2013 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX, or Honda MDX as known in Japan and Australia (only the first generation was imported), is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. The MDX was the first crossover SUV to have third-row seating. It is related to the Honda Pilot. The alphanumeric moniker stands for "Multi-Dimensional luxury". It is built by Honda of Canada Manufacturing Ltd. in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. It was introduced in late 2000 as a 2001 model, replacing the slow-selling U.S.-only body-on-frame SLX, based on the Isuzu Trooper. In Japan, it filled a gap when the Honda Horizon (also based on the Trooper) was discontinued in 1999. In 2003, the Honda MDX went on sale in Japan and Australia. Australian MDXs were all equipped with the 2001–2003 Touring 'Kiwi' style wheels and were all equipped with the Rear-Seat DVD entertainment system. For 2009, Acura created a crossover to slot above the MDX, called the ZDX, a four-door coupe similar in appearance to the BMW X6 and the Honda Cross-tour.

The vehicle features an automatic four wheel drive system 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 drive-train noise and increase fuel efficiency, the system runs as front wheel drive during normal cruising. The VTM-4 AWD system in the MDX is identical to the VTM-4 systems in the Honda Pilot and Honda Ridgeline. It is different than the real time AWD system in the Honda CR-V 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. The Honda CR-V system waits for slippage to occur and then sends power back.

2003 and later models use a revised 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2001 and 2002 models use a 5 speed automatic transmission which suffered a significant numbers of transmission problems that were similar to the problems with the Acura CL and TL. However, they did not get the benefit of the free extended warranty that the Acura CL and TL received, though the company often paid for the required parts. The 2003 and later models also received a number of structural and suspension modifications to help improve ride and handling. As of the Summer 2010 edition, Consumer Reports shows a drastic increase in reliability in the "Transmission, Major" category, going from far below average reliability on 01-03 models to above and well above average reliability on 04+ models. However, according to forum MDXers.org a significant portion of 05-06 owners have complained of harsh shifting and Acura has begun issuing recall letters in order to re-flash the computer which change transmission shift points and torque converter settings. Owners are reporting smoother shifting but some loss of MPG due to using lower gears.

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 second generation model's body has a wider track and longer wheelbase than the previous MDX, but visibility to the rear has worsened from the prior generation. The redesigned Acura MDX's unit-body was engineered with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure designed to absorb energy from a collision. The suspension was tuned at Germany's Nurburgring race track. The engine was upgraded to a 3.7 liter V6 tuned for 220 kW and 270 lb·ft of torque. It accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds and is estimated by the EPA to have 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. It is able to tow 6,000 Lbs.

All Canadian Acura MDX models, aside from the heated front seats, also get the second-row heated outboard seats as standard equipment as well. A feature unique to Canadian MDX models are headlight washers. In terms of packages, Canadian MDX models get only two: Technology and Elite. The Technology package corresponds essentially to the US model's Technology package while the Elite package is an amalgamation of the US model's Sport and Entertainment packages. However, Acura link real-time traffic reporting through XM NavTraffic is unavailable for Canadian MDX models.

2013 Acura MDX

2013 Acura MDX

2013 Acura MDX

2013 Acura MDX

2013 Acura MDX

2013 Acura MDX

2013 Acura MDX

2013 Acura MDX

2013 Acura MDX

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