Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Acura MDX III 3.5 V6 (290 Hp) AWD Automatic
Overall Rating
Acura MDX:
The Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by the Japanese automaker Honda under its luxury Acura division since 2000. The alphanumeric moniker stands for "Multi-Dimensional" luxury. It has ranked as the second-best selling mid-size luxury SUV after the Lexus RX in the U. S.
The MDX was introduced on October 5, 2000 as a 2001 model, replacing the slow-selling U. S. -only body-on-frame SLX, based on the Isuzu Trooper. In Japan, it was made to replace the Honda Horizon which was discontinued in 1999. In 2003, the vehicle went on sale in Japan and Australia as the Honda MDX; sales with Honda badges ended with the introduction of the second generation three years later....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Acura MDX (III). With 362 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1947 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Acura MDX III was not tested by Euro NCAP, as it was primarily marketed in North America. However, it received top safety ratings from IIHS (Top Safety Pick+) and NHTSA (5-star overall) in its primary market, indicating strong safety performance.
3.5 V6 (290 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.5L V6 (J35Y5) provides strong and smooth acceleration, perfectly adequate for daily driving and highway cruising. The 290 Hp is well-matched to the vehicle's size, offering confident overtaking.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 11.2 l/100 km, this AWD variant offers reasonable economy for a 7-seater luxury SUV with a naturally aspirated V6. It's competitive for its class and era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Highly reliable 3.5L V6 engine (J35Y5)
- • Spacious and comfortable 7-seater interior with quality materials
- • Excellent safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA (in North America)
- • Smooth ride quality and quiet cabin for long journeys
- • Available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) offers superior handling and traction
Cons:
- • Fuel economy, while competitive, isn't class-leading compared to some rivals
- • Infotainment system can be complex and dated by modern standards
- • Not as dynamically engaging as some European competitors
- • Limited cargo space when all three rows of seats are in use
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 2007 - 2013).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Acura |
| Model: | MDX |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 V6 (290 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2013 |
| End of production: | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 290 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 77.5 Hp/l [73mm more] |
| Torque: | 362 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J35Y5 More details about the engine J35Y5 |
| Engine displacement: | 3741 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC, i-VTEC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.1 l |
| Coolant: | 7.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.7 kg/Hp, 150.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 187.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1930-1965 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2574 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 447 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2268 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 74 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4917 mm mm [73mm more] |
| Width: | 1962 mm mm [32mm less] |
| Height: | 1716 mm mm [16mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2820 mm mm [69mm more] |
| Front track: | 1684 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1684 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 185 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.46 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 14.9° |
| Departure angle: | 19.4° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | SportShift |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/60 R18; 245/55 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18; 8J x 19 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Acura MDX!