Derived from Honda's Global mid-size platform which underpins cars like the Honda Accord, Acura TL, TSX and Odyssey, it is powered by a J35A3 3.5 L SOHC 24 valve V6 with VTEC. 2001-2002 3.5 V6 models produce 240 hp (180 kW) and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) of torque from 3000 to 5000 rpm. 2003-2006 3471 cc (3.5 in x 3.6 in) model engine produces 265 hp (198 kW) and 253 lb·ft (343 N·m) . Curb weight is 4,451 lb (2,019 kg), with a 106.3 in (2,700 mm) wheelbase and 8 in (200 mm) of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers, but the third row seats are small.It is related to the honda odyssey mini van.
The vehicle features an automatic four wheel drive system (named VTM-4) that engages during off the line acceleration as well as when wheel slippage is detected. Additionally, the system offers a lock mode which can be activated and operated at low speeds and provides permanent 4wd and the equivalent of a locked rear differential; designed for climbing steep hills and getting out of stuck situations. To reduce drivetrain noise and increase fuel efficiency, the system runs as front wheel drive during normal cruising. The VTM-4 AWD system in the MDX is identical to the VTM-4 systems in the Honda Pilot and Honda Ridgeline. It is different than the real time AWD system in the Honda CR-V in that it can lock and it attempts to predict when traction will be lost and apply power to all four wheels before slippage occurs (by monitoring throttle inputs). The Honda CR-V system waits for slippage to occur and then sends power back.
2003 and later models use a revised 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2001 and 2002 models use a 5 speed automatic transmission which suffered a significant numbers of transmission problems that were similar to the problems with the Acura CLand TL. However, they did not get the benefit of the free extended warranty that the Acura CL and TL received, though the company often paid for the required parts. The 2003 and later models also received a number of structural and suspension modifications to help improve ride and handling. As of the Summer 2010 edition, Consumer Reports shows a drastic increase in reliability in the "Transmission, Major" category, going from far below average reliability on 01-03 models to above and well above average reliability on 04+ models. However, according to forum MDXers.org a significant portion of 05-06 owners have complained of harsh shifting and Acura has begun issuing recall letters in order to re-flash the computer which change transmission shift points and torque converter settings. Owners are reporting smoother shifting but some loss of MPG due to using lower gears.
The navigation system and DVD entertainment system options were mutually exclusive in the 2002 model. Both could be ordered at the same time since the 2003 model. The navigation option comes with a rear view video camera since the 2003 model. Since 2005 the navigation system featured information from Zagat about restaurants and other points of interest. The 2003 model was rated as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates 23 mpg-US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg-imp) highway and 17 mpg-US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg-imp) city.
The 2001-2006 MDXs sometimes offered better fuel economy than competing SUVs and crossovers of similar size, interior volume, and weight (such as the Ford Explorer and BMW X5 for example) due to the front-wheel drive basis, at the expense of handling and road feel.
In the 2003 model, the engine was improved to produce 20 hp (15 kW) more power than the 2002 model and wheel designs were updated. The 2004 model received an additional 5 hp (4 kW). The 2004 model is credited for a top speed of 137mph, and a 0-60 time of 7.1 seconds. The 2004 model features dual tail pipes instead of the single pipe in earlier models, side curtain airbags, new head lights and tail lights, and new wheels. Some chrome trimmings on the 2004 model use matte finish to distinguish from the polished shiny finish on earlier models. Little changed for the MDX during the 2006 model year with a few minor revisions to the vehicle's chrome and faux wood interior trim which could now be had with a dark grey wood (as opposed to reddish wood on earlier models), and also a black dash and steering wheel in tan interiors.
