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Could Acura Be Planning an SUV Above the MDX?

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It seems Acura is working on a larger SUV than the current MDX. At least that’s what a few news outlets have been reporting. I am personally not sure Acura is coming up with yet another large SUV. As we know, it seems every car is growing with each generation, and I think the next MDX will just be longer and roomier than it is now. 

We have seen a preview of the next Acura RDX with the recently unveiled Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype. Which is basically the next RDX. Like it or not, it will set the tone for most new Acura models after that. And that new front-end design is probably here to stay. At least for a while. Acura has a long, long history if “controversial” front-end designs. And they are never in a hurry to redesign them, no matter how much the populace hates them.

The illustrations above show a larger SUV with a similar design language. One that will either be the next Acura MDX, or that brand new model some are already talking about. Also, the current MDX  already tops at over $77,000, and I’m not sure Acura would be willing to go much higher with a new SUV. Especially with a next-generation MDX that could be even more expensive anyway. 

What we know is that all these large models from Honda/Acura will be based on a new larger Hybrid platform. One that will use a 3.0 Liter V6. Which will probably be nice and smooth. And will no doubt be more efficient. Since the current Honda V6 is anything but. With just 15 MPG around town (observed in my last test drive), any sort of improvement will be welcome. And a V6 Hybrid powertrain sounds like a good fit for a luxury SUV. What could also improve is the room in the 3rd row. Which can be quite uncomfortable for adults passengers. 

The illustrations above show what this next large Acura SUV could look like. Following the brand’s new design language soon to be introduced with the 2028 RDX. 

As I said, I think the rumor is just about a larger, next-generation MDX, and not a brand new model. (apparently code named XL).  

We’ll see…

Conversation 5 comments

  1. I don’t like how it looks, the render looks older than the 2028 RDX.

  2. This render did Acura’s new design a favor. It added color to the lower lip and grounded the front end while getting rid of that tacky black plastic scoop. Its better even if it still looks like any Buick or Hyundai-Kia product.
    The thing is… since the mid 2000s, Acura has had a problem of immaturity and gimmickry in their design thats kept it from being a decent near-luxury brand that commands a higher price. The current RDX has a dragon tail (as described by its designers) in its rear taillights. Even though the RDX wasn’t exactly fire breathing or slaying its rivals….just gimmick. Before that, what accompanied the bucktooth was actually discussed in an early interview as a cat’s face and mirrored on the back. If you look at old TLs, you can certainly see it. My point is, they’re known for bad design because they look for a theme (like inspired by a catamaran)— and just like any themed backyard BBQ at Aunt Faye’s, its going to be tacky.

  3. To anonymous about this render; yeah, but the lights in front are smaller which I don’t like, the lower grille is a mesh that one could say looks like a low trim LE car, and the slot between the lights is also narrower. I don’t think the design is terrible, just that the RDX looks better. I think if the front lights were as big as the RDX, the grille pattern was modernized, the slot between was enlarged, and the grille was enlarged (essentially a major facelift), it could look better than the real RDX.

  4. ACURA needs to bring back the gear shift and also they need to bring back colors for its customers who want those accessories

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