Why Can’t You Find a 2021 Acura MDX?
The Acura MDX is one of the most popular luxury SUVs in the market. Since it first arrived in 2001, this SUV has been the midsize SUV that many have loved. Unfortunately, if you’re searching for the 2021 MDX, which should have been the twenty-year celebration for this SUV, you won’t find it. Acura skipped 2021 for the MDX.
Is it common for automakers to skip model years like Acura did with the 2021 MDX?
Without going too far into this list, because it’s happened often, a few vehicles and the model years they skipped are:
- Chevy Corvette – 1983
- Mazda Miata – 1998 (except in Europe)
- Jeep Wrangler – 1996
- Volkswagen Passat – 2011 in North America
- Chevrolet Camaro – 1970 (a 1970.5 model was offered)
Unlike some other vehicles, these vehicles mostly continued without another break in the action. The Ford Bronco, Chevy Colorado, Dodge Challenger, and Toyota Supra all skipped entire generations across several model years.
Where does that leave you regarding the Acura MDX?
If you’re searching for this luxury midsize SUV for the 2020s, you’ll need to check out the 2020, 2022, or 2023 models of this SUV.
2020 Acura MDX Highlights
MotorTrend tells us the 2020 MDX performed well in safety testing, earning a Good rating from the IIHS in all categories except the headlights. For the headlights, the MDX earned an Acceptable rating.
This model uses a standard 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a Sport Hybrid version which uses a 3.0-liter V6 plus two electric motors to offer 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque.
The hybrid version of this luxury midsize SUV is only available with AWD.
2022 Acura MDX Highlights
The 2022 Acura MDX is a complete redesign of this SUV. After skipping the 2021 MDX, MotorTrend tells us this new version of one of the most popular luxury vehicles brings standout features, including:
- Angular, attractive exterior styling
- Premium interior with nicer materials
- The standard 12.3-inch gauge cluster and infotainment display
- More passenger space in all three rows
- Increased cargo capacity
The base engine for the 2022 MDX is the same as the 2022 version, but the Type S has more power, offering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains use a 10-speed automatic transmission for this new generation, an upgrade from the previous 9-speed version.
2023 Acura MDX Highlights
The 2023 version of this midsize luxury SUV is the same as the 2022 model, with a couple of additions. These added items are the standard AcuraLink services for three years and the Acura Maintenance package, which is complimentary for two years or 24,000 miles of driving.
Which powertrain of the current Acura MDX accelerates faster?
The Type S model is more powerful and should hit 60 mph faster than the base version. Strangely, that’s not the case. The Acura MDX SH-AWD A-Spec, with the standard 3.5-liter V6, hits the mark in 5.7 seconds. It takes the Type S model 6.0 seconds to reach the same speed.
Which of these midsize luxury SUVs will you drive?
While the answer to this question is one only you can answer, we’re pretty confident you won’t drive the 2021 MDX. Will you look to the previous generation and drive the 2020 model, find a remaining 2022 version, or go for the new 2023 model year of the Acura MDX?
Next, learn more about the off-road qualities of the 2023 Honda Pilot. or check out more details of the 2023 Acura MDX in the video below:
