2012 & 2011 Acura SUV Reviews & Ratings

Acura has been producing sport utility vehicles (SUVs) since the year 2000 when the company premiered its first Acura MDX- which was designed and produced by a Honda facility in the state of Ohio. (There was an SUV produced by the company in 1996 as well, but it was eventually branded an Isuzu instead). Currently, Mazda has three SUV vehicles in its lineup: the classic state-of-the-art 2012 Acura MDX, the 2012 Acura ZDX luxury crossover SUV, and the sporty, urban 2012 Acura RDX SUV. All three of these vehicles offer luxurious interiors, high-tech gadgets, and sleek styling, but their charms are unique to attract different kinds of drivers.

The first Acura MDX gained fame by offering standard third-row seating at a time when locating a large family-friendly vehicle was a lot more difficult than it is today. Families were excited about its comfortable, luxurious interior and clever AWD road-handling system. In its second generation, the MDX got exterior styling and power upgrades. Since then, the MDX has been admired by critics everywhere as one of the best family-friendly sedans on the market today. The 2012 base MDX sedan model starts at $42,930 and can be made even more hip and stylish with add-on Technology, Entertainment, and Advance Packages. If you're looking for the best options available on the Acura, check out the MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages with a starting MSRP of $54,455. Standard features in all MDX models include leather seating, satellite radio, a rearview camera, and a sunroof (to name a few). The MDX competes with such SUVs as the Audi Q7, the Cadillac Escalade, the Chevy Traverse, and the GMC Acadia.

The 2012 Acura ZDX luxury crossover SUV is a strange mix of a sporty hatchback and a family-friendly vehicle. It's made for owners who want to "go against the grain" and be seen driving a truly unique vehicle. A lot like the MDX for which it's designed after, the 2012 ZDX is also a high-tech vehicle. It seats five and comes along with a similar, optional Advance and Technology packages and has a starting MSRP of $46,020 for the base crossover. The Technology Package adds premium leather seating, keyless ignition and entry, and a surround-sound audio system, as well as other features. The Advance Package includes all of the Technology Package options and adds a blind spot warning system, heated front seats, a crash warning and mitigation system, and cruise control that adapts to the driver. The ZDX competes with several luxury vehicles, including: the BMW X6, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, and the Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Last but not least is the 2012 RDX. Like the ZDX, it's a midsize luxury crossover SUV, but with more affordable pricing. The RDX has an MSRP range of $32,895 - $37,995 and comes in four trims, including: the Acura RDX 5-Spd AT, the Acura RDX 5-Spd AT SH-AWD, the Acura RDX 5-Spd AT w/ Technology Package, and the Acura RDX 5-Spd AT SH-AWD w/ Technology Package. The Lexus RX 450h, the Nissan Murano, and the Toyota Venza are just a few of this vehicle's competitors. The RDX premiered around 2007 and was one of the industry's first small, successful SUV crossovers. It's perfect for drivers looking for a bit of luxury, lots of room, and excellent handling.