Generation history
The Acura MDX has been through 3 generations, starting in 2001, 2007 and 2014. The gaps were 6, 7 years, an average of 6.5. The pace has been steady. The current generation began in 2014. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2020 through 2022, centered on 2021. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The 2014 MDX Prototype was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, the production version was revealed at the New York Auto Show. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Acura MDX model page.
Every generation
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | YD1 | 2001–2007 | Derived from Honda's Global mid-size platform which underpins cars like the Honda Accord, Acura TL, TSX and Odyssey, it is powered by a J35A3 3.5 L SOHC 24 valve V6 gasoline engine with VTEC. |
| Second generation | YD2 | 2007–2014 | On April 11, 2006, Acura unveiled the 2007 Acura MD-X Concept during the New York International Auto Show, showing to the public an indication about the exterior styling of the upcoming completely redesigned MDX. |
| Third generation | YD3/4/7 | 2014–present | The 2014 MDX Prototype was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, the production version was revealed at the New York Auto Show. |
The Acura MDX spent 6.5 years per generation on average. The current one is 12 years old. Treat 2020 to 2022 as a range, not a date.
Source: Acura MDX (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Acura MDX model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
Derived from Honda's Global mid-size platform which underpins cars like the Honda Accord, Acura TL, TSX and Odyssey, it is powered by a J35A3 3.5 L SOHC 24 valve V6 gasoline engine with VTEC. Curb weight is 4,451 lb (2,019 kg), with a 106.3 in (2,700 mm) wheelbase and 8 in (200 mm) of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats.
On April 11, 2006, Acura unveiled the 2007 Acura MD-X Concept during the New York International Auto Show, showing to the public an indication about the exterior styling of the upcoming completely redesigned MDX. The second-generation MDX was release in the U.S. on October 17, 2006, for the 2007 model year. The second generation model's body has a wider track and longer wheelbase than the previous MDX. There is less visibility to the rear compared to the prior generation, however an available backup camera compensates for this.
The 2014 MDX Prototype was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, the production version was revealed at the New York Auto Show. Production began on May 2, 2013; vehicle assembly shifted from Ontario, Canada to Lincoln, Alabama. US sales began on June 20, 2013, for the 2014 model year The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter direct injected Earth Dreams V6 gasoline engine with Variable Cylinder Management. A front-wheel drive (FWD) model is available for the first time, in Canada all-wheel drive remains the only configuration offered.
Generation notes adapted from Acura MDX (Wikipedia).
Today's Acura MDX
Owners filed 105 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Acura MDX, most often about engine (63), electrical system (48), unknown or other (26).