Acura MDX

Just a couple weeks ago, Acura dropped a teaser image of the 2017 Acura MDX that offered up a decent preview of the upcoming revisions to the SUV, but it also left a lot of questions. Now, with the doors open at the New York Auto Show, we’re finally getting to lay eyes on the refreshed MDX, and there are some exciting changes to talk about.

John Mendel, the Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co. , said, “Upping the performance pedigree of the MDX with bold styling, our exclusive Sport Hybrid powertrain and the standard application of AcuraWatch technologies that many in the industry refer to as semi-autonomous, represents a major injection of Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance DNA. ” He continued, “These changes will continue to advance MDX’s competitiveness and its legacy as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time.”

Along with some fresh styling inside and out, the 2017 MDX also comes with a long list of standard features, including some advanced safety and driver-assistive features that move the MDX to the head of its class. The 2017 MDX is slated to go on sale later this year in the summer, with the MDX Sport Hybrid hitting dealerships later on in the year. Until that happens, let’s take a look at the new MDX and what it brings to the SUV market.

Updated 03/23/2016: Acura unveiled the new 2017 MDX at the 2016 New York Auto Show.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Acura MDX.

Exterior

Compared to the outgoing model, the new MDX is more aggressive. Up front, you’ll notice the hood has been redesigned with three new body lines that add a bit of flare. Ahead of the hood, we see the diamond pentagon grille (first seen on the Acura Precision concept) that comes to a sharp point in the middle of the fascia. The air dam has been lengthened compared to the outgoing model. The vents in the corners of the fascia are now more refined, featuring a horizontal louver in the center and LED fog lights on the outer edge. A distinctive front lip extends from the fascia just above the air dam, terminating just before the outer edges of the vents. A trim insert surrounds the top and outer sides of the vents, adding even more flair to the overall look.

To the sides, the new MDX shares the same overall profile as the outgoing model, including the same body line that runs from the front wheel arch and across the doors towards the rear. Chrome door handles have been installed in place of the body-colored units, and the side skirts now have chrome trim inserts.

All told, the new MDX features bold styling that really makes it standout in the over-flooded SUV market

To the rear, the hatch and taillights have the same overall design. A chrome insert has been added to the handle for the hatch. Down below, the most significant change comes in the form of the body-colored skid garnish on the lower rear fascia. If you recall, the outgoing model had a flat-black garnish on the bottom of the fascia. Now that it’s body colored, it gives the MDX a more upscale appearance. There are now vertical reflectors integrated into the corners of the rear fascia and two slanted rectangular exhaust outlets. All told, the new MDX features bold styling that really makes it standout in the over-flooded SUV market. Based on appearance alone, the 2017 MDX should be a big hit.

Interior

Despite the teaser image and all the spy shots, we never saw the interior. Now that the model has debuted at the New York Auto Show, we finally get to take a peek inside. At first glance, the interior might look the same as the outgoing model, but after taking a deeper look, there’s quite a bit of refinement here. To start off, the curvature in the passenger’s side dash has been pushed farther inward, and the knee bolsters on both sides of the dash follow suite. As you can see, there are still two display screens – one for the infotainment system and one for navigation. It looks like the instrument cluster has changed a little too, and doesn’t have the display between the speedometer and tachometer. The MDX comes standard with Automatic High Beam Headlights, SiriusXM Radio 2.0 and four 2.5-amp USB charging ports. You’ll also notice that the gear shifter on the center console has been replaced by a refined unit.

Higher-end models will feature genuine Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood trim, a heated steering wheel, and surround-view camera with six different viewing angles

In the configuration shown in these images, the interior has a three-tone layout, with the dash, center console and upper portion of the door trim panels finished in black. The center of the door trim panels and the upholstery is done up in brown leather. The pillars, visors, and roof liner all feature a light gray appearance. It’s a nice combination of colors, but other colors are also available.

Higher-end models will feature genuine Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood trim, a heated steering wheel, and surround-view camera with six different viewing angles. Optional Technology and Advance packages will offer a bi-directional keyless remote, remote engine start, the option for two different wheel designs, and HD traffic. Higher-level trims can also opt to have second-row captain’s seating with a center console and two extra USB ports. This, of course, removes the three-person bench seat, but as you can see from the images, that second row looks much more comfortable in this configuration. The center console also mimics that of the front console, offering two cup holders, a large central armrest, and a small storage compartment in the middle.

Drivetrain

In the drivetrain department, Acura hasn’t said a peep about what will power the standard MDX. Back in 2014, the MDX debuted with an all-new 3.5-liter, and in 2015, the MDX was upgraded to include a nine-speed automatic transmission and a twin-clutch AWD system. That said, expect the base MDX to feature the same 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque when running on 91 octane fuel. I was hoping to see the 3.5-liter uprated for this year, but so far, it doesn’t look like that will be the case.

Peak output for the hybrid will be 325 horsepower, and should achieve 25 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined

Acura has divulged information on the drivetrain that will be available in the MDX Sport Hybrid. That model will feature a three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain like the Acura NSX and the RLX sedan. On the combustion engine front, the hybrid will be powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor to power the front wheels. A twin motor unit will be found on the rear axle. Peak output for the hybrid will be 325 horsepower, and should achieve 25 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined, which is a pretty good improvement over the non-hybrid MDX that we know today.

Performance figures for the non-hybrid and hybrid variants are still a secret, but as we move closer to summer, Acura should release official specs. So, with that said, stay tuned for more updates in the near future.

Safety

As I mentioned before, the MDX will be the first in its class to offer a decent list of standard safety and driver assist features. The features come in what Acura calls “AcuraWatch” and will be standard on every trim level of the MDX. AcuraWatch features collision mitigation braking with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and road departure mitigation – essentially every safety and assistance feature available. It’s nice to see another manufacturer is taking Volvo’s stance on standard safety features isn’t it?

Prices

The MDX is available in two different trims, the base model and the SH-AWD model. Each trim level is offered in seven different forms with different options. Pricing of the current model sits between $43,015 and $55,230 for the two-wheel drive model. All-wheel drive models start out at $45,015 and moves up to $57,230 when fully equipped. I expect the new model to come at a slight premium, possibly starting and ending $1,000 higher than the current model.

Competition

Audi Q7

When it comes to the full-size SUV market, Acura has a lot of strong competition. One huge competitor is the Audi Q7 , which was redesigned for the 2017 model year. For this update, Audi revamped the passenger cabin, update the powertrain, and even introduced the first Q7 hybrid – not bad for a redesigned model. The Q7 is available in three different trim levels with four different engines, depending on what market you’re in. The lowest offering is a 2.0-liter gasoline unit that delivers 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The other gasoline powerplant is a 3.0-liter TFSI engine that produces 333 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. Two, 3.0-liter TDI diesel engines are available, with one pushing 218 horsepower and 369 pound-feet and the other pushing 272 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Pricing currently starts out at $54,800 and climbs to $64,300 for the range-topping Prestige trim.

Read our full review on the Audi Q7 here.

BMW X5

German competition is stiff when it comes to the SUV market, and the BMW X5 is there to keep Acura and its new MDX on edge. Offered in three different trim levels, there is the X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, and the X5 xDrive35d. The sDrive35i starts out at $54,700 and offers 200 horsepower from a 3.0-liter, turbocharged, six-cylinder engine. The xDrive35i starts out at $57,000 and offers the same amount of horsepower from the same engine. The xDrive35d promises 255 horsepower from its TwinPower, 3.0-liter, six-cylinder. The X5 went through an update just a couple years ago, but we expect 2018 to bring a redesigned model.

Read our full review on the BMW X5 here.

Conclusion

The aggressive look that we saw in the teaser that Acura released made me wonder if Acura was pulling our chain a little. I didn’t think the MDX would actually boast that kind of aggressive styling, mainly because previous models were kind of boring on the outside. Now that we’ve seen the new MDX in the metal, I have to say that Acura wasn’t playing around. The company has been busy bringing bold styling to its entire lineup, and I’m highly impressed. Finally a manufacturer is taking the time to bring a completely new look to its lineup instead of making minor changes and calling it new. As flooded as the SUV market is, Acura did right by bringing such an aggressive look to the MDX. At this point, Audi , BMW , and Mercedes need to watch out, because the MDX looks better than offerings from all of them at this point – at least in my opinion. What do you think about the new MDX? Leave a comment below, or hit us up on our Facebook page.

LOVE IT

 Bold design Very sharp body lines Beautiful interior appointments

LEAVE IT

 Hybrid comes later in the year Center stack is pretty much the same as previous years

Updated History

Updated 03/17/2016: With just a few days before its official unveiling at the 2016 New York Auto Show, the facelift Acura MDX was caught out for a last testing session.

Spy Shots

March 17, 2016 – Facelift Acura MDX caught out testing

Press Release

Acura today unveiled the restyled and refreshed 2017 MDX luxury SUV featuring bold new styling, added luxury features and available Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) powertrain technology. The 2017 Acura MDX will be equipped with AcuraWatch™ on all grades, making MDX the first luxury SUV in its class to offer these advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including automatic emergency braking, as standard features. The 2017 MDX is slated to go on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide this summer and will be joined by the MDX Sport Hybrid later in the year.

Showcasing the new face of Acura, the restyled 2017 MDX is highlighted by the bold and distinctive diamond pentagon grille, first seen on the Acura Precision Concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January. The new Acura grille is integrated with a more sharply sculpted hood, front fascia and front fenders coupled with new LED fog lights and restyled Jewel Eye™ headlights, which enhance the MDX’s distinctive and sporting demeanor. A new chrome rocker panel design adds an element of contrast to the MDX’s profile, while a revised rear bumper, body colored skid garnish and the addition of twin tailpipes further emphasizes the performance character of the 2017 Acura MDX.

“Upping the performance pedigree of the MDX with bold styling, our exclusive Sport Hybrid powertrain and the standard application of AcuraWatch technologies that many in the industry refer to as semi-autonomous, represents a major injection of Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance DNA,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “These changes will continue to advance MDX’s competitiveness and its legacy as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time.”

All 2017 MDX models benefit from increased standard luxury and technology features, including an Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, Auto High Beam headlights, SiriusXM Radio® 2.0 and four 2.5-amp USB charging ports. Technology and Advance packages add Bi-Directional Keyless Remote Engine Start, two new 20-inch wheel and tire options, power folding side mirrors, and HD Traffic. In addition to these features, Advance grades add LED fog lights, genuine Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel and Surround-View Camera System with six selectable viewing angles. Advance models can also be equipped with two second-row captain’s chairs and a center console with two additional USB ports, replacing the three-person second-row seating found on lower grades. An ultra-widescreen Rear Entertainment System is also available on models with the Advance ENT Package.

MDX Sport Hybrid

The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is the third model to feature Acura’s innovative three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain, joining the Acura NSX supercar and RLX flagship sedan to deliver the ultimate in power and control. The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT) with an integrated electric motor powering the front wheels, and a Twin Motor Unit with two electric motors providing power to the rear wheels. Additionally, the system delivers electrified torque vectoring for improved straight line performance and cornering precision in combination with all-wheel-drive power application. Peak powertrain output of 325 horsepower is up 35 horsepower over the non-hybrid model. The MDX Sport Hybrid is anticipated to receive EPA fuel economy ratings of 25/26/26 (city/highway/combined), an estimated 7-mpg city fuel economy rating increase over the (non-hybrid) MDX with SH-AWD.

The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid will be available with Technology and Advance packages. Both add a new Active Sport Suspension that delivers improved ride quality, handling performance and is integrated with the Integrated Dynamics System featuring the dynamic modes of Comfort, Normal and Sport, and exclusive to Sport Hybrid models, a new Sport+ mode.

AcuraWatch Standard

All 2017 MDX models receive the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technology as standard equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with automatic emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). AcuraWatch uses a millimeter wave radar and monocular camera sensing technology to detect other vehicles as well as lane markings and can help intervene to prevent or mitigate the severity of a collision. Moreover, with Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist, AcuraWatch can significantly decrease the driver’s workload during freeway cruising by maintaining a set speed and following interval, initiating both braking and throttle inputs, and adding steering input to help the driver maintain their position in the detected lane.

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time and Acura’s best-selling SUV, with sales topping 50,000 units in each of the past three years. The 2017 MDX was designed by the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif., developed and engineered at the RD center in Raymond, Ohio, and will continue to be produced at the company’s Lincoln, Ala. auto plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. In early 2017, an additional production source for MDX will be added at the East Liberty, Ohio auto plant.