2014 MDX. Click to enlarge.

The 2014 MDX has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18/27/21 mpg US (13.0, 8.7 and 11.2 l/100 km, respectively) (city/highway/combined), while the new front-wheel-drive model is EPA rated at 20/28/23 mpg (11.8, 8.4 and 10.2 l/100 km, respectively).

The MDX’s engine architecture is shared with two racecars that recently finished first and second in the LMP2 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Employing a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters, the new MDX will be offered in both Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and two-wheel-drive drivetrain variants, both featuring Acura’s new Agile Handling Assist technology.

The 2014 MDX features an all-new Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) with three modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort. IDS adjusts steering effort, throttle response, SH-AWD and active sound to suit the tastes of the driver. The MDX’s new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, MacPherson strut front suspension and new multi-link rear suspension enable its more nimble and responsive handling and improved ride quality.

The 2014 MDX body applies more than 55% advanced lightweight materials—including high strength steel, aluminum and magnesium—resulting in a vehicle that is both more rigid and lightweight, with total vehicle weight reduced 275 pounds (125 kg) from the previous model.

The 2014 MDX offers a range of driver assistive and visibility technologies, including a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI), and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

The new MDX is equipped with a broad array of advanced safety technologies, including the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering II (ACE II) body structure, 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, and airbags (front, front side, driver’s knee and side curtain with rollover sensor), as well as the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems.

The 2014 Acura MDX is scheduled to go on sale at US Acura dealers nationwide this summer and will be available in four grades. The 2014 MDX was designed and developed in the US and will be built at the Lincoln, Alabama plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.