The luxury, seven-seater Acura MDX crossover SUV is the brand’s offering in the mid-size class with rivals like the Buick Enclave, Infiniti QX60, and Lexus RX. The current generation MDX arrived for the 2014 model year but Acura has updated the model regularly to keep it fresh and relevant. The model received the facelift for 2017 and a year after the brand introduced the upgraded infotainment system. The 2019 version brought a sporty A-spec version. However, by the modern automotive industry standards, the all-new model should appear soon and indeed the 2021 Acura MDX should be the new-generation version.
The prototype version recognized as the new MDX was spotted recently and sources claim it could be the performance Type-S version. Acura confirmed the launch of the Type-S performance versions and they should be powered by the new turbo V-6 engine.
More details about the redesigned MDX and possibly new TLX sedan leaked accidentally by the brand’s infotainment software. The leaked images reveal potentially the new exterior and interior design of the model although Acura said that images are conceptual renderings inspired by the Precision Concept design language. However, we won’t be surprised to see the new MDX is a similar form as on the leaked images and we hope it would be so.
2021 Acura MDX: Design
Despite Acura hasn’t confirmed that leaked images are actually the representative of the new generation 2021 Acura MDX we expect that model will take a very similar form as seen on them. The styling of the model presented in the images is in line with the Precision Concept design language and the recently refreshed RDX has got some of its styling cues. That will likely be the case with the all-new MDX.
If the model would appear with the design from the images, we will get a much more expressively styled Acura MDX. The model would have a new front section design with more prominent contours and new grille and headlights. The grille looks similar to the refreshed RDX while the headlights are slimmer and more modern. The front bumper area also has a more dynamic design.
The profile of the model seems to have a similar silhouette but with a more prominent character line and fenders’ sculpting. The rear side is also more dynamically shaped and with modem taillights.
The Type-S version should come with an even more aggressive styling approach and unique bumpers, wheels, trim pieces, and quad exhaust setup.
Interior, Equipment:
The leaked images suggest also some radical changes inside the cabin of the new generation MDX. The model should come with the new instrument cluster and ambient lighting which should correspond to the used driving mode. The new MDX should use Normal, Comfort, Slippery, Lift, Sport, Sport+, Snow and Personal modes.
There should also be the new infotainment system with a large center display and a long list of standard equipment including active safety tech. The model will again use leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, and crash avoidance systems from the base version. Upper grades will add more premium and comfort features combined with unique styling enhancements.
2021 Acura MDX: Powertrains
So far available details and leaked info don’t tell much about the mechanics and possible structural upgrades of the new 2021 Acura MDX.
Acura said that new Type-S versions will get a potent, turbocharged V-6 engine with i-VTEC, all-wheel steering, and Super handling All-wheel-drive system. The 10-speed automatic transmission will also be part of the mix. The new powertrain should provide considerably more power than the currently employed V-6 engine.
The reports claim, however, that a base 3.5-liter V-6 engine should return with minimal changes. The current version delivers 290 horsepower and torque of 267 pound-feet. The Sport Hybrid is also expected to return with a similar setup. The model combines a smaller V-6 engine with three electric motors and a 7-speed automatic transmission for the total output of 321 hp and a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg.
2021 Acura MDX: Release, Price
Some sources claim that new generation MDX might come as the 2020 model but we would likely see more prototype models so far and with less camo in that case. So, the all-new model is more likely as the 2021 Acura MDX with the on-sale date sometime in 2020. The price range should again start in the mid-$40,000s.