Acura MDX The Acura MDX has the luxurious design and space-efficient, versatile packaging that’s made high-end luxury crossover models the vehicle of choice among affluent U.S. families, but it has one addition thing that most of the other models don’t: It’s actually enjoyable to drive. With a comfortable cabin, and impressive safety, and just a hint of ruggedness—plus eye-raising, fleet-footed performance on the pavement, the MDX gives a wide range of shoppers both what they need and what they want in a seven-passenger, three-row luxury crossover vehicle. For the most part, the MDX remains one of our favorite luxury crossovers, and the design has aged well in the several years since its last full redesign. It’s one of Honda’s better efforts at giving a rather utilitarian, box-on-wheels design some character. The few sleek curves applied to its fairly upright body really do wonders, particularly at the back pillar. The MDX remains related to the Honda Pilot, but as the more rakish sheetmetal suggests, the MDX is much more focused toward the on-the-road driving experience. Power comes on strong from a 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6, which delivers impressive passing power even with a full load, with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a very smart, dynamically sharp all-wheel-drive system puts the power to the pavement (or gravel, sand, or snow) confidently. The power steering remains a bit too light (with a quick ratio that takes some getting used to), but overall we think the MDX’s optional magnetic-electronic suspension system improves both ride and handling. Overall, the AWD system, the suspension, and the steering together neatly excise the portliness (or at least, the sense of it) that taints the driving experience of so many crossovers—especially those with three rows. Adults will find all-day comfort in any of the perches in the front two rows. The front seats especially offer great bolstering and support. As for the third row, it’s child-sized, as are most benches in this class, but the second-row seat tilts and slides forward to expand access to the back. There are plenty of storage bins and cubbies inside the MDX, and with the second and third rows folded forward there’s enough virtually flat space to swallow most weekend project materials. Otherwise, the cabin’s a well-executed comfort zone, with Milano leather trim and woodgrain trim cascading from the midline of the dash, as on the bigger RL sedan. The one exception—and a peeve we just can’t get over—is the instrument panel’s cluttered and unnecessarily complex layout You won’t mistake the Acura MDX for anything but a luxury vehicle. In addition to impressive interior trims and materials, it comes with all the comforts and conveniences that are expected in premium cars, and you can option it up with impressive audio, infotainment, and even an adaptive suspension. Acura TSX V6 vs. Buick Regal GS: How Do They Compare In The City? Mazda CX-9 The 2012 Mazda CX-9 ranks 1 out of 22 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 58 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda CX-9, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. If you’ve decided to trade in your sporty car for more cargo and passenger space, but don’t want to lose too much fun-to-drive performance, test drivers say you’ll be especially happy with the 2012 Mazda CX-9. Reviewers say that the Mazda CX-9 is one of the sportiest crossovers on the market, but that’s not all it’s good at. It also has a good number of standard features, and its first and second rows are roomy. Auto critics note that its sleek, standout styling will turn more heads than most traditional-looking SUVs, and that adults will fit in its third row, which can be rare in this class. If you’d rather have a surpassingly smooth ride that coddles you and your passengers, some of the CX-9’s competitors may be worth looking at. But most test drivers say that if you need a seven-seat family vehicle that’s comfortable, well-equipped and fun to drive, it doesn’t get any better than the 2012 Mazda CX-9. In fact, the Mazda CX-9 does such a good job of combining performance, interior space and value that it earned our 2012 Best Affordable Three-Row SUV for the Money award.