The production version of the new Acura MDX, previewed as a concept earlier this year, made it official debut at the New York Auto Show. While the looks of the car are still questionable, Acura says the new model boasts improved ride comfort, a more versatile and luxurious cabin, increased fuel efficiency and enhanced dynamic performance.
The MDX is powered by a new direct-injected 24-valve 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine featuring Variable Cylinder Management, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters, and connected to the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
It produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque and returns 18/27/21 mpg (city/highway/combined). There is a front-wheel-drive variant that can do 20/28/23 mpg. Thanks to some advanced lightweight material, the new MDX is about 275 pounds lighter than the previous model. That contributes to its fuel efficiency.
Acura has spent a lot of time and effort to make the new MDX more refined, hence the employment of new sound-deadening solutions and Active Noise Control technology, a compact multi-link suspension, and a luxurious interior.
It features a One-Touch Walk-In system that at the touch of a button makes the second-row seats automatically fold and slide to their forward-most position, so third-row passengers can hop in.
Interior highlights: premium leather-trimmed interior, silver plated accents, LED overhead and cabin accent lighting, along with new optional luxury features, such as Smart Entry, second-row sunshades, remote engine start, and auto-linked air conditioning and climate-controlled seats.
Driver Assist features: Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI), and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
Safety features: next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, and airbags (front, front side, driver’s knee and side curtain with rollover sensor), as well as the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems.
