2017 Acura MDX Facelift
Americans may be in love with SUVs, but
Acura’s "beak" grille was not liked much, so the Japanese carmaker
decided to do away with it, starting with the 2017 MDX.
First seen on the Precision Concept that
debuted at the NAIAS in January, the diamond pentagon grille is part of the
firm's new styling and it is integrated in the sculpted hood.
The front fascia benefits from restyled
"Jewel Eye" headlights and new LED fog lamps. In the profile, we see
a new chrome rocker panel, which acts as an element of contrast, while at the
rear one can notice the revised bumper, body-colored skid garnish and twin
tailpipes.
All trims come with electric parking
brake with automatic hold function, SiriusXM Radio 2.0, four 2.5-amp USB
charging ports and automatic high beam headlights, while advanced grades add
LED fog lights, heated steering wheel, genuine Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba
wood interior trim and Surround-View Camera system with six selectable viewing
angles. The 3-person second-row seating can, on top-level versions, be replaced
by two captain's chairs and a center console with two additional USB ports and
there's an optional Advance ENT Package that adds an ultra-widescreen rear
entertainment system for rear passengers.
Available at an extra cost, the
Technology and Advance packages add keyless remote engine start, HD Traffic,
power folding side mirrors, two new 20-inch wheel and tire options. They also
feature the Active Sport Suspension, which is in the Dynamics System and offers
three dynamic modes (Comfort, Normal and Sport, and a Sport+ on the Hybrid),
improving ride quality and handling.
Joining the NSX supercar and RLX
flagship sedan, the 2017 MDX sport Hybrid is the third model to feature the
company's three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain. This uses a 3.0-liter
DOHC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch
gearbox with an integrated electric motor, powering the front axle, while the
two electric motors of the Twin Motor Unit power the rear wheels. Total system
output is 325 HP, 35 HP over the non-hybrid, and EPA fuel
economy ratings are 25/26/26 in city/highway/combined (9.4/9.05/9.05 l/100 km).
Also, apart from the advanced AWD, the MDX has electrified torque vectoring for
improved straight line performance and cornering precision.
All variants are equipped with the
AcuraWatch suite of safety technologies that includes just about everything,
from Lane Departure Warning to Adaptive cruise Control. The system can maintain
a set speed and following interval, during freeway cruising, initiating
throttle inputs and braking and adding steering input to help the driver
maintain position in the current lane.
Acura's Design Studio in Torrance,
California, was in charge of the new MDX design that was developed and
engineered in Raymond, Ohio and will be manufactured at the same facility as
its predecessor, in Lincoln, Alabama. In early 2017, it will also be assembled
at the East Liberty, Ohio plant.
