2017 Acura ILX in Cary, NC

All models of the MDX get the same drivetrain, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. This 3.5-liter, direct injection V6 offers plenty of oomph with 290-horsepower and up to 267 pound-feet of torque. With this beast under the hood, you can burst off the line, going from zero to 60 in a mere 5.9 seconds and topping out at 113 mph. If you need a car that can handle a tough load, the MDX also pulls up to 3,500 pounds. To aid you in acceleration, each trim also comes with a swift nine-speed automatic transmission.

For the 2017 model year, the MDX offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with the latter being more maneuverable and nimble in adverse weather. The front-wheel drive version offers an impressive 27 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 19 mpg in the city, yet the all-wheel drive doesn't fall far behind. It still supplies 26 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city.

The interior of the MDX is where this car stands out from the rest of the competitive luxury SUV market. The standard model starts with leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, automatic tri-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB ports, and a premium sound system. With the Technology Package, you'll enjoy innovative GPS-linked climate control, voice recognition, an ELS Studio sound system, and HD radio. The Advance Package adds some flair with Milano leather, heated second-row seats, and natural wood trim, while the Entertainment Package includes all of these amenities plus a 110-volt outlet.

The 2017 Acura MDX received a five-star rating*** from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration thanks to a plethora of advanced safety features. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a multi-view rear camera on all models. Upper trims get a blind spot information system and a rear cross-traffic monitor.