Launched in 2001, the Acura MDX underwent some important changes in terms of exterior look in 2004. After previously being added an extra 20 hp to the existing engines, the 2004 Acura featured a dual tail-pipe configuration, new head & tail lights and curtain airbags. Also, the new model benefited from chrome trimmings to set it apart from the initial variants. The facelifted MDX was equipped with the same VTM-4 all-wheel-drive but featured improved gas mileage from its predecessor. Its rivals on the Premium SUV market in North America were the Ford Explorer and BMW X5.