2003 Acura MDX

On the road, this newfound power and improved chassis mechanicals translate into an even better vehicle for everyday use. The ride is better than some sedans and the engine feels great, especially when passing on the highway. Unlike most body-on-frame, truck-inspired SUVs, the MDX and its unibody construction really shine when the road gets a little rough. While the steering is slightly over-boosted for our tastes, it is precise and steady. And, when the road vanishes completely, the MDX doesn't give up. On the contrary, the MDX and its VTM-4 all-wheel drive system provide more than enough control to keep you moving when the traction becomes limited. For 2003, the system has been recalibrated to improve performance, especially on low traction surfaces. Torque distribution to the rear wheels has been increased by up to 30 percent, improving the MDX's prowess in snow or other slippery road conditions.

The easy-to-operate rear entertainment system with 7-inch LCD screen is mounted just behind the front seats for use by rear seat passengers.

The MDX offers one of the most comfortable and well laid out interiors of any SUV sold today. For 2003, the optional Acura Navigation System gets a variety of new features and greatly enhanced capabilities including a newly developed voice recognition system, upgraded graphics and an expanded database with more than seven million points of interest. An added benefit of the new nav system is the new rearview camera that's been incorporated into the tailgate. It transmits a rearview picture to the navigation screen when the MDX is in reverse gear. While this system is certainly no substitute for rearview mirrors and careful driving, the camera shows an area behind the vehicle impossible to check for obstructions from the driver's seat. This will certainly help avoid many tragic disasters that occur when drivers back over or into objects or people.


Another new interior upgrade for 2003 is the optional DVD Entertainment System, which plays over the MDX's sound system or through a pair of cordless infrared headphones. The 7-inch LCD screen is mounted to the headliner, just behind the front seats for use by rear seat passengers. The system can be controlled either by using the MDX's audio controls or from the rear seats through the use of a remote control or the screen's control panel. It's one of the easiest to use rear entertainment systems we've tested, but like most of the systems, when the screen is in use, it does obstruct the driver's rear view.

Both second and third row seats split and fold flat into the floor.

Other interior highlights include three transformable rows of seats that help the MDX to comfortably seat up to seven passengers. Second and third row seats split and fold flat into the floor providing 82 cubic feet of cargo room. Even with all three rows in use, the MDX still offers 14.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row seats.


Standard safety features include dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger front airbags. The driver's side airbag adjusts deployment force to one of two rates according to input from sensors, which monitor the severity of the impact, seatbelt usage and, new for 2003, the position of the driver's seat. The front passenger airbag deployment takes into account the severity of the crash and the passenger's weight. The MDX also offers driver's and front passenger's side airbags with exclusive occupant position sensors in the passenger's seat; and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system on the second row of outboard seats to simplify child seat attachment.