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ACURA MDX

2014 Acura MDX Specifications & Overview

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Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is a seven-passenger midsize luxury crossover sport utility vehicle. It is sold in front- and all-wheel drive configurations and is priced from $42,990. Introduced in 2001, the 2014 Acura MDX begins the third generation for this model.

2014 Acura MDX

Model Highlights

The MDX features the brand’s “jewel eye” look LED headlights, flanking the customary Acura grille. Every model is outfitted with power heated side mirrors, a power moonroof, a power operated tailgate and rear wiper. This model sits on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Acura MDX features leather trim across all seven seating surfaces. This model features a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a 60/40 split folding second row seat, and a 50/50 split flat folding third row seat.

Each model comes equipped with a 432-watt eight-speaker audio system, a seven-inch driver information display and an eight-inch color screen. Bluetooth compatibility, a USB port, an auxiliary input jack and HomeLink are included. The MDX features a tri-zone automatic climate control system with rear controls, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel column, power accessories and 10 beverage holders.

Optional features include an upgraded audio system, a rear entertainment system, a navigation systems with real-time traffic, voice recognition and Zagat reviews, remote start and adaptive cruise control.

Engine and Transmission

Every 2014 Acura MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 engine that makes 290 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 267 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities.

The MDX’s engine has a 11.5-to-1 compression ratio and measures 3.5 inches bore by 3.66 inches stroke. It features an aluminum head and block, and makes use of intelligent variable valve timing and lift electronic control.

2014 Acura MDX

Fuel Economy

The front-wheel drive version of the Acura MDX is rated at 20 mpg around the city and 28 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA rating of 23 mpg. Choose the all-wheel drive model and this version is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The Acura MDX requires premium gasoline. It is outfitted with a 19.5-gallon fuel tank, giving the FWD version a maximum driving range of 546 miles.

Model Dimensions

The 2014 Acura MDX sits on a 111-inch wheelbase and is 193.6 inches long by 77.2 inches wide by 66.7 inches tall. This vehicle has a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. Its front and rear track both come in at 66.3 inches.

Head room measures 38.1 inches in the first row, 38.3 inches in the second row and 35.6 inches in the third row. Leg room comes in at 41.4 inches in the first row, 36.6 inches in the second row and 28.1 inches in the third row.

Hip room measures 57.5 inches in the first row, 57.8 inches in the second row and 40.6 inches in the third row. Shoulder room comes in at 61.1 inches in the first row, 59.1 inches in the second row and 54.7 inches in the third row.

Passenger volume measures 132.3 cubic feet. Standard storage capacity is 15.8 cubic feet, 45.1 cubic feet with the third row seat folded down and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third row seat folded down. The Acura MDX weighs from 4,025 to 4,332 pounds.

2014 Acura MDX

Safety Features and Warranties

Every Acura MDX comes equipped with seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag. Safety features available include forward collision warning, lane departure warning and a collision mitigation braking system.

Acura’s warranty plan includes a new vehicle warranty for the first four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. A powertrain warranty is for six years or 70,000 miles; a rust warranty provides five years of coverage with no mileage limitation.

Further Reading

New York: 2014 Acura MDX Crossover Debuts

Acura ILX Hybrid Takes a Bow

Photos courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

New York: 2014 Acura MDX Crossover Debuts

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Stiff competition in the midsize luxury SUV segment notwithstanding, the Acura MDX has managed to carve out a healthy chunk of the market with more than 50,000 units sold in 2012. Its main competitors include the BMW X5, Lexus GX470, Volkswagen Touareg ad Volvo XC90, crossovers that will have to face off against an all-new Acura MDX later this year.

2014 Acura MDX
The next generation Acura MDX
is scheduled for a summer release.

All-New Acura MDX

The New York International Auto Show was Acuras chosen venue to introduce the third generation MDX, a model that it says includes a more affordable and fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration.

The2014 Acura MDX will sit on a new platform and makes use of lighter weight materials to lose 275 pounds. Magnesium, aluminum and high strength steel contributed to the weight savings and a 17 percent increase in aerodynamic efficiency has been realized. Noise canceling technology, acoustic glass and sound deadening materials help provide for a quieter cabin too.

Engine and Transmission

Sold in front- and all-wheel drive variants, the Acura MDX is powered by a 24-valve 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is paired with a sequential shift six-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters are included. The Earth Dreams Technology engine makes an estimated 290 horsepower and 267 foot-pounds of torque. For its gasoline engines, Earth Dreams represents enhancements in variable valve timing and lift electronic control system, modifications that improve performance and fuel efficiency.

Top fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg around town and 28 mpg on the highway are projected for the front-wheel-drive model. The AWD Acura MDX is expected to deliver 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This model takes regular grade gasoline.

Lapping the Ring

Acura says that it put the AWD MDX through the paces on the Nürburgring racing circuit, Germanys famous track frequented European sedans and coupes. Its efforts apparently paid off as the newest model lapped the Ring eight seconds faster than the previous model.

Fine tuning yielded improvements in steering, handling and braking, with MacPherson front struts, a multi-link rear suspension system and reactive dampers ensuring improved driver feel and response. An Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) is all-new, a driving system that adjusts throttle response.

Amenities and Technologies

Inside, the Acura MDX provides a 10-way power adjustable and heated drivers seat and an 8-way power and heated passenger seat. Additional storage space has been freed up too as the new model offers an oversized front console that can hold a laptop case, two tablets or a purse. Remote engine start, premium leather trim, silver-plated highlights, accent lighting, second-row sunshades and climate-controlled seats are among the standard features found in the Acura MDX.

Cutting-edge technology, always a Honda strong suit is apparent inside, outside and all across the Acura MDX. Signature Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights are introduced, a look that is distinctive and eye-catching. Inside, an improved ELS Studio premium audio system and an updated AcuraLink™ connectivity system are offered, the latter offering three years of complimentary freeway traffic and surface street conditions. Its a cloud-based system, one that works with compatible web-enabled smartphones.

Safety Features

Acura says that the MDX is expected to achieve the highest possible safety ratings including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award. A 5-star NHTSA rating is likely too.

Helping to keep Acura MDX drivers and passengers safe is a suite of safety features including an anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control and seven airbags. Also available are forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems.

Retail Availability

The 2014 Acura MDX will be built at Hondas Lincoln, Ala. operating plant, and will go on sale this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to this models release date.

See Also — The Highly Unlikely Acura Minivan

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Flagship Pricing: 2014 Acura RLX

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The 2014 Acura RLX will make its debut on March 15, 2013, following an announcement Acura made at this years North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new model is priced from $48,450 to $60,450, depending on the grade chosen. This five-passenger sedan is the new flagship of the Acura line, and it will be sold in front- and all-wheel-drive versions.

2014 Acura RLX

RLX Pricing

Instead of offering different trim levels, Acura will offer the RLX in various grades beginning with the standard model priced from $48,450. Pricing increases by $2,500 when a navigation package is added and increases by another $3,500 with a technology package, retailing for $54,450.

Choose the Krell Audio Package and your price bumps up by another $2,500 and tops out at $60,450 with the advance package. An all-wheel-drive model with a hybrid package debuts later in 2013.

Engine and Transmission

The 2014 Acura RLX is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 310 horsepower and 272 foot-pounds of torque. This engine features variable cylinder management, effectively shutting down a bank of three cylinders when not needed. The cast aluminum engine is paired with a sequential six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel.

Fuel economy ratings are not final, but Acura estimates that the RLX will lead its class by delivering 20 mpg around the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

RLX Dimensions

With a 196.1-inch wheelbase, the 2014 Acura RLX comes in at two inches longer than the RL sedan it replaces. Acura says that the sedan, weighing in from 3,933 pounds, is two inches wider than the RL and offers more rear legroom than competing sedans from Acura, BMW and Lexus.

The RLX sits on 18-inch all-season radial tires. Seven-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels are standard. Customers can upgrade to 19-inch wheels and premium tires.

Cabin Amenities

Premium and soft touch materials are found throughout the cabin of the Acura RLX. Leather seating surfaces, a leather-stitched steering wheel, metal and woodgrain accents and ambient lighting are presented.

Choose the navigation package and this system offers voice recognition, local search and Acura-Link real-time traffic technology. Dual screen access from the center console features an 8-inch navigation screen and a 7-inch multi-use display.

The technology package upgrades the 10-speaker ESL audio system to 14 speakers and includes HD Radio, XM Radio, Pandora connectivity, a USB port and an auxiliary jack. Choose the Krell audio system package and the RLX is outfitted with a high-fidelity audio system. The Advance package includes every amenity mentioned for one price.

Showroom Debut

Weeks before the Acura RLX goes on sale, each Acura dealer will have two sedans on hand as part of a national Destination RLX promotional program. That event will take place February and give potential buyers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Acura’s all-new flagship sedan.

The Acura RLX’s competitors include the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Lexus GS 350, Cadillac XTS and the Audi A6. Consider the Acura MDX if additional utility is needed.

See Also — The Highly Unlikely Acura Minivan