2001 Acura MDX Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 2001-2006 Acura MDX offers versatile luggage space tailored for varying transport needs. With all seats upright and in use, the luggage capacity stands at 419 liters (approximately 14.8 cubic feet), which is adequate for standard shopping trips or luggage for a full family ride. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity dramatically increases to 2308 liters (about 81.5 cubic feet), allowing for the transportation of larger items such as furniture, sports equipment, or bulkier cargo. This adaptability makes the MDX a practical choice for users who need an SUV capable of switching between passenger comfort and substantial cargo hauling.

The 2001-2006 Acura MDX has a curb weight ranging from 1980 kg to 2065 kg (approximately 4365 to 4553 pounds). The curb weight refers to the vehicle's weight without passengers or cargo but includes necessary operating consumables such as fuel and oil. The maximum weight capacity, indicating the highest total mass the vehicle can safely handle including passengers, cargo, and fuel, is between 2580 kg to 2600 kg (about 5689 to 5732 pounds). This means the MDX is engineered to support substantial additional load beyond its curb weight, making it suitable for families or users who frequently carry multiple passengers or heavy cargo loads.

Standard garages typically have doors approximately 2.13 meters (7 feet) high and 2.44 to 2.74 meters (8 to 9 feet) wide. The 2001-2006 Acura MDX, with a height of around 1744-1745 mm (68.7 inches or about 5.73 feet) and width between 1938 mm to 1955 mm (76.3 to 77 inches or roughly 6.35 to 6.42 feet), fits comfortably within these dimensions. Its length, near 4788-4789 mm (188.6 to 188.7 inches or about 15.7 feet), is also manageable for most standard garage depths, which usually range from 5.5 to 6 meters (18 to 20 feet). Therefore, the MDX will typically fit into a standard residential garage with some clearance space for maneuvering and opening doors.

The 2001-2006 Acura MDX marked the first generation of this model, so there is no direct predecessor for this specific generation. However, compared to contemporary mid-size SUVs from related brands around its launch period, the MDX offered a well-balanced size with its length close to 4.79 meters (15.7 feet), width near 1.95 meters (6.4 feet), and height about 1.74 meters (5.7 feet). These dimensions positioned the MDX competitively in terms of interior space and exterior size. Its curb weight and cargo capacities showed a focus on combining practicality with a relatively manageable footprint for its class, setting a solid benchmark for its successors and competitors.

Dimensionally, the 2001-2006 Acura MDX is comparable to other mid-size luxury SUVs of the early 2000s, such as the Lexus RX and BMW X5. The MDX’s length of about 4788-4789 mm (188.6 to 188.7 inches) and width near 1938-1955 mm (76.3 to 77 inches) provide a spacious cabin similar to these rivals. It boasts a competitive cargo capacity, especially with rear seats folded at 2308 liters (81.5 cubic feet), which exceeds many peers for load versatility. In terms of features, the MDX was well-known for introducing a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, strong safety features, and a luxurious interior, positioning it as a leader in its class. Its balance of size, capability, and luxury made it a popular choice among family-oriented buyers seeking premium quality and reliability.

The 2001-2006 Acura MDX is equipped with 235/65 R17 tires as standard. This tire size supports a good balance of ride comfort, handling, and traction. The width of 235 mm ensures a broad contact patch with the road, contributing to enhanced grip and stability, especially important for an SUV of the MDX’s weight class (up to around 2065 kg or 4553 lbs curb weight). The aspect ratio of 65 indicates a relatively tall sidewall, which helps absorb road irregularities and enhances ride comfort by providing better shock absorption. The 17-inch rim diameter strikes a good middle ground between performance and comfort, making these tires well-suited for varying road conditions while maintaining a smooth driving experience.

While the exterior height of the 2001-2006 Acura MDX is about 1744-1745 mm (68.7 inches), the interior cabin is designed to maximize headroom and overall passenger comfort. The SUV’s cabin offers generous headroom and legroom, accommodating seven passengers across three rows with reasonable space for adults in the first two rows and children or smaller adults comfortably seated in the third row. The design prioritizes ergonomic seating and adequate shoulder room due to its width up to 1955 mm (77 inches). This makes long drives more comfortable and practical. However, the third row is typically better suited for occasional use or smaller passengers given the vehicle’s mid-size classification.

The first-generation Acura MDX typically came with a V6 engine, a 3.5-liter SOHC VTEC V6 producing around 270 horsepower. This powertrain was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission designed for smooth shifting and responsive acceleration. The vehicle featured an all-wheel-drive system known as Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which enhances road grip and driving dynamics by redistributing torque between the front and rear wheels and even side-to-side at the rear. This system improved handling and stability in varying conditions like rain or snow, making the MDX a balanced SUV for both city and light off-road driving. The blend of performance, technology, and comfort positioned the MDX as a premium yet practical choice in the SUV segment during its production years.

The 2001-2006 Acura MDX was acclaimed for its comprehensive safety features and strong reliability, contributing to its popularity in the early 2000s luxury SUV market. Standard safety equipment included front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and stability control systems that worked alongside its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) to maintain vehicle control in adverse conditions. The vehicle structure employed impact-absorbing designs to protect occupants during collisions. In terms of reliability, Acura's engineering reputation meant the MDX was built with durable components and relatively low maintenance requirements, making it a dependable choice for families and long-term ownership. This reputation for safety and reliability further solidified the MDX’s standing among its peers.