2013 New York Auto Show: Acura MDX crossover rolls into town
Acura officially unveiled its all-new MDX crossover at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
The seven-passenger vehicle, unveiled in concept form in January at the Detroit Auto Show, swaps a bit of power for healthy gains in gas mileage. It’s also significantly lighter and a bit bigger than the previous version.
The 2014 MDX has a direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 engine that replaces the older 3.7-liter unit. Horsepower on this third-generation model drops marginally from 300 to 290, while torque drops by 3 pound-feet to 267. A six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is your only choice of gearbox.
PHOTOS: Acura debuts 2014 MDX crossover
The power decrease is mitigated by the MDX shedding about 275 pounds from the previous model. This is due to the liberal use of high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium throughout the vehicle.
PHOTOS: Highlights of the 2013 New York Auto Show
This translates into a noticeable boost in fuel economy. The EPA ratings for the all-wheel-drive model rise to 18/27 mpg city/highway, from 16/21 city/highway.
Acura for the first time will also make a front-wheel-drive MDX, which further reduces thirstiness to 20/28 city/highway mpg.
Acura makes these gains despite the MDX growing about three inches longer. The automaker says much of this newfound space shows up in increased legroom for passengers in the middle row. Rear-seat access is made easier by a power one-touch feature that automatically folds the middle seat and slides it forward and out of the way.
The styling of the MDX is softer and more subdued than the pronounced beak of the earlier model. The look is now similar to the smaller RDX crossover and the full-size RLX. The new MDX also shares the sedan’s distinct “jewel eye” LED headlights.
The MDX goes on sale this summer, and pricing will be available closer to the on-sale date. Don’t expect AWD models to start much more than the current asking price of $44,145. Opt for the front-wheel-drive version and you’ll probably save a little scratch.
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