2017 Acura MDX

2017 Acura MDX

2017 Acura MDX Building on the refreshed and boldly restyled 2017 Acura MDX and employing the innovative three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD™) powertrain technology that was introduced in the RLX sedan and advanced in the 2017 NSX supercar, the 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is Acura's first-ever hybrid SUV and the technological flagship of the Acura SUV lineup.

The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is engineered for customers who desire the ultimate in driving refinement, technological sophistication and prestige in a three-row Acura SUV. The MDX Sport Hybrid takes full advantage of the immediate, high-torque performance of its three powerful electric motors, along with the always-on capabilities of electric torque vectoring, to substantially improve fuel efficiency and expand dynamic performance for the luxury SUV customers' everyday driving needs - all without sacrifice to interior space or cargo volume.

Unique elements of the MDX Sport Hybrid's design and engineering versus its non-hybrid counterpart include the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain with three electric motors and 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT), and advanced Electro Servo braking system, new and model-exclusive Active Damper technology, and an expanded-range Integrated Dynamics System with new SPORT+ mode.

Moreover, the Integrated Dynamics System engages with numerous different dynamic systems within the vehicle, including its electric motors, throttle, steering, transmission and Active Dampers, to provide the driver with an expanded range of selectable performance characteristics to suit their varied driving needs and desires. (See Chassis section for more detail on the Integrated Dynamics System)

The Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is offered in two grades: the MDX with Technology Package and the MDX with Advance Package. Both grades have exclusive interior trim and the Advance package features wood interior accents. The MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD with the Technology Package includes versatile seating for seven passengers, while the Advance Package features a 6-passenger interior with second-row captain's chairs and large second-row center console in place of a three-person bench seat.

Powertrain

The Acura MDX Sport Hybrid powertrain boasts a total system output of 321 horsepower and 289 lb.-ft. of torque, making this the most powerful Acura production SUV ever built. A 3.0 liter, 24-valve, SOHC V6 gas engine with i-VTEC® valvetrain and selectable idle-stop capability provides primary motive force, with a peak output of 257 horsepower (SAE net) at 6,300 rpm and 218 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) at 5,000 rpm. Three electric motors - a front motor built into the 7DCT, and a rear Twin Motor Unit (TMU) provide instant torque for a more responsive and vivid driving experience.

An advanced 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) is standard - a feature in common with the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD sedan and closely related to the NSX 9-speed DCT. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, the DCT offers ultra-quick gear changes and operates without a torque converter, significantly improving efficiency. The 7DCT can operate in fully automatic mode, or it can be shifted manually via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The hybrid powertrain also features several advancements as part of the on-going development of Acura hybrid technology, including improvements in cooling and packaging of the IPU and PCU, as well as increased hybrid battery power density.

Body & Exterior

The majority of the MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD;s unit-body design and construction is common with MDX, with a few modifications to allow ideal component packaging. In the floor pan underneath the front seats, a recessed area is added to accommodate the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU).

Additionally, the rear subframe is modified appropriately for the MDX Sport Hybrid's curb weight (4,471 lbs. for MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD vs. 4,244 lbs. for the MDX SH-AWD, both with Technology Package).