The signature Acura grille forms the centerpiece for the tapered front end. The MDX's angular headlights house projection-type beams. An aerodynamic chin spoiler integrated into the front bumper directs air smoothly to the sides of the car. The rear end sports large taillights and dual exhaust tips.

In other words, the MDX still looks like an MDX. Limited overhang at either end contributes to a dense, compact demeanor that belies this SUV's heft and somewhat exaggerates the size of the MDX's mid-section. Some believe the large greenhouse adds to the straightforward sense and strong presence. Others claim it makes the MDX seem more like a minivan than a big SUV. We say, both.

What's most interesting, and isn't obvious except in a body-off view, is the duality of construction under the MDX. It is both unibody and body on frame. This approach gives uncommon rigidity and strength gained from longitudinal rails with eight box-section cross members. It's the thinking engineers' path to making a car/truck both a car AND a truck, whichever is appropriate to the occasion. The hoped-for effect is noise, vibration and harshness control on par with a car and load and stress management characteristic of a truck. Within the MDX frame, there's even a vent tube that wicks moisture away from the differential when the vehicle is sitting in 18 inches of water.

Two safety points: The 2006 MDX achieved a five-star federal crash rating for front impacts and side impacts (the best, indicating a 10 percent or less chance and a 5 percent or less chance of serious injury, respectively) and a four-star in rollover (next to best, indicating a rollover risk of between 10 percent and 20 percent). The company also claims its SUV can be hit from behind by a vehicle going 35 mph without the third row of seats being breached. The MDX's comparatively high fuel economy ratings are a testimony to the efficiency of its design and engine technology, and all models sold nationwide meet the government's strict ULEV-2 emissions standards (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle).

Interior Features

Acura MDX offers space and cargo flexibility at the top of the class. The finish inside is excellent, especially the rich wood-grain and satin-chrome interior trim in the Touring model. The materials are generally high grade, and the fit and matching of various panels is first-rate.

Airy, perforated leather adorns the front and second row seats, side panels, steering wheel and shift knob. There is nothing swoopy or eye-popping about the instrument panel, just easily read instruments with an unobstructed view. Simple, large knobs are easy to operate whether that hand is wearing gloves or has long fingernails. The overall sense is the serenity of simplicity.

The air bag fits flat into the top of the passenger-side dash, where it deploys first up and then back toward the passenger, a sequence some crash analysts believe provides the most effective protection in frontal collisions.

Attention to detail is evident throughout. The sun visors have extensions for those sharp shafts of sun angling low at dawn and dusk. The roof-mounted grab handles don't go CLUNK against the ceiling when released; they whisper their damped way back into place. The beverage holders are engineered specifically for the seats they serve, with those in the rear configured to hold larger soda and water bottles and rectangular juice boxes and those in the forward areas with multi-tiered, stepped bottoms to fit containers of different sizes and rubber lips to corral tipping cups.

Automatic headlights and an auto-up feature for the driver's window are standard. The back-up video camera with the navigation system is an extremely useful feature, helping the driver detect hard-to-see obstacles.

Third-row seats in the MDX are relatively easy to get into, but the back row is best suited for young children or people of small stature, as there's very little space for legs and feet. We see these seats as good for only occasional use, not regular use. A convenient walk-in feature slides the MDX's entire second seat forward with the touch of a lever, located on the curb side. When not in use, both the second and third rows fold to leave a flat surface with no protrusions to scratch luggage or inhibit cargo loading. The seats split for a varied mix of people and stuff.

And with those second and third seats stowed, there's room for a ton of stuff. With 81.5 cubic feet of cargo space, the MDX dwarfs five-passenger competitors such as the BMW X5 (54.4 cubic feet) and Infiniti FX (64.5). It beats all but the Volvo XC90 (85.1 cubic feet) among seven-passenger competitors. And thanks to its space-efficient design, the MDX offers more cargo room when all three rows of seats are in place (14.8 cubic feet for MDX vs. 11.1 for XC90), plus a couple hooks for grocery bags off to each side and a concealed, under-floor storage bin. A thoughtful touch is room enough for a full-size tire in the space storing the compact spare tire.