Acura SLX Sales Figures

Acura SLX

The Acura SLX was Acura’s first SUV, developed in partnership with Isuzu and sold only in the United States from model years 1996 through 1999. Essentially a lightly upgraded second‑generation Isuzu Trooper, it offered genuine 4×4 capability with luxury touches but sold in modest numbers – roughly 6,590 units. Acura discontinued the SLX after 1999 and replaced it with the in‑house‑designed MDX for the 2001 model year.

Acura SLX Brief Overview

Early SLX models (1996–1997) were powered by a 3.2‑litre SOHC V‑6 producing about 190 hp and 188 lb‑ft of torque, paired with a four‑speed automatic transmission and a shift‑on‑the‑fly four‑wheel‑drive system. For 1998, the SLX received a new 3.5‑litre all‑aluminium DOHC V‑6 rated at 215 hp and 230 lb‑ft of torque and mated to an updated Torque‑On‑Demand 4WD system. This update also brought revised front and rear styling. Standard and Premium trims were offered, with features such as a panoramic moonroof (introduced for 1997) and theft‑deterrent equipment becoming standard by 1999. Despite its capable powertrains and upscale interior, the SLX’s sales never took off.

Acura SLX U.S. Sales Data & Trends

Acura positioned the SLX as a luxury off‑road SUV at a time when the luxury‑SUV segment was just emerging. Its partnership with Isuzu gave Acura an early entry into the SUV market, but buyers remained wary because of rollover‑risk concerns surrounding the Trooper and the SLX’s high price. Sales peaked in the late 1990s but remained low overall, leading Acura to discontinue the model after 1999. The three‑row Acura MDX, introduced for 2001, quickly became the brand’s best‑selling SUV.

Acura SLX U.S. Sales Data & Charts

US Annual Sales

US Annual Growth