The best-selling three-row premium crossover in America is about to get even more competitive, with the new Acura MDX Prototype making its official debut during an online live stream today.
The Acura MDX Prototype, while technically only a concept, is believed to be largely representative of the production model set to go on sale in the United States early next year. The crossover adheres to the brand’s current design philosophy, incorporating its Diamond Pentagon grille, four-element “Jewel Eye” LED headlights and Chicane LED daytime running lights and taillights. The crossover also has a wide-set, sporty stance that looks to underscore the vehicle’s performance DNA, the automaker says.
Under the hood of regular Acura MDX models will be a 3.5L V6 engine, which will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A sporty MDX S-Line model will join the range in the summer of 2021, however, which trades the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 for a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. These models will also come standard with the automaker’s Sport Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, otherwise known as SH-AWD.
Two 12.3-inch digital displays adorn the cockpit of the Acura MDX Prototype. One of the ultra-widescreen displays serves as the instrument cluster, while the other is mounted in the center as the main infotainment screen. The central screen is controlled with a touchpad in the center console, which is carried over from current Acura models. Other notable interior features include a 1000 watt, 25-speaker audio system (the most powerful ever fitted to an Acura vehicle, 16-way front seats with nine-mode massage functionality and a power moonroof.
The Acura MDX is already a direct-rival to General Motors products like the Cadillac XT6 and Buick Enclave, but this next-generation model previewed by the MDX Prototype looks to be an even more competitive offering. More details with regard to pricing, availability and available options should be released in the coming months.
Comments
A vsport XT6 wit the TT 3.0 would be a nice competitor…
They already have the XTS VSport’s 3.6T mated to a 6 speed AWD transaxle. Who needs 10 gears?
Efficiency? The 9-spd is great but will need to be upgraded to handle the power.
The efficiency and performance gains between a 6 speed and 9 speed are very small. It’s mostly a marketing advantage.
This sounds crazy but IMO in America you probably don’t need no more than 6 gears, I had 4-speed/od cars getting 25 mpg at 80 or so mph with luggage and the A/C on. Unless we can legally travel over 100 mph out west or so 9-10+ gears is just marketing.
the exterior reminds me of the new 2021 buick envision except the mdx doesn’t have fake exhaust tips.
Acura getting their sh*t together. this and the new TLX are great looking Vehicles. the XT6 really just needs a true sport variant with the 3.0TT and an upgraded interior.
Acura is the sexy, sporty Japanese luxe brand & a heap better than over-rated Lexus.
I like Buick but Acura seems to have the most soul in the segment especially when compared to bland Cadillac.
Good job Acura. I hope Honda and GM merge or at least strongly ally. Beginning to question need for Caddy
The interior on this thing has gotten a lot better.
All GM vehicles suffer from ergonomics from the usage of space to instrumentation.. it was so embarrassing when Ford ran commercials where a compact had more rear passenger legroom than a Chevrolet Suburban and as far as the instrumentation goes, one has to wonder whether GM engineers ever tried to operate the functions of the infotainment unit.
I’m certainly not a Honda fan, but will say this looks nice on outside and inside other than the stupid looking screen jetting up from the dash. Man, I can’t wait till that fad passes over. This is where the Buick (Enclave and Envision) will be way better than this. But overall, looks nice.
I like the looks ,the midsize 3row crossover /SUV is a very crowded segment to pick from .some will never Look at , because if ugly roofline s like the Lexus rx 350 L no one in the 3rd row can see out the Tiny window s as for transmission 9-10 speed automatic how quick is a down shift when I need to pass or merge into freeway traffic ???
Solid effort from Honda, I’d take this over the RX350
I am certain GM can find some more to cut out of the Cadillac product to make up for the losses of lower sales. All will be good in GM land…….