Consumer Reports New Cars – November 2019

Facts & Figures

Exterior Dimensions

Cargo Measurement

Fuel

Facts & Figures

Exterior Dimensions

Cargo Measurement

Fuel

Reliability History Reliability History

Trouble

Spots

Trouble

Spots

NEW CAR

PREDICTION

NEW CAR

PREDICTION

Engine Major

Engine Minor

Engine Cooling

Transmission Major

Transmission Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Noises/Leaks

Body Hardware

Power Equipment

In-Car Electronics

USED CAR

VERDICTS

Engine Major

Engine Minor

Engine Cooling

Transmission Major

Transmission Minor

Drive System

Fuel System

Electrical

Climate System

Suspension

Brakes

Exhaust

Paint/Trim

Noises/Leaks

Body Hardware

Power Equipment

In-Car Electronics

USED CAR

VERDICTS

60 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS

!

RECOMMENDED

1 2 3 4 5

WORSE BETTER

Acura MDX

This functional, family-friendly luxury SUV is comfortable, quick,

and quiet, with space for seven. The second row folds and slides

forward with the touch of a button for easy access to the small third

row. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is silky smooth and delivers quick accel-

eration. We measured a very commendable 21 mpg overall, but the

nine-speed automatic transmission is not always smooth or respon-

sive and its push-button gear selector is unintuitive to use. We also

found it frustrating to use the dual-screen control interface. The MDX

has a comfortable ride, and the cabin is quiet. Handling is mundane,

but it’s ultimately secure. A recent freshening brought a hybrid ver-

sion, as well as standard AcuraWatch, which includes safety features

such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.

Overall Score 67

Predicted Reliability 02

Owner Satisfaction 02

Road-Test Score 79

Front-Crash Prevention Std./ 05

Base Price: $44,300-$60,050

Body Styles: 4-door SUV

Trim Lines: Advance, A-Spec, Base,

Hybrid, Tech

Drive Wheels: Front, AWD

Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

Engines: 3.0-liter V6 hybrid (321 hp);

3.5-liter V6 (290 hp)

Transmissions: 9-speed automatic;

7-speed sequential

Length (in.)..................... 196

Width (in.) ......................77

Height (in.) ......................67

Wheelbase (in.) ..................111

Weight (lb.) ..................4,200

% weight front/rear ...........57/43

Max. Load (lb.) ................1,175

Cargo Volume, cu.ft.............. .34

Towing Capacity (lb.) ..........5,000

Premium

CR overall mpg ..................21 Worse than average

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05 05 50

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01 03 30

02

Acura ILX

Acura’s entry-level compact sedan doesn’t have the same degree of

luxury and refinement as its peers. The 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine

and an eight-speed automatic works well at full steam, but the trans-

mission suffers from frequent clunks and hesitations in ordinary

driving, especially when starting up from a stop. Once underway,

it is reluctant to downshift, making the car seem lethargic when

drivers need power. The stiff, jumpy ride and mundane handling

aren’t befitting a luxury compact sedan. Road noise is incessant. The

infotainment system is convoluted and overly distracting. Advanced

safety features are mostly standard, but blind spot warning is option-

al. For 2019 Acura has dropped the price, and added lumbar support

adjustment for the driver.

Overall Score 64

Predicted Reliability 04

Owner Satisfaction 01

Road-Test Score 61

Front-Crash Prevention Std./ 05

Base Price: $25,900-$31,550

Body Styles: sedan

Trim Lines: A-Spec, Premium, Stan-

dard, Technology

Drive Wheels: Front

Seating: 2 front, 3 rear

Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (201 hp)

Transmissions: 8-speed sequential

Length (in.)..................... 182

Width (in.) ......................71

Height (in.) ......................56

Wheelbase (in.) .................105

Weight (lb.) ..................3,095

% weight front/rear ...........64/36

Max. Load (lb.) ................ 850

Cargo Volume, cu.ft............... 12

Towing Capacity (lb.) ............NR

Premium

CR overall mpg ..................28 Better than average

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40
A