2013 Acura MDX Photos, engines & full specs

Acura introduced the fourth generation of its flagship SUV, the MDX, in 2013 for the 2014 model year, and it was a total makeover compared to its predecessor.

Since the market for three-row premium SUVs was increasing, the Japanese automaker tried to keep up with customers' demands. So, in 2013 it unveiled the production version of this fourth-generation MDX at the New York International Auto Show.

The exterior looked more aggressive than before, with a diamond-shaped main grille above the bumper flanked by LED headlights and a pair of scoops. Thanks to its long hood and the cab-rearward profile, the MDX appeared sportier than before, even though it was mostly used for school runs or as a regular family hauler. At the back, the tailgate was slightly tilted forward, but the dynamic look was amplified by the D-pillar's and the third side windows' shapes.

Acura worked hard to provide a more spacious interior compared to the MDX's third generation. Still, the room on the third row was not good enough for an average-sized adult but more than suitable for kids. In addition, with all three rows in place, the trunk could still provide 16.3 cu-ft (461 liters) of space. The automaker offered a unique feature in the segment, with a removable middle seat from the second row, thus transforming the interior into a six-seat affair and a clear passage to the rearmost bench seat. At the front, the bolstered seats fronted a dashboard that sported the infotainment screen atop the center stack.

Underneath the hood, Acura installed a 3.5-liter V6 with direct gasoline injection and paired it with a six-speed automatic. Power went to the front axle or in all corners.