Model Year | 2014 | 2009 | |
Model | Acura MDX | Saturn ASTRA | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 102.9 in | 8.1 in |
Length | 193.6 in | 170.5 in | 23.1 in |
Width | 77.2 in | 69.0 in | 8.2 in |
Height | 66.7 in | 57.4 in | 9.3 in |
Curb Weight | 4025 lb. | 2921 lb. | 1104 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.5 gal. | 12.2 gal. | 7.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.1 in | 38.9 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 61.1 in | 53.9 in | 7.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 51.8 in | 5.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 42.0 in | -0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.1 in | 52.8 in | 6.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 57.8 in | 51.4 in | 6.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.6 in | 35.3 in | 1.3 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 35.6 in | 0.0 in | 35.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 54.7 in | 0.0 in | 54.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 40.6 in | 0.0 in | 40.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 28.1 in | 0.0 in | 28.1 in |
Total Legroom | 106.1 in (over 3 rows) | 77.3 in (over 2 rows) | 28.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.8 ft3 | 12.5 ft3 | 2.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 38.4 ft3 | 12.5 | 25.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 68.4 ft3 | 44.8 ft3 | 23.6 ft3 |
2014 Acura MDX Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
That's it for the significant advantages of the new Acura MDX. Most things it does well, but not significantly better than the generally good segment averages. It's quick, but not thrillingly so. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and cushier than those in the Infiniti, but provide less lateral support than those in the smaller Acura RDX and are no match in comfort or support for those in a BMW X5, a Lexus RX, or the big buck Mercedes reviewed a few weeks ago. Ride quality, like the seats, is good but short of luxurious. With additional sound deadening and laminated front door glass, the 2014 MDX is quieter than the 2013, but this only brings it in line with the others. By the same token, there aren't many clear reasons to reject the 2014 MDX. The most obvious follows from its relatively compact size: though (as already mentioned) cargo volume is more than competitive, there's less room in the rearmost row than in the QX60. By sliding the second row up a couple of inches (it has a half-foot of travel), adults of middling size will fit back there. But with their butt low and knees high they won't be comfortable. The QX60 offers far more combined legroom based on the spec sheets, and a couple more inches in the real world. (The Acura's specs seem to under-represent reality for passengers even as they might over-represent it for cargo.) But the Infiniti's seats are flatter and less comfortable. The new Hyundai Santa Fe offers more legroom than the Infiniti, while Ford's large crossovers could be best of all for transporting up to seven adults--if still not as good as the typical minivan. see full Acura MDX review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2014 Acura MDX.
2009 Saturn ASTRA Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Tilt/telescopic steering and with 8 way adjustable drivers seat. I was able to find my near perfect driving position. Every automaker should make a drivers seat manual lumbar standard, then it would be perfect. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room in the back for 2 full size adults or 3 children/teens. With the hatch, there is lots of room for bulky stuff. Like a Mini-SUV in cargo hauling. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The European styled seats are great! Very supportive, but not too firm, and the seat back adjustment is exceptionally simple. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Leather seats with lumbar is very comfortable. Lots of leg room, even for tall people. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I run 6', 300# and this is one of the few smaller cars I can drive in reasonable comfort while taking the back roads. Nice lateral support and my back doesn't give me fits when I get out. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I have the cloth seats, which I had read didn't offer good back or thigh support. I find this to be very untrue even without adjustable lumbar support. I did switch out my stock steering wheel with a leather VXR wheel from Britain, which REALLY gave this car a premium feel. The stock seats support my back very well (6'2") and also find there to be just enough leg room with my seat almost all the way back, thigh support is a bit lacking, but for such a tiny car they really did a good job making it feel like a much bigger car. I also highly recommend buying and installing the Boomerang armrest and cup holder to maximize your Astra comfort. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
at 6ft 1 in , has plenty of leg and head room. Comfortable to get in and out of see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seat fits just right. Plenty of adjustment range between seat and steering wheel. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Harder than most american seats. Very comfortable for long hauls. No need for armrest! see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2009 Saturn ASTRA Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Narrow seats and tough entry/exit due to low roofline. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
See above. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
My only concern about front seat room isn't about the seats at all, but that the peddles in the 5 speed are very small and very very close together, which for me with size 13 feet can create a problem. I have caught my feet together and accidently stomped on the break when trying to push in the clutch, which upsets everyone driving behind me, but provides a good laugh for me. see full Saturn ASTRA review |