2008 Acura MDX

The 2008 Acura MDX may look like a thoroughbred but it has the power of a draft horse

by Bengt Halvorson

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2008 ACURA MDX STYLING—9 out of 10

Car and Driver: "The MDX goes for a techno-futuristic look"

Cars.com: "a more integrated look"

Edmunds.com: "metallic grille looks as if it could be wielded by a Spartan in battle"

Washington Post: "a big, ugly grille that is supposed to convey aggressiveness"

Generally, TheCarConnection.com found that when it came to the 2008 Acura MDX, reviewers were pleased with the overall appearance.

Kelley Blue Book reports that "...the characteristics that made the original MDX appealing have carried over intact, if not improved," with few changes from 2007. Car and Driver describes the new MDX Acura as "a little sleeker and a little less boxy without excessive compromise of interior," which has "a sporty ambience."

There are a few aspects of this 2008 Acura's styling to dislike, however. Edmunds.com and the Washington Post agreed that the large aluminum grille is more suited to Wagnerian opera than the front of a contemporary luxury sport-utility vehicle, with Edmunds.com adding that it "lacked a little in terms of personality and prestige." Nonetheless, it remains a top recommendation at that Web site, which feels that the MDX Acura compares very favorably with its chief competitors, the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. Other adjectives used for this SUV were "athletic," "hunkered down," and "aggressive."

Forbes Auto had a slightly different take on the 2008 Acura MDX styling, calling it "bolder and richer-looking" with "chiseled lines" that are less conservative than its predecessor.

The Auto Channel expressed great admiration for its "bold lines and well-defined fenders," which take their inspiration from "car, not truck styling cues." Regarding the five-sided, medieval-looking grille, this source was quick to point out that it has been a virtual corporate logo for the past several years. Chances are, if you really dislike it, there are aftermarket customizations available.

Conclusion: You’ll either love the MDX, Acura's big crossover, or hate it—but you will not be able to ignore it. Those who like an edgy, high-tech-looking vehicle will embrace the 2008 Acura MDX; traditionalists will want to try elsewhere.

2008 ACURA MDX PERFORMANCE—9 out of 10

Car and Driver: "The 5,000-pound towing capacity is...impressive"

Cars.com: "the most powerful engine Acura makes"

ConsumerGuide Automotive: "strong from any speed"

Edmunds.com: "mix of sport handling and crossover utility makes it one of the best"

Washington Post: "I can trust it"

This 2008 Acura may look like a thoroughbred, but it has the power of a draft horse.

The Auto Channel reports that with the MDX, Acura's new 3.7-liter V-6 is "the largest and most powerful ever in an Acura," not only beating the previous model, but with 300 hp, it's the most powerful six-cylinder SUV on today's market. This is borne out by the vehicle's 2.5-ton towing capacity (a 1,500-pound improvement over the previous model), which is more than adequate for a large house or camping trailer, wooden sailing vessel, or horse trailer.

Despite its power, Acura's 2008 MDX does remarkably well in terms of emissions, earning a ULEV rating by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It suffers a bit in the mileage department, averaging only about 15.5 mpg according to testing performed by ConsumerGuide Automotive, but less-than-stellar fuel economy is to be expected with a vehicle of this type—and for what this vehicle is, the 2008 MDX's mileage is actually not too bad. It should be pointed out that EPA estimates according to Forbes Autos is actually 17 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the open road.

This 2008 Acura's five-speed automatic transmission works like a charm when it comes to acceleration and passing, and is the perfect mate for the workhorse powerplant. Although a strictly manual transmission is not available, drivers who absolutely have to shift their own gears will be glad to know that the transmission can be shifted manually, if you prefer to do so.