
ACURA MDX
Generations Timeline, Specs and Pictures

Acura unveiled the 2019 MDX model in late 2018 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and introduced a new A-Spec version for those who expected more from the Premium Japanese SUV.
By 2018, the third generation of the MDX was already four years old, and it needed an upgrade. So the Japanese carmaker paid attention to its customers who asked for something new and introduced an A-Spec model, in line with the TSX A-Spec.
The car’s exterior received an upgrade for the headlights, which looked sharper with their five LED lamps on each headlight. Their L-shaped turn-signals and the 3D mesh-grille design were far from the knight-visor from its predecessor, and that was a good thing. On the lower side of the bumper, the carmaker added a broad black grille that covered the apron and included the fake side-scoops that hosted the fog lights.
Inside, the carmaker used the same combo of analog dials and TFT displays for the instrument cluster, similar to the one used in the TSX sedan. On the upper side, a small screen showed the status of the SH-AWD system. The A-Spec version featured black or red leather upholstery adorned by black Alcantara inserts on the sport seats.
Under the hood, Acura relied on the same 3.5-liter V6 that proved to be worthy in many Acura and Honda models. It was paired as standard to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, which sent the power in all corners.

Reaching the 4th generation, the MDX became the Acura’s flagship model.
The most stylish and performance-oriented SUV in their history, the MDX was built on a completely new platform.
The exterior design suffered lots of changes over the years and seems that Acura learned exactly what to do to turn heads.
With a bold and aggressive look, the MDX a low wide stance and the radical design transformation included a longer hood and a sleek cabin.
New LED highlits, daytime running lights and LED stoplights were part of the new package, as well as tiny foglamps.
The diamond-shaped grille emphasized the sporty-luxurious nature of the MDX.
For the new MDX, Acura improved the steering with the introduction of the EPS (Electric Power Steering) for increased steering assist. The system offered a precise, smooth and almost instantaneous steering response.
Extremely versatile, the MDX offered seating for 7 under different captain chair/bench configuration.
The third row was improved with additional headroom and legroom, while with the new sunroof, the 3rd row offered a light and spacious feeling.
The traditional cluster gauges were replaced by a 12.3-inch driver’s meter. The new MDX featured the Acura Precision Cockpit, meaning that the MDX went all-digital removing the traditional gauges.
A new engine was introduced with the MDX, a 3.5-liter V6 powerplant that developed 290 hp. The unit was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with a smooth gearbox that offered a wider gear ratio change.

Acura’s SUV flagship has received a new, restyled, look for the 2016 model year.
It added luxury features and available Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive, advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including automatic emergency braking, as standard features.
The MDX stands for Multi-Dimensional luXury vehicle and it was on the market since 2000, when it replaced the older, body-on-frame SLX model. The SLX was based on the Isuzu Trooper off-road vehicle and it was not true in the Honda spirit. But it was a large SUV and Honda needed one on the market.
The restyled 2017 MDX was highlighted by the bold and distinctive diamond pentagon grille, first seen on the Acura Precision Concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January. The grille was integrated with a more sculpted hood, front fascia and front fenders coupled with new LED fog lights and restyled headlights, which enhanced the MDX’s sporting demeanor. A new chrome rocker panel design added an element of contrast to the MDX’s profile, while a revised rear bumper, body-colored skid garnish, and the addition of twin tailpipes further emphasized the performance characteristics of the 2017 Acura MDX.
The MDX held the title for the best selling three-row luxury SUV on the U.S. market, and it also gained the KBB title for the best-buy Luxury SUV/Crossover. The simple layout of the instrument cluster, with rounded dials, enhanced the driving experience for the driver. On the center console, between the front seats, the gearbox buttons provided a cleaner, uncluttered look. For the rear passengers, an ultra-widescreen Rear Entertainment System was available on models with the Advance ENT Package.
For the drivetrain, the MDX was offered with regular, or hybrid systems, to enhance the driving performance and lower the running costs.

The 2014 Acura MDX is built on an entirely new platform, improving ride comfort, fuel efficiency and dynamics.
The body of the SUV has more than 55 percent lightweight materials in its structure, resulting in a 124.7 kg (275 lb) weight reduction from the previous model. The sleek tailored aerodynamic body measures 4,197 mm (193.6 inch) in length, 1,961 mm (77.2 inch) width and 1,717 mm (67.6 inches) tall. The new MDX features a luxurious and versatile interior, with improvised third-row seats access due to larger door openings and the One-Touch Walk-In technology that automatically folds the second-row seats with a simple touch of a button. Power and heated seats, lots of storage spaces, premium leather-trimming, remote engine start and auto-linked air conditioning seats are a part of the available interior features. 5-star safety score was obtained, thanks to the Advanced Compatibility Engineering II body structure, 4-wheel ABS with EBD and airbags, as well as the available Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems.

The Acura MDX was already a technologically advanced vehicle, but the Japanese carmaker thought it needed a refresh in 2009, after four years on the market.
Honda was still struggling to came back on its feet after the world financial crisis, when it had to cut some models from its lineup around the world, but the American car market helped it find its balance. The MDX was a top seller and, after the 2009 refresh, it became the most sold Acura on the North-American market and overtook its brother, the TL.
The MDX exterior was already known and pleasant, but Acura’s design team changed its front grille to match the rest of the range. For the 2009 model, the MDX adopted a grille with a wide slat at the front instead of the two-slats style featured on the non-facelifted version. A pair of air-intakes made their way into the bottom of the spoiler. In the back, Honda installed LED taillights for its Premium compact SUV.
Inside, the MDX featured three rows of seats fitted as standard and leather-wrapped interior. The carmaker installed a rear-view camera with a small screen inside the rear-view mirror for the base model. For the upper trim levels, the image was sent to the navigation display.
But Acura added more goodies on the technical side with the introduction of a long-waited 6-speed automatic gearbox. The engine was tweaked to offer 300 hp from the 3.7-liter V6 under the hood, thanks to a higher compression ratio. On top of that, it added adaptive suspension, which improved the handling.

Acura introduced the MDX in 2000 as its contender in the premium SUV segment but kept it on the market for only six years until it launched the second generation in 2006.
Honda’s premium brand, Acura, considered that there was room for improvement in the already proven MDX lineup. It tried to make an SUV that could match a minivan’s interior and the on-road performances of a sports sedan. The result was named MDX.
Its shape was far from any truck-like SUV on the market. It was miles away even from the Honda Pilot, which shared its platform with the MDX. The premium SUV showed an angular front fascia, with headlights that resembled a sumo-fighter. That’s what Honda said. Also, the grille sported the new shield design that almost covered the entire cooling area, even though it didn’t. The raked windshield looked more appropriate for a sports sedan from its sides, while the tall greenhouse was suitable for a minivan. At the back, the C-pillar was wider on its upper side than on the lower area, which was unusual for a car in that class.
Inside, the carmaker installed a leather-clad interior. Its front bucket seats were separated by a wide center console which sported a storage area under the twin-lid armrest. The car’s instrument panel featured four individual clusters and a small, vertical display between the tachometer and speedometer. In the back, the MDX provided enough room for up to three adults on the split-folding bench. Even though the trunk wasn’t the biggest in its class, it was good enough for a shopping spree.
Under the hood, Honda installed its 3.7-liter VTEC engine. It was the same unit that powered the Legend. Power went in all corners via a five-speed automatic transmission.

Launched in 2001, the Acura MDX underwent some important changes in terms of exterior look in 2004.
After previously being added an extra 20 hp to the existing engines, the 2004 Acura featured a dual tail-pipe configuration, new head & tail lights and curtain airbags. Also, the new model benefited from chrome trimmings to set it apart from the initial variants. The facelifted MDX was equipped with the same VTM-4 all-wheel-drive but featured improved gas mileage from its predecessor. Its rivals on the Premium SUV market in North America were the Ford Explorer and BMW X5.

The first generation Acura MDX was launched in 2001, targeting the Premium SUV sector of the North American market.
Built on Honda’s mid-size platform - like the Accord, TL or TSX - this new SUV was fitted with a standard 3.5L SOHC V6 engine delivering 240 hp and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2001 MDX also featured an automatic four wheel drive system (VTM-4), a newly-developed navigation system and also a DVD entertainment system. The Acura MDX was voted ‘SUV of the Year 2001’ by Motortrend magazine. In 2003, the model was rated Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, while also receiving an extra power boost of 20 hp.