Track Tested: 2010 Acura MDX

Edmunds.com tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

When the current-generation MDX first arrived nearly four years ago, it was a dramatic change, both in terms of styling and performance. The new Super Handling all-wheel-drive system turned the family hauler into a more performance-oriented luxury cruiser. Instead of being compared to a cushy Lexus, we thought it felt more like a BMW X5.

For 2010, Acura gave the MDX a modest set of upgrades. Most notable among them was a new six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.7-liter V6 got a few revisions, too, but its output remains nearly unchanged at 300 horses and 270 pound-feet of torque.

The suspension got a few minor upgrades as well. The Active Damper system was retuned to deliver a wider range of adjustment while various chassis points were reinforced for additional rigidity. MDXs with the Advance Package like our tester also get 19-inch aluminum wheels with 255/50 tires. Does any of it help? Check the numbers for yourself after the jump.

Vehicle: 2010 Acura MDX
Odometer: 1,730
Date: 2/11/10
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price: $52,665

Specifications:
Drive Type: All-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 6-speed automatic
Engine Type: V6
Displacement (cc/cu-in):  3,664cc (224cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 6,750
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 300 @ 6,300 rpm
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 270 @ 4,500
Brake Type (front): Ventilated discs
Brake Type (rear): Discs
Steering System: Variable assist power rack and pinion
Suspension Type (front): Independent w/MacPherson struts
Suspension Type (rear): Independent multilink
Tire Size (front): 255/50R19 103H
Tire Size (rear): 255/50R19 103H
Tire Brand: Michelin
Tire Model: Latitude Tour HP
Tire Type: All-season
Wheel Size: 19 x 8.5
Wheel Material (front/rear): Aluminum alloy
As Tested Curb Weight (lb): 4,623

Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 2.7
0 - 45 (sec): 4.7
0 - 60 (sec): 7.1
0 - 75 (sec): 10.5
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 15.3 @ 91.0
0 - 60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 6.9
30 - 0 (ft): 31
60 - 0 (ft): 123
Braking Rating: Very Good
Slalom (mph): 62.2
Skid Pad Lateral Acceleration (g): 0.84
Handling Rating: Very Good
Db @ Idle: 43.5
Db @ Full Throttle: 75.8
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 65.9

Acceleration Coments: Brake torque seems to help very little off the line. Neither "Sport" mode nor manual shifting helps either. Still, with a time around 7 seconds flat the MDX is pretty impressive.  

Braking Comments: Impressively, the MDX managed to avoid the usual 4th run Honda brake fade by actually shortening its distance. Nice.

Handling Comments: Skid pad: Can feel rear torque distribution working here and it does its job well. Really gets the thing pointed to where I want the MDX to go. Slalom: Impressively athletic for a three-row SUV. These numbers eclipse the AWD CX-9. A solid, responsive and impressive performance. A real joy to drive in this exercise.