2016 Acura MDX: Acura’s Best Seller is a Keeper [Video Review]

2016 acura mdx automatic
2016 Acura MDX

The 2016 Acura MDX is the company’s best-selling car. Based on the Honda Pilot platform, the MDX offers all the utility of a large crossover with added sportiness.

Under the hood of the MDX is a 3.5-liter V-6 pumping out 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. On the test car, this power was sent to all four wheels using Acura’s super handling all wheel drive system, or SH-AWD, although front wheel drive is standard.

The V-6 is mated to a nine speed automatic transmission. This is the same ZF transmission used in a host of other vehicles, including a bevy of Fiat-Chrysler offerings. Like in the other vehicles, the nine speed likes to upshift as soon as possible to maximize fuel economy, although it’s not always in the right gear for decent power.

2016 Acura MDX

Speaking of fuel economy, the MDX is rated at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 combined. During the test, the MDX only managed 18 mpg combined.

The MDX can be fun, though. When put into sport mode, the MDX transforms from a family hauler into a car that can really haul. The throttle becomes more responsive and the power steering gets heavier, giving a much sportier feel.

Inside, the MDX has all the utility that is expected of a large crossover/SUV. It has over 40 cubic feet of storage space behind the second-row seats, although that goes down to 15 when the third row seats are up.

Although those third-row seats are a convenient option, they should only be used for children. Normal sized adults will have a hard time fitting comfortably back there.

2016 Acura MDX

Watch the full TFLcar video review below, as Emme Hall puts the 2016 Acura MDX through its paces. Remember, all cars start with a perfect 10 points, then lose points as flaws emerge.

Also in this video, Roman Mica goes over some changes to the TFLcar video publishing schedule and introduces some new shows and segments.