Acura MDX Generations – The MDX History

First Generation – 2001 – 2006

The MDX debuted as a 2001 model in late 2000, badged as an Acura in North America, but as a Honda in Japan and Australia. It was an immediate hit, featuring fuel economy and handling that were massive improvements over the Izuzu Trooper-based SLX that it replaced. The standard all-wheel drive system was related to the RealTime AWD system found in Honda-badged models, in that it sent power to all four wheels at low speed or when slippage was detected. But an important distinction was that the system could be locked in full-time AWD, and as a result, the MDX was highly praised for unexpectedly capable offroad ability. The J35 V6 engine produced a respectable 240 horsepower, but this was bumped up to 260 for 2003, and then to 265 for 2004. The first-gen MDX was also one of the US-market production vehicles to offer a backup camera.

Second Generation – 2007 – 2013

The redesigned second generation of the MDX was bigger, both longer and wider. The engine was bigger as well, growing from 3.5 liters to 3.7, and horsepower increased to 300. Towing capacity increased with this generation as well, but the most important change was probably the all-wheel drive system. The new system was, and still is, the SH-AWD “Super Handling All-Wheel Drive” system. The system itself had initially debuted on the 2005 RL, and it featured an active rear differential. This made for a performance-oriented system that made for incredibly balanced power delivery, making the MDX feel like it had a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, even though it was actually 56/44. This is the sort of system that you usually find on high-performance cars, and together with the added horsepower, the MDX became a real performance standout. Manually selectable gears and active suspension dampers were also introduced for this generation. In all, the second generation was a major step forward for the performance side of the MDX.

Third Generation – 2014 – 2020

The third generation of the MDX saw the introduction of a new engine from the Earth Dreams line of Honda/Acura engines. While still a J-series V6 that displaces the same 3.5 liters as the first generation engine, this one is significantly more fuel efficient, and more powerful as well, producing 290 horsepower. The standard transmission got another gear, going from a 5-speed to a 6-speed, and a 9-speed version was introduced by the end of the production cycle. A lower-priced front-wheel drive option was added for the first time, and in 2017, a hybrid was introduced. The MDX Sport Hybrid was an impressive piece of technology, featuring eAWD and 321 horsepower. It was offered for the remainder of the third-generation production run. The A-Spec package was introduced in 2019, featuring unique wheels, as well as black and dark chrome accents. It proved popular enough that it remains a staple of the MDX option list.

Fourth Generation – 2022 – Present

You might have noticed a gap in model years, and that’s because, even though there was no pause in production, there is no 2021 model year for the MDX. That’s because the RLX was discontinued, and for the MDX to take its place the new flagship model of the Acura lineup, the redesign for the fourth generation had to be incredibly thorough. The 3.5-liter Earth Dreams engine from the previous generation carried over, but it got a new and highly advanced 10-speed automatic transmission that improved both acceleration and fuel economy. But the big news for the fourth generation is the introduction of the Type S, which features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that makes 355 horsepower. It also produces 354 lb-ft of torque, and holds peak torque all the way from 1,400 to 5,000 rpm, making for incredible acceleration. It comes with a number of other performance features as well, such as adaptive air suspension and massive Brembo® four-piston front brakes. Lastly, the MDX has been assembled in a number of different locations over the years, but with the introduction of the fourth generation, it is now assembled exclusively right here in Ohio.

2025 Acura MDX