TSX69

2010 MDX Spied
09/24/2008, 11:00 AM

Acura’s lineup has received a major revamping this year, with all new or significant refreshes to the company’s TSX, TL and RL models. The recently launched RDX crossover will probably soldier on unchanged for another year or so, but its bigger brother — the MDX – is apparently in the process of getting a makeover.

Our spy photographers spotted an updated MDX ‘ute while out undergoing some shakedown testing.

Design-wise, the major changes seem to be limited to the front end. We can see through the camouflage that a new grill is definitely in the works. It appears to be a very similar grill to the one on the all-new 2009 TL — a design cue that we’re not completely sold on yet. We’d guess that new headlights and a revised lower fascia are also in order, keeping in line with the brand’s new corporate face.

It’s not clear if there will be any changes under the hood, but Honda has stated they’d like to offer a V6 diesel in the MDX by 2010-2011.

The MDX prototype spotted is believed to be a 2010 model, so look for the updated crossover to hit the market in mid to late 2009, with a February Chicago Auto Show reveal a distinct possibility.

FiftyFive

Whats with Acura and their grills these days?

PortlandRL

Somebody at Acura realized there was still a good-looking vehicle left in the lineup and got the design team on it pronto...

FiftyFive

I just hope they dont F this one like they did the others.

lowendz

they say they're not going to change the body style till 1012. least thats what i heard.

FiftyFive

1012? 2012?

csmeance

2012 is full redesign.
2010 is a refresh of the car to keep sales up...

lowendz

yeah, sorry, meant 2012.

vas25tl

agh....another grill update....

boxstock

I'm betting it will be a subtle update like the TL did from 06 to 07.

boxstock

2k5_AcuraTL

you can see the signature grill under that camou. Next is the RDX.

007Acura

they probably did this so when they release the mdx and the tl to europe it will have the same grill.

Ikko

Wait and see....the plenum's gonna look the best on the MDX!

shooter

I like the current MDX grill, much better than 09 TL IMHO .... but i guess I can't stop the train ....

csmeance

anyone think that acura might have an I-DTEC engine in it?

malnik

at the rate of 2008 Mdx are selling, there might not be a 2012 mdx

static808

I hope they get a i-DTEC engine. That would be really good especially from the torque side and fuel economy.

I guess we have a long term corporate look. Now how will "it" look on a NSX? That's the next question.

rondog

iTrader: (1)

The MDX is doing great, better than any other Acura in certain months. And the plenum grille is going to look good on this MDX I think because it has that SUV style and size. Kinda looks out of place on the cars like the TL / TSX because obviously, the SUV style grille doesn't compliment those smaller vehicle dimensions.

FiftyFive

I think the grill will fit better with the MDX, not so much the sedans. Guess we gotta wait and see.

TL1999

MDX going to get a new grill

xenonhid

Are you kidding me? The MDX and the RDX are the only good looking models left in 2009.

I couldn't be more disappointed in the 09 RL, TSX, and TL monstrocities!

I hope they do integrate decent looking design, because the 09 is looking real good already.

islandbeef

Slight changes to the grille and more wheel options.

Type34

So based on spy shots thus far, the MDX should look something like below...I did a quick mockup...the grille actually doesn't look that bad (although I still prefer the "shield")...

Ikko

Should have left the headlights the same. The plenum will def. look the best on the MDX!
Wait and see.