Acura MDX: How to Off-Road

This article applies to the Acura MDX.

When most folks think of off-roading an SUV, the image most commonly comes to mind would be a Jeep or a Hummer. Probably last on the list would be the Acura MDX. What recourse do we have then, being the proud owner of an MDX when we want to take our baby off the beaten path? Common sense and a modicum of knowledge suggests this isn't the ride for rock hopping. Having said that, some roads, with fairly steep grades, loose gravel, some decent moguls, the stuff that would keep your car at bay, is happily welcomed in the MDX. To many owners' surprise, the MDX is very capable of heading off the paved road and onto some pretty intimidating terrain. If you want to take your MDX off-road, don't be shy, just know your limitations and be smart about it. Read on to learn the do's and don'ts for off-roading an MDX.

Step 1 – Set realistic goals

The first thing that you need to consider is the fact that this is a luxury SUV, not an off-roading, rock jumping king. It was really made for highway travel with some off-road capabilities. The first gen MDX had a 4WD lockout, similar to a rear wheel differential and the second gen has SH-AWD, which automatically does it for you. The ground clearance is a little low with not much room for the suspension to travel. Having said all that, this SUV is more than capable of handling dirt, loose gravel, some steep inclines and the pothole-peppered dirt road or rough and bumpy surfaces. Stay away from those frame-bending deep holes or large boulders and you should do just fine.

Step 2 – Take it slow

Now that we have established the limitations and capabilities of the MDX off the paved path, it's time to put her to the test. The most important thing to consider at this point is your speed. Don't expect to do any big jumps or doughnuts in the loose stuff or fly off of ridges. If you can reconcile that you may not be the first one to make it to the base camp, but you will get there, then you will have won half the battle. Slow and steady is the pace needed for the off-road moguls, bumps and steep gradients. Of course, on the flat straight-aways you could pick up the pace a bit, especially if you aren't too concerned about your beautiful paint job. This isn't a ruggedized finish that will stand up to flying rocks and kicked up debris. You may very well be surprised and giddy that you're out there—no matter the speed—off-roadin' it in your MDX.

Step 3 – Limit your modifications

Although you may be tempted to modify your MDX to handle bigger, badder boulders, don't go there. Although lowering the MDX is actually desirable for some, most folks shy away from lifting theirs. Unless you are a big fan of the Agents of Shield, your MDX isn't really made for a lift. Even the most simple of lifting mods will end up causing a lot of extra modifications to other components to handle the newly lifted angles. If you are a big fan of the mpg that the MDX offers, say goodbye to it once you lift it and put on great big tires. This still won't get you where you want, so save that money for a true off-roading vehicle like a Jeep or a dune buggy. The stock wheels will do just fine; however, if you insist on changing something, you can go a bit larger with some off-road designed tires and rims. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you can go off-road in your MDX if you take it slow and have some common sense about its limitations.

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