2017 Acura MDX: First Look
Competes with: Buick Enclave, Infiniti QX60, Volvo XC90
Looks like: The old MDX with cartoonishly large grille and headlights
Drivetrain: 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6; nine-speed automatic transmission with front- or all-wheel drive; Sport Hybrid: 3.0-liter V-6 with three electric motors for a combined 325 hp; seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Summer 2016; Sport Hybrid later in 2016
More 2016 New York Auto Show Coverage
CARS.COM — Acura introduced a redesigned MDX for 2015, but it’s wasting no time keeping the MDX updated. The popular three-row luxury SUV receives new styling, additional standard features and an all-new Sport Hybrid version for 2017.
Exterior
The MDX’s newly styled front end takes inspiration from Acura’s Precision Concept that previewed a new design direction. Front and center is a large pentagon-shaped grille with diamond-shaped highlights that seemingly shoot out from the center badge, instead of the typical horizontal or vertical grille slats. Complementing the grille is the rest of the restyled front, including restyled fenders, fog lights, hood and Acura’s signature Jewel Eye headlights. Styling changes are less significant out back and include new dual exhaust outlets and a slightly restyled rear bumper.
Interior
The 2017 MDX comes with more standard features including an electric parking brake with automatic brake hold and four USB ports. Optional Technology and Advance packages now include remote start and power-folding side mirrors, while the Advance trim now offers captain’s chairs, which weren’t previously available on the MDX. Seating capacity drops from seven to six occupants with second-row captain’s chairs replacing a bench seat. In place of the middle seat, the captain’s chairs come with a center console that houses two additional USB ports and cupholders.
Under the Hood
A new MDX Sport Hybrid boosts fuel economy an estimated 5 mpg in combined ratings over the gasoline-only MDX with all-wheel drive. Acura anticipates the MDX Sport Hybrid will be EPA rated at 25/26/26 mpg city/highway/combined with its electrified all-wheel-drive hybrid system. The all-wheel-drive system is made up of two electric motors in the back while a motor up front pairs with a 3.0-liter V-6 for a combined 325 hp.
The MDX’s hybrid layout is similar to the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid and Acura NSX, though the electric motors and engine positions are swapped in the NSX. The hybrid uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission instead of the gas-only version’s nine-speed automatic. The regular MDX’s powertrain carries over for 2017: a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission with front- or all-wheel drive.
Safety
The MDX’s safety suite grows for 2017 with the formerly optional AcuraWatch Plus Package now standard, including a collision warning system with autonomous braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. The AcuraWatch Plus Package was previously a $1,500 stand-alone option on the base 2016 MDX, or included with the MDX’s pricier Technology and Advance packages.
