The Acura MDX has long been recognized as a leader in the competitive three-row luxury SUV market. For years, it has consistently topped sales charts, and the first half of 2014 was no exception. Record sales during this period solidified the MDX’s position not just as a top seller for the year, but as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time in America. With sales figures soaring 68.4 percent higher than the previous year, reaching 30,664 units by June, the MDX’s cumulative sales history climbed to an impressive 692,710 vehicles over its nearly 15-year run. This remarkable achievement underscores its enduring popularity and dominance in the luxury SUV segment. In fact, since 2002, the Acura MDX has consistently outsold all other contenders in the annual three-row luxury SUV sales rankings, a testament to its sustained appeal and quality. Industry analysts predicted that cumulative U.S. sales would surpass the 700,000 mark before 2015, further cementing its legacy.
Alt text: Sleek silver Acura MDX parked in a suburban setting, highlighting its modern design and status as a top luxury SUV.
According to Mike Accavitti, then senior vice president and general manager of Acura Division, the sales figures spoke volumes about consumer preference. He attributed the MDX’s success to Acura customers who recognized it as the “clear winner” in the three-row luxury SUV category. Accavitti emphasized that the MDX consistently delivered an unmatched combination of sought-after features, functionality, and performance, establishing itself as the benchmark in its class and a prime example of what luxury buyers truly desire in a vehicle.
Acura is credited with pioneering the three-row crossover luxury SUV segment with the introduction of the first-generation MDX in 2000 as a 2001 model. This groundbreaking vehicle immediately set a high standard, earning prestigious accolades such as the 2001 Motor Trend SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year awards. Over three generations, the dedicated U.S. engineering team has meticulously refined the original MDX concept, focusing on creating a seven-passenger luxury SUV that excels in packaging, fuel efficiency, ride comfort, and handling dynamics. This continuous improvement has been key to maintaining the MDX’s leading position as the Best Third Row Luxury Suv.
Alt text: Spacious beige leather interior of an Acura MDX, focusing on the comfortable and accessible third-row seating, emphasizing family-friendly luxury.
The third-generation 2014 Acura MDX represented a significant evolution, launching in June 2013 with a comprehensive redesign. This model featured an entirely new, more rigid, and lighter body and chassis. Through innovative engineering, Acura managed to reduce the vehicle’s weight by over 275 pounds compared to its predecessor, while simultaneously achieving substantial improvements in body rigidity, aerodynamic efficiency, and reduced rolling resistance. These enhancements contributed to a more refined driving experience and improved fuel economy, crucial factors for discerning luxury SUV buyers.
Safety was also a paramount concern in the development of the third-generation MDX. It incorporated Acura’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE™) body structure and pioneered the use of Acura’s new hot-stamped steel one-piece door stiffener ring. These advanced safety features contributed to the MDX achieving class-leading EPA fuel-economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Furthermore, the 2014 MDX 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). Notably, only one other luxury SUV at the time matched this combined safety performance, highlighting the MDX’s exceptional safety engineering and making it a top consideration for families seeking the best third row luxury SUV with superior protection.
Alt text: Infographic illustrating Acura MDX’s safety features, including ACE body structure and top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, emphasizing its commitment to passenger protection in a luxury SUV.
Beyond safety and performance, the MDX also prioritized passenger comfort and modern technology. The 2014 model offered a more spacious interior, enhanced 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. These improvements focused on enhancing the overall user experience, making the MDX not just luxurious but also incredibly practical for families.
For three generations, the Acura MDX has been designed, developed, and manufactured in North America, demonstrating Acura’s commitment to local production and quality. The third-generation MDX was exclusively produced at the company’s Lincoln, Alabama facility, utilizing both domestic and globally sourced parts. This North American focus further solidified its position as a leading choice in the US market for those seeking the best third row luxury SUV.
In conclusion, the Acura MDX’s continued sales leadership and accolades underscore its position as a top contender in the three-row luxury SUV segment. Its blend of luxury, performance, safety, and practicality has resonated with buyers for over a decade, making it a consistently popular choice for families seeking a premium and versatile vehicle. For anyone in the market for the best third row luxury SUV, the Acura MDX remains a benchmark vehicle, continuing to set the standard for its class.
