<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by meinstei:<BR><B>Anyone know how the 7-Passenger XC90 compares in size to an Acura MDX. I am interested in cargo room (both behind the 3rd row - which is usually pretty limited) as well as with the 3rd and 2nd seat rows folded down. I am looking carefully into a 7-passenger SUV purchase and the MDX and XC90 seem like pure competitors in this field. <BR>Thanks.<P>Michael</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Michael,<P>the MDX seems like the natural competitor to the XC90 but that is mainly from interior size and the capability to offer the 7-passenger configuration.<P>With all seats up, the MDX offers 14.8 cu.ft. of space whereas the XC90 is at 11.1<P>With the 3rd row folded, the MDX offers 49.6 cu.ft. of dpace whereas the XC90 is at 43.3<P>With the 2nd and 3rd rows folded, the MDX offers 82 cu.ft. of space whereas the XC90 is at <B>85.1</B><P><B><I>But the XC90 has many and TREMENDOUS safety and utility advantages over the MDX. Ready? Here we go:</I></B><P> 1. With 17" or 18" alloys, the XC90 has <B>maximum ground clearance</B> of 8.9" whereas the MDX is at 8.0<P> 2. The MDX has <B>fake wood</B> whereas the XC90 has genuine walnut<P> 3. It is extremely hard to <B>access the 3rd row</B> in the MDX (try it; only from the passenger side) whereas you can access the XC90's 3rd row from either side and very easily<P> 4. If the MDX is equipped with the Navigation system, all <B>controls (heating, A/C, radio, etc.)</B> are integrated within the touch screen, something that can be very hard while you are driving. That IS a moronic idea...Very "safe"<P> 5. The MDX offers neither a <B>Roll Stability Control nor a Dynamic Stability Traction Control</B>. Both are standard features in the XC90<P> 6. There is no <B>head protection</B> offered in the MDX. The XC90 provides head protection all the way back to the 3rd row<P> 7. No <B>whiplash protection</B> is available in the MDX. As you know, the XC90 has that feature integrated<P> 8. The MDX's <B>2nd row fold</B> in a 60/40 split configuration. That of the XC90, fold in a 40/20/40 fashion which provides more versatility<P> 9. The MDX does not offer an <B>integrated child booster seat</B>. The XC90 not only ofers one but it also slides forward toward the front row seating for better accessibility!<P>10. The MDX offers <B>pretensioners</B> in only the front seats. The XC90 has pretensioners for all SEVEN seat belts!<P>11. The MDX's <B>tailgate</B> is one piece; pretty big piece that could hit the garage door and/or could be heavy in bringing down. The XC90's tailgate is split 70/30 whic makes it not only more versatile but safer to open/close.<P>12. The MDX's <B>platform</B> is based on that of a minivan (Odyssey). The XC90 is off the P2 platform which is longer and also contributes to a better ride. Plus, IMO, the MDX dos look like a minivan, especially from the rear and the rear quarter...<P>Do you want me to keep going? Ask your salesperson; (s)he should know! <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/wink.gif"><P>Yannis<P>