2017 Acura MDX First Look Review

The 2017 Acura MDX debuts at the 2016 New York auto show this week with updated styling cues, a new hybrid variant, and additional standard features.The SUV’s new design indicates that this is more than just a subtle refresh. The large silver bar framing the Acura logo is gone. The model now sports a diamond pentagon grille, which we first saw on the Acura Precision concept earlier this year. The 2017 MDX also has a resculpted hood, new LED fog lights, and restyled Jewel Eye headlights. Other design changes include chrome rocker panels, body-colored skid garnish, a revised rear bumper, and new twin tailpipes.
In addition to the gas-powered model, Acura is offering a new MDX Sport Hybrid for 2017. It’s the third Acura model to offer a three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, after the Acura NSX and RLX flagship. Under the sheetmetal you’ll find a 3.0-liter V-6 engine and a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor powering the front wheels. Two additional electric motors provide motivation for the rear wheels. The system produces a total of 325 hp, an increase of 35 hp from the non-hybrid model. Although the MDX Sport Hybrid hasn’t been EPA rated yet, Acura expects it to achieve 25/26 mpg city/highway. That’s up 7 mpg in the city compared to the non-hybrid AWD model.

For 2017, all MDX models receive the Acura Watch suite of safety technologies as standard equipment. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and road departure mitigation. Buyers also get standard auto high beam headlights, an electric parking brake with automatic brake hold, SiriusXM Radio 2.0, and four 2.5-amp USB charging ports.

Higher-tier models also receive upgrades. The Advance trims add LED fog lights, a heated steering wheel, and Olive Ash Burl or Black Lima wood trim. These models can also be equipped with two second-row captain’s chairs instead of standard three-person seating. A rear entertainment system is also available.
Gas-powered MDX models go on sale this summer, while the MDX Sport Hybrid arrives later this year. Acura will continue producing the MDX at its Lincoln, Alabama plant, and in early 2017 will begin building additional units at its East Liberty plant in Ohio.