The 2014 MDX is the third generation of Acura 's seven - passenger luxury performance SUV , the first to be developed from the ground up using an all-new , purpose - built platform (body and chassis ) fully optimized for the needs of today 's luxury SUV buyers.
Packaging
The 2014 MDX measures 2.0 inches longer than the previous - generation MDX and has a 2.8 - inch longer wheelbase . Vehicle height has been lowered by 1.5 inches , and rear step-in height is lower by 1.8 inches Compared to the outgoing models . The front track is 1.4 inches narrower and the rear wheel track is 1.2 inches narrower . The vehicle width is reduced by 1.3 inches . In this respect , the MDX presents a 2 percent smaller frontal area to the wind for improved aerodynamic efficiency , and a slightly narrower body for improved garage - ability, while the longer wheelbase helps to Enhance ride quality and interior Spaciousness . The passenger hip points in the first and second rows are lower by 1.2 inches and the third row is lower by 1.4 inches , improving the feeling of stability and reduced body roll for all occupants.
powertrain
The 2014 MDX Utilizes the same Earth Dreams Technology engine architecture as the new RLX sedan , Acura 's first direct-injected engine , incorporating a new i - VTEC valvetrain with two - stage Variable Cylinder Management ™ ( VCM ™ ) , the first application of VCM in an MDX . The MDX 's engine architecture is also shared with two racecars that finished in first and second place , respectively , in the LMP2 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in the 2013 American Le Mans Series . With a displacement of 3.5 liters , the aluminum , 24 - valve V - 6 engine produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of peak of peak torque ( both SAE net ) with approximately 8 percent more torque below 2,750 rpm Compared to the 3.7 - liter engine in the previous models. Due to improved operating efficiency , horsepower output per liter is up 2 percent and torque output per liter is up 4.4 percent Compared to the previous 3.7 - liter engine .
Key powertrain details and features :
• All-new direct- injected 3.5 - liter 24 - valve V - 6
• i - VTEC ® valvetrain with Variable Cylinder Management ™ ( VCM ® )
• Computer - controlled Direct Injection ( DI ) with multi - hole fuel injectors
• reengineered 6 - speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift
• Available Super Handling All- Wheel Drive ( SH - AWD )
• Active Control Engine Mounts ( ACM ) and Active Noise Cancellation ( ANC )
• Grade Logic Control System Reduces gear " hunting " on steep grades
Dynamic Performance
The second - generation MDX is highly Regarded for its exhilarating handling and spirited performance driving . The 2014 MDX further expands the MDX 's dynamic performance envelope with Quicker acceleration , shorter stopping distances and more nimble handling , in combination with Increased fuel efficiency and enhanced ride comfort .
Key performance details and features :
• All- new 290 - horsepower 3.5 - liter i - VTEC engine direct-injected 24 - valve V - 6
• Available Super Handling All- Wheel Drive ( SH - AWD )
• Sequential Sport Shift automatic transmission
• One - half second 0-60 mph Quicker
• 8 seconds faster lap time on Germany 's Nürburgring Nordschleife
• 8 percent more low-end torque ( below 2,750 rpm )
• Advanced shift - hold control limits up - shifts during spirited driving
• Electric Power Steering ( EPS ) with 9 - percent Quicker steering ratio
• Amplitude Reactive Dampers , front and rear
• Integrated Dynamics System ( IDS ) for customizable dynamic performance
• New Agile Handling Assist for improved traceability corner
• 4 - channel Anti - Lock Brakes ( ABS ) with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist
• Vehicle Stability Assist ( VSA )
Engine Architecture
The MDX 3.5 - liter VTEC ® V - 6 has a die- cast lightweight aluminum alloy block with cast -in -place iron cylinder liners , a smooth -firing 60 - degree V - angle , and compact overall dimensions . As in the 2014 Acura RLX , the MDX powerplant combines Direct Injection with i - VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management ( VCM ) to give the MDX impressive fuel economy ratings and overall performance . This clean - running engine meets ULEV - 2 emissions standards in select states , and Federal Tier 2 , Bin 5 standards .
i - VTEC with 2 - Stage Variable Cylinder Management ™ ( VCM ® )
The MDX SOHC V - 6 combines Variable Cylinder Management ( VCM ) with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control ( i - VTEC ) , roomates changes the lift profile , timing and lift of the intake valves duration . A switching mechanism Allows each cylinder to operate and with low - rpm valve lift and duration or high - rpm lift and duration .
The " intelligent " portion of the system is its ability to vary valve operation based on the driving situation and engine rpm . At low rpm , the i - VTEC intake valve timing and lift are optimized (low lift , short duration ) for Increased torque , roomates Allows a wide range of 3 - cylinder operation . As engine rpm builds past 4,950 rpm , the i - VTEC system transitions to a high - lift , long - duration intake cam profile for superior high - rpm engine power .
