Acura MDX

Latest model pictured

The **Acura MDX** is a mid-size luxury SUV with three-row seating marketed by Acura for model years 2001-2020 and again since 2022. The alphanumeric moniker stands for "Multi-Dimensional" luxury. Competitors include the INFINITI JX35 and later the INFINITI QX60, and the Lexus RX 350L.

The MDX is the first luxury crossover SUV to have standard third-row seating, and shares its platform with the Honda Pilot. The Pilot was made available with an eight person seating configuration, while the MDX exclusively seats seven, with two seating positions in the third row. The MDX was introduced on October 5, 2000 as a 2001 model, replacing the slow-selling body-on-frame Acura SLX, based on the Isuzu Trooper.

## History

### 2001-2006 (YD1)

Derived from Honda's Global mid-size platform which underpins cars like the Honda Accord, Acura TL, Acura TSX and Honda Odyssey, the MDX is powered by a 3.5 L V6 engine with VTEC. Curb weight is 4,451 lb, with a 106.3 in wheelbase and 8 in of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers, but the third row seats are small and only seat two, in contrast to the Odyssey and Pilot whose third row holds three passengers.

The vehicle features an automatic four wheel drive system, named VTM-4, that engages during off the line acceleration as well as when wheel slippage is detected. Additionally, the system offers a lock mode which can be activated and operated at low speeds and provides permanent 4WD and the equivalent of a locked rear differential; designed for climbing steep hills and getting out of stuck situations. To reduce drivetrain noise and increase fuel efficiency, the system runs as front wheel drive during normal cruising. The VTM-4 AWD system in the MDX has the same design as the VTM-4 systems found in the Honda Pilot and Honda Ridgeline. It is different than Honda's "RealTime AWD" system in the Honda CR-V and other models in that it can lock and it attempts to predict when traction will be lost and apply power to all four wheels before slippage occurs

For 2004, the MDX was lightly updated with new headlights and taillights.

### 2007-2013 (YD2)

On April 11, 2006, Acura unveiled the 2007 Acura MD-X Concept during the New York International Auto Show, showing to the public an indication about the exterior styling of the upcoming completely redesigned MDX. The second-generation MDX was released on October 17, 2006 in the U.S.

The engine was upgraded to a 3.7-liter V6 tuned for 300 hp at 6,000 rpm and 270 lb⋅ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and is estimated by the EPA to consume 16 miles per US gallon in the city and 21 miles per US gallon on the highway. It is one of the most powerful engines Honda has produced to date. The "VTM-4" all-wheel drive system on the previous generation was replaced by the new SH-AWD "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive" previously debuted on the 2005 Acura RL. This AWD system is one of the most advanced in its class, featuring an active rear differential often found on high performance cars. The MDX is able to tow 5,000 lb.

In 2010, the MDX received a light facelift adopting to Acura's new "Power Plenum" grille that debuted on its 2009 model year sedans. The most important upgrades to the 2010 model where a new paddle shift six-speed SportShift automatic transmission with downshift Rev-matching, and an increase in compression ratio to 11.2:1 with forged aluminum pistons to replace the previous 2007–2009 3.7L's 11.0:1 pistons. Structural rigidity was improved for the 2010 model year.

### 2014-2020 (YD3)

The 2014 MDX Prototype was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, the production version was revealed at the New York Auto Show. Production began on May 2, 2013; vehicle assembly shifted from Ontario, Canada to Lincoln, Alabama. US sales began on June 20.

The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter direct injected Earth Dreams V6 with Variable Cylinder Management. A front-wheel drive model is available for the first time.

For 2016, Acura swapped the Honda 6-speed automatic transmission for a ZF 9-speed automatic and changed the SH-AWD system. The revised SH-AWD system uses a hydraulically-controlled clutch and is similar to system found in the Acura TLX.

#### Facelift (YD4)

A refreshed 2017 model year MDX went on sale in June 2016, and features a diamond pentagon front grille which debuted on the Acura Precision Concept, redesigned LED headlamps with automatic high beams, LED DRL light pipes and LED amber light pipe turn signals. Restyled LED fog lamps are optional from the factory. MDX models will come standard with AcuraWatch which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. A 360-degree surround view camera is optional. To reduce body mass the front fenders switched from steel to an aluminum panel.

### 2022-present (YD8/YD9/YE1)

Skipping the 2021 model year, the fourth-generation MDX was revealed as a prototype on October 14, 2020, virtually revealed on December 8, went into bulk production on January 12, 2021 for the 2022 model year, and went on sale on February 2, with the Type-S trim released on December 23. Acura claims the MDX is their flagship model following the discontinuation of the Acura RLX in June 2020.

Powertrains are improved, with the existing 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed transmission available for four trims; base, technology package, A-Spec, and advance package. While the all-wheel-drive (AWD) is optional on the base and technology trims, it is standard on A-Spec and advance trims. The Type-S trim model will get a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and front brakes with four-piston Brembo calipers as standard. All-wheel-drive will also be standard for the Type-S.

## Trivia

* The MDX is Acura's second SUV, after the Acura SLX.

## Gallery

2001-20062007-20132014-20202022-present

Vehicle list

**Current models**

Integra · **MDX** · RDX · TLX

**Former models**

CL · ILX · ILX Hybrid · Legend · MDX Sport Hybrid · NSX · RL · RLX · RLX Sport Hybrid · RSX · SLX · TL · TSX · ZDX