The weight of the world
Newberg, Oregon - Few manufacturers currently depend on an SUV or CUV to make “ends meet.” However, Acura’s star happens to be the biggest, and nearly most expensive, product in their current lineup.
The 2014 Acura MDX has much riding on its shoulders. Most Acura products have garnered little or (let’s be honest) no success over the last few years. Their latest RDX is doing well, but the MDX will make or break the brand.
The new 2014 Acura MDX is conservatively styled and only mildly discernible alongside the RDX, but Acura put in tremendous efforts to refine and improve what was a good driving vehicle. In short, few three-row CUV drives or feels as composed as the new MDX.
What is an Acura MDX?
The 2014 Acura MDX is a large midsize luxury crossover that lucratively marries sporty driving dynamics and high-end amenities in a sophisticated package. A critical volume leader, the MDX is responsible for 1/3 of all Acura sales.
The new MDX will be available in four trims: MDX, Navi, Tech, and Elite -- a decision made in the hopes that the MDX’s reach and appeal will increase.
Technicalities
The 2014 Acura MDX features a new 3.5L V6 with i-VTEC and direct injection; two of the components of Earth Dreams technology that help it produce 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque and enhance fuel economy significantly.
The figures are 11.2L/7.7L city/highway per 100 km which represent an improvement of nearly 20% over the 2013 MDX. Its all-new platform, 131 fewer kgs, and aerodynamics all play a role in this result.
All 2014 MDXs use a 6-speed automatic transmission, and are equipped with Acura’s famous SH-AWD.
2014 MDX prices range from $49,990 to $65,990. A heated steering wheel and wiper area, and rear-view camera are all standard.
Driving the Acura MDX
To drive the new 2014 Acura MDX is to understand that leaps and bounds separate the new from the old. Acura wisely (or not?) had 2013 MDXs for comparison drives. The stark contrast from something that was “good” to the 2014 couldn’t be more obvious.
The most immediate difference comes as a result of intensive work done to attenuate and control NVH. The new MDX has active engine mounts, thicker glass, and quieter tires. In the process, the new rear and revised front suspension were heavily improved and steering was beefed up all in the name of civility.
The 2014 Acura MDX’s handling, ride harshness, and road noise are all spot-on. The big MDX drives smaller than it actually is. I was fortunate enough to take an RDX out for a quick spin and only substance, not girth or driving-pleasure-sapping weight, divide the two. In fact, the MDX feels better.
The 2014 Acura MDX’s electric power steering features three modes of assistance that are only novel for a few minutes. Weight and feedback are very good. One of the tricks to the 2014 MDX’s drive is the combination of SH-AWD and AHA (agile handling assist); SH-AWD works on throttle while AHA works from turn-in through the ESP. The result is impressive.
Altogether, I was never concerned about tossing the MDX on twisty mountain passes; it took it all in stride.
My sole gripe with the 2014 Acura MDX comes from brake feel. The pedal is soft and response is poor. I drove three different MDXs and noted some were better than others, but none matched that of the RDX.
Inside and out of the Acura MDX
The 2014 Acura MDX’s shell is slightly longer, but narrower than before making it easier to squeeze into parking spaces.
On the aesthetic front, the MDX is nothing special. Other than the standard LED head and taillights, it has no distinct crowd-wowing elements. The previous MDX was handsome whereas this one is barely an evolutionary sidestep.
The cabin is top-notch. The dash sports a more intuitive multi-info display and far fewer buttons (from 41 to 9). Although sparse and clean, I have an issue with two screens, as with the 2013 Honda Accord. Thankfully, the jog dial for menu navigation remains, and the lower display screen is touch-sensitive.
Interior elegance is matched with utility: there’s now more interior storage, particularly in the centre console. As well, access to the third row is easier with one-touch second-row seats that fold completely flat thanks to the new chassis.
Oddly, working the third row remains a chore. There is no power operation available and two hands (along with serious reach and effort) are required to raise or lower it.
Comparing the Acura MDX
The 2014 Acura MDX comes to market as a reigning champion in its field. As it stands, I know that this new third generation will continue to dominate its segment that includes the Audi Q7, Buick Enclave, and Infiniti JX35.
The 2014 Acura MDX arrives in July 2013, is built in Alabama and projected sales are of 6,000 units in its first full year.
Newberg, Oregon - Few manufacturers currently depend on an SUV or CUV to make “ends meet.” However, Acura’s star happens to be the biggest, and nearly most expensive, product in their current lineup.
The 2014 Acura MDX has much riding on its shoulders. Most Acura products have garnered little or (let’s be honest) no success over the last few years. Their latest RDX is doing well, but the MDX will make or break the brand.
The new 2014 Acura MDX is conservatively styled and only mildly discernible alongside the RDX, but Acura put in tremendous efforts to refine and improve what was a good driving vehicle. In short, few three-row CUV drives or feels as composed as the new MDX.
What is an Acura MDX?
The 2014 Acura MDX is a large midsize luxury crossover that lucratively marries sporty driving dynamics and high-end amenities in a sophisticated package. A critical volume leader, the MDX is responsible for 1/3 of all Acura sales.
The new MDX will be available in four trims: MDX, Navi, Tech, and Elite -- a decision made in the hopes that the MDX’s reach and appeal will increase.
Technicalities
The 2014 Acura MDX features a new 3.5L V6 with i-VTEC and direct injection; two of the components of Earth Dreams technology that help it produce 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque and enhance fuel economy significantly.
The figures are 11.2L/7.7L city/highway per 100 km which represent an improvement of nearly 20% over the 2013 MDX. Its all-new platform, 131 fewer kgs, and aerodynamics all play a role in this result.
All 2014 MDXs use a 6-speed automatic transmission, and are equipped with Acura’s famous SH-AWD.
2014 MDX prices range from $49,990 to $65,990. A heated steering wheel and wiper area, and rear-view camera are all standard.
Driving the Acura MDX
To drive the new 2014 Acura MDX is to understand that leaps and bounds separate the new from the old. Acura wisely (or not?) had 2013 MDXs for comparison drives. The stark contrast from something that was “good” to the 2014 couldn’t be more obvious.
The most immediate difference comes as a result of intensive work done to attenuate and control NVH. The new MDX has active engine mounts, thicker glass, and quieter tires. In the process, the new rear and revised front suspension were heavily improved and steering was beefed up all in the name of civility.
The 2014 Acura MDX’s handling, ride harshness, and road noise are all spot-on. The big MDX drives smaller than it actually is. I was fortunate enough to take an RDX out for a quick spin and only substance, not girth or driving-pleasure-sapping weight, divide the two. In fact, the MDX feels better.
The 2014 Acura MDX’s electric power steering features three modes of assistance that are only novel for a few minutes. Weight and feedback are very good. One of the tricks to the 2014 MDX’s drive is the combination of SH-AWD and AHA (agile handling assist); SH-AWD works on throttle while AHA works from turn-in through the ESP. The result is impressive.
Altogether, I was never concerned about tossing the MDX on twisty mountain passes; it took it all in stride.
My sole gripe with the 2014 Acura MDX comes from brake feel. The pedal is soft and response is poor. I drove three different MDXs and noted some were better than others, but none matched that of the RDX.
Inside and out of the Acura MDX
The 2014 Acura MDX’s shell is slightly longer, but narrower than before making it easier to squeeze into parking spaces.
On the aesthetic front, the MDX is nothing special. Other than the standard LED head and taillights, it has no distinct crowd-wowing elements. The previous MDX was handsome whereas this one is barely an evolutionary sidestep.
The cabin is top-notch. The dash sports a more intuitive multi-info display and far fewer buttons (from 41 to 9). Although sparse and clean, I have an issue with two screens, as with the 2013 Honda Accord. Thankfully, the jog dial for menu navigation remains, and the lower display screen is touch-sensitive.
Interior elegance is matched with utility: there’s now more interior storage, particularly in the centre console. As well, access to the third row is easier with one-touch second-row seats that fold completely flat thanks to the new chassis.
Oddly, working the third row remains a chore. There is no power operation available and two hands (along with serious reach and effort) are required to raise or lower it.
Comparing the Acura MDX
The 2014 Acura MDX comes to market as a reigning champion in its field. As it stands, I know that this new third generation will continue to dominate its segment that includes the Audi Q7, Buick Enclave, and Infiniti JX35.
The 2014 Acura MDX arrives in July 2013, is built in Alabama and projected sales are of 6,000 units in its first full year.
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