2017 Acura MDX Gains New Face, Tech and Power
The 2017 MDX just made its big debut at the New York International Auto Show. Acura’s ever-popular three-row luxury crossover gains a host of enhancements for the upcoming model year, the biggest of which is front and center.
The upcoming MDX features Acura’s new “Diamond Pentagon Grille,” a design element that was first unveiled in Detroit on the Precision Concept. Other design changes to the MDX include a more sculpted hood along with reworked fascias and fenders. ‘Round back, there’s body-color garnish and twin tailpipes.
Design alterations aside, the big changes with this 2017 model are found under hood. The company is making a new hybrid powertrain available, which boosts output by 35 horses and improves city fuel efficiency by an estimated seven miles per gallon.
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The all-new MDX Sport Hybrid will be the third vehicle in Acura’s lineup to feature their three-motor drivetrain technology, following the RLX sedan and NSX supercar. The heart of this system is a 3.0-liter V6 engine. It’s matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that features an integrated electric motor, all of which powers the front wheels.
A twin-motor assembly spins the rear tires and enables torque vectoring for improved driving dynamics. Total system output should measure 325 horses, a nice boost over conventional MDXs. But perhaps best of all is the fuel economy. This vehicle is estimated to return 25 miles per gallon city and 26 highway, scores that should make for a combined rating of 26 mpg.
The vehicle’s standard Acura Watch suite of technology helps the MDX keep up with rival vehicles. It includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist and more. An electronic parking brake with automatic brake hold and automatic high beams are also standard.
The 2017 Acura MDX is slated to arrive at dealerships across the country this summer. You can look for the Sport Hybrid model will follow a little later in the year.
Discuss this story on our Acura MDX Forum.
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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25/26 MPG? with three electric motors and a 7-Speed? Isn't it more feasible to just drop in an OHV V8?