The Acura MDX continues to dominate the luxury SUV market, cementing its position as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV in America. Record sales in the first half of 2014 have not only reaffirmed its leadership in the current year but have also solidified its place as the all-time best-selling model in its class. Through June 2014, MDX sales surged by an impressive 68.4 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, reaching 30,664 units. This outstanding performance brings the cumulative sales of the MDX to an astounding 692,710 units over its nearly 15-year history, making it the most sought-after three-row luxury SUV ever. Notably, the MDX has consistently held the top spot in annual sales rankings among three-row luxury SUVs every year since 2002. Industry analysts predict that cumulative U.S. sales of the MDX are on track to surpass 700,000 units before the close of 2014, further emphasizing its enduring appeal and market dominance.
Mike Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of Acura Division, acknowledged this achievement, stating, “Luxury car buyers have spoken, and we really want to thank our Acura customers for making the MDX the clear winner among three-row luxury SUVs. MDX is the clear benchmark in its class, consistently delivering the best combination of features, function, and performance that luxury buyers are after.”
Acura pioneered the three-row crossover luxury SUV segment with the introduction of the first-generation MDX in 2000 as a 2001 model. This groundbreaking vehicle quickly garnered industry accolades, earning both the Motor Trend SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year titles in its debut year. For three generations, the U.S. engineering team behind the MDX has continuously refined and enhanced its original concept: a three-row, 7-passenger luxury SUV that excels in packaging, fuel efficiency, and driving dynamics.
The third-generation 2014 Acura MDX, launched in June 2013, represents a comprehensive transformation. It began with the development of a completely new, more rigid yet lighter body and chassis. This redesign resulted in a significant weight reduction of over 275 pounds compared to the previous model, accompanied by substantial improvements in body rigidity, aerodynamic efficiency, and reduced rolling resistance. These enhancements contribute to a more responsive and agile driving experience while simultaneously boosting fuel economy.
Safety remains a paramount concern for Acura, and the third-generation MDX exemplifies this commitment. It incorporates Acura’s next-generation ACE™ (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure and marks the first application of Acura’s innovative hot-stamped steel, one-piece door stiffener ring.
These and other advanced design features have enabled the MDX to achieve class-leading EPA fuel-economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Furthermore, the 2014 MDX has earned the highest safety accolades, including a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a distinction shared by only one other luxury SUV in its class. Beyond safety and efficiency, the MDX offers enhanced interior comfort, advanced connectivity through its next-generation AcuraLink™ system, and significantly improved third-row access and egress thanks to its user-friendly One-Touch Walk-In feature.
The Acura MDX is a product of North American design, engineering, and manufacturing for all three generations. The third-generation MDX is exclusively manufactured at the company’s Lincoln, Alabama, facility, utilizing both domestic and globally sourced components. Acura’s dedication to quality and innovation has solidified the MDX’s position as the Best 3 Row Luxury Suv, appealing to families and individuals seeking a premium driving experience without compromise.
