For 2014, Acura is giving its 7-passenger MDX a smartly done refresh. New exterior styling, a new interior treatment, and a new platform supporting an all-new 3.5-liter V-6 are the key areas of refinement.
Acura is, however, still calling this a prototype. Chances are the largest majority of the new MDX will see production, with perhaps some minor tweaks completed before manufacturing begins.
A lower roofline and longer wheelbase aids ride and handling while increasing second-row legroom and access to the third row. Other information regarding interior improvements hasn’t been released yet.
Acura says they’re offering the MDX as standard front-wheel-drive in response to consumers in warmer climates where all-wheel-drive isn’t necessary. No worries for fans of Acura’s super-handling all-wheel-drive as SH-AWD will be optional. The MDX’s all-new chassis is said to be more rigid and lightweight with new front and rear suspension designs. The improvements are expected to give the MDX a more confidence-inspiring characteristic when the going gets twisty.
Safety features abound with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Cruise Control, and the Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Blind Spot Information. Although we haven’t seen images of the interior, Acura says it will be full of advanced information technologies like AcuraLink featuring Pandora, SiriusXM, SMS text messages, and a cloud-bases “Aha” system that allows owners to subscribe to personalized news, info, and media feeds via a connection with their smartphone.
Starting with the 2014 model, Acura is moving production of the MDX from Alliston, Ontario to Lincoln, Alabama, and will be assembled with both domestic and imported parts.
