Honda MDX

The Acura MDX (Honda MDX in Japan and Australia) is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. It is built by Honda of Canada Manufacturing Ltd. in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. It was introduced in late 2000 as a 2001 model, replacing the slow-selling SLX, based on the Isuzu Trooper. In 2003, the MDX went on sale in Japan. It competes with the Lexus RX, Infiniti FX35, BMW X3, Hummer H3 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The 2007 introduction of the Acura RDX moved the MDX from the entry-level to the top-line SUV, changing its competitors to the Lexus GX, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover LR3 and Infiniti FX45.

Derived from Honda's Global mid-size platform which underpins cars like the Honda Accord, Acura TL, Acura TSX and Honda Odyssey, it is powered by a J35A3 3.5 L SOHC 24 valve V6 with VTEC. This 3471 cc (3.5 in x 3.6 in) engine produces 265 hp (198 kW) and 253 ft.lbf (343 Nm). Curb weight is 4451 lb (2019 kg), with a 106.3 in (2.7 m) wheelbase and 8 in (203 mm) of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers. The vehicle features an automatic four wheel drive system that engages only when wheel slippage is detected. The system runs as front wheel drive during normal operation.

The navigation system and DVD entertainment system options were mutually exclusive in the 2002 model. Both could be ordered at the same time since the 2003 model. The navigation option comes with a rear view video camera since the 2003 model. Since 2005 the navigation system featured information from Zagat about restaurants and other points of interest. The 2003 model was rated as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. EPA estimates 23 mpg (10.23 L/100km) highway and 17 mpg (13.84 L/100km) city.

In the 2004 model, the engine was improved to produce 5 hp (4 kW) more power than the 2003 model. The 2004 model features dual tail pipes instead of the single pipe in earlier models. Some chrome trimmings on the 2004 model use matte finish to distinguish from the polished shiny finish on earlier models. Little changed for the MDX during the 2006 model year with a few minor revisions to the vehicle's chrome and faux wood interior trim.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.