summary
we hailed acura’s three-row crossover as a master of the genre when this generation first put the tires on the pavement in 2014. its attractive and distinctive design, available torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system , sporty handling and practicality remain its strongest characteristics. A new set of standard safety techs and a facelift this year have added to its allure, and a hybrid model derived from the NSX is now available. The MDX is still one of our favorite vehicles in this segment, but it’s no longer the best, having been outpaced by a couple of newer competitors that do their job better.
what’s new for 2017?
The MDX’s signature Acura grille is history, having been replaced by a diamond-patterned pentagonal air intake. And Acura’s suite of active safety equipment becomes standard on base models this year. The biggest development for 2017 is the introduction of a hybrid model, which uses a modified version of the Acura NSX’s powertrain to increase both power and efficiency.
Reading: 2017 acura mdx review car and driver
price
original msrp:
- Basis: $45,045
- Sport Hybrid: $52,955
engine, transmission and performance
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The 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that powers the MDX is typical of three-row crossover engines and is a strong workhorse for the Acura. The nine-speed automatic, which replaced the previous six-speed in 2016, is mostly smooth and sure-footed, but it can be slow to downshift when you want to accelerate. Overall the MDX is a joy to drive. It’s blazing fast, and Acura’s available super-handling SH-AWD system makes it one of the best-handling vehicles in its class. When traveling, most of the power is sent to the front wheels. But when needed, an all-wheel-drive MDX can direct up to 70 percent of available torque to the appropriate rear wheel to aid cornering and traction. The MDX Sport Hybrid gets a total of 321 hp from a 3.0-liter V-6 paired with three electric motors. the hybrid’s standard all-wheel-drive system relies on two of the motors driving the rear wheels.
fuel economy
EPA’s fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest current and vintage vehicle numbers, visit the EPA website and select find & compare cars.
interior, comfort and cargo
The MDX has an impressive list of standard equipment, but Acura’s interior materials don’t feel as luxurious or thoughtfully crafted as those in the Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90. Second-row passengers will appreciate that the bucket seat can slide back and recline slightly, but that’s cold comfort for third-row passengers. On paper, there’s less cargo hold space in the MDX than in its two most compelling rivals, but the MDX passed our hands-on storage tests. Hybrid buyers will be pleased to know that, thanks to clever mechanical design, the MDX Hybrid has the same hauling capacity as a non-hybrid MDX. A large front center console gives the MDX an advantage in interior storage.
infotainment and connectivity
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Unfortunately, Acura’s infotainment system is clearly a spiritual relative to those in current Hondas, and the two-screen display is just as outdated and ineffective here as it is on the Accord. Standard features include an 8-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and auxiliary inputs, power ports, and an eight-speaker audio system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Higher trims and available packages add items like navigation and 11-speaker premium audio. In a departure from the otherwise comprehensive standard equipment offerings, the MDX is missing many infotainment features we’ve taken for granted in luxury cars, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
safety features and crash test ratings
for more information on the acura mdx’s crash test results, visit the websites of the national highway safety administration (nhtsa) and the insurance institute for highway safety (iihs).
guarantee
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under the manufacturer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information, visit our guide to each manufacturer’s CPO program.
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