2017 Acura MDX and MDX Sport Hybrid to Roll Out Spring 2017

Acura is slated to roll out the 2017 MDX and MDX Sport Hybrid in spring of this year. A great deal of time and consideration went into these vehicles to make them revolutionary for the market. With advanced safety features that come standard with every grade of the MDX, exterior and interior redesign, exemplary technology, and powerful performance, this luxury SUV is a vehicle worth getting excited about.

First, the MDX has received a facelift with a new, diamond pentagon grille, a more sharply sculpted hood and front fenders. In addition, new LED fog lights have been added, as well as restyled Jewel Eye headlights, a chrome rocker panel, a revised rear bumper, and twin tailpipes. The exterior changes, while stylish, are just the beginning of what the 2017 MDX has to offer. This is a vehicle designed for our technology-infused society.

The MDX is equipped with tech for entertainment and convenience. An electronic parking brake with Automatic Brake Hold, Auto high beam headlights, power folding side mirrors, heated steering wheel, and bi-directional Keyless Remote Engine Start make up some of the exciting technology to make vehicle use more convenient for the driver. In addition, there are also four 2.5 amp USB charging ports so that you and your passengers will have access to your tech at all times. Also available is SiriusXM Radio 2.0 and an ultra widescreen Entertainment screen, so your passengers are prepared for anything from a trip to the store to a cross-country road trip.

The biggest advancement, however, may be in safety. Acura has made AcuraWatch standard for all grades of the MDX and MDX Sport Hybrid. This decision has made the MDX the first luxury SUV in its class to offer the numerous advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard features. John Mendel, the Vice President of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., has stated that “these changes will continue to advance the MDX’s competitiveness and its legacy as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time.”

AcuraWatch utilizes millimeter wave radar and monocular camera sensing tech to detect lane markings and other vehicles to help intervene or mitigate collision severity. In addition to this, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Low-Speed Follow can reduce driver workload while freeway driving by providing throttle inputs, adding steering input to help maintain position in the detected lane, maintaining speed and following interval, and initiating braking. The following is a full list of AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies:

• Collision Mitigation Brake System with auto emergency braking

• Lane Departure Warning

• Forward Collision Warning

• Lane Keeping Assist

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Low-Speed Follow

• Road Departure Mitigation

The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid, while similar to the 2017 MDX, has some key differences from its sister vehicle. The Sport Hybrid is the third model to possess Acura’s 3-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain, as well as a 3.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management. The Sport Hybrid is also built with a 7-speed, dual clutch transmission, an integrated electric motor to power the front wheels and Twin motor unit with 2 electric motors to power the rear wheels. This system provides electrified torque vectoring for advanced cornering precision and straightline performance. This model’s powertrain crests with an output of 325 horsepower and is anticipated to receive an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.