Maybe product planners told the MDX designers to come up with something to shield Acura from criticism about bland styling. Maybe those designers took the “shield” thing too literally. Whatever the case, the MDX wound up with a polarizing grille treatment that some of us grew to like, but others just thought looked silly. The rest of the front end is well done, with interesting headlights that are echoed by the taillights. The rest of the MDX is flavorless by contrast. There are sporty fender flares, a too-subtle character line on the flanks, and the rearmost pillar treatment, but overall it’s a little too slick and smooth. We’d prefer more definition to the MDX’s profile than just chrome door handles.