After a number of tweaks and upgrades in 2010, the Acura MDX for 2011 pretty much rests on its laurels. This seven-passenger midsize luxury crossover is loaded with techno features and, once more, is delivered only in a full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration. Well-mannered on the highway and in town, this V6-powered puppy comes in five package-oriented trims, the stand-alone Base, Base with Technology Package, Base with Technology and Entertainment Package, Base with Advance Package, and Base with Advantage and Entertainment Package. The MDX’s less-than-impressive fuel economy may see a boost in late 2011 or 2012 with the introduction of a diesel V6 powertrain. Traditionally, upscale competition for the MDX includes the BMW X5, Infiniti FX35, and Porsche Cayenne, while the Ford Flex Limited, Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring, and Buick Enclave offer similar family-friendly amenities at similar cost.

A single 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine powers the 2011 MDX lineup, with a six-speed auto-manual transmission helping it to deliver 270 lb-ft of torque. A mechanical, center-mounted limited-slip differential is further complemented by a rear limited-slip differential in ensuring power to all four wheels all the time. Despite variable valve timing, this hefty V6 gets only an estimated 16/21 mpg on premium unleaded, but it can tow some 5,000 pounds of trailer when properly equipped. The transmission's hill-holder feature is programmed into the six-speed, while an auxiliary transmission cooler is standard on the MDX.

Beginning with standard appearance and convenience bling like 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, and power sunroof, the 2011 MDX Base also boasts such additional standard amenities as leather upholstery, power-adjustable, multi-level heated front seats, split-folding second- and third-row seating, remote power door locks, power windows and heated, reverse-tilting exterior mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles and audio and cruise controls, electronic tilt/telescoping steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, leather, simulated wood and alloy dash, steering wheel, and cabin trim, sun sensor, memory for driver's settings, 253-watt 6-CD changer with seven speakers plus subwoofer, XM satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free communications. The Base MDX with Technology Package gains premium leather upholstery, universal remote garage door opener, wide-angle rear-view camera, 410 watts of audio power, along with 11 speakers and 5.1 surround-sound, built-in hard drive and hard-drive-based, voice-activated navigation, and a USB connection. The MDX Base with Technology and Entertainment Package spikes the ride with rear-seat DVD entertainment featuring separate rear audio headsets, while heated outboard second-row seats take a bit of the chill out of cold winter days.

The 2011 MDX Base with Advance Package offers 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, ventilated front seats with perforated premium leather, and a sport suspension with Acura’s Active Damper System. Needless to say, the Base with Advance and Entertainment Package, the MDX’s ultimate trim level, combines the best of the Advance and Entertainment goodies in one well-heeled package. Furthermore, a trailer towing package, upgraded wheels, step running boards, and remote engine start are also available across the lineup.

Basic safety equipment for the 2011 MDX includes four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, three-row head airbags, a front whiplash protection system, remote anti-theft alarm, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, and xenon HID headlights. The Technology and Technology with Entertainment Packages add on standard self-leveling headlights, while the Advance and Advance with Entertainment packages throw in standard blind-spot warning technology and a collision-mitigating braking system.

Though owners of the 2010 Acura MDX complain most frequently about poor gas mileage, things like a tepid exterior, cluttered center stack, and barely noticeable low-end torque also seem to cause a bit of frustration. A comfortable ride, solid feel, loads of standard techno features, and good safety scores, however, make for a quite capable and luxurious mini-‘Ute, according to a vast majority of owners.