2011 Acura MDX Trims and Specs

The 2011 Acura MDX Base returns this year as a carryover from the revised 2010 model. The 3.7-liter VTEC V6 engine provides plenty of power and acceleration, with 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive allows for a comfortable and responsive driving experience in any kind of weather, and the standard 6-speed transmission (with Drive and Sport modes) offers the ability to use paddle shifters to control shifting manually. One of the MDX’s few shortcomings lies in its fuel economy (or lack thereof), with 16 mpg city/21 highway and Acura’s recommendation for Premium 91-octane fuel.

The MDX comes with a number of standard features for 2011, including seating for seven in three rows. Both the second and third rows split-fold flat to create spacious cargo storage in the rear. Front seats are power adjustable and heated with standard leather, and the electronic tilt and telescopic steering wheel provides additional driving comfort. A trizone automatic climate control system adds heating or cooling for the front and rear of the vehicle. Other details, such as Bluetooth for hands-free phone usage, a standard rear-view camera, a power tailgate and a power tilt moonroof make the crossover more fun and convenient. Speed-sensitive volume and XM radio supplement the standard Premium audio system, with 253 watts of power for 8 speakers and a 6-CD changer. A standard rear-view camera provides three different views projected in the autodimming rear-view mirror. Homelink universal remote and a multi-information display are also offered as standard features in this crossover. With the technology, however, come the controls, and the number of buttons on the center stack may, at first, seem overwhelming. However, after a learning curve, they become more intuitive and less intimidating.

When equipped with the available Technology Package of options, the 2011 Acura MDX can be a techno-lover’s dream. The Acura/ELS Surround system with 410 watts of power, 10 speakers, CD player and USB port for iPod connectivity replaces the standard base trim's audio system. A 15GB hard drive provides storage space for plenty of music. The “Song By Voice” system uses voice recognition software to select music from the hard disc drive or a connected iPod. Voice recognition can also control the Technology Package’s hard drive navigation system. With an 8-inch VGA screen, the system includes Zagat restaurant reviews and trial subscriptions to AcuraLink’s real-time weather and traffic. The navigation screen also displays views from the standard rear-view camera, while the system’s GPS tracks the vehicle’s position in relation to the sun, adjusting the interior temperature accordingly.

The Technology Package does not offer any changes to the MDX’s engine, however. The 3.7-liter VTEC V6's power (300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque) combines with good acceleration and a smooth-shifting standard 6-speed automatic transmission. The Sequential SportShift transmission can also be operated manually, via steering-wheel-mounted racing-style paddle shifters. The Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system also lets the crossover plow through the snow with ease. The tradeoff in the MDX, however, is poor gas mileage, with estimates of 16 mpg city/21 highway.

If the standard technology in the 2011 Acura MDX still leaves you craving more gadgets and features, then the additional Technology and Entertainment Package should satisfy your hunger. The Technology Package adds a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather (trial subscription), and a multi-view rear camera that projects its images on the 8-inch VGA screen. The audio system is upgraded to the Acura/ELS Surround Premium Audio system with 410 watts, 10 speakers and hard-drive space for media storage, combined with a CD, DVD-Audio player and USB port for iPod interface. The Song By Voice system uses voice recognition to control the music selection. Voice recognition can also control the navigation system and climate control, which is now linked to the navigation’s GPS system to adjust inside temperature based on solar heat intensity.

The Entertainment Package (available only in conjunction with the Technology or Advance packages) adds the ability to lower a 9-inch screen from a ceiling-mounted console so that second- and third-row passengers can watch movies. The second-row outboard seats get heat, as well, and a 115-volt power outlet is added to the front center console.

The features available in the Technology and Entertainment packages increase the fun factor and add extra conveniences to the smooth-riding and powerful mechanical side of the 2011 MDX. With a 3.7-liter VTEC V6 engine that provides 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, a standard sequential sportshift 6-speed automatic, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. One of the few downsides to the MDX, however, seems to be its fuel economy (16 mpg city/21 highway), which can leave the wallet hurting.

The 2011 Acura MDX Advance Package adds all the features found in the Technology Package. However, the Advance package also adds the notable Active Damper System (ADS)—a sport suspension system with magneto-rheological fluid dampers designed to improve the handling and comfort of the ride. The ADS offers two settings: a comfort mode for a softer ride, which isolates passengers from bumps in the road, and a sport mode, for a firmer ride and more responsiveness.

Inside, the Advance package provides upgraded front seats with perforated Milano Premium leather that are not only heated, but ventilated as well. Additional technology included in the package includes a blind-spot information system, adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigation braking system and auto-leveling headlights. When equipped with the Advance package, the MDX also rides on larger, 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels.

The engine continues to match other trim levels: a 3.7-liter VTEC V6 that generates 300 hp at 6,300 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. Equipped with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system and a standard sequential sportshift 6-speed automatic transmission, the MDX provides plenty of power, smooth shifting and good handling in all kinds of weather. However, with 16 mpg city/21 highway, it will also offer a big bill at the pump.

The 2011 Acura MDX equipped with the Advance and Entertainment Package not only provides more options for driving feel, but also more options for the second- and third-row passengers. The Advance package adds a new feature to the suspension system—the Active Damper System, offering drivers a choice between a comfort mode, for more insulation from the road, or a sport mode, for a stiffer, more responsive ride. While the Advance package adds all of the features from the Technology package plus upgraded front seats (now heated and ventilated), the Entertainment package supplies heat to the outside seats of the second row, for added winter comfort. Additional technology supplied by the Advance and Entertainment Packages includes safety features such as a blind-spot information system, adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigation braking system and auto-leveling headlights, as well as a rear DVD entertainment system that comes with wireless headphones and a VGA screen that lowers from the rear ceiling.

The basic powertrain does not change with the additional features found in the Advance and Entertainment packages. Although the MDX offers poor fuel economy (16 mpg city/21 highway), its 3.7-liter V6 engine delivers plenty of power (with 300 hp at 6,300 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm), handling (with the Super Handling All-Wheel drive) and responsiveness (with a Sequential SportShift standard 6-speed automatic).