New Acura MDX combines luxury, performance and value
Emmitt Scott is a car enthusiast, spending most of his day dreaming about his next four-wheeled adventure.
He’s also a Hendrick Automotive Group team member and an expert on all things Acura, the brand he connects customers with at Hendrick Acura in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Always loved cars from a young age,” Emmitt said. “Before I was in sales, I was one of the product specialists here at Hendrick Acura. Did that for about six years, all through my undergrad at Charlotte (University). I decided that since I already knew all about our vehicles past and present, why not take a spin at sales.”
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While modest, Scott’s broad smile and endless energy told a greater story of his passion for the brand. On this day, Emmitt was kind enough to take a few moments to share his deep knowledge about one of the luxury market’s SUV heavyweights.
“The MDX is one of my favorite Acura models,” Emmitt said. “With the features you get from every generation – I always recommend it to my family. My mom is trying to get one right now.”
A GENERATIONAL SUV
First introduced in October 2000 as the inaugural 2001 model year, the MDX replaced the brand’s body-on-frame SLX, which had seen its popularity plateau. With 240 horsepower, comfort materials and the latest technology, the 2001 MDX was a standard-setter in the full-sized SUV category.
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Now in its fourth generation after a redesign and re-image in 2022, the MDX has come into its own. With two impressive engine configurations and five core trim levels, (Standard, Technology, A-Spec, Advance and the Type S) Acura has built a lot of choice into its halo SUV platform.
“(The) Type S is my favorite because it gives you a turbo V6, air suspension, massaging seats and the Azurite Blue interior, my favorite interior option,” said Emmitt, referring to the model’s top trim level. “Can’t go wrong there.”
As referenced by Emmitt, the top-of-line Acura MDX Type S is married to a 3.0 liter, aluminum alloy six-cylinder turbo-charged engine that produces 355 horsepower (bhp) at 5,500 rpms. The 24-valve, dual overhead cam unit creates 354-foot pounds of torque starting at 1,400 rpms. A naturally aspirated aluminum alloy V6 outputting at around 290 bhp at 6,200 rpms powers the Standard, Technology, A-Spec and Advance versions. Each engine boasts variable cylinder management, direct fuel injection, throttle control and idle stop for better fuel efficiency.
EYE-CATCHING EXTERIOR
Standard exterior features in all Acura MDX models include: panoramic sunroof; Chicane™ LED lighting and daytime running lights; automatic headlight and wiper integration; LED integrated directional signals; heated, reverse power tilt and power-folding side mirrors and remote operated windows and sunroof. For the Type S models, a sporty appearance package is available.
“One of the biggest things people talk about when they take a test drive is actually how far back the panoramic sunroof goes,” Emmitt noted “If you (sit) in the second row, it is past your head. The amount of light let into the cabin allows the vehicle to feel comfortable and airy. It is an open feeling for everyone.
“There’s an LED running light on the front is called the Chicane™,” Emmitt continued. “People always say that the lighting is very distinctive. You can see it on the road. My favorite (exterior) feature is the taillight and how it tracks. Had a customer mention how the taillights drew her in -- it was why she was considering the MDX. She saw it on the road one night and said, ‘What in the world is that?’ It brought her to the dealership.”
DISTINCTIVE AND VERSATILE
Distinctiveness is a big focus of the interior as well, where options are plentiful. Highlighted by the 16-way power seats, lumbar support with thigh extensions and side bolsters available in the Advance and Type S Advance packages, the Acura MDX is a stand out with comfort and luxury. If you would like a massage, choose the Type S for your trim. Seating is versatile as well; with families having easier access to third-row seating. Rear-seated passengers also have access to climate control and sunshades.
“Looking at the interior, it is very inviting, very warm. Everything is where you expect it to be,” Emmitt said. “A big selling point, especially those with families who need access the third row – the second row, middle seat can be removed. It makes it so much easier to get in and out. You get the best of both worlds without having to spend “X” amount of money (more) to get a higher trim level or to get a particular feature.”
A LEADER IN SAFETY
Safety is primary within the entire Acura lineup. Features such as “lane- keeping” precision, road departure warning, blind-spot indicator and adaptive cruise control are standard on every model. The MDX also comes with the maximum amount of airbags a vehicle can have, from side airbags to knee airbags, it is about keeping everyone safe inside the MDX. Recently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety chose the Acura MDX as its “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, setting the standard for safety, luxury and comfort in the full-size luxury SUV segment.
“Acura has always wanted to drive home how safe the vehicles are,” Emmitt explained. “I have a client (who) got rear-ended and didn’t even realize the damage was as bad as it was. When it happened, they felt that bolt forward but thought they had just (received a) tap. When they got out, the whole back end was pushed in. There (is) no doubt in (the customer’s) mind that she is getting another Acura because of how it performed. It protected and kept her family safe. Again, you’re not paying $80,000 to get all those features – its standard on the MDX.”
If you are in the market, the 2023 Acura MDX is a terrific option for your family.
“Acura is really strong on pushing home the point that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun and be comfortable,” Emmitt concluded. “To get the same features with some of its competitors, you (have to) spend $15-20,000 extra. In the MDX, you get those features standard, and Acura’s standard equipment is better than the other brand’s options.”
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