2014 Acura MDX Review

Acura has unveiled the 2014 MDX at the 2013 New York Auto Show. The Acura MDX is the Japanese automaker’s midsize SUV named for being Multi-Dimensional-luxury. The current model was introduced for 2007 and it has only received a major refresh since then; it was updated in 2010. You can read below my 2014 Acura MDX Review

2014 Acura MDX Changes

Acura has not released all the styling details of its redesigned Acura MDX 2014, but from the little we have heard and seen, Acura fans should expect some very important, meaningful improvements in the new MDX. For the 2014 model, Acura MDX will drop its angular, techno-Transformer look for a softer and less-exciting look.  In designing the car, Acura took some cues from Infiniti’s new JX crossover.

Acura will continue to offer three-row seating, and a crisp exterior styling in the new MDX 2014. More lightweight materials like aluminum and magnesium are used in the body structure to improve aerodynamics. Altogether, the new materials make the new MDX 275 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The car was also built on a completely new platform. The car was stretched by a couple of inches with a wheelbase designed to improve the ride quality. It will also have a lower ground clearance than the previous model.

Thanks to the wheelbase and a compact new multi-link rear suspension, the new Acura MDX 2014 has a little more cabin space than the 2013 Acura MDX. This results in more leg and head room in the front and second rows, and a third row that is easier to access. It has more cargo space in the rear and a more comfortable third-row seat that will be roomy enough to accommodate adults. Also, the new MDX’s cabin is better styled than its predecessor; more luxury materials are used. It comes with an upgraded sound system, Sirius XM radio, SMS text messaging, an infotainment center, smartphone and Pandora connectivity, and an AcuraLink, a cloud-based connection system among others.

Our 2013 vs 2014 Acura MDX review cannot be completed without mentioning that the 2014 model’s cabin will be quieter thanks to the various sound-deadening materials and techniques (such as the triple path isolated dampers and Active Noise Cancellation technology) used to reduce noise.

Competition: 2014 Acura MDX Redesign competes in the midsize sport utility segment with BMW X5, Infiniti JX, Lexus RX350, Land Rover LR4, and Mercedes-Benz ML-class.

Just like the 2013 MDX, only one engine unit is available on the Acura MDX 2014. This is a new 3.5-liter direct-injected V-6 that delivers 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. For the first time, the 2014 Acura MDX will be offered with a standard all-wheel drive, in addition to a front-wheel drive, which is optional for buyers who want more fuel-efficiency.

2014 Acura MDX Mileage

Estimated fuel economy ratings are given as 20/28/23 mpg city/highway/combined with FWD and 18/27/21 for the AWD versions.

Acura MDX 2014 Safety features

With some advanced safety features like a multi-angled rearview camera, Blind Spot Information, remote locking and unlocking, a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, emergency call feature, and Lane Keeping Assist, Acura expect the 2014 Acura MDX Redesign to earn the IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick+’ designation. Other standard safety features in the car include the four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Brake Assist, electronic stability control, and airbags.

Release Date

The 2014 MDX could hit dealerships later this summer but the pricing details have not been released. Base model of the current Acura MDX starts at $42,000, and we expect the pricing of the new car to increase with the addition of the Sport and Entertainment Packages.