Our best collective guess is that this is the 2014 Acura MDX. The general shape of the grille-- now without that massive chrome shield-- as well as that of the double-hump dash say Acura and in terms of timing, the MDX is the next crossover we're expecting to see.

Some things that give us pause: Clunky foglights/ ducts and the toothed grille.

It was spotted testing alongside a BMW X5, one of its main competitors, although we hope the new MDX is significantly better as the X5 is soon to be replaced by a new and improved model as well.

Styling cues won’t be the only thing shared between the 2013 RLX and this new 2014 MDX, however, as both vehicles should share a powertrain lineup. This means the 2014 MDX may offer two powertrain options, a base version powered by a regular V-6 and a new hybrid model featuring the Acura Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system destined for the next-generation NSX supercar.

It’s hard to see much of the new MDX’s exterior styling in these photos, as the next-generation crossover wears both heavy cladding and makeshift head- and taillamp assemblies, but a few cues up front suggest Acura’s next three-row crossover will take a page from its new 2013 RDX compact crossover. Not only does the “beak” grille seem softer and a bit more conservative, but the lower edges of the tapered headlamp assemblies will be in line with the lower edge of the V-shaped grille. The lower front fascia, which presently boasts a smattering of unusual apertures and intakes, appears cleaner on this tester, and more in-step with that applied to the latest RDX.

Expect the 2014 MDX to continue to offer three-row seating, some form of all-wheel drive, and crisp exterior styling. It’s also clear from these spy photos that there’s a size increase in store for the next MDX, chiefly in length. The wheelbase doesn’t look hugely different, but this tester has a lot more rear overhang than the current model. We expect the added length will free up more space in the way back of the MDX’s cabin, possibly allowing real-world adults to sit in the third row.

It appears the MDX will ditch its angular, techno-Transformer look for softer, less-exciting duds. An RDX-like face is visible through this prototype’s camouflage, and the roofline has more curvature than the current greenhouse. In profile, the new Acura doesn’t look too different from Infiniti’s new JX crossover, a vehicle targeted directly at the strong-selling Acura. We’ll reserve final judgment on the MDX’s cosmetics until we can see more of it, but we think the outgoing model wore Acura’s (now-last-gen) styling language the best.

I’m not a prospective owner, so my vote doesn’t count for much. Still, I look forward to my annual winter test, simply because it’s so much fun to drive a capable rig in ugly conditions. Plus, largely because of SH-AWD It’s a car I never hesitate to recommend.

Let's just say I have an interest.

Today, I reached out to Chuck Shifsky in Acura’s PR office, asking for the official line on the SH-AWD question.

“Bad rumor,” he wrote. “We’ll share more on 14 MDX next week in Detroit.”