The 2007 Acura MDX is not a subtle vehicle, even for an SUV. To start with, its base MSRP of $39,995 includes a 300 horsepower, 3.7 liter, 24-valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine, and a 5-speed automatic transmission that still allows some manual gear selection. Add to that all-wheel drive, an skid-reducing braking system, and a vehicle stability system with slide control, it's already an impressive package. But there's more.

Safety features inside the MDX include front and front-side airbags, side-curtain airbags with flip-over sensors, race car seat belts in all three rows (adjustable in the front row) and the LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) child seat system in the second row, as well as child d-rings in the third row. There are also side impact door beams, daytime running lights, and side mirrors with embedded signals, as well as hands-free linking for cell phone connectivity, making it easier to safely teleconference while driving.

The interior of the MDX as comfortable as the exterior is sturdy, with seating for seven passengers, leather trimmed sport seats, and heated 8-way power seats in the front row (with adjustable lumbar support for the driver). The second row seats not only fold down in a 60/40 split, but they also recline, and the third row seats fold down as well (50/50 split). Additionally, there is an 8-speaker sound system with AM/FM/and XM radio, a 6-disc CD changer, and an mp3 input jack. Other interior features include a trip computer, three-person air cooler control, and remote entry with that remembers driver position, as well as throttle control, power windows and door locks, steering wheel mounted controls for the comfort features, and no fewer than three power outlets and ten cup holders.

With all these features, the 2007 Acura MDX has the power to match the word "utility" in "sport utility vehicle" as well as the comfort required for long road trips, or every day street use.