The Honda MDX is a mid-size luxury crossover 5-door SUV manufactured and sold by Acura, a luxury car division of Honda's famous Japanese manufacturer since 2000. The MDX shares its base with the Honda Pilot and is the first luxury crossover SUV to provide standard third-row seating. The Pilot can seat seven or eight people. However, the MDX has only two seats in the third row, resulting in a seven-seat capacity. The new 2022 Acura MDX is an excellent family vehicle packed with cutting-edge technology with its three rows.
History of the Honda MDX
Honda MDX First Generation (YD1; 2001–2006)
The first-generation all-wheel-drive crossover SUV MDX debuted in 2001 as a 2001 model year. There are several similarities between its design and that of the Honda Accord and Acura's TL, both of which are sedans and the Honda Odyssey. Acura installed a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 240 hp with a 5-speed automated transmission. Automatic four-wheel drive (AWD) was available in this model of MDX. It also included a lock option for permanent 4WD, which was helpful for things like climbing hills or getting the car out of the mud. To improve gas consumption and decrease noise from the powertrain, you can drive the car in FWD mode during regular driving.
Honda MDX Second Generation (YD2; 2007–2013)
During the New York International Auto Show on April 11, 2006, Acura debuted the 2007 Acura MD-X Concept, giving the world an idea of the outer appearance of the future entirely reworked MDX. On October 17, 2006, Honda launched the second-generation MDX in the United States. There is more inside space in the second-generation MDX, although back vision is less than in the previous model. A 3.7L V6 engine with 300 hp and an acceleration of 6.5 seconds from 0-60 mph replaced the regular engine. According to the vehicle's fuel efficiency rating, it got 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. The company installed a five-speed automatic transmission for the MDX model. Option packages available from 2007 to 2009 were Technology, Sport, and Entertainment packages. The MDX received a fresh facelift in 2010 to incorporate Acura's new grille design across all of its vehicles. In addition, they included a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic.
Honda MDX Third Generation (YD3; 2014–2020)
Honda introduced the 2014 MDX prototype during the 2013 North American International Auto Show and the production model at the New York Auto Show.
Production commenced on May 2, 2013, and Honda moved car assembly from Ontario, Canada, to Lincoln, Alabama. US sales started on June 20. The third generation of the MDX debuted in 2014, with a front-wheel-drive-only variant available in the United States. The new engine was a 3.5L V6 with variable cylinder control that produced 290 hp. Although Honda subsequently added a nine-speed automatic transmission, a six-speed automatic transmission accompanied the 2014 and 2015 versions. In 2017, Acura updated the MDX with a redesigned grille without a chrome strip on the front, a driver's knee airbag, and LED headlights. The inclusion of an all-wheel-drive-only hybrid variant with a 3.0L V6 engine and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox was significant in this redesign.
Honda MDX Fourth Generation (YD4; 2022–Present)
Acura is in a massive refresh of its compact and midsize car and SUV models. One of these is the three-row MDX, which has just had a makeover and is now even better. Luxury components and high-tech features are available throughout the interior, inspired by Acura's small RDX SUV and TLX sedan models. On October 14, 2020, a prototype of the fourth-generation MDX was unveiled. In a virtual introduction on December 8th, Honda put the model into mass production on January 12th, and it will be available for purchase in 2022. The Type-S trim was introduced in the fourth quarter of 2021, when sales began on February 2. After discontinuing the RLX in June 2020, Acura states that the MDX is their flagship vehicle. Acura completely revamped its MDX this year, except for the 2021 model. Like the newly redesigned RDX and TLX, the new SUV has similar aesthetics and technology.
Price
Honda retails the 2022 Honda (Acura) MDX with a starting original price of $49,195 for the Base model. The company also offers different and higher trims for those who want a more luxurious feel inside and outside of the vehicle, and they are the following:
- Technology - $52,625
- A-Spec - $58,125
- Advance - $61,675
- Type S - $67,745
Features
Interior Features of the Honda MDX
The MDX interior is significantly more luxurious than that of the 2020 model. High-end embellishments include French-stitched leather on the dashboard and open-pore wood accents mixed with metal and piano-black. Heated front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and leather upholstery are just a few of the amenities included in Acura MDX. Comfort and support may be included in 16-way power adjustment and massage in the front seats if desired. The first and second rows of the MDX have plenty of room for passengers, while the third seat is still reserved for children. There are many convenience features, but the inside doesn't seem as luxurious as its competitors, including the Genesis GV80 or the Volvo XC90.
Exterior Features of the Honda MDX
It's unclear what Acura means when it says the new MDX is "emotionally styled." It's more than likely marketing jargon for a bold appearance with a sprinkling of rich accents. Although scaled back and redesigned into a crossover, the Acura Precision Concept inspires this design. The lineup comes standard with Chicane LED daytime running lights, Jewel Eye LED headlights, and high auto beams. The entry-level model comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, while the rest of the lineup features 20-inch wheels in various styles. Hands-free operation and walk-away closing are available on higher-end variants of the motorized tailgate, which is standard across the whole lineup. A power moonroof is now standard equipment on every new MDX. Diamond Pentagon grille, an aggressive spoiler, and side air inlets boost airflow on Type S models. Type S models come with a Sport aesthetic package. This package includes gloss black wheel arches, lower body trim, and blacked-out exterior details that are standard on the Type S variant.
Standard Features of the Honda MDX
- A 12-Way Power-Adjustable and Heated Front Seats
- One-Touch Access to the Third-Row
- A Removable Center Seat in the Second Row
- A Panoramic Moonroof
- Tri-Zone Climate Control
- Ambient Led Lighting
- An Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Keyless Entry With Push-Button Start
- A Power-Adjustable Tilt-And-Telescoping Steering Column
- A Multi-View Rearview Camera With Dynamic Guidelines
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Advanced Pedestrian Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control With Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keep Assist
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Auto High Beams
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
More features are standard on higher trims, and they are as follows:
- GPS-Linked Cruise Control
- Rain-Sensing Wipers
- LED Fog Lights
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Second-Row Seats
- A Heated Steering Wheel
- A Surround-View Camera System
Infotainment Features of the Honda MDX
- A 12.3-Inch High-Definition
- Dual-Content Center Display (without touchscreen)
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Amazon Alexa
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- HD Radio
- A USB Audio Interface
- Charging Ports
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio
- A 12-speaker ELS Studio System (Technology)
- A 16-Speaker Premium Els Studio 3D Premium Sound System (A-Spec and Advance)
- A 25-Speaker Signature Edition Premium Audio ELS Studio System (Type S Advance)
Specs and Performance of the Honda MDX
Honda manufactured the Honda MDX with a 3.0-liter J30AC V6 engine that delivers 290 hp (216 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 267 lb-ft (362 Nm) of torque at 4,700 rpm. This Honda MDX accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 112 mph (180 kph) with curb weights that range from 4,271–4,297 lbs (1,937–1,949 kg) for the FWD models, and 4,503–4,565 lbs (2,043–2,071 kg) for the AWD vehicles. Honda manufactured the MDX model with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It has two drivetrains: a front-wheel-drive (FWD) and an all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD).
Release Date
Honda released the first generation vehicle of Honda MDX in 2001. After two decades, they reached the fourth generation of the MDX model and released the production model on January 12, 2021, for the 2022 model year. Currently, the company offers the 2022 Honda MDX with new features and safer features than its previous generation.