2005 ACURA MDX NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Acura MDX?
For 2005, Acura has made several changes to keep the aging MDX viable in an increasingly crowded market. Active yaw control has been added to the MDX's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, which determines when the SUV is not traveling in the direction the driver intended and uses the ABS to bring the vehicle under control. XM satellite radio has been added as standard equipment, complete with a free 90-day subscription. HandsFreeLink, technology that allows a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to operate with the MDX's stereo speakers and voice-recognition software to make and receive phone calls, is available with the Touring package this year. Touring models can be equipped with an upgraded navigation system that calculates routes faster, adds more points of interest to its database, features Zagat restaurant survey information, and includes a three-month subscription to OnStar telematics. A larger fuel tank adds a gallon of capacity and longer range for road trips, and three new colors – Desert Rock Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic, and Steel Blue Metallic – replace four old ones from last year.

Advantages of the 2005 Acura MDX:

• On-pavement handling
• Slick automatic 4WD system
• Standard stability control
• Side curtain airbags with rollover sensors
• Well equipped for the price
• Three rows of seating

Objections to the 2005 Acura MDX:

• Of little use off-road
• Tight cargo space with third-row seat in use

Editor's Advice:
The MDX is aging quickly, but Acura continually makes strides to keep it competitive against newer crossover luxury SUVs. A subtle restyling for 2004 improved its outward appearance, the interior is luxuriously equipped and comfortable, and the powertrain is strong and reliable. As a crossover utility, the 2005 Acura MDX won’t be a willing companion off-road, but it can thwart rain and snow storms with equal aplomb. Given increasing competition in the segment, the Acura MDX continues to hold its own.