Most elite-performing SUVs sacrifice fuel efficiency in the name of power. Thankfully, the 2017 MDX is not most SUVs. Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and Direct Gas Injection work together to make an impressive 27 highway mpg and 19 mpg in the city.** Models equipped with Idle Stop achieve even better fuel economy.
Under the hood, the 2017 Acura MDX boasts a 3.5-liter, V6 engine. Summoning the spirit of its inner muscle car, the MDX generates 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque with a towing capability of up to 5,000 pounds.[5] Needless to say, whatever you need this SUV to do it’s up to the task.
Designed to compliment the MDX’s silky smooth 3.5L engine, the 9-speed automatic transmission is equally as polished. For a more dynamic driving experience, the MDX comes standard equipped with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters for full manual control.
Available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is a continuously active drivetrain that automatically distributes power to the wheels that need it, depending on factors such as weight distribution and available traction. We all know how valuable all-wheel drive can be in the rain or snow, but the SH-AWD system also increases stability during lane changes, improves cornering on dry surfaces, and helps achieve better fuel efficiency on straight line highway driving.
During wet surface conditions, the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system will help prevent over and under steering. If over/under steer is detected the system will stabilize the MDX by reducing torque and applying brakes to each wheel, as necessary.
The epitome of “Precision Crafted,” the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offers MDX drivers three different driving modes to choose from–each initiating a separate, engaging response from your vehicle. “Normal” mode is ideal for everyday driving while “Comfort” mode will create a lighter power steering feel. To create a driving experience not found in any other luxury SUV, choose “Sport” mode and use the race-inspired paddle shifters for full manual control of the 9-speed transmission.
Front to back, top to bottom, the 2017 MDX is outfitted with four separate cameras to offer a 360 degree view of the space surrounding the vehicle. Additionally, drivers can toggle between different camera angles with the touch of a button and utilize yellow guidelines for increased precision.
Although the exterior of the MDX has been reengineered for 2017, Acura’s signature Jewel Eye LED headlights remain intact. Smart and stylish, these LEDs are more efficient, shine brighter, and last longer than standard halogen headlights.
The crown jewel of the 2017 MDX redesign is its diamond pentagon grille. Creating the illusion of constant motion, this new grille treatment works in perfect harmony with the Jewel Eye LED headlights to create a front fascia unlike anything that currently exists within the luxury SUV segment.
Acura collaborated with Grammy Award-winning music producer and engineer Elliot Scheiner to create a whole new car audio experience. It doesn’t matter how you listen–streaming, personal library, or traditional radio–the 10-speaker ELS Studio Premium Sound System can make any format sound like studio-quality music.
Among the most spacious SUVs in its class, the MDX features 60/40 split second-row and 50/50 split third-row seatbacks to accommodate multiple passenger/cargo interior configurations. With both rows folded down, the MDX provides a generous 90 cubic feet of cargo area. For additional space, look to the center console bin, the sub-floor storage area, and a recessed cubby hole near the back of the vehicle.
In conjunction with the MDX’s audio system speakers, active sound control technology uses its own frequencies to intercept and cancel out any unwanted road noise. With such a calm, quiet cabin, you and your passengers can enjoy music and conversation in peace.
Available with the 2017 MDX Technology Package, tri-zone automatic climate control ensures comfort for all, featuring three fully adjustable climate zones. Not only can the driver change their settings, but the front passenger and rear occupants have the ability to change their personal temperature and airflow as well. For added convenience, nearly all climate control adjustments can be made via voice controls.
Upon completion, it was estimated the MDX would need over 41 buttons within the instrument panel to represent its countless tech features and comfort amenities. Instead, Acura designed the On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD), a high definition touchscreen that houses everything from your music options to the climate control settings.
Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel with Siri Eyes Free technology. As distracted driving has become somewhat of an epidemic on U.S. roadways, this Apple iPhone feature is the perfect solution to staying safely connected with the outside world. Simply pair your iPhone with the MDX and start sending and receiving text messages, accessing calendar appointments, checking weather forecasts, and much, much more.
Any luxury SUV worth its salt is structurally sound, but the 2017 MDX takes intelligent engineering to a whole new level. Acura’s ACE body construction is designed to reduce and redistribute the impact experienced by occupants during a frontal crash. Perhaps its this type of forward-thinking which helped the 2017 MDX earn an NHTSA overall 5-star rating in every single impact test?^
Cruise control is a worthy travel companion when you’re on the open road. But once you find yourself in traffic, the burden of stopping, resuming, and resetting your cruise can be frustrating–not to mention distracting. In addition to setting your preferred speed, Acura’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows you to program a specific distance to keep between you and the vehicle detected in front of you.
From pedestrians to vehicles, Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) is designed to anticipate the unexpected. An advanced radar system and forward-facing camera work together to monitor the road ahead for potential collisions. If no action is taken after both audible and visual alerts, the CMBS is able to apply up to 80 percent of the vehicle’s full braking capability in order to reduce impact.
The best defense against the daydreaming driver, Acura’s Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) employs a forward-facing camera mounted just above the rearview mirror to keep the MDX centered in its detected lane. If your vehicle begins to drift, the system will initiate a slight tug of the steering wheel to bring you back to the middle of the lane.
Conceivably one of the most intuitive features in the AcuraWatch suite, the Road Departure Mitigation System does exactly what its name suggests: it reduces the risk of your vehicle unintentionally leaving the road. Equipped with a monocular camera to identify roadways and lane lines, if a road marking is crossed with no correction from the driver, the system will send an alert followed by steering and brake assist–if necessary.
Changing lanes during heavy traffic can be risky business, but the Blind Spot Information (BSI) System can act as an extra set of eyes when your mirrors just don’t cut it. If you attempt to move into an occupied “alert zone” a.k.a. blind spot, the BSI System will deliver both audible and visual notifications to help prevent a collision.