Earlier this year, the redesigned 2017 Acura MDX range-topping crossover SUV was unveiled, showing the first application of the brand’s new styling direction.
The refreshed 2017 Acura MDX gets a host of changes for this year including significant styling updates front to rear, new interior upgrades and an available hybrid powertrain that adds 35 horsepower and up to 7 mpg.
To the styling, the MDX will be the first product to get Acura’s new “diamond pentagon” grille we saw on the Precision Concept car just last January at the Detroit Auto Show. It’s a bolder and more distinctive signature that will make its way across the Acura line in years to come.
It’s surrounded by a new hood and fenders as well as a new front fascia, all of which have bolder and more pronounced sculpting. Booking ending the new grille are a pair of newly designed LED “Jewel Eye” headlamps, and down below, LED fog lights.
The rear of the MDX gets a new fascia design and tail lights too. But the big addition here are a pair of bold dual exhaust outlets. This is notable as the last few years Acura has been de-emphasizing exhaust pipes on their vehicles to seem a more Eco-consious brand. I guess its time to be performance oriented again.
That brings us to what’s available under the hood in the 2017 MDX, a new Sport Hybrid model. It brings an all-new powertrain that starts up front with a 3.0-liter V6 and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. An electric motor is integrated with the transmission to deliver power to the front wheels.
At the rear-axle is a electric drive twin motor unit that exclusively powers the rear wheels. It can vector torque to either side on the fly for better handling feel, and that is why they call it Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive.
All together, total system output is 325 horsepower, which is 35 horsepower more than the standard V6 non-hybrid model. Better still, Acura says the Sport Hybrid is expected to achieve 25 mpg city, and 26 highway and combined mpg.
A new Active Sport Suspension will be available on all MDX models Acura says will have improved ride quality and handling performance. Like most today it will be tied into a drive mode selector that offers a Comfort, Normal and Sport mode. And exclusive to Sport Hybrid, a Sport+ mode.
Standard technology for the 2017 MDX will include the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features. These include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and assist, and adaptive cruise control among many other things.
Though specifications weren’t given, the MDX non-hybrid model is expected to continue offering the brand’s smooth and silky 3.5-liter V6 coupled with either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission. More details will follow soon.
The 2017 Acura MDX goes on sale in North America later this summer with the MDX Sport Hybrid to arrive late this year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch dates.
