It is different than Honda's 'RealTime AWD' system in the Honda CR-V and other models 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 VTM-4 AWD system in the MDX has the same design as the VTM-4 systems found in the Honda Pilot and Honda Ridgeline. To reduce drivetrain noise and increase fuel efficiency, the system runs as front wheel drive during normal cruising. 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. 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. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers, but the third row seats are small and only seat two, in contrast to the Odyssey and Pilot whose third row holds three passengers. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. In 2003, the vehicle went on sale in Japan and Australia as the Honda MDX sales with Honda badges ended with the introduction of the second generation three years later.ĭerived 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 engine with VTEC. In Japan, it was made to replace the Honda Horizon (also based on the Trooper) which was discontinued in 1999.

The MDX was introduced on Octo as a 2001 model, replacing the slow-selling U.S.-only body-on-frame SLX, based on the Isuzu Trooper. The Pilot is available with a seven or eight person seating configuration, while the MDX exclusively seats seven, with two seating positions in the third row.

The MDX is the first luxury crossover SUV to have standard third-row seating, and shares its platform with the Honda Pilot. It has ranked as the second-best selling mid-size luxury SUV after the Lexus RX. The alphanumeric moniker stands for 'Multi-Dimensional' luxury.

The Acura MDX is a three-row mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Honda under its luxury Acura division since 2000.

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