Tag Archives: Acura MDX
2014 Acura MDX: A Budget Crossover
For 2014, Acura has completely redesigned its MDX model with highlights like improved fuel economy, luxurious high quality interior and improved control interface. The revamped 2014 Acura MDX illustrates its evolution as well as benefits it comes with. The previous generation SUV model from Acura was quite a success among buyers, especially the ones who like midsize luxury crossovers because it came with luxurious nature and sporty performance at a much lower price as compared to other luxury midsize crossovers. But, as we say there is always a room for improvement, so has already been implemented by Acura in its new MDX as they have made some canny upgrades to present a more refined version with the aim of achieving broader appeal.
2014 Acura MDXMDX which hit the market last year has the same platform as Honda and Odyssey, however this year it comes with a rather new platform that provides a slightly increased interior room. The addition of useful new features in 2014 Acura MDX like forward sliding second row with touch button feature to facilitate third row seats access makes it a complete value for money. Array of control buttons which were quite a put off in previous versions do no longer exist and have made way for a smarter 7 inch touchscreen panel making dash look more cleaner and modern.
Under the hood, 2014 Acura MDX has introduced new 3.5 liter V6 engine which offers lower end torque because of its direct fuel injection technology. However, the horsepower is less by 10hp if compared to its previous version 3.7 liter engine. The car maker is saying that their new MDX is powerful enough to reach from 0 to 60 mph half a second earlier then what its previous version was offering because this time they have reduced weight almost by 275 pounds. The newly introduced engine also brings with it improved fuel economy and their AWD models specifically offer up to 17 percent improvement in the mpg. Make a first critical move in its midsize crossover production, Acura offering MDX 2014 with two wheel drive option which is quite a gift for buyers living in mild climates as it becomes fuel efficient and less expensive.
The talent featured by Acura MDX all these years is quite formidable, but it also faces tough competition from the better and pricier versions of midsize crossovers which also ready to hit the 2014 SUV market with even more pomp and show. Giving direct competition to Acura MDX is 2014 Buick Enclave, which is undoubtedly more spacious and less expensive but also lacks the refinement and handling offered by Acura. In refinement and technology, 2014 Acura MDX has a competitor in 2014 BMW X5 which is more or less a performance oriented SUV but is slightly higher on the price band. On the other hand, Infiniti’s QX60 and MKT from Lincoln fail to offer enjoyable driving dynamics which are a positive point with Acura MDX. So, if you are also looking for a midsized SUV that can offer pleasant handling, excellent driving dynamics, and lovable features then highly evolved 2014 Acura MDX is our best pick.
2014 Land Rover LR4 – The Future of SUV
Land Rover LR4 is an impressive SUV to look out for in 2014 with its impeccable off road and towing ability that offer enough room for seven passengers to sit comfortably. A rather refreshed version of its predecessor LR3, the highly anticipated SUV of 2014 comes with revised exterior, powerful engine and luxurious cabin, which are worth its price. Minor aesthetic redesign for this year’s version is like icing on the cake that offers front grille, redesigned front bumper, smart headlights that boasts of LED accents.
A sharp look at 2014 Land Rover LR4 keeping its front end aside shows a very little to no change in its body which has remained the same constantly since it was first introduced in 2009, along with that the overall silhouette looks inspired from their 1989 original discovery SUV.
The 2014 Land Rover LR4 SUV comes with an efficient 3.0 liter V6 engine which is far better than its fuel thirsty V8 engine from previous versions; the supercharger generates 340 horsepower with 331 lb-ft. of torque. Brand new eight speed automatic transmission specifically designed by ZF is a highlight to look out for. This multi utility heavy weight vehicle has the power to sprint from 0 to 6 mph within the fraction of 7.7 seconds and is able to reach the maximum speed of 121mph. the newly added transmissions allow LR4 to achieve mileage of 14mpg in the city which can go up to 19mpg while on the highway with premium gasoline.
Not many buyers will be keen on taking their LR4 off the pavement, thus it comes with a standard transfer case which is a single speed unit that offer maximum 42 to 58 percent front rear torque split. However, buyers can also opt for a two speed unit, which is also available as an option for those looking for off road driving. The future car is loaded with several standard features that make it worth buying, wherein the primary ones include adjustable air suspension which helps in improving on road ride and handling, however no comprise has been made to its off road prowess which makes it stand among the top most SUVs. The highly admired terrain response system of Land Rover helps in optimizing vehicle in difficult situations. The terrain response for 2014 Land Rover LR4 is available with five settings: general, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, sand, and rock crawl.
Up-market standard leather upholstery, power seats, alpine glass rear roof, seven inch touch screen panel with sound system and USB port, 19 inch alloy wheels and many are more are some of the features that makes 2014 Land Rover LR4 an interesting option to look upon in 2014.
Land Rover LR4 is ready to hit the market in 2014 with its base, HSE and HSE LUX trim levels which will surely face tough competition from the likes of BMW X5, Acura MDX and Audi Q7 as they have refined on road driving aesthetics to offer, however, in terms of road prowess only Lexus GX 460 can make the going tough for 2014 Land Rover LR4.
Overview of 2014 Buick Enclave Sports Utility Crossover
Buick has not gifted the market with a minivan or a true station wagon but it compensates for it by delivering its mainstay vehicle, the Buick Enclave. Offering something between the flexibility of a minivan and the long-roofed goodness of a real wagon, without the stigma of wither, Buick Enclave a perfect substitute for those good old family shuttles. The Enclave is part of a trio of GM crossovers and to most of the SUV lovers it is the most appealing of them all. The hints of coke-bottle curve on its sides, the waterfall grille give this full sized star a personality far enough from the rugged looking GMC Acadia or the insipid Chevrolet Traverse, while all three of them share the same innards. What haven’t changed much are the new grille and the LED lighting. On the inside the Buick Enclave seems to have undergone rejuvenation with the new soft-touch dash and a big touchscreen.
Nothing has changed under that sheet metal for the 2014 Buick Enclave. Still spinning on the same 288 horsepower as before from its standard 3.6 liter V6 engine and the same six speed automatic transmission, the beast reins with an option of channeling it to either the front wheels or to all four wheels. The indecisive transmission from the last year has been lost for the new Buick Enclave features much less hunting through upper gears and the powertrain never really struggles to tap cruising speed despite a heavy curb weight. The gas mileage is 24 mpg mat max.
On the inside, the Enclave brings its customers the IntelliLink as the big news. Bringing up the interior of the ruling monster to the leading edge in connectivity, with a relatively easy interface, well integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming functionality and apps for Pandora and Switcher audio, the IntelliLink transforms the driving experience into a high tech and amazingly entertaining one. The standard equipment this year includes a rear view camera system, a USB port, HD Radio, satellite radio and voice recognition, while navigation is optional as is a ten speaker Bose sound upgrade.
While it shares the platform with the Chevy Traverse and the GMC Acadia, the Buick Enclave boasts fancier styling and richer interior furnishings than its cousins. This niche of the crossovers, however, doesn’t lack choice. The aforementioned Chevy and GMC relatives are still a good idea on the basis of styling and lower price tags. The Ford Flex offering its wagon like styling and a turbocharged V6 grunt is funkier at the same time and stands as tough completion to the 2014 Buick enclave. So does the Mazda CX-9 with its more athletic handling and equally spacious interiors.
If dropping down in size is not a big issue for you, higher-end rivals like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60 boast even nicer interiors, advanced features, and in the case of Infiniti – a hybrid powertrain. The MDX, however, offers the best overall characteristics of any three-row SUV in this price range. But in front of all these worthy vehicles stands proud with the handsome styling, enormous cabin and competitive pricing, the 2014 Buick Enclave!
The 2014 Lincoln MKT
Lincoln MKT, the three row luxury crossover recently received a mid-cycle refresh. Not styled very conventionally to please each and everyone, the 2014 MKT still offers a long list of standard luxury features in addition to a comfortable and spacious interior. Lincoln MKT was developed under a codename D472 and shares its genes with the highly regarded Ford Flex hence offering much of that large wagon’s attributes some of which include an impressive and eminent all round performance, comfortable seating and a well built cabin with a satisfying array of high-tech features. However, the appearance is considerably different.
But, looks aren’t the only thing that has changed for the new Lincoln MKT as the refreshed SUV also upped its game for the standard 3.7 liter V6 that now generates 303 horsepower to the front wheels, up from 268. Producing a twist of 278 pound feet, the fuel economy of this unique SUV is rated as 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Another available option is the Eco-Boost model which is opted by a staggering nine out ten MKT buyers. The 3.5 liter Eco-Boost engine produces a good 355 horsepower and 350 pound feet of torque and is mated to all wheel drive standard. Interestingly, a computer can automatically disengage the rear wheels when not in use to enhance the efficiency and improve fuel economy. The switchover takes just 16 milliseconds which is surely fast. The Eco-Boosted MKT returns 16/23 mpg. Both the engines are mated to a six speed SelectShift automatic transmission. However, the Eco-Boosted models use a bit fortified versions. Enabling the driver with full gear selection control, the SelectShift results in no engine override and can be controlled by paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel.
Along with the “fortified” version of the transmission, the Eco-Boosted Lincoln MKT mill makes use of a classy Continuously Controlled Damping system. Utilizing 46 different inputs to send over 23,000 different packets of data to a computer each second, the advanced CCD system in the MKT helps make decisions and adjustments to several aspects of the suspension based on immediate road conditions.
All luxury cars are defined by their style, sophistication, power and refinement. However, interior technology has become the hallmark of the modern luxury vehicle, famous to be unconventionally styled, the 2014 Lincoln MKT is in no way behind when it comes to luxury. Equipped with the SYNC, a Bluetooth based connectivity system, the latest MKT allows smartphone users to place calls, stream music and listen to their texts while driving making the drive a fun and safe one.
The 2014 Lincoln MKT competes in a segment with some highly desirable models like the amazingly fuel efficient Audi Q7 and the Infiniti QX30, the all rounder Acura MDX and the impressively roomy Buick Enclave. As a matter of fact, the 2014 MKT faces competition with Flex itself which essentially is the same vehicle just costing thousands less. However, for those who are drawn towards the unusual, the 2014 Lincoln MKT is worth a test drive.