2012 Acura MDX for Sale in Houston, TX

Focusing its efforts on both sport and utility, Acura delivers tried-and-true styling and performance in its 2012 MDX. Safety remains a key component, with numerous features designed to prevent and protect in collisions, while luxurious appointments throughout the cabin and reliable handling components make the MDX a top pick in the luxury SUV category.

For drivers who want handling, luxury and room in one package, they can find it with the 2012 Acura MDX. For 2012, the MDX, which has no changes from the 2011 version (the last major redesign was for the 2007 model year), is available in five trims: Base, Advance, Advance with Entertainment, Technology and Technology with Entertainment. The Base trim comes with dual-level heated front-row seats, a premium audio system with 8 speakers and an 8-inch subwoofer, power moonroof, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, 6-CD changer, XM radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink interface, MP3 decoder, rear-view mirror with rear-view camera display, remote-linked power-operated tailgate and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Technology trim has a 10-speaker surround-sound speaker system (with wireless headphones for rear-seat passengers), voice-recognition navigation system with real-time traffic updates and a solar-sensing automatic climate control system, and a multi-view rear camera. Upgrades standard to the Advance trim over the Base include heated and ventilated front seats, an active damper system sport suspension, blind spot information system, adaptive cruise control and 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels. Two options available only as part of the Entertainment trim are a rear DVD entertainment system (with a 9-inch motorized VGA screen) and dual-level heated second-row outboard seats.

The 2012 Acura MDX comes standard with a 3.7-liter, 24-valve SOHC VTEC V-6 engine that produces 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The 21-gallon gas tank, for which premium unleaded gas is recommended, allows drivers to attain 16 mpg city/21 highway. Available only with Acura’s Super Handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) 6-speed automatic transmission, the MDX also comes standard with a limited-slip differential, sequential sport shift and variable valve control. An optional block heater is available for all trims. For those looking to add a trailer, the MDX has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

Although geared for luxury, the MDX's V6 engine provides quick throttle response and high-rpm power, as well as noticeable low- and mid-range torque. The sequential sport shift transmission can be operated in two automatic shift modes or manually through the use of steering-wheel-mounted SportShift paddle shifters. This allows the driver to access the Sport mode, which allows the engine to rev higher for quicker acceleration, and the Grade Logic Control, which holds lower gears longer for smoother performance on hilly terrain.

The SH-AWD distributes the optimum amount of power between the front and rear axles and the right- and left-hand wheels, allowing for pinpoint control and virtually no understeer during turns or on windy roads. This is aided by the 4-wheel all-independent suspension, which allows all four wheels to maintain firm ground contact when cornering, accelerating and braking. The SH-AWD achieves high marks for its ability to handle all on-road and off-road driving conditions, whether ice, snow, rain or dirt, with the assistance of the electronic stability system with traction control.

Speaking of off-road capabilities, the MDX has a minimum ground clearance of 5.6 inches (up to a max of 8.2 inches), with an approach angle of 22.2 degrees and a departure angle of 23.8 degrees, making it completely capable in many off-road situations.

Luxury and comfort are the key phrases surrounding the interior of the 2012 Acura MDX. Although all models come standard with leather seating, those opting for one of the Tech trims will be pleased by the Milano premium leather appointments inside the cabin. Seats, trim, shift knob and steering wheel come fully enrobed in the supple leather, held together with Lancia-style stitching. Both the second- and third-row seats fold down, allowing for a copious amount of cargo space (83.5 cubic feet behind the front-row seats; 15 cubic feet behind the third-row seats).

The ability to seat 7 comfortably is a huge selling point of the MDX. Along those lines, the driver, front passenger and rear passengers have the ability to adjust the climate in their specific seating area using the tri-zone climate control system. The power-adjustable driver’s seat has 10 different positions to choose from, with memory for two drivers' positions, while the passenger seat is 8-way adjustable. Advanced trims have heated seats available for both the front and middle row, as well as ventilated front seats.

Standard safety features for the 2012 Acura MDX include driver's and front passenger side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (with a rollover sensor) for all three rows of seats, active front-row head restraints, two-stage driver and front passenger knee bolsters, all-disc antilock braking system (with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist), daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitor. You can also add an optional blind-spot warning system and active cruise control with a collision mitigation feature. Although 2012 figures are not yet available, the 2011 Acura MDX was given a 5-star overall rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, including 5-star ratings for frontal barrier crash, overall side crash, side pole rating, combined side rating front seat and combined side rating rear seat. With no design changes for 2012, it’s a good assumption that the 2012 version will be rated just as highly.

A common theme from owners of the 2012 Acura MDX is how well the vehicle drives, riding more like a car than most other comparable SUVs. Overall, owners and potential owners have been impressed with the comfort and driving ease you get with the 2012 Acura MDX, as well as its safety appointments, available cargo space and reliability.