Sometimes, companies are not careful enough and enthusiasts can find some interesting easter eggs. On the other hand, carmakers can plant them on purpose to unofficially announce big things for their lineups. One of these two scenarios happened to the new 2021 Acura MDX. We have images, but there is no official word by Honda as the parent company. These pictures are showing a lot of novelties on the flagship SUV for Acura brand. As the premium model, the MDX will definitely need another update, the first one after 2017.
A couple of images are showing enough. The 2021 Acura MDX will bring a completely new front fascia. Of course, there are some other notable changes on the side and the back of the vehicle. At the same time and from the same source the images of the upcoming TLX sedan also leaked. So, these two vehicles are definitely going to share some things in common. What we cannot see are engines and specs. Experts are confident the company will keep its most reliable V6 engine as the main source of power for MDX. Also, the SUV will boost the hybrid drivetrain as well.
What’s New for the 2021 Acura MDX?
How much few pictures can unveil about the new vehicle? Well, enough. The new 2021 Acura MDX is definitely getting the new front fascia. The redesign will change all up front. The first thing we spot is the refreshed grille. However, that is just for the start. Under this part, we can see larger air intakes and overlapping lines that were not there before. Of course, with the new design of the grille, we are getting new headlights and bumper. LED lamps are now more attractive. On the other side, we can’t see so many updates. The tail is more rounded and smaller compared to the current offer. This is more than enough we can get from two photos. More updates will be available during next year when Acura and Honda officially confirm the new MDX.
Interior
Teaser images are not showing us only the exterior, but also the part of the SUV’s cockpit. The adjustable dashboard will change lights color and cluster depending on the driving mode. One photo unveils the list of possible modes. There are Normal, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Lift, Snow, and custom. Some of them are already available on other Honda’s and Acura’s vehicles. However, the new MDX and TLX sedan are going to offer them all. We didn’t have a look at seats and the rest of the cabin. As the premium model, we expect a lot of luxury updates for the upcoming vehicle. The SUV will keep a three-row layout and seating room for seven persons. Upper trim levels will use captain’s chairs in the middle row and then, the total seating capacity drops to six.
2021 Acura MDX Specs
So, the 2021 Acura MDX will stick to the 3.6-liter V6 drivetrain. This is the largest unit the Japanese is currently using on the US soil. It is one of the most reliable engines and the reason why buyers are choosing Honda and Acura over other carmakers. The powertrain is pretty potent as well. It can produce 290 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. MDX will use front- and all-wheel drive configurations and the combined fuel economy is going to be better than before since designers are about to use lighter materials. A nine-speed automatic transmission is the only choice, while the Super-Handling AWD is something you will have to try out. The towing capacity of the premium SUV is 3,500 pounds.
Hybrid
The other option for the engine room is a hybrid configuration that combines a 3.0-liter V6 petrol unit with an electric battery. Engineers are improving the system to offer more power and a better fuel economy. Currently, the MDX Sport Hybrid sits at 320 hp and 290 pound-feet of torque. This setup returns 27 mpg combined. With weight savings and other improvements, the number could go up by 2-3 points.
2021 Acura MDX A-Spec
The most attractive model in the lineup is the A-Spec. This package is definitely coming back for the 2021 Acura MDX. It is not boosting the performance, only the appearance. Some of the features you are getting with this suite are unique wheels, graphics, and dual exhaust tips. It is available only with the petrol engine, while the hybrid is not offering the A-Spec version.
2021 Acura MDX Release Date
Unfortunately, pictures can’t tell us when the new 2021 Acura MDX is coming out. However, the concept seems to be in advanced stages of development and the final tuning is needed for the SUV to be ready for production. Still, there is more than a year before the 2021 MDX becomes available for purchase. First, we expect the official confirmation by the carmaker and then we can discuss other things. For example, it is obvious that changes will increase the price. The cost of the premium model is already pretty hefty, so the company can’t push it too much up.
You can read also:
2020 Acura RDX Updates – Hybrid, Type S Model, Manual Transmission
