History
The Acura MDX (Multi-Dimensional Luxury) was produced by Honda under its Acura luxury nameplate in 2000. It is a mid-size three-row luxury crossover and according to Honda, it was the best-selling crossover of all time.
The Acura MDS was the first crossover with third-row seating. It shares a platform with Honda Pilot which has a seven or eight seating configuration. When the car was launched in the 2001 model year, it replaced the US-only body-on-frame SLX and the Honda Horizon in Japan in 2003.
Evolution
First Generation 2000
The first generation was derived from the Global mid-sized platform that was also used in Honda Accord, Acura TL and, Odyssey and TSX. All are powered by a J35A3 3.5-Liter SOHC 24 valve V6 with VTEC. The cargo floor of the Acura MDX can be flipped up to provide additional seats to hold up to 7 passengers.
The car has an automatic four-wheel-drive system that activates during wheel slippage and off-the-line acceleration. Additional features such as a lock mode that can be used in low speeds, provide permanent 4wd and locked rear differential. In order to increase fuel efficiency and reduce drivetrain noise, the car utilizes the front-wheel drive during normal cruising.
Updates such as an improved engine that produces 20hp more than the previous was done in 2003. In 2004, the single tailpipes were replaced by dual pipes, new headlights, taillights, and wheels were added as well.
Second Generation 2006
The second generation was introduced in the New York International Auto Show in 2006. It showed a redesigned Acura MDX with a wider track and longer wheelbase but with a more subtle rear.
The unit body was engineered with Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering, a body structure that is designed to absorb energy from collisions. The engine upgraded to a 3.7-Liter V6 rated at 300hp. The drive system was replaced to SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) that was first introduced in 2005.
Third Generation 2013
The third generation of the Cura MDX was unveiled in the 2013 North American International Auto Show. the new MDX model has a 3.5-Liter direct injected Earth Dreams V^ with Variable Cylinder Management.
The headlights sport the Acura’s Jewel Eye LED Headlights and each headlamp uses five separate LED sources.
Fourth Generation 2021
The fourth generation of the Acura MDX was revealed as a prototype in 2020 and went into production in 2021. The powertrains were improved and the engine was available in 3.5-Liter V6 that came with a new 10-speed transmission that was offered for four trims, the base, technology package, A-Spec, and advance package.
Where Is The Acura MDX Built?
The first and second generations of Acura MDX were built in Alliston, Ontario while the third generation was in Lincoln, Alabama, United States. Lastly, the fourth generation is in East Liberty, Ohio, United States.
Acura MDX: Then and Now
You can see from the two photos below, how much the Acura MDX has evolved over the 20 years (2000 to 2020). The first photo is the original 2001 Acura MDX.

This photo shows the 2022 Acura MDX.
