First Ever: 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SUV
Building on the refreshed and boldly restyled 2017 MDX SUV, Acura introduces the innovative three-motor MDX Sport Hybrid with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD™) powertrain technology. The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is Acura's first-ever hybrid SUV and the technological flagship of the Acura SUV lineup. 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.
Offered in two trim levels - 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 six-passenger interior with second-row captain's chairs and large second-row center console in place of a three-person bench seat.
The powertrain consists of the following components: 3.0L V6 gasoline engine, a front drive electric motor, a rear twin electric motor unit, and a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Torque is communicated to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (7DCT) and the automaker’s legendary all-wheel drive system. 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.
Additionally, the MDX Sport Hybrid's electric SH-AWD operates independent of the gasoline engine; as the two rear-mounted electric motors dynamically apportion both positive and negative torque directly to the rear wheels. This system provides for dynamic, immediate and always-on torque vectoring capabilities while eliminating the weight and energy losses associated with a conventional driveshaft and differential mechanism. Since it doesn't rely on engine torque, the electric SH-AWD can create a larger torque difference between the left and right rear wheels, at small throttle applications, and at low engine speeds or when decelerating. This substantially magnifies the positive handling benefits of SH-AWD across a much wider range of driving conditions.
Control hardware for the MDX Sport Hybrid utilizes the expanded-range Integrated Dynamics System with new SPORT+ mode that 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.
Dimensions & Specifications
Wheelbase: 111.0; overall length: 196.2; width: 77.7; height: 67.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 3.0L V6 gasoline engine – 257 hp at 6300 rpm and 218 lbs-ft of torque, front direct drive electric motor – 47 hp at 3000 rpm an 109 lbs-ft of torque 500-2000, rear twin electric motor unit – 36/36 hp at 4000 rpm and 54/54 lbs-ft of torque at 0-2000 rpm, and 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery unit. (Combined – 321 hp/289 lbs-ft of torque)
Transmission: motor integrated seven-speed DCT automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 26 city/27 highway
Cargo capacity: 68.4 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags with rollover sensor, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, hill start assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, motion adaptive steering, agile handling assist, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, automatic high beams, tire pressure monitoring system, tire sealant and repair kit, electronic immobilizer, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, HomeLink, navigation system, Acuralink, remote engine start, push button engine start, keyless access system, Bluetooth hands free phone system, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, rearview camera, blind spot information system, and rear cross traffic monitor. Advance Package adds front/rear parking sensors, LED fog lights, head-up warning, and surround-view camera system.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD SUV starts from $51,960 for the Technology Package and $58,000 for the Advance Package.
