The Acura MDX shares its platform with the Honda Pilot, however that reality is de facto solely apparent whenever you take a look at their rear seat flooring plans. Each supply the distinctive, detachable second-row center seat, which signifies that consumers do not must determine whether or not they need max capability and a second-row bench, or the pass-through comfort of second-row captain’s chairs. Each additionally boast a two-level cargo flooring behind the third row, which is all the time a profit right here in Baggage Take a look at land. However! The MDX doesn’t have practically as a lot room again there, no matter whether or not you reap the benefits of the two-level flooring’s decrease degree (why would not you?).
The MDX has two cargo quantity specs for behind the third row: 16.three and 18.1 cubic-feet. I believe it is protected to imagine the expanded quantity is with the ground in its decrease place. The Pilot has 18.6 with the ground in place, and both 22.four or 21.eight with the decrease place. The latter’s is the Pilot TrailSport’s, which is what I carried out the baggage take a look at on. In the meantime, within the three-row luxurious SUV realm, the present king of the fort is the Lexus TX. Telling you proper now, the MDX ain’t cracking that nut, however what about every part else I’ve examined? Let’s have a look at.
Right here is the area in query. Notice that the ground doesn’t must be eliminated; it really slides down, tucked slightly below that plastic trim, and rests upon the decrease flooring. Now, this clearly does elevate the underside flooring by an inch versus eradicating the ground board fully, a lot like cargo covers in two-row autos, I made a decision to check with and with out the ground inside.
As with each Baggage Take a look at, I exploit two midsize curler suitcases that might must be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 broad, 11 deep), two black roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller inexperienced roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embrace my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
Nicely, I can safely say that the MDX’s cargo space is narrower than the Pilot’s (above proper). I couldn’t match the identical luggage* head-to-head within the MDX as I may within the Pilot (* inexperienced bag is the blue bag’s equally sized substitute). The underfloor space appears to be the identical size, however it’s significantly narrower.
As such, it is apparent the MDX will not have the ability to maintain as many luggage, or at the least the identical luggage, because the Pilot may.
First, with the ground saved in its decrease place contained in the MDX.
Two choices. Above left are my three largest luggage plus the flamboyant bag. Above proper is likely one of the massive luggage upright plus two mediums and the flamboyant bag.
That is what the Pilot may handle: all luggage however the fancy bag. You may see that the Pilot additionally has a top and boxiness benefit larger up in its cargo space.
OK, now let’s have a look at if the inch-or-so gained by eradicating the ground makes a distinction.
It does! Principally, I may match the inexperienced roll-aboard as an alternative of fancy bag. That is a notable distinction.
OK, so the place does this place the MDX in its section?
Nicely, the TX can swallow all the baggage, in order that’s off the desk. The Volvo XC90 solely managed the 4 smallest luggage, the Cadillac XT6 may solely squeeze blue/inexperienced and a black roll-aboard, and the Mazda CX-90, which I believe is a good comparability, matched the Volvo. There’s additionally the Lexus GX, which exceeded expectations, however nonetheless is fairly awful.
Principally, the MDX is now a strong No. 2 for the section. Not unhealthy.