Report: Acura Is Developing A Large Flagship SUV To Rival The Ford Expedition

According to American media, Acura is developing a new flagship SUV with three rows of seats that will sit above the MDX, and production should begin in September 2029 at Honda’s plant in Lincoln, Alabama.

Internal documents reportedly call the model “Acura XL.” Annual production could apparently reach 40,000 units.

The large SUV will get an all-new hybrid powertrain, which is expected to balance premium performance with improved efficiency, though there’s no word yet on cylinder count or power.

Interestingly, Autonews reports that dealers are also pushing for something more substantial than another slightly elongated crossover. An unnamed Acura salesperson told the publication that he hopes it will be a “large SUV” capable of rivaling the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Cadillac Escalade, claiming the extended wheelbase would also provide a true third row of seats and more luggage space. “It’s a missed opportunity if they don’t,” the vendor said. “I fully support the concept.”

The alleged new model would also give Acura an alternative to larger luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, as well as the upcoming Audi Q9, without matching their premium prices. It would also revive a plan Acura shelved more than a decade ago. In the mid-to-late 2000s, the brand explored V8 engines, rear-wheel-drive platforms and a flagship SUV before the global financial crisis abruptly ended those plans. Honda declined to comment on the report, at least for now.

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