![]() ![]() As high-tech as the MDX is, w e noticed some minor flaws - like a bit of carpeting pulling loose from the center console and a general reluctance by the engine to start on some mornings. He: Imagine, a rhino with a rear-view camera. I found this to be a really great feature, considering we live on a cul-de-sac surrounded by families with kids who are constantly leaving everything from bikes to athletic equipment on the sidewalk. When the MDX is in reverse, the camera transmits a picture onto the navigation system’s screen. In addition to the rear-seat entertainment system, the navigation system has been improved and now includes a voice-recognition feature and a tailgate-mounted rear-view camera. However, Acura was right on in terms of adding goodies for families. She: To make it sound even more unappealing to women. Think of it as the Daniel Boone of luxury crossovers. But I would say the Acura has simple, rough-hewn good looks. ![]() The MDX is also bigger inside than the RX 330, and it doesn’t look quite so much like an overgrown station wagon. Of course, it comes with a bigger engine and lots more power, with very little sacrifice in fuel economy. And you can fold that third seat flat with the floor. Where the Lexus seats only five in two rows, the Acura accommodates seven in three rows. He: OK, Nurse Lienert, let’s examine the patient a little more closely. For some other strange, unscientific reason, every doctor I know seems to own an MDX. That’s why I still like the Lexus better. But I think it looks like a rhino crossed with a minivan. She: I still can’t get the image out of mind that the MDX is supposed to look like a rhinoceros. That same engine, by the way, is being sold to General Motors Corp., which will use it next year in the Saturn Vue, among other models. The single-overhead-cam 3.5-liter V-6 now makes 260 horsepower - up 20 from last year - and is mated to a new five-speed automatic transmission. One of the more noteworthy improvements is to the powertrain. Even with all those new faces, however, Honda’s premium Acura division didn’t bother to fully redesign the MDX, although it spent a lot of money and energy on some pretty significant upgrades. He: So far, this has been a bumper year for luxury crossover vehicles, with many fine new entries, from the Lincoln Aviator to the Infiniti FX. Unlike the RX 330, we felt the MDX falls just short of being world-class. ![]() But our test model, equipped with a $2,600 touring package, $1,500 DVD entertainment system and $2,200 navigation system, carried a hefty $42,500 sticker. The ’03 MDX, which is built in Ontario and shares many of its parts with the Honda Pilot, starts at under $36,000. This week, we drive one of its nearest competitors, the Acura MDX, which has been noticeably improved for model year 2003. Last week, we tested the redesigned 2004 Lexus RX 330, which we consider to be the gold standard in luxury crossover vehicles. ![]()
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