Acura unveiled the all-new 2014 Acura MDX luxury SUV during the 2013 New York Auto Show. The new 2014 Acura MDX is now built on a new platform, which has improved the ride and comfort of the MDX. The luxury SUV also features a more versatile and luxurious cabin, increased fuel efficiency and enhanced driving dynamics.
Powertrain
The 2014 Acura MDX is powered by an all-new direct-injected 24-valve 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) which produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. Utilizing a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters, the new MDX will be offered in both Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and two-wheel-drive drivetrain variants. Both SH-AWD and two-wheel drive MDX models will feature Acura’s new Agile Handling Assist technology.
The Acura MDX’s engine design is bred from racing as it shares components with two racecars that finished First and Second in the LMP2 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).
The 2014 MDX has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18/27/21 mpg (city/highway/combined) for the SH-AWD models, while the new two-wheel-drive model receives an EPA rated at 20/28/23 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Driving Dynamics
The 2014 Acura MDX still retains quick acceleration,responsive braking and precise steering feel. The SUV was taken to the famed Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany to be tuned and tested for ultimate performance. The lighter and more dynamic 2014 Acura MDX with SH-AWD bests the previous model’s lap time by a full 8 seconds.
The 2014 MDX features an all-new Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) with three modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort. This allows drivers to choose the best mode for certain driving conditions and for the passengers in the MDX. The IDS system is able to adjust steering effort, throttle response, SH-AWD and active sound all for the best riding and driving experience.
The MDX’s new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, MacPherson strut front suspension and new multi-link rear suspension enable its more nimble and responsive handling and improved ride quality. 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 245/60-18 tires come standard on the MDX. Technology and Advance grades are equipped with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Body and Styling
The 2014 Acura MDX has reduced it’s total vehicle weight by an impressive 275 pounds compared to the 2013 model. The new MDX also sports an “Executive Aero Sculpture” exterior design that lends it a sleek and upscale appearance. The aerodynamic body design helps the MDX achieve a 17 percent increase in aerodynamic efficiency, making it one of the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient luxury SUVs on the road.
The 2014 MDX also takes a big step up in luxury comfort and quiet. The MDX’s dynamically tuned platform, more airtight body and triple path isolated dampers, along with the use of new sound-deadening materials, such as acoustic glass and expanding body sealers, and Active Noise Control technology, make this the quietest and most composed MDX yet.
Interior
The new MDX boasts a luxurious and versatile interior you would expect from a luxury SUV. New body dimensions and more compact multi-link rear suspension, combined with innovative new technologies on the second-row seats, significantly improve third-row access and all-around passenger comfort. The third-row ingress and egress is significantly improved by a 2-inch lower step-in height and 3-inch wider entryway, and by the introduction of a new One-Touch Walk-In feature. With a single press of the illuminated One-Touch Walk-In button, the second-row seats automatically fold and slide to their forward-most position making it quick and easy for passengers to enter and exit the third row seats.
The second-row seats now feature a 4-position recline and a new Extended Slide capability that provides 6-inches of total fore-aft seat adjustment for optimal balance between second- and third-row legroom. Rear cargo capacity is also improved and includes a new underfloor storage area.
Up front, there is a 10-way power adjustable and heated driver’s seat and an 8-way power and heated passenger seat. The MDX features a sweet new center console that can accommodate a purse, laptop, or even an iPads or tablet. The MDX’s obviously has a 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.
Signature Acura Technologies
The 2014 Acura MDX harnesses a wide range of signature Acura technologies, including Acura Jewel Eye LED headlights, more powerful Acura/ELS Studio premium audio system, and the next-generation AcuraLink connectivity system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic, featuring freeway traffic and surface street conditions (free for the first 3 years). In addition to the traffic services, the AcuraLink cloud-based connected car system offers an assortment of media, convenience, information and security features via an embedded cellular system and compatible web-enabled smartphones.
Both the AcuraLink and Acura/ELS Studio system take advantage of a 7-inch color On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen with haptic feedback and an 8-inch Color Information Display. The addition of the ODMD, along with other interior changes, allowed engineers to reduce the number of hard buttons in the center stack from 41 to just nine. The available Entertainment package adds a DVD Rear Entertainment system with a 9-inch full VGA screen for the rear seats, while the Advance package replaces the 9-inch monitor with an ultra-wide, 16.2-inch full VGA screen with HDMI compatibility if you want to use a game console in your car.
The 2014 Acura MDX also offers a host of innovative safety and visibility technologies, which includes a 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
The 2014 Acura MDX is equipped with a nice assortment of high-tech safety technologies. This includes the 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. All these safety systems should keep the drivers and passengers of the MDX piece of mind.
CarNewsCafe Take
The 2014 Acura MDX was designed and developed in the U.S. to ensure the best design for American audiences. Luckily the luxury SUV will be built at the Lincoln, Alabama Acura/Honda plant. Since pricing details haven’t been announced as the 2014 Acura MDX will be going on sale this Summer nationwide.
It is a bit hard to say how the Acura MDX will stack up against the luxury SUV competition. Our guess is pricing will be competitive and the with Acura/Honda’s attention to detail and reliability it will likely be one of the top luxury SUVs for smart buyers when it is available to buy.
