First class seating ends after the second row. As with most third row seats, the 50/50-split fold-flat version in the MDX is best reserved for youngsters. Still, in a pinch most adults would survive a trip of reasonable proportion should their ticket read "economy fare."

The MDX hides a powerful SOHC 24-valve 3.7-litre V6 engine.

Both the second and third row seats fold flat with very little fuss revealing an expansive cargo bay, easily accessed via a power-operated tailgate.

Powerful V6 engine
A powerful, SOHC 24-valve 3.7-litre V6 engine shares a total of 300 horsepower @ 6,000-rpm and 275 pound-feet of torque at 5,000-rpm with the MDX's four 18-inch wheels. This is sufficient groove to move the MDX with surprising gusto, both off-the-line and in the passing lane.

Harnessing the highly refined horses is a five-speed automatic transmission. It manages gear changes in an unobtrusive, luxury-like fashion. An electronic manual-mode provides plenty of self-imposed gear-change governance. The transmission features Acura's Grade Logic Control System, which minimizes unnecessary gear changes when tackling hilly terrain.

The MDX's powertrain is one of its most prominent highlights. It supplies the vehicle with wonderfully smooth acceleration and quiet, refined performance. Interestingly though, Acura engineers crafted a little sportiness into the package in the way of a throaty exhaust note that materializes concurrent with a demand to rev up the horses.

Ride and handling are further highlights
Along with polished powertrain performance the MDX is defined by a smooth composed ride and its stout, secure ability to address curves. The MDX is supported at all four corners by a sophisticated, fully independent suspension system.

A feature I truly appreciated when bumping around town was the "comfort" setting which softened the suspension calibration, inviting a supple ride quality. This is a simple but pleasurable function that many other SUV manufacturers would do well by incorporating into otherwise rigid-riding rigs.

Unique to Acura is their Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) technology.