Luxurious and practical interior
If one thing pleased every occupant, it's the MDX's cockpit. I received only positive comments regarding seat comfort as well as the general atmosphere. The only negative thing people had to say was about the grey woodgrain trim, which is too glossy; nobody will be convinced that this is made from the real thing.

A unanimously acclaimed opulent interior.

The second-row seat gets its own ventilation controls and is heated. However, the latter doesn't shut off automatically, as my son turned on the bun warmer on his side; when I noticed, he told me that it's been on for two days...

As for the third-row seat, which is usually limited to small children, the one in the MDX is actually roomy enough for adults of my size. Unless you're going down to Miami Beach, full-size occupants shouldn't complain back there.

Loads of gadgets
At first glance, the center stack is scary, with its numerous buttons crunched together. However, we get used to them after a few days.

The navigation system is similar to the ones found in other Honda and Acura models, is simple to use and its display is clear and straightforward. However, I had a lot of trouble finding stores in its database; according to the system, there is only one Canadian Tire in the country, and it's located in Nova Scotia. The navigation system did guide me to the IGA supermarket in the next town, however.

I applaud Acura for its rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The receiver is located on the dashboard, so no worrying that bratty kids (like mine) will eject the movie disc and play Frisbee with it. In addition, and unlike other such systems I've tested, the wireless headphones activate themselves automatically, and are zone-sensitive: sitting straight in the five back seats, you'll hear the sound of the movie in the headphones; move around or lean your head too much, and the sound cuts off, since you're between two zones.

So, the kids stay quiet and behave while listening to Shrek in the back seat, without fighting, while me and my girlfriend listen to '80s music in front with the XM satellite radio. The sound system also reads DVD-Audio, and the sound is superb.

The Elite version, with its rear DVD system, makes family travels a lot quieter.