2004 Acura Mdx Awd Touring Edition, Navigation, Very Clean, No Accidents on 2040-cars

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New 2022 Acura MDX platform to underpin future Hondas

The 2022 Acura MDX introduces a new platform to the Acura and Honda lineup called the Global Light Truck Platform, and it's currently exclusive to the MDX. The new 2021 Acura TLX is also built on a totally new platform that isn’t shared with any other Honda or Acura. Going further back, when the redesigned 2019 RDX debuted, Acura said that model was built on “a new-from-the-ground-up, Acura-exclusive platform." ThatÂ’s three totally-new and Acura-exclusive platforms in a short time period, and it got us thinking. What is Acura up to here?  Most manufacturers these days are increasingly going in the exact opposite direction. VolkswagenÂ’s MQB architecture underpins everything from the hot hatch GTI to the gigantic Atlas. ToyotaÂ’s TNGA platform has multiple sizes/versions, but Toyota still considers them related and will tell you that TNGA is the basis of cars from the Corolla on up to the Highlander, plus the Lexus UX and ES. You can find similar stories all across the industry, in both luxury and non-luxury brands. Acura, on the other hand, appears to be taking a totally different approach. To get some clarity on strategy, we reached out to Acura. The answers are multifaceted, but Acura says it's spending money where it pays dividends for performance — but there's also more sharing between models than it might look like on the surface. “The definition of what constitutes a 'common platform' varies by automaker,” Acura exclusively told Autoblog during a wide-ranging e-mail interview involving the input of numerous engineers and product planners. “For us, the most fundamental value is to maintain the same carry points throughout production and enable us to produce different vehicles in the same manufacturing environment.” As an example, the TLX and RDX feature similar carry points in the chassis to enable their production on the same line, but thatÂ’s where the two diverge. “The TLX is different in that it has a bespoke platform that is not shared with any other Acura or Honda vehicle,” Acura says.

2025 Acura ADX teased as the new entry-level crossover

Acura’s SUVs might not have the luxury cache that models from Lexus and others bring to the table, but their sporty looks and somewhat spritely performance have kept them relevant enough. The automaker is growing its lineup in 2025 with the addition of the ADX, an Integra-based crossover positioned as the new entry point to the Acura catalog. The ADX joins the long-running RDX, MDX, and the new, all-electric ZDX crossover. AcuraÂ’s fourth SUV will get a turbocharged engine and slot under the RDX as a smaller, less expensive option to attract younger buyers. A fourth utility vehicle only expands AcuraÂ’s catalog to six models overall, which is still far short of the expansive though somewhat repetitive Lexus lineup, which offers hybrids and several variants of some models. Emile Korkor, AcuraÂ’s AVP of national sales, said, “The 2025 Acura ADX will add a fourth SUV to our lineup and a new gateway model ready to build on the incredible success of Integra, helping make Acura a destination brand for a new generation of buyers. With the first-ever ADX and all-electric ZDX, the Acura lineup will have SUVs covered from A to Z.” Acura didnÂ’t share any other details about the ADX, but its pricing will likely land somewhere in the mid-to-high-$30,000 range to start. ThatÂ’s roughly midway between the IntegraÂ’s $31,800 starting price and the base RDXÂ’s $44,350 MSRP. If its powertrain matches up with the IntegraÂ’s, performance will be lively, but it wouldnÂ’t be out of the question to see a hybrid pulled from the Civic or other Honda at some point down the line. Beyond the new SUVs, Acura updated the flagship MDX for 2025. Changes include refreshed styling with new wheel designs for some trims and the removal of the frustrating touchpad infotainment system that never really became easier to use over time. In its place is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen that early reviews suggest is a significant improvement.     Acura Crossover SUV

Acura's MDX SEMA concept took the wrong parts from the NSX GT3

When it comes to SEMA show cars, the more absurd the better, such as with the 1,040-horsepower Bisimoto Hyundai Santa Fe. That's not the case with Acura's custom MDX. This crossover was designed to match the NSX GT3 racecar, and gets a custom trailer to tow it. However, instead of doing something awesome like dropping in the NSX's twin-turbo V6, Acura decided the defining characteristics of the race car were the paint, splitter, and wing. So that's what the MDX and trailer got. In addition to a matching white paint scheme with orange and black accents, the SUV wears a massive front splitter that looks like a shelf stuck close to the ground. It's the only aero modification on the vehicle, and it just looks silly, what with the massive gap between the base of the bumper and the splitter itself. There aren't any performance modifications on this SUV either, except the lowered suspension, so the only thing the splitter is likely to do is break off on the first mildly steep driveway it comes across. To complement the MDX's dubious aero aid, the custom trailer gets a "wing" at the back. Actually, it looks like Acura slapped some endplates on the back to give it a wing look. The trailer also gets running boards that extend the splitter along the side. Maybe it all works together to keep the trailering rig planted. But probably not. If Acura wants suggestions for next time, we suggest a mid-engined MDX, or perhaps one with a wild hybrid system. We'll call this a missed opportunity. Related Video: Featured Gallery Acura MDX with custom NSX GT3 Trailer: SEMA 2016 View 11 Photos Related Gallery 2017 Acura MDX SEMA concept Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / Autoblog Design/Style SEMA Show Acura Crossover Racing Vehicles acura mdx acura nsx gt3