The Acura MDX debuted for the 2001 model year as Acura’s first internally developed midsize SUV. Introduced during the 2000 calendar year, it replaced the truck-based approach of Acura’s earlier SLX with a unibody crossover designed around passenger-car comfort, all-weather capability and family utility. The first-generation MDX offered three-row seating as standard, helping establish the three-row luxury crossover as a distinct market segment. It was designed, engineered and manufactured in North America and received the 2001 North American Truck of the Year award.
A second generation arrived for 2007 with more assertive styling and Acura’s torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, moving the MDX toward a more performance-oriented identity. The third generation followed for 2014 on a new platform and added front-wheel drive as an alternative to all-wheel drive. This era also produced several historically important variants: the three-motor MDX Sport Hybrid joined the range for 2017, while the appearance-focused A-Spec arrived for 2019. The third-generation lineup concluded with the 2020 model year.
Acura skipped the 2021 model year while preparing the redesigned fourth generation, but the MDX was not discontinued or later revived as a separate production program. The fourth-generation model reached dealers as a 2022 vehicle and adopted a more premium role as Acura’s flagship SUV. It introduced a dedicated performance platform with double-wishbone front suspension and brought the Type S badge to the MDX for the first time. The MDX Type S added a turbocharged V6, standard SH-AWD and chassis hardware developed to give the large three-row crossover a stronger enthusiast focus.
Across four generations, the MDX has remained a five-door, three-row luxury crossover and one of Acura’s most important nameplates. Its longevity, North American development and combination of practical packaging with increasingly performance-focused engineering have made it a defining vehicle for the Acura brand. The MDX remains in production.