Adding some testosterone to a mid-size crossover Tested: 2020 Acura MDX A Spec-SH AWD

As many crossovers and sport utilities there are out there, very few have a sports package, meaning driving characteristics which emulate a true sports sedan. Domestically I can 0nly think of one, the Ford Explorer ST. Most other models come from the Germans. Even the Asians are lax on this, except for one, Acura.

I had a chance to spend a week with a Acura MDX, but this wasn’t any MDX, it was the A-Spec SH-AWD. The only other model to top that is the MDX PMC Edition, which is literally hand-built in the same Marysville, Ohio factory along with the second-generation NSX.

After getting away from the sporty aspect which gave Acura its panache, the brand is coming back in a big way, first with the current A-Spec models, and for 2021 with its highly updated TLX as well as bringing back the Type S version.

But like the before-mentioned Explorer ST, the MDX is a three-rower, along with Audi SQ7, BMW X7 M50i, and Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG 63, which all cost considerably more than the MDX, even the PMC Edition. The only other model that may compete head-to-head would be the Lexus RX-L 350 F Sport. It’s worth noting that the Acura and Lexus used the same base engines as their stablemates. The Germans have tuner engines which produced mass amounts of horsepower and torque. However, that amount of performance is not really needed in normal day to day driving.

Getting down to basics, my test vehicle came in a striking Modern Steel (i.e. Metallic Gray) paint scheme with a tutone red/black interior, which included Alcantara and leather seats which were quite comfortable and supportive. The piping and stitching was terrific as well. The gauge cluster was colorful and has a configurable driver information center which operates from the steering wheel. Everything from the driver’s seat is easy to reach and well-thought out ergonomically.

The third generation MDX debuted for 2014. Its latest significant change came for M/Y 2017; so the MDX carries over without any notable changes to its appearance, mechanical components, or available features. The next rumored update has been set for 2021, yet there is no formal information on it, and the next-generation TLX is already in the pipeline. The TLX flagship sedan has been discontinued due to lack of interest.

The MDX continues as a petrol engine as well as a gas-electric hybrid model. All ICE models are powered by a 3.5-liter direct injected Earth Dreams V6 with Variable Cylinder Management. It produces 290-horses with ???? ft. lbs. of torque and is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Base configuration comes as a front-wheel drive (FWD) - available for the first time. In Canada all-wheel drive remains the only configuration offered. EPA-estimated fuel economy is improved with all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) models rated at 18/27/21 mpg (city/highway/combined) and FWD models rated at 20/28/23 mpg. For its size, fuel economy is EPA rated at 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined. However, my tester appeared to do a little better than that. Fuel tank capacity is a pleasing 19.5 gallons.

The headlights are Acura's Jewel Eye LED Headlights (first introduced on the RLX). Each lamp uses five separate LED sources with three used for low-beam lighting and two for high-beam lighting. LED bumper mounted fog lamps are offered as a dealer installed option.

The interior has reduced button clutter by adding a 7-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback, although an additional 8-inch screen comes standard. To reduce interior noise an acoustic (PVB layered) windshield, acoustic front door glass and thicker rear glass are used, as well as triple sealed door openings. Advance package models include further noise reduction using a thicker carpet base layer and front fender liners. The seating H-point has been reduced.

This vehicle had lines that didn’t particularly make me think it was a sport ute; as far as I was concern, it was a “roomy” (for up to 7-passengers) sports sedan. According to Acura the exterior is more aerodynamic reducing drag by 16% with the new model lapping the German Nürburgring Ring 8-seconds faster than its predecessor.

The steering gear ratio is 9% quicker for a sportier feel. The MDX rides lower reducing its center of gravity, to reduce unsprung mass the front suspension lower control arms are made from forged aluminum. Structure rigidity is improved, and weight reduced through increased use of high-strength steel. Overall, 64% of the total vehicle body mass is high strength steel (HSS), aluminum and magnesium. HSS makes up 59% of vehicle body mass; 1,500 MPa yield strength steel makes up 7%.

A single ring-like hot stamped HSS outer door ring component reinforces the A-pillar, roof rail, B-pillar, and lower floor rail encircling the front doors for improved crash protection. Acura states that after conducting a simulated IIHS 25% small offset frontal crash test the front doors will open with normal force.

The updated Adaptive Cruise Control adds low-speed stop-and-go functionality. In terms of safety the MDX adds a standard driver's knee airbag, optional Lane Keeping Assist System and Collision Mitigation Braking System.

My test vehicle came equipped with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which produced great handling, and is extremely capable of hugging the road when the weather gets a little rough. The MDX also has 4-wheel independent suspension which allows great stability on dry pavement as well as slippery roads.

The A-Spec package featured 20-inch wheels, again, the two-tone leather sports seats of Alcantara fabric, sport pedals, larger tires, and LED fog lights. The larger tires and monochromatic dark wheels make it look tough and extremely aggressive.

The center dash contains two screens, one higher up and one lower down in the middle above all the climate controls. The two-screen system is something I’ve always appreciated about the upper-line Acura models. The top screen stays on your navigation map and serves the navigation system directions. The lower screen controls the audio system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as a host of apps including SiriusXM, HD radio, the 10-speaker ELS sound system; and it doubles as a multi-view rear camera with guidelines.

I also appreciated the center console which features tricky (until you get to understand it) shift buttons instead of a regular floor shifter (but, don’t forget about the paddle shifters). The console is clean, highly functional, and allows more space between the front seats. There’s a push button Mode selector, which helps motivate this 4200-pound beast to move swiftly from a dead stop.

Backseat head and legroom are both good, and Acura makes it easy to get the kids into the 3rd row seats with sliding center row seats, however young’uns are about all who can fit comfortably. With the manually (not power) operated third row seats down, there’s a nice size cargo area.

My MDX A-Spec SH-AWD was well-equipped at $56,295, with the only option being the upgraded Modern Steel paint. Add to that $995 for designation charges, still putting it below the Explorer ST. If leasing is right answer for you, the factory leases are exceptional.

For no extra charge you receive a regular power moonroof (though not panoramic), power tailgate, keyless entry, keyless start, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and collision mitigation braking. Also, standard are 12-way front power and heated seats, and tri-zone climate-controlled air conditioning.

Towing capacity is limited to 5,000 pounds, and the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty 48 months/60,000 miles Basic Warranty; 72 months/70,000 miles Powertrain with roadside assistance.

Although the MDX qualifies as a near-luxury SUV, it still lacks the panache of the German contingent. However, value per fun factor, as well as price point, it’s an unusual, as well as unique choice.