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| The third-generation Acura MDX debuts with a trimmer figure, new engine and fresh features. |
The third generation of Acura's popular three-row crossover debuts
for the 2014 model year with a trimmer figure, new engine, a host of
fresh features and a lower price of entry with the addition of a
front-wheel drive model.
At first glance, the MDX
looks visually more compact than its predecessor. Overall height is
lowered by 1.5 inches and width is down by 1.3 inches. However, the
wheelbase grows by 2.8 inches and total vehicle length is stretched by
2.0 inches.
Unlike the previous two MDXs, the new model is
underpinned by a purpose-built platform instead of an existing
light-truck chassis. High-strength steel makes up 64 percent of the
body, with some aluminum and magnesium sprinkled in to help account for a
275-pound reduction in weight compared to the outgoing vehicle.
Torsional rigidity is also raised by 12.4 percent.
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| The MDX comes with 4-wheel independent suspension Photo by Acura. |
The redone
interior is more user-friendly, with a less-cluttered center stack
featuring just nine hard buttons and a touchscreen -- a far cry from the
more than 40 buttons found in the old MDX.
The vehicle's
narrower dimensions are noticeable in the cabin; it doesn't quite feel
as spacious as before, but instead feels right-sized. One of the knocks
that Acura heard from owners of the second-generation MDX was that it
was a little wide, making maneuvering in parking lots and into parking
spaces cumbersome.
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| The interior of the MDX features a layout similar to its sibling, the RLX Photo by Acura. |
Third-row legroom is up from 29.1 inches to
31.6 inches thanks to second-row seats that can slide fore and aft by
5.9 inches. Accessing the third row is also easier with a one-touch
walk-in function that slides the second-row seats forward and folds the
seat backs at the push of a button.
To quiet the cabin,
three-layer acoustic glass is used for the windshield and front side
windows, while the rear glass is thicker. Triple door seals are added,
and an active noise-control system is employed.
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| Beneath all of the plastic is the V6 power-plant and noise cancelling active control engine mounts Photo by Acura. |
Additional
standard features include smart-entry keyless access, push-button start,
a multi-angle rearview camera, Bluetooth, Pandora and SMS text
messaging.
Like the RLX sedan,
the MDX gets a new 3.5-liter, direct-injected V6 with 290 hp and 267
lb-ft of torque. That is down a smidge when you put it up against the
previous 3.7-liter V6's 300 hp, but the weight reduction makes up for
the small power loss. According to Acura, the 2014 MDX laps the
Nürburgring Nordschleife 8 seconds faster than the old one. Connected to
the engine is an upgraded six-speed automatic.
Acura estimates
that the latest incarnation of variable valve timing and cylinder
deactivation (which allows for three- or six-cylinder operation) will
return 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for all-wheel-drive
versions. That's a healthy improvement on the outgoing model's 16/21
mpg.
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| 2014 Acura MDX Photo by Acura. |
Finally, the MDX will be offered in front-wheel-drive guise
for customers who live in areas where all-wheel drive isn't necessary.
In addition to a lower cost of entry, it's lighter and returns even
better fuel economy. Acura estimates an EPA average of 20 mpg in the
city and 28 mpg on the highway.
What's It Like it Drive?
If
you've driven any Acura with a V6 and six-speed automatic combo, you'll
feel right at home in the new MDX. The new direct-injection V6
continues to be one of the smoothest mills on the market with the
upgraded automatic gearbox. There's sufficient grunt to get the MDX
SH-AWD moving briskly off the line, with power staying consistent all
the way up to redline. It's certainly no hot rod, but the 290 hp
available under the hood feels about right for this application.
With
a new integrated dynamics system, the MDX's steering behavior can be
tailored to the preferences of various drivers. In comfort, the electric
power steering is light and requires little effort, while in normal it
firms up a little. In sport mode, it feels hefty and offers an
experience close to that of the old hydraulic system -- pleasing to more
enthusiast-oriented drivers, but too heavy for typical luxury shoppers.
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| The 3.5-liter V6 provides 290-hp and 267-lb-ft of torque Photo by Acura. |
Missing from the options sheet are the magnetic dampers from the
second generation's Advance trim levels. Instead, conventional dampers
are used on all models to strike a pleasing middle ground, with affably
tight handling and ride comfort. The MDX takes corners decently,
displaying some roll but remaining surefooted, while the ride over bumps
is smoothed out well. It's a much more athletic-feeling vehicle
compared to the Infiniti JX35 and the Lexus RX 350.
One thing that hasn't changed is the MDX's strong brakes. They offer good stopping muscle with a pleasing, firm pedal feel.
All
the steps Acura took to quiet the cabin worked well. We found very
little road and wind noise seeped into the interior. However, our drive
setting of choice for the integrated dynamic system was sport mode. It
not only adjusts the throttle for a quicker response, but also the
active noise-control system to allow for a louder engine note, which has
a nice growl to it.
The cleaner center stack looks better and is
intuitive to work through. Materials throughout are of high quality,
with lots of soft-touch surfaces and nice-looking wood-trim accents. The
driving position is comfortable, but the amount of side bolster on the
front buckets seems dialed back, which was noticeable through turns.
Do I Want It?
A
lot of you will. Luxury, three-row crossovers are popular and meet the
demands of bigger families well. The MDX has been a favorite of ours and
remains so for delivering a sporty drive character for the class while
still being comfortable. The interior is spacious and plush, and the
smoothest V6 drivetrain available boasts improved fuel economy.
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| The interior of the MDX has a maximum cargo area of 15.8 cubic feet Photo by Acura. |
We
admit that the outgoing MDX was a little lumbering from a size point of
view, so Acura's decision to slim it down is appreciated on the road
and in parking lots. It's a real easy vehicle to drive now in all
situations.
We miss the magnetic suspension, however, and the
feedback of the hydraulic steering system, but that's the enthusiast in
us speaking. For the broader audience, the new MDX delivers in all the
key areas. And for the people who don't need all-wheel drive, the
front-wheel drive MDX is a great option, with a base price of $43,885.
If you do want SH-AWD, those models start at $45,185
2014 Acura MDX
On Sale: July
Base Price: $43,885
Drivetrain: 3.5-liter, 290-hp, 267-lb-ft V6; FWD, six-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4,025 lb
0-60 mph: 6.8 sec (est)
Fuel Economy (EPA city/hwy/combined): 20/28/23 mpg (mfr est)
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