Colorado Guy AF Ret.

I just saw some good pics of the new upcoming '14 MDX. Interior pics too. Wow...if this isn't a "slightly grown up '13 RDX" I don't know what is.

When you see the pics that are out there everywhere now from the New York Auto Show....you can't miss the new rear styling looking VERY much like the RDX. The exhaust outlets are gone..like the RDX and the "look" is quite similar!

Then the interior! Seriously....I thought I was looking at the RDX! The dash, console, center stack....OH so familiar!

The MDX lost 275 lbs and they worked on making "fancier" inside vs the outgoing model. Still a winner I think. One of the best "larger" SUV's on the market.

Mike_TX

Compared side by side with the 2013, there's not much obvious difference in the shape. It looks like the rear hatch is sloped more than on the 2013, and of course the head lights and tail lights are different. As is the case with Honda/Acura, the changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary.

One thing I do like about the MDX is the shorter front overhang, which gives it better proportions than the RDX.

But overall, I agree - the MDX looks like a big RDX.

geocord

Yes, the new MDX is nicer looking because it looks more like the RDX. The big story is the drivetrain IMO. They are now using the 3.5l engine with direct injection and cylinder deactivation. The base MDX is now FWD and gets 20/28 MPG. The AWD version still has the SH-AWD and that one gets almost the same MPG as the RDX IIRC. It's longer in length than the current MDX and lower also. Sounds like a winner. Kind of wish they had this last year when I bought my RDX as it may have been very hard to pick between the two. Of course, the MDX would have cost about $10k more.

fleuger99

Those consumption numbers are a big improvement for the MDX. My neighbor has a 2011 MDX and he says it is very thirsty.

Mike_TX

Yes. My 2006 MDX did about 16-17mpg in town and struggled to get 20 on the highway.

I can't see how the new MDX can get the same mileage as the RDX, though - it's heavier and the engine is tuned for a few more hp. The only way they could achieve that would be with taller gearing, which will degrade performance a little. And it's already down 20hp on the outgoing 3.7-liter.

TBC787

I sure don't like those Godzilla headlights.

geocord

Direct injection and I think it's about 10hp down isn't it, 300hp to 290hp. they also shaved about 300lbs or thereabout off the MDX so it's not so much heavier than the RDX. All that and maybe a touch to the gearing and voila....28hwy for the FWD and 27hwy for the SH-AWD. Nice. Keep in mind that these mpg numbers are Acuras and the EPA hasn't officially sanctioned them so they could adjust and I doubt if they would adjust up.

Mike_TX

Get used to them on Acuras! At least the higher-end ones.

Mike_TX

Yeah, I guess you're right about the hp - I was thinking the 3.7 was making 310 now.

But even with DI and some gearing changes, I don't think it'll make 20/28 ... there's just too much bulk and frontal area for it to get the same as the RDX with the same engine and transmission. But I've been wrong before.

geocord

That info is from N. American Honda at the NY auto show. Honda is not usually off much when it actually lets something out of the bag. They would look kind of silly making those statments what with the Hyundai debacle fresh in everyones minds. My impression is that Honda has already done all the EPA testing in house and is just waiting for the stamp of approval from the EPA. I'm sure they were extra careful after their Civic Hybrid law suits and all the bad press that Hyundai got recently on overzealous estimates.

Rocketsfan

They're also using the Earth Dreams engines in the MDX that were supposed to improve mileage by 10% alone, I think. People driving the new V6 Accords running Earth Dreams engines are showing impressive mileage (it's rated at 34 mpg highway, I think). Also, like you mentioned, the 20/28/23 on the new MDX is for the FWD. The SH-AWD is 18/27/21. Then you have something like a 250-275 pound weight-reduction on top of it (due to lack of AWD or in addition to?), and it all adds up.

Mike_TX

LOL. I'm not accusing anyone of fibbing or anything. I'm just expressing skepticism.