2013 Acura MDX 3.5L V6 AWD 6AT (294 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Acura introduced the fourth generation of its flagship SUV, the MDX, in 2013 for the 2014 model year, and it was a total makeover compared to its predecessor.

Since the market for three-row premium SUVs was increasing, the Japanese automaker tried to keep up with customers’ demands. So, in 2013 it unveiled the production version of this fourth-generation MDX at the New York International Auto Show.

The exterior looked more aggressive than before, with a diamond-shaped main grille above the bumper flanked by LED headlights and a pair of scoops. Thanks to its long hood and the cab-rearward profile, the MDX appeared sportier than before, even though it was mostly used for school runs or as a regular family hauler. At the back, the tailgate was slightly tilted forward, but the dynamic look was amplified by the D-pillar’s and the third side windows’ shapes.

Acura worked hard to provide a more spacious interior compared to the MDX’s third generation. Still, the room on the third row was not good enough for an average-sized adult but more than suitable for kids. In addition, with all three rows in place, the trunk could still provide 16.3 cu-ft (461 liters) of space. The automaker offered a unique feature in the segment, with a removable middle seat from the second row, thus transforming the interior into a six-seat affair and a clear passage to the rearmost bench seat. At the front, the bolstered seats fronted a dashboard that sported the infotainment screen atop the center stack.

Underneath the hood, Acura installed a 3.5-liter V6 with direct gasoline injection and paired it with a six-speed automatic. Power went to the front axle or in all corners.