The clear and comprehensive set of easy to read analog back-lit gauges is as good as anything the competition offers mind you. Cruise control buttons are located on the steering wheel and all other buttons, knobs and switches are properly placed and intuitive to use. Acura's restrained use of tasteful faux wood trim conveys a sense of class and luxury to the occupants. It looks and feels fairly real too, and depending on your worldly viewpoint will be seen as either a positive boon for the environment or a cheap lack of "dashboard" authenticity. Incidentally, the similarly priced Lexus RX 330 features real wood inserts.

Acura's restrained use of tasteful faux wood trim conveys a sense of class and luxury. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

The "content-rich" MDX is a typical example of Acura's fully-loaded, few options approach to manufacturing vehicles. I have always welcomed this approach, as it generally improves the customers' bang-for-the-buck. Standard features for 2004 not already mentioned include, illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirrors, memorized adjustment on door mirror position with five driver's seat positions, remote control locks and trunk/hatch release, front and rear 12v power outlets, delayed/fade courtesy lights, front and rear reading lights, cargo area light, cruise

With an MSRP of $50,300, the Acura MDX should be on any luxury SUV shopper's list to check out. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

control, garage door opener, illuminated entry system, auto headlight control with time delay switch-off, sunroof, leather seats, heated power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, heated power adjustable passenger seat, rear seat air conditioning and ventilation controls, power windows, privacy glass, and rain sensing wipers that incidentally don't work properly at all. The feature-laden MDX arrives with a MSRP of $50,300, plus a $950 destination charge. The only upgrade is the Technology package, and for an extra $5,300 adds the previously mentioned voice recognition navigation system, DVD system and rearview camera for a total price of $55,600.