New 2007 Acura MDX Exterior Review [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Acura MDX Exterior Review
Exterior - 7.0 (Good)
Most reviewers find the MDX's styling pleasing, but a vocal minority thinks it's off-putting. "Longer, lower and wider than the more conservative-looking model it replaces, the 2007 MDX's sculpted exterior is both bolder and richer-looking," says Forbes.
The MDX's new grille, integral to the SUV's new look, draws particular attention from automotive writers. Most reviewers agree that it looks like a shield -- a fairly massive one at that. "Now, when I say it looks like a shield," says Cars.com, "I mean it actually looks like a shield -- plate metal, the kind of thing you'd want in your hand if Visigoths attacked your shopping mall." Several feel that the grille's appearance is polarizing. "Have a look at the nose of the MDX," says Edmunds, "and you'll either think it looks high-tech or highly contrived."
Several writers compare the MDX's overall styling to that of a boat, specifically the Wallypower 118 luxury yacht (only $30 million at your local luxury yacht store), which Acura designer Ricky Hsu admits was an inspiration. Reviewers are mixed as to whether this was a good idea. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette calls the 2007 MDX "much edgier, more in the vein of pushing the styling envelope." But CNET begs to differ: "The MDX uses Acura's new pointed grill and raked front bumper design, giving it a boat-like appearance, a fairly unfortunate direction in Acura styling taken even further in the ridiculous looking concept shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show." The 2007 Acura MDX comes standard with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a body-colored tailgate spoiler.
