Acura, Honda’s luxury car brand, will release an updated version of their three-row SUV model MDX for the 2017 model year. The MDX 2017 has been heavily modified, to the point where it can be classified as a “semi-autonomous” vehicle. The majority of the features are also found in other recently released cars. The difference is that the Acura MDX 2017 standard trim includes all of these features, whereas they are only available on higher trims on other models. Furthermore, the Acura MDX 2017 has a stunning exterior design and a luxurious interior to match. The new MDX will also be available as a hybrid.
Exterior design
The first thing we can say about the redesigned MDX is that the features are much sharper overall. The headlights, grille, side windows, and side creases have all been tucked and nipped. The front, in particular, has taken on a much tougher appearance. The grille has been enlarged and is now more of a diamond shape rather than a triangle. For this year, the logo is centered in the middle, and the metallic stroke has been omitted. The lower air vents have been enlarged to look more like a single vent rather than three separate vents. The headlights are more defined, and the hood is more rounded.
The Acura MDX 2017’s side and rear haven’t changed much. The dark-colored plastic side and rear bumpers have been replaced with a body-colored metal sheet. The chrome inserts on the lower rear fascia, in particular, elevate the car’s appearance.
There are seven different exterior colors to choose from. The standard wheel size is 18 inches, and the other options are all 20 inches.
Interior design
There haven’t been many changes made to the already successful and comfortable 2016 interior. The dashboard on the passenger side has been moved slightly forward to allow for more leg room. In addition, the small screen between the tachometer and speedometer has been removed. Both the navigation and infotainment systems retain their own screens in the center console.
Automatic High Beam Headlights, SiriusXM Radio 2.0, and four USB charging ports are all standard on the Acura MDX 2017. The gear shifting stick has been replaced by a more subtle system.
There are numerous interior color combinations to choose from. Some of the available options include all black or all gray with wooden tones, taupe or dark brown with wooden tones, and black with wooden tones.
Furthermore, higher trims have the option of replacing the middle seat in the second row with a center console and two extra USB-ports.
Engine specs
The MDX model comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Direct Gas Injection, Variable Cylinder Management, and the Acura i-VTEC system. This engine produces an astounding 290 horsepower.
A nine-speed transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
The MDX Sport Hybrid will be powered by a three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD engine, similar to those found in the Acura NSX and RLX sedans. A V6 engine with a displacement of 3.0 liters will be combined with an integrated electric motor. The front wheels will be driven by a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Surprisingly, a maximum of 326 horse power can be produced.
Tech specs
A surround-view camera with six different viewing angles is standard on higher trims. The optional Technology and Advance packages include a plethora of features. Consider a bi-directional keyless remote, remote engine start, two different wheel designs, and HD traffic.
AcuraWatch software is standard on all 2017 Acura MDX models and includes features such as Collision Mitigation Braking with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-speed Follow and Road Departure Assist are also available. This is what is meant by a semi-autonomous vehicle; the Acura MDX 2017 comes standard with virtually every available safety feature. Volvo is the only other car manufacturer that thought it was equally important to include these features as standard. As a result, we hope Acura’s example will set a trend in the automotive industry and make traffic a little safer.
Price and sale date
The standard trim will cost $44,050, while the highest trim will cost $58,500. The hybrid will be priced at $51,960.
Regrettably, Acura does not sell their vehicles in Europe (yet), so the Acura MDX 2017 will not be available there.