• September 27, 2026

Key Updates Across All Model Years

The 2001 YD1 was the first of the Acura MDX generations and it sat on Honda’s global mid-size platform that also underpinned cars such as the Accord and Odyssey, but stretched to accept a three-row, seven-seat SUV body. For all the years thereafter, the MDX would remain Acura’s premium three-row mid-size SUV entry, but the third row was never very big and only meant for occasional use.


Acura-logo

Base Trim Engine

3.5L V6 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

10-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Infotainment & Features

9 /10


Naturally aspirated V6 engines held sway for many years until turbocharging was added for the last of the MDX generations, while hybrids have been around in some form or another for several years as well.

This is a summary of the major updates made to the Acura MDX throughout its production run. This article is continuously updated as new generations become available. Only model years, generations, and specifications applicable to models sold in the United States have been included.

2025-Now Acura MDX 4th Gen Facelift (YD9)

A mild facelift was introduced for the MDX’s 2025 model year. Outside, the differences are subtle, with revised bumpers, grilles, and wheels, but not much else. A more useful change relates to the infotainment system, which gets a new touchscreen in place of the brand’s derided touchpad setup. Small improvements to driver-assistance systems round out the MDX’s facelift.

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

3.5L V6 Gas

10-Speed Automatic

Front/All-Wheel Drive

3.0L Turbo V6 Gas

10-Speed Automatic

All-Wheel Drive

Fourth-Generation MDX Facelift Production Years

2025 Acura MDX Review

2022-2024 Acura MDX 4th Gen (YD9)

For the 2022 model year, the MDX entered its fourth generation – following a major redesign top to bottom that saw its release for the 2022 model year. The option for a hybrid powertrain was dropped, making the fourth-gen MDX consist only of full gasoline powertrains once again. The fourth-gen MDX saw the introduction of a high-performance ‘Type S’ variant for the first time to the SUV’s model lineup, which features a 3.0L turbocharged V6, upgraded Brembo brakes, and more athletic styling touches over the normal MDX models. A 3.5L V6 continues to be available, now paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission that can drive the front wheels.

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

3.5L V6 Gas

10-Speed Automatic

Front/All-Wheel Drive

3.0L Turbo V6 Gas

10-Speed Automatic

All-Wheel Drive

Related

You’ve Got Some Thinking To Do: 2025 Acura RDX Vs. Used MDX

If you have around $60k to spend, here’s why you should look at an older MDX first.

Fourth-Generation MDX Production Years

2024 Acura MDX Review

2023 Acura MDX Review

2022 Acura MDX Review

TRIM

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

DRIVETRAIN

YD9 3.5L

3.5L V6 Gas

10-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD9 3.5L with Technology Package

3.5L V6 Gas

10-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD9 3.5L with A-Spec Package

3.5L V6 Gas

10-Speed Automatic

AWD

YD9 3.5L with Advance Package

3.5L V6 Gas

10-Speed Automatic

AWD

YD9 Type S

3.0L Turbo V6 Gas

10-Speed Automatic

AWD

YD9 Type S with Advance Package

3.0L Turbo V6 Gas

10-Speed Automatic

AWD

2017-2020 Acura MDX 3rd Gen (YD3) Facelift

The substantial MY2017 mid-cycle refresh came with a major facelift, more safety features, and a new nine-speed automatic transmission to replace the old six-speed unit. Also making its debut in the MDX range was the option for a 3.0L V6 gas hybrid, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

Front/All-Wheel Drive

3.0L V6 Hybrid Gas

7-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic

All-Wheel Drive

Third-Generation MDX Facelift Production Years

2020 Acura MDX Review

2019 Acura MDX Review

2018 Acura MDX Review

2017 Acura MDX Review

TRIM

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

DRIVETRAIN

YD3 3.5L

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Technology Package

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Technology & Entertainment Package

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Advance Package

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Technology & A-Spec Package

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

AWD

YD3 3.5L with A-Spec Package

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Advance & Entertainment Package

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 PMC Edition

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

Other

Related

Best Acura MDX Model Years For Reliability

Acura’s MDX is a luxurious yet cost-effective three-row luxury SUV. There’s no doubting its capability, but is it reliable?

2014-2016 Acura MDX 3rd Gen (YD3)

Starting with the 2014-2016 model years, a redesign of the Acura MDX entered its first phase with better refinement and economy, and a new 290-hp 3.5L V6 engine with direct fuel injection bringing sizable economy improvements. It was quicker thanks to a 275-pound diet, while the six-speed automatic transmission remained in place.

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

3.5L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

Front-Wheel Drive

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

Front/All-Wheel Drive

Related

This Is The Best Used Acura MDX For Reliability

Looking for an Acura MDX, but want to ensure you end up with a dependable daily driver? This model year should be at the top of your shopping list.

Third-Generation MDX Production Years

2016 Acura MDX Review

2015 Acura MDX Review

2014 Acura MDX Review

TRIM

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

DRIVETRAIN

YD3 3.5L

3.5L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with AcuraWatch Plus

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Technology Package

3.5L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Technology & Entertainment Package

3.5L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Technology & AcuraWatch Plus

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Technology, Entertainment & AcuraWatch Plus

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Advance Package

3.5L V6 Gas

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

YD3 3.5L with Advance & Entertainment Package

3.5L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

9-Speed Automatic

FWD

AWD

2010-2013 Acura MDX 2nd Gen (YD2) Facelift

For the 2010 model year, changes to the Acura MDX revolved around a fresh appearance that included a new front grille design, as well as a new six-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

3.7L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

All-Wheel Drive

Second-Generation MDX Facelift Production Years

2013 Acura MDX Review

2012 Acura MDX Review

2011 Acura MDX Review

2010 Acura MDX Review

TRIM

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

DRIVETRAIN

YD2 3.7L

3.7L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

AWD

YD2 3.7L with Technology Package

3.7L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

AWD

YD2 3.7L with Technology & Entertainment Package

3.7L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

AWD

YD2 3.7L with Advance Package

3.7L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

AWD

YD2 3.7L with Advance & Entertainment Package

3.7L V6 Gas

6-Speed Automatic

AWD

2007-2009 Acura MDX 2nd Gen (YD2)

The YD2, second-generation Acura MDX updated the body design and increased the displacement of the 3.5L V6 to a 3.7L V6 engine.

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

3.7L V6 Gas

5-Speed Automatic

Front/All-Wheel Drive

Second-Generation MDX Production Years

2009 Acura MDX Review

2008 Acura MDX Review

2007 Acura MDX

TRIM

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

DRIVETRAIN

YD2 3.7L

3.7L V6 Gas

5-Speed Automatic

4X4

AWD

YD2 3.7L with Technology Package

3.7L V6 Gas

5-Speed Automatic

Other

AWD

YD2 3.7L with Technology & Power TailGate

3.7L V6 Gas

5-Speed Automatic

Other

YD2 3.7L with Sport Package

3.7L V6 Gas

5-Speed Automatic

Other

AWD

YD2 3.7L with Technology & Entertainment Package

3.7L V6 Gas

5-Speed Automatic

Other

AWD

YD2 3.7L with Sport & Power TailGate

3.7L V6 Gas

5-Speed Automatic

Other

YD2 3.7L with Sport & Entertainment Package

3.7L V6 Gas

5-Speed Automatic

Other

AWD

2004-2006 Acura MDX 1st Gen (YD1) Facelift

The first-gen MDX underwent a minor update to its appearance for the 2004-2006 model years. The powertrain remained the same.

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

3.5L V6 Gas

5-Speed Automatic

All-Wheel Drive

First-Generation MDX Facelift Production Years

2006 Acura MDX

2005 Acura MDX

2004 Acura MDX

2001-2003 Acura MDX 1st Gen (YD1)

The Acura MDX arrived in the United States for the 2001 model year. Riding on Honda’s Global mid-size platform, this seven-seater midsize SUV featured a 3.5L naturally-aspirated V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmsision and standard all-wheel drive.

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

3.5L V6 Gas

5-Speed Automatic

All-Wheel Drive

First-Generation MDX Production Years

2003 Acura MDX

2002 Acura MDX

2001 Acura MDX

Source: Acura

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *