Whether cross country or back country, the 2024 Acura MDX allows exploration in confidence, comfort, style and safety.
Comfortable. That is the first word that comes to mind when asked to use one word to describe the 2024 Acura MDX Platinum Elite. This mid-size SUV is so comfortable, it’s no wonder they made it a 7-passenger, luxury, people mover. With a collapsible third row of baseball stitched, perforated leather seats, you are ready for an executive lunch during the week, carpooling to sports events on the weekend and anything else in between.
Stand before the 2024 Acura MDX Platinum Elite, the styling is aggressive. Air intakes flank both sides of the diamond shaped, diamond patterned, oversize contrast grill, sculpted bumper and chrome accents to catch the light. Jewel eye LED headlights, LED fog lights and tail lamps illuminate the darkness. The panoramic moonroof lightens the cabin in the day and let’s you see the stars at night.
Even though the width of the MDX is a meager 3.5” increase from its RDX sibling, the MDX appears and feels larger when you drive it. The elongated hood could contribute to this sensation. Height difference between the two is 1” however the 2024 Acura MDX, with its 20” alloy wheels, offers less ground clearance than the RDX.
Rain sensing windshield wipers, rear window wipers, rear camera washer, plus power hatch access can be set to driver height with hands free access, and walk away auto-close, round out additional exterior features. Walk to the driver side with your fob and the door handles will light up. Open it up and the inside door is actually real wood trim. Classy touch.
Heated, power adjustable, power folding side mirrors, automatically tuck in when you shut down the vehicle. Of note, when the vehicle is in reverse, the passenger side mirror tilts down for ground view. In my experience, and maybe because I learned to drive ‘old school’ (without back up cameras), I wasn’t a fan of the new view. I would look to my rear-view passenger mirror for proximity to an obstacle only to be met with a view of the ground. However, here is where the surround view camera comes in handy as it shows you 360 degrees around the vehicle displayed on the 12.3” HD colour display.
Slide into the 16-way power adjustable plus 4-way lumbar support, heated and ventilated, leather seat, place your hands at 10 to 2 around the heated leather steering wheel and you will be amazed at the technology available at your fingertips. The cabin itself has more USB charge ports, across three rows of seating, than your average desktop or laptop. There are so many bells and whistles, either on the steering wheel, or elsewhere, it would take much longer than the couple of weeks I had with the vehicle to not only explore them all but get comfortable utilizing them.
The mid console is comfortable enough for your arm but the True Touchpad interface is something I could do without. I could be an anomaly in this area as others rave about it. It’s nice to have a display without fingerprints but trying to operate between display options with a trac pad is challenging while driving.
The 2024 Acura MDX Platinum Elite is powered by a 3.5 Litre, direct injection V6 producing 290 HP at 6,200 RPM. Ascending the Coquihalla highway, known on TV as The Highway Thru Hell, was a breeze with all that power.
With Acura’s Integrated Dynamics System, you have several handling options. At the turn of a dial, choose from Normal, Comfort, Eco, Sport or Custom to combine your favourites from each mode. With a 10-speed automatic transmission, and paddle shifters for that added driving exuberance, you will be out of the city in the blink of an eye and climbing the winding mountain passes, maybe even a bit of off-road travel in search of the ultimate view. (See first photo)
As nice as the Lane Departure Warning is, it is equally nice to be able to turn it off. When you have that 2-lane windy road all to yourself, it’s true driving exuberance to be able to use the entire space. ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist will bring this luxury beast to a stop. A handy feature if you driving at dusk as wildlife usually appears from out of no where.
If you are looking for a luxury ride with a bit of personality, I suggest you give this model a closer look. There are four trims available. This Platinum Elite trim MSRP $74,400.
