealers.

RATING METHOD

A = 4.0 (excellent)
B = 3.0 (above average)
C = 2.0 (average)
D = 1.0 (below average)
F = 0 (failing)

1. SAFETY: Overall B (3.14)

1.1 Rollover Protection: likely A
Rollovers caused 79% of all SUV fatalities in 1997 (8). A narrower track (width between wheels on the same axle), greater height and greater cargo volume are the three main factors causing rollover. NHTSA (8) estimates rollover tendency through a measurement called Static Stability Factor (SSF), which is the track divided by the center-of-gravity height. You can estimate SSF by simply using height. The lower the number, the higher the rollover tendency. Using the latter calculation, the MDX comes out ahead of all of the other upscale SUVs on the market today (not including the Hummer). Note, however, that a vehicle's center of gravity height-- the most important rollover factor -- isn't actually measured in this estimate. Engine placement and construction, as well as ground clearance, can change the center of gravity height significantly without affecting vehicle width or height. NHTSA will release SSFs for all new vehicles in the near future, so stay tuned.

More notably, check out an interesting article on predicted rollover probabilities (9, 7/17/00*). Although the MDX wasn’t around when this analysis was done, its cousin the Odyssey is in the 7-10% category, the lowest for any minivan and in the third lowest category (out of 10) for all vehicles evaluated.

The MDX has no stability or traction control systems that modulate braking and acceleration electronically to prevent sideways skidding and loss of control, which often results in rollovers and collisions. Although we couldn't find any independent evaluation of the effectiveness of these systems, we consider them to be an advantage of its competitors over the MDX -- but not enough of one to rate it as a less stable vehicle than the others. However, this was one of the deciding factors that led us to choose the BMW X5 over the MDX.

1.2. Collision performance: likely A
The MDX hasn't been tested yet, but reviewers have stated that Honda's testing labs have given it NHTSA-equivalent five star (highest) ratings for front and side collisions (1). And the Honda Odyssey, with the same chassis, has earned second place in the IIHS’s minivan category (6).

1.3. Effective Braking: D
The MDX has independent channel, four-wheel disc ABS braking systems, the safest combination to have. However, the MDX performs as follows in 70-0 mph braking tests: 205 feet to a full stop (1). This performance approximately equals that of the much-larger GMC Yukon Denali XL, and is significantly below average for upscale SUVs. This was one of the deciding factors for us in not purchasing this vehicle. We believe that SUVs, because of their larger size, must have highly competent braking systems to compensate.

1.4. Supplemental Restraint Systems: B
The MDX has seat belt pretensioners and front & side-chest airbags, but doesn't have bags that protect the head in a side collision. This could be a life-saver one day, or at least prevent serious injuries in a side impact crash. The MDX gets high marks, however, for having bags with passenger position sensors and partial-inflation capability.

1.5. Bumper Damage Protection: likely A
The MDX hasn't been tested yet, but the Honda Odyssey, which has the same chassis as the MDX, rates a low $299 for low speed bumper collision repair (6). For comparison, here are figures for the top-rated BMW X5 ($547) and Mercedes ML320 ($744). Compare these with the $2,790 that you'd pay with the worst model, the Isuzu Trooper.

1.6. Head Restraint Protection:likely C
An important measurement for rear-end collisions, and very few vehicles excel in this test except Volvo and Saab (6). The MDX hasn't been tested yet, but its cousin, the Odyssey, gets a marginal rating.

1.7. Weight Load Capacity: A
A recent presentation by NBC's Dateline and Consumers Reports (2, 12/00) dramatized the importance of this factor. Some SUVs have load capacities of under 1,000 lb., and thus are easily overloaded and much more prone to loss of control and rollovers. A Ford Explorer, for example, has a rating of 980 lb., compared with 1,200 lb.on a Ford Taurus wagon. The MDX is safe in this regard, with a weight load capacity of 1362 lb.

2. UTILITY: Overall B (3.00)

2.1. Off-road Performance: C
Off-road tests in dry conditions and intermittent mud (1,7) show the MDX to be a passable performer in this category, although not by much. The MDX is less capable than the more truck-like SUVs such as the Mercedes ML320 and Infiniti QX4. The latter have low-range four wheel drive gear mechanisms that are better for climbing and descending hills and digging out of muck. They also have ground clearance and suspensions that are better suited for off-road conditions than either the MDX or other car-like SUVs such as the Lexus RX300 and BMW X5.

2.2. Winter Performance: A
An excellent source for winter performance reviews (9) enthuses that the MDX "kicked the goobers" out of the RX300, Mercedes ML320 and BMW X5 in winter conditions on black ice, slush and snow. its new Variable Torque Management System prevented the powering-down, spin-outs and loss of control seen in the other models in these conditions (the Rocky Mountains in winter, after heavy snowfall).

2.3. Trailer hauling: D
The MDX tows 3,500, or 4,500 lb. if a boat. However, the MDX requires a towing conversion package for anything over 2,000 lb., which will cost significant extra cash (varies by dealer). This is below average for the upscale SUVs that the MDX competes with.

2.4. Passenger Volume: A
The MDX provides 162 cu. ft of passenger volume, the most of all the upscale SUVS. You can fold down the third row seat and actually lay down a plywood 4 X 8 in the rear space if you had to (with 16" sticking out the back). More practical for us is the ability to store bikes in this space, and Acura even sells an interior bike rack for this purpose.

2.5. Power/Acceleration: A
The MDX does 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, besting other upscales in one comparison test (1). Its across-the-board acceleration at different speed levels (1) is also excellent. The MDX also has more torque than most other SUVs in its class. In our test drives on the freeway, we found the MDX’s extra power to be noticeably better for lane changes and passing.

3. VERSATILITY: Overall B (3.33)

3.1. Driving performance: B
We found the MDX test drive to be a car-like experience, unlike the trucky feel of the Mercedes M class or Infiniti QX4. The MDX has good skidpad (.74 g.) and lane change maneuver performance (53.9 mph.) (1). These can be compared to the best-of-class BMW X5, which has a .78 g. skidpad and 58.6 mph lane change.

3.2. Driving Comfort: C
The MDX's somewhat spartan interior suits our utilitarian orientation just fine. MDX bonuses are separate front and rear air conditioning systems and standard seat warming. Note, however, that the MDX’s third row seats are not big enough to comfortably transport adults over long distances.

Reason for the C: we thought that the interior noise of the MDX was a distraction at freeway speeds, especially in comparison to the vehicle that we finally bought, the BMW X5. The latter has been spec'd out to be much quieter across the board (1). This was also a significant purchasing factor for us.

3.3. Space Conversion: A
With the MDX, you can fold down one of the two mid-row seats so that it can accommodate extra long stuff such as skis and ladders. And the MDX’s third row seat doesn't have to be removed like in most other full-size SUVs. You just fold it down, and there's a (relatively) vast expanse of cargo space.

3.4. Mileage & Emissions: A
Even though the MDX has more power than other upscale SUVs, it amazingly achieves better highway fuel economy (17/23) AND earns a ULEV (ultra low emissions) rating to boot. (The BMW X5 3.0i also is ULEV rated)

3.5. Warranty: B
The MDX has excellent basic coverage (48 mo./50K), but below average power train coverage (4 yr/50K) and rust protection (60 mo.). Acura/Honda has an excellent reputation for warranty protection (2)

3.6. Reliability: likely A
Although the MDX is a new model, its cousin the Odyssey – and other Honda and Acura models as well – also have excellent reliability records per surveys of Consumer Reports members (2).

THE BOTTOM LINE

The above things thus considered, we initially opted for the MDX and got in line to wait for ours after paying a refundable deposit. A three-month wait, however, gave us time to reflect on our choice, as well as write comparison reviews (see the BMW X5, Mercedes ML320, Infiniti QX4 and Lexus RX300 categories) analyzing other vehicles that we considered.

We ultimately decided, however, that the BMW X5's stellar crash performance (6), much-better braking (1), side-head protection and overall superior maneuverability made it a better choice for our needs. We continue to believe, however, that the MDX is an excellent all-around upscale SUV and a great choice for many people, especially those who have young families and/or need to haul lots of stuff. Our kids are both of driving age, so this wasn't a deciding factor for us.
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OUR CONSIDERATIONS

We believe that Safety should be the foremost consideration when buying a vehicle. Riding in a passenger car is almost as deadly as skydiving (8.5 vs. 8.7 deaths per 100,000 participants) and much more so than scuba diving (3.5), swimming (1.6), bicycling (.94) or skiing (.26). (10)

For some people, "safe SUV" may be an oxymoron, like "jumbo shrimp," given all the recent press about Explorer rollovers. However, it's a statistical fact that SUVs -- and especially those of greater size and wider track -- have fared better in accidents than other vehicles. IIHS and NHTSA are good references on this subject (6,8). These sources indicate that under-size SUVs have had a dangerous track record, and one additional source (9, 7/17/00, SUV Rollover Probabilities) gives the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Subaru Forester almost double the likelihood of a rollover in an accident as the BMW X5. Also, the CR-V actually was knocked on its side in NHTSA’s side impact tests (8), the only vehicle they’d tested ever to do that. Lastly, under-size SUVs are easily overloaded (see 1.7 above) and are thus much more prone to instability and rollovers.

Over-size SUVs, although much safer statistically for their occupants, can nevertheless be dangerous as well – especially to others -- with their poor braking, limited maneuverability and significant crash incompatibility. And per IIHS there’s little or no additional safety gained at vehicle weights over 4,000 lb. This is why we're only looking in the mid-size category. Lastly, the bumpers in the mid-size range are almost all crash-compatible with cars, unlike the behemoth SUVs.

We're not race-car drivers, and accordingly don't give our highest marks to tests like the 600-ft. slalom and skidpad performance -- although these are considerations. On the other hand, we believe that acceleration and braking are important safety features.

The next factor is Utility, which for us is a large part of what having an SUV is all about. We want to be able to, on occasion, travel safely on ice and snow, haul our pop-up travel trailer, navigate rutted muddy roads (but not go extremely off-road), and carry sizeable loads of stuff. The last consideration is why item 1.7 above is important. However, we’ve recently downgraded our expectations about being able to haul lots of stuff inside our vehicle, and have decided to be content using overhead and tow-hitch racks for our bikes, skis, etc. as needed. We traded this latter requirement off for added safety, which we get in the X5 as compared with vehicles with more cargo space.

As frequent travelers we also enjoy the aesthetics of a vehicle's ride, and want our SUV to be a reasonably plush "people hauler" as well. This includes warranty performance as well as comfort and reliability. So this Versatility is important to us too.

Also, the "V" stands for Value, as we want our investment to maintain its worth reasonably well over time. We are the original owners of a 1991 Toyota Previa minivan and a 1983 Mercedes 300SD, each with over 200,000 miles on it. We believe that the upscale SUVs will hold their value better than others of the genre, especially given that this is a new market segment.

REFERENCES

1. Car and Driver (www.caranddriver.com) 12/00 SUV article
2. ConsumerReports.org, for great online information
3. Consumer Reports, 4/00 new car issue
4. Consumer Reports, 5/00 Special Edition on SUVs
5. Edmunds (www.edmunds.com), for vehicle stats and reviews
6. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org)
7. Motor Trend (www.motortrend.com) 12/00 SUV article
8. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.org)
9. USAToday (www.usatoday.com)
10.Skiing Magazine, 12/00 issue, p. 186