Blogs | Pohanka Acura

Are you in need of a vehicle that boasts third-row seating? If so, the team at Pohanka Acura might just have the solution you’ve long been seeking—the Acura MDX! We don’t doubt that you’ll most impressed with this luxury SUV’s commodious cabin that can fit your entire crew with ease, so visit us today to see for yourself! For now, take a look at this overview of the MDX’s history and what the most recent iteration has to offer.

History of the MDX

Since making its debut in 2000, the Acura MDX has remained a fan favorite for nearly two decades. There’s a good reason why its name stands for “Multi-Dimensional luxury’, as this stunning set of wheels is designed to keep you and your guests satisfied. After the success of the first generation, the MDX got a facelift for the 2007 edition, including improvements that made it better able to absorb the energy from a sudden impact. The current generation was released in 2014 and features a 3.5L V6 engine at its heart. However, the real story about this Acura is its spacious interior!

Three-Row Seating

The MDX is the only vehicle in Acura’s current lineup that offers three rows of seating. Most trims provide a passenger capacity for seven, although select editions that include captain chairs lose one seating position. However, despite being able to transport large groups, the 2019 MDX won’t have you wanting for space, thanks to the 41.4, 36.6, and 28.1 inches of legroom in the first, second, and third rows, respectively. Plus, the second-row seats feature a 60/40 split, while the third row is split 50/50, making it easier than ever to customize your interior to maximize its potential for carrying people and cargo.

Variety of Financing Options

In order to help as many customers as possible drive home in the Acura MDX, we’re proud to offer flexible financing agreements that can be tailored to suit your needs. However, if you end up deciding that purchasing the MDX isn’t quite right for you, then leasing might be a viable alternative! These short-term plans offer lower monthly rates, since you’re just paying off the vehicle’s depreciation and the amount of miles you accumulate over the course of the lease. For more information about these agreements, be sure to reach out to our expert staff!

So, which Acuras have third-row seating? The answer is the MDX, of course! To see this outstanding luxury SUV in action, pay a visit to Pohanka Acura for a test drive in the near future.

When it comes to maintaining your Acura, there can be a lot to keep in mind. Luckily, Pohanka Acura has a full century of experience in car service and maintenance, so you’ve come to the right place for advice and assistance! Let’s focus on an engine part that you might not have heard much about, but is definitely a critical one — the timing belt. Read on to learn more about it and how you can ensure yours stays up to snuff!

Think of the timing belt as the conductor of your engine’s operation. It coordinates the air intake valves, ensuring they open and close at the right time so that combustion can occur and propel your vehicle where you want it to go. Needless to say, if the timing is off, the engine is in trouble. It will quickly shut down, but not before the pistons come into harsh contact with other engine parts, leaving expensive internal damage and a tow truck in your future!

The good news is that timing belts generally last for quite a while, and the typical driver might not ever need to have one replaced or repaired. However, eventually it will make sense to have yours checked out once you’ve traveled far enough that it could be at risk. At Acura, we generally recommend the 90,000-mile mark as a good time to set up a timing belt inspection. You may want to consider a check-up sooner if your car idles more frequently than average, or if your travels require you to drive at low speeds for extended distances — in these cases, your timing belt may experience extra stress or strain.

When you do decide that it’s time, the Service Center at Pohanka Acura is standing by to assist you! We don’t require an appointment, and we’re open until midnight every weeknight. If you do want to lock in a particular time, give the ‘Service’ tab of our website a click and you’ll be able to schedule one with ease. There, you’ll also find our current coupons and service specials, so be sure to see if your service qualifies for any discounts! And when you do come in, you can count on Pohanka’s legendary hospitality — enjoy our comfortable waiting area while an ASE-certified technician completes any repairs you may need, usually in two hours or less. And, as always, we’ll give your car a courtesy wash for good measure.

When do Acura timing belts need to be changed? Now you know! If your car is in the 90,000-mile range, don’t wait and wonder if all is well under your hood — let Pohanka Acura take a quick and easy look for you. We look forward to welcoming you to our dealership!

No matter which model of Acura you drive, you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle designed for powerful, efficient performance. And if you’re reading this, you probably want to get the very most out of all it has to offer! That’s why Pohanka Acura is passionate about sharing the most helpful maintenance information possible. Specifically, we’d like to discuss the difference between regular and premium gasoline, and why the latter is essential for maximizing your Acura’s performance.

It’s understandable if you haven’t paid much attention to the different fuel ratings offered at the pump — the cheapest option seems to work fine, so why spend the extra few cents per gallon? However, there are real differences between them. A gasoline’s octane rating refers to its stability during the combustion process, which is when it mixes with air in your engine to ignite and propel you toward your destination. A lower octane rating, like the 87 of regular gas, means that the fuel is more likely to ignite prematurely, whereas premium gasoline has a higher rating of 91 and is more resistant to premature ignition.

So, what does that mean for your car? Acuras are designed for high performance, boasting engines that are often outfitted with turbochargers and feature higher-than-average compression ratios. In short, this makes the timing of the fuel ignition even more critical — with a lower-octane gas like regular 87, premature ignition can cause “engine knocking,” a mechanical malfunction that will damage your engine and degrade its performance over time. If you fill your Acura with premium fuel and its higher compression rating, you’ll minimize the risk of problematic ignition and keep your engine humming along smoothly.

However, if you’ve been using regular 87 fuel for a while now and are concerned, don’t fret! At Pohanka Acura, our highly-trained team of ASE-certified technicians can take an in-depth look at your engine and perform any maintenance you might need. But to avoid that or more expensive services in the future, we strongly recommend that you follow Acura’s advice and fill your high-performance vehicle with equally high-performance premium fuel.

Do Acuras need premium fuel? Now you know! And should you have any more questions about this or any other aspect of your Acura, never hesitate to contact us via our website or a quick call to Pohanka Acura’s Service Department at 571-350-9279. As always, we don’t require an appointment and are open until midnight on weeknights, so stop by whenever is convenient for you and keep that Acura in tip-top shape!

Acura has developed and implemented some of the most advanced high-tech and infotainment systems available on today’s automobiles. The AcuraWatch system is highly regarded, and the standard safety features on most Acura models compare more than favorably with the systems found on cars and SUVs from competing automakers.

Now, Acura introduces the True Touchpad Interface, available on the 2019 RDX model. This system was designed to reduce driver distraction and make the job of finding information a snap. One of the biggest complaints from vehicle owners is the clumsiness of navigating screen menus and finding satisfying settings. All that has changed with the Acura True Touchpad Interface.

 

Touchpad Design

The interface comes with a touchpad that features a concave border, making it easy for drivers to focus on the center of the pad control. The item icons are highly visible, and they become highlighted when touched by a fingertip. However, the icon doesn’t respond unless pressure is applied. This greatly reduces the chance of hitting the wrong icon, something that causes driver distraction. The pad has a palm rest, making it easy to control the hand when driving.

 

Two-Zone Design

The touchpad has primary and secondary menu and icon zones. These exactly correspond to the two screen windows on the huge, 10.5-inch display screen located above. This allows the driver to focus on things like incoming messages and navigation without disrupting the rest of the display. Screen swapping is a breeze, and the driver can easily enlarge one screen. Music and other media can be displayed on one screen while vehicle navigation can be displayed on the other. Voice recognition and even handwriting recognition are included.

 

Screen Shortcuts

There are three buttons located at the top of the touchpad. These allow the driver to return to a previous display. The screen can be jumped back to the previous display, returned to the home menu, and show a list of the screen cards. This is similar to what is found on most mid-range and high-end smartphone devices. This reduces glance time, something that drivers will really appreciate.

 

Advance Package Option

Buyers of the new RDX model will want to consider this affordable add-on. The package includes a head-up display that boasts crisp resolution and bright colors. The huge screen is full of icons that allow the driver to customize the overall display and keep a wealth of information in memory. The screen also has icons for retrieving info about the vehicle’s performance. This beautifully designed head-up display is perfectly positioned so that a slight rightward glance is all the drive needs to do in order to view the monitor.

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The new 2019 Acura RDX is on display at Pohanka Acura, and the buzz is all about the vehicle’s long list of standard and optional features. A highlight is the newly designed Acura True Touchpad Interface, a quantum leap forward in the category of driver convenience. See this remarkable system today by scheduling an inspection and test drive of this luxury model at Pohanka Acura.

A luxury three-row crossover, the Acura MDX not only boasts the finest interior amenities and high-tech advancements but also proudly offers a comfortable, composed ride. This is a good choice for driving in snow because of the available all-wheel drive system known as SH-AWD. The model has superior handling, and its suspension system is tops in its class.

The MDX is currently offered in four package trims. Each comes with a specific set of standard features, but all can be purchased with the optional all-wheel drive system. Below, the powertrain, traction and stability, and safety system specs are detailed a bit further.

 

Powertrain

Buyers have the choice of two different powertrains when considering the purchase of a new MDX. The standard engine is a 3.5L V6 rated at 290 horsepower and 267 ft-lb of torque. Transmission is nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, but the SH-AWD system is an option. The optional gas/electric hybrid model comes with a 3.0L V6 paired to a trio of electric motors. The combined output is 321 horsepower, and this engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is definitely worth considering. This system really improves the overall handling of the vehicle, with power adjustments made to all four wheels for maximum control over snow, ice, or rain-slickened roadways. This is a torque-vectoring system that greatly reduces understeer.

 

Traction And Stability

The Acura MDX features traction and stability control, constantly monitored by a series of sensors. Although hill descent control isn’t included with the MDX, drivers will find that keeping the vehicle straight during acceleration and deceleration is easy. The rather wide wheelbase is another plus. This isn’t a sporty machine by any means, but the nicely centered weight of the vehicle certainly helps when cornering, especially when traveling over snow or ice.

 

Safety Systems

All four of the Acura MDX model packages come with the AcuraWatch safety suite that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and road departure warning. The uplevel trim packages add on blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive suspension dampers along with wider wheels and tires are standard on the Advance trim package.

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The new 2019 Acura MDX is on display at Pohanka Acura, and you’ll want to inspect each trim package closely to see which one suits your individual taste and needs. This luxury crossover is a great choice for driving in bad weather, so if snow is in the forecast, this model should be on your short list.

Winter is a time of year that many motorists dread. Hazardous conditions and chilly commutes often cause drivers everywhere to avoid hitting the road as often as possible during the coldest months of the year. However, since most of us can’t avoid driving entirely during winter, it’s important to get your vehicle ready so you can tackle slick and snowy roadways with ease. While you still have some time to prepare, swing by the Service Department at Pohanka Acura for comprehensive winter-driving maintenance!

Why Should I Winterize My Acura?

Due to the unique driving conditions created by winter weather, it’s paramount that your vehicle is ready to keep you safe. First, ice and snow can drastically reduce that amount of traction that your tires can provide, putting you at greater risk of losing control and ending up in a dangerous situation. Furthermore, the colder temperatures take a toll on your Acura’s mechanics. As a result, your engine will need more time to warm up before it’s ready to move. Finally, you’ll want to be prepare for the worst, meaning you’ll need to keep a few necessary items on-hand at all times.

Winter-Specific Maintenance

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, take a deep breath. We’re here to help! When you stop by to winterize your Acura, our skilled technicians will take a look at your fluid levels and replace or refill anything that requires attention, including your coolant, oil, and wiper fluid. This will ensure that your engine doesn’t lock up and you can always see the road ahead! In addition, we’ll closely inspect your tires to determine if a new set is required for optimal traction. If you don’t have AWD, we might also recommend getting a set of snow tires for the season, as these are specially designed to perform in cold, slick conditions.

Additional Preparation

Even if your Acura is ready for the worst, you could still end up stranded on the side of the road. Therefore, you’ll want to keep some basic cold-weather supplies inside your vehicle whenever you leave home. This should include a first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets or warm clothes, gloves, ice scraper, small shovel, clean drinking water, and sand to assist with traction, just to name a few. During your visit, our experts would also be happy to fill you in on some winter driving tips to help you stay safe and lessen your chances of a collision.

Have you been wondering lately, “Do I need to winterize my Acura?” The answer is a resounding “yes!” Thankfully, Pohanka Acura is here to assist, so visit us today for comprehensive care!

Before purchasing any used vehicle, there’s no question that you’ll want to be certain that you’re acquiring a dependable ride that’s prepared to remain your faithful companion for many years to come. Therefore, if you’ve been considering a used Acura, you’ll be thrilled to hear that these models make excellent pre-owned options! Boasting a top-tier certified program and a well-respected reputation, Acura is a great brand to consider for your next set of wheels. To help fill you in, Pohanka Acura is here to tell you more about our used Acura vehicles!

Certified Pre-Owned Program

For the utmost in peace of mind, go for a certified used Acura. Much more than just high-quality cars, these models have to prove that they deserve this distinguished badge. To be considered for this lineup, a given vehicle must be under six years old with fewer than 80,000 accumulated miles. Then, it’s put through a rigorous 182-point inspection by our factory-trained specialists to ensure that everything is still in exceptional condition. The select few who make it through this thorough process earn the honor of being certified!

Longevity and Durability

Not quite sure if you’d like to spring for a certified Acura? No problem! Even the used options that don’t quite make the grade are still highly-reliable models to keep in mind. This is due to the fact that Acura manages to offer generous levels of luxury at competitive prices, which translates into affordable yet well-appointed pre-owned vehicles. In general, Acuras require less maintenance than other models in their segment, resulting in a lower cost of ownership. Plus, it certainly doesn’t hurt that when you buy a used Acura, you still get to enjoy the prestige and status that comes from owning such a stunning set of wheels!

Our Used Lineup

At Pohanka Acura, we’re constantly accepting used vehicles to consider for our expansive inventory of these gorgeous rides. Each and every one is carefully examined to ensure that only dependable models make it onto our sales lot for customers like you to consider for purchase. A friendly member of our staff would be more than happy to show you around, join you for any number of test drives, and explain a given option’s features and specs in greater detail. No matter what, we’re here to serve your needs!

So, do Acuras make good used cars? We certainly think so! Of course, the only way to know for sure is to swing by Pohanka Acura and get behind the wheel of one today. You can find us at 13911 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy in Chantilly, VA!

Sometimes, getting behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle can feel like a nearly insurmountable challenge, especially when you have your heart set on the latest edition of your favorite Acura model. Rather than pining indefinitely, access the ride of your dreams by opting for a lease! Here at Pohanka Acura, we have a variety of competitive lease deals, which we’ll be discussing in just a little bit. Of course, you can always ring us up at 703-592-4453 for immediate assistance, too!

What Are My Leasing Options?

If you’re worried that choosing to lease will limit your options, we’re here to tell you otherwise. In fact, by leasing, you could open up a world of possibilities that you’ve never been able to access in the past! Rather than settling for a used vehicle, you could take home a brand-new TLX, ILX, RLX, MDX, RDX, or NSX! These stunning and upscale vehicles have a staggering amount of amenities and accommodations, putting you in the lap of luxury. But how exactly does leasing make this possible? We’re here to bring you up to speed!

Leasing vs. Financing

Those who have financed a vehicle purchase in the past understand that this process involves splitting of the total cost into monthly payments over a period of a few years. Once the loan has been fulfilled, you own the car or SUV until you decide to sell it or trade it in. Leasing, however, is a bit different. Most apparently, after the lease ends, you don’t own the vehicle you’ve been paying for. While this may cause some concern, understand that you’ll benefit in other ways. For example, you’re not responsible for covering the entire sticker price, which helps you save your hard-earned money. Plus, you don’t have to worry about growing tired of your ride and being stuck with it for many years.

Leasing Basics

Now that you understand how leasing is different from financing, let’s review how the terms are created. A member of our staff will sit down with you to discuss your current driving demands to help decide on a reasonable yearly mileage allotment. Then, you’ll choose how many years you’d like to lease. Finally, we’ll take the overall depreciation of the vehicle in question over the course of the lease and use this amount to calculate your monthly rate. It’s that easy! Before long, you’ll have the keys in your hand.

If you’re on the hunt for some great Acura lease deals, you’ll find them at Pohanka Acura. Feel free to get in touch with our staff to schedule an appointment, so you can get one step closer to leasing the Acura you’ve always wanted.

If you’ve always wanted to own a top-notch Acura, today is your lucky day! At Pohanka Acura, you can choose from our selection of high-quality, gently-used certified options and finally take home the sedan or SUV of your dreams. Plus, thanks to the stringent standards of Acura’s certified program, you won’t have to worry if you’re getting a reliable set of wheels. We’ll take a closer look at how Acura vehicles become certified, so you can feel reassured. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!

How Does a Vehicle Become Certified?

Most drivers understand that certified cars are used vehicles in exceptional condition, but there’s actually a lot more to this than you might think. First, only Acura models that are under six years old with fewer than 80,000 miles on their odometers may be considered for the certified lineup. Next, factory-trained technicians perform a rigorous 182-point inspection to ensure that everything, from the engine to upholstery, is in top condition. If a vehicle passes these tests, it joins the exclusive ranks of the certified Acura lineup!

What Do I Get With a Certified Acura?

When you purchase a certified Acura, you get much more than just a quality set of wheels. Each model also includes a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty¹ that covers any defective components under normal use with no cost to you. That means you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket should anything come up! Furthermore, you’ll be able to travel with greater confidence, as certified Acuras also come with Roadside Assistance¹, which can come to your aid when you need a jump, have a flat, or require a tow to the nearest qualified service facility.

Variety of Options

We’ll wrap things up by discussing some of the vehicles you could possibly acquire through the Acura certified program. Sedans like the ILX and TLX have been fan-favorites fan many years and come with a generous assortment of interior technology and comfort, plus a healthy amount of vigor beneath the hood. Should you require a bit more power and capacity, consider a small SUV like the RDX or a larger option like the MDX. Either way, you’re sure to love driving at the helm of such a commanding piece of machinery. Visit us today to test drive a few options!

Does Acura sell certified used cars? The answer is a resounding yes! Thanks to this program’s high standards, only the cream of the crop get to be called a certified Acura. Check out our selection today by stopping into Pohanka Acura.

Disclaimers:

1. See dealer for complete details.

The 2019 Acura MDX is a full size SUV crossover, but the RDX is slotted in the mid-sized category. You’ll find that some vehicles look larger on the exterior than they do from inside the cabin. There are also variables that affect how big a vehicle really is in terms of ride height and ground clearance.

Exterior

These are both crossover SUVs with similar body style, but one is noticeably larger than the other. The Acura MDX is wider, longer and heavier. The MDX is 196.2 inches in length and 77.7 inches wide (mirrors folded in). It has a base curb weight of 4,032 lbs. The 201 Acura RDX is 186.8 inches long and 74.8 inches wide (mirrors folded in). The width is similar to the MDX, but it’s a much lighter vehicle. The 2019 Acura RDX weighs in at 3,783 lbs.

Interior

The Acura MDX is the obvious choice for a larger vehicle exterior, but you might be surprised about the roominess of these Acura interiors. The 2019 Acura MDX has a maximum cargo volume of 90.9 cubic feet and 132.7 cubic feet of passenger volume. The smaller Acura RDX has 58.9 cubic feet of cargo volume and 104 cubic feet for passengers. The MDX is meant to seat seven passengers whereas the Acura RDX comfortably fits five. Surprisingly, the Acura RDX has 39.6 inches of front headroom and the MDX has 38.1. The RDX also has slightly more front legroom.

Variables

There are other variables that affect how big a vehicle might appear. For example, the 2019 Acura MDX has a minimum ground clearance of 5.6 inches and the RDX has a minimum ground clearance of 5.7 inches, making the two seem virtually identical in that aspect. Also, the height of the full-sized MDX is 67.4 inches whereas the ride height of the RDX is 65.7 inches. These variables can make the mid-sized RDX seem equal in size to the full-sized MDX.

Take a Closer Look

Both of these Acura crossover SUVs are highly-rated for their safety, style and performance. The 2019 Acura MDX is larger because it sits seven passengers, but the RDX has impressive interior space. You really need to get a closer look to see which Acura crossover is right for you. So, contact Pohanka Acura to book a test drive in the MDX and RDX today.