New Acura Three Row SUV Flagship Could Arrive Above MDX by 2029
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Acura is reportedly working on a new three row flagship SUV that will sit above the current MDX. While the project is still in its early stages, the new model could become the brand’s largest and most premium SUV when production begins in 2029.
According to a report by Automotive News, the upcoming SUV is internally referred to as the Acura XL. If launched as planned, it will offer more cabin space, improved third row comfort, and a new hybrid powertrain that is also expected to power the next generation Acura RDX.
Acura's Long Delayed Flagship SUV Plan
This is not a completely new idea for Acura.
Back in 2008, Acura planned to introduce five new vehicles as part of an expansion strategy. However, the global financial crisis forced the company to cancel several projects, including a larger luxury SUV that was meant to sit above the MDX.
Now, nearly two decades later, Acura appears to be bringing that idea back.
If the latest reports prove accurate, the upcoming flagship SUV will become the largest model in Acura’s lineup and strengthen the brand’s position in the premium three row SUV segment.
Bigger Than the Acura MDX
The new SUV is expected to be noticeably larger than the current Acura MDX.
One of the biggest improvements will reportedly be the third row. The current MDX has often been criticised for offering limited third row legroom compared to some rivals. Acura aims to address that by giving passengers significantly more space.
Expected highlights include:
- Larger body than the Acura MDX
- More spacious third row seating
- Premium interior focused on family comfort
- Positioned as Acura’s flagship SUV
Expected Rivals
Once launched, the new Acura SUV is expected to compete with several established three row luxury SUVs, including:
| Model | Key Strength |
|---|---|
| Buick Enclave | Spacious cabin and comfortable third row |
| Lexus TX | Large interior and hybrid availability |
| Volvo XC90 | Luxury design with hybrid powertrain |
The Lexus TX and Volvo XC90 currently offer hybrid options, making electrified power an important factor in this segment.
New Hybrid Powertrain Planned
One of the biggest updates for the upcoming Acura flagship will be its new hybrid system.
According to the report, the SUV will use the same newly developed hybrid powertrain expected in the next generation Acura RDX and Honda Accord.
Honda first previewed this new hybrid system earlier this year alongside redesigned prototypes of the Accord and RDX.
Honda has already announced that the new hybrid technology is expected to deliver:
- More than 30 percent lower production costs
- At least 10 percent better fuel efficiency
- Improved overall efficiency for future Honda and Acura models
This new powertrain could help Acura compete more effectively as more luxury SUV buyers move toward hybrid vehicles.
Development Is Still in the Early Stages
The project has not been officially confirmed by Acura.
Reports suggest the vehicle remains in the preliminary planning phase. Several details, including the final name, specifications, and production location, could still change before launch.
During this period, Acura’s lineup is also expected to remain relatively small. The company is preparing an all new fourth generation RDX, which is expected to debut in 2028 with a complete redesign and the same next generation hybrid system.
Production Timeline
The new flagship SUV is still several years away.
According to Automotive News, Acura currently expects:
| Detail | Expected Information |
|---|---|
| Internal name | Acura XL |
| Production start | September 2029 |
| Expected annual production | Around 40,000 units |
| Segment | Premium three row SUV |
| Powertrain | Next generation hybrid |
If everything stays on schedule, customers are unlikely to see the production model before the end of the decade.
What This Means for Acura
A larger three row SUV would give Acura a stronger presence in the growing premium family SUV market.
The MDX has remained one of Acura’s most important models, but buyers increasingly expect generous third row space and electrified powertrains. A bigger flagship SUV with a modern hybrid system could help Acura better compete with rivals that already offer larger cabins and hybrid options.
For now, the project remains several years away, but it signals that Acura is planning a major expansion of its SUV lineup as it prepares for the next generation of hybrid vehicles.
Sources & References
Official Sources
1. Acura Newsroom (Official)
https://acuranews.com/
Official Acura media website with press releases, future product announcements, vehicle specifications, and corporate news.
2. Acura Official Website
https://www.acura.com/
Official Acura website featuring the complete model lineup, specifications, pricing, and technology.
3. Honda Global News
https://global.honda/en/newsroom/
Official Honda global newsroom covering new technologies, hybrid systems, and future vehicle announcements.
4. Honda North America News
https://hondanews.com/
Official North American Honda and Acura media portal with press releases, images, and technical information.
Trusted Automotive Publications
5. Automotive News
https://www.autonews.com/
Industry leading publication that originally reported Acura’s upcoming flagship SUV.
6. Car and Driver
https://www.caranddriver.com/
One of the most respected automotive magazines in North America with vehicle reviews and industry news.
7. MotorTrend
https://www.motortrend.com/
Trusted source for automotive news, comparisons, reviews, and future vehicle coverage.
8. Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
https://www.kbb.com/
Reliable source for vehicle pricing, reviews, buying guides, and ownership information.
9. Edmunds
https://www.edmunds.com/
Well known automotive research website offering reviews, pricing, specifications, and comparisons.
10. Cars.com
https://www.cars.com/
Trusted automotive marketplace with reviews, comparisons, and buying advice.
2029 Acura Three Row Flagship SUV FAQs
What is the new Acura three row flagship SUV?
The upcoming model is a reported premium three row SUV that will sit above the Acura MDX. It is expected to become the largest SUV in Acura's lineup and offer more passenger space, especially in the third row.
Is the new SUV officially called the Acura XL?
No. Acura has not officially confirmed the vehicle or its name. Reports suggest the project is currently referred to internally as "Acura XL," but the production model could receive a different name.
When will the new Acura flagship SUV launch?
According to Automotive News, production is expected to begin in September 2029. The vehicle is still in the early stages of development, so the timeline could change.
Will the new Acura SUV be larger than the MDX?
Yes. Reports indicate it will be noticeably larger than the current Acura MDX, with a stronger focus on third row comfort and additional interior space for families.
What engine will power the new Acura flagship SUV?
The SUV is expected to use Honda and Acura's next generation hybrid powertrain. The same hybrid system is also expected to appear in the redesigned Acura RDX and Honda Accord.
What improvements will the new hybrid system offer?
Honda says the new hybrid technology is expected to reduce production costs by more than 30 percent while improving fuel efficiency by at least 10 percent compared with the current system.
Which SUVs will compete with the new Acura flagship?
The new model is expected to compete with premium three row SUVs such as the Buick Enclave, Lexus TX, and Volvo XC90. These models offer spacious interiors, while some already provide hybrid powertrains.
Why is Acura developing a larger SUV?
The current MDX offers less third row legroom than some competitors. Acura is reportedly developing a larger flagship SUV to provide better passenger comfort and strengthen its position in the premium family SUV segment.
Has Acura planned a larger SUV before?
Yes. Acura originally planned a larger SUV as part of a product expansion announced in 2008. The project was reportedly cancelled after the global financial crisis before reaching production.
How many units of the new Acura SUV could be built each year?
Automotive News reports Acura expects annual production of around 40,000 units once the flagship SUV enters production.
