Review of Performance, Design, and Features On 2017 Acura MDX

In Short

• The Acura MDX is a top 3-row luxury SUV due to its versatility, durability, and pricing.
• The third-generation Acura crossover SUV added interior spaciousness and semi-autonomous driving a few years ago.
• A new external style, a variety of safety and driving aids, and a hybrid that prioritizes driving enjoyment while saving gasoline have revamped the 2017 MDX.
• In non-hybrid MDX models, Acura has improved the 9-speed automatic gearbox we complained about last year to match its competitors.

We praised Acura’s three-row crossover as a genre master when this iteration debuted in 2014. Its best features are its unique design, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, dynamic handling, and practicality. A redesign and additional safety technology this year have made it more appealing, and an NSX-derived hybrid variant is available. While the MDX remains one of our favorites in its area, it has been surpassed by two younger competitors that perform better.

2017 Acura MDX Specs

New in 2017 Acura MDX?

A pentagonal diamond-pattern air inlet replaces the MDX’s authentic Acura grille. Active-safety technology from Acura becomes standard on entry models this year. The hybrid variant, which employs the Acura NSX’s powertrain to boost power and economy, is 2017’s largest change.

The 2017 Acura MDX: Good Used SUV?

The Acura MDX is a decent premium midsize SUV. It’s a great option for consumers who want a luxury 3-row SUV with lots of standard amenities but can’t afford the 2017 Audi Q7. We picked the MDX our 2017 Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for the Money because of its class-leading quality and affordability. The Acura MDX appeals to drivers as well as practical travelers. Its strong V6 engine and agile handling make the MDX easy to drive for a large SUV. Above-average fuel efficiency, but commuters who want to save costs might check out the MDX Sport Hybrid, which we analyze separately. Poorly anticipated dependability is a weakness for the MDX.

Transmission, Engine, Performance

The MDX’s 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 is typical of three-row crossover engines and a powerful one for Acura. In 2016, the six-speed automatic was replaced by a nine-speed automatic, which is smooth and reliable but sluggish to downshift for acceleration. MDXs are fun to drive. It’s speedy and one of the best-handling cars in its class thanks to Acura’s SH-AWD technology. When cruising, the front wheels get most of the power. When needed, an all-wheel-drive MDX may send up to 70% of power to the rear wheel for cornering and traction. Three electric motors and a 3.0-liter V-6 produce 321-hp in the MDX Sport Hybrid. Standard hybrid all-wheel-drive uses two motors to power the rear wheels.

Interior, Comfort, Cargo

Acura’s MDX’s inside materials aren’t as luxurious or well-designed as the Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90’s, despite its great standard features. The bench seat slides back and reclines slightly for second-row passengers, but the tight third row is far less comfortable. The MDX’s cargo hold is smaller than its two closest competitors, yet it performed well in our storage tests. Hybrid purchasers will be pleased to find that smart mechanical packing gives the MDX hybrid the same load space as another MDX. The MDX has more internal storage due to its huge front-center console.

Entertainment and Connectivity

Unfortunately, Acura’s infotainment system is a spiritual relative of modern Honda’s, and the two-screen display is as old and ineffective as in the Accord. An 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs, power connections, and an eight-speaker music system with SiriusXM are included. Navigation and quality 11-speaker audio are offered in higher grades. The MDX lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among other luxury car entertainment capabilities.

Driving 2017 Used Acura MDX

The Acura MDX’s powerful V6 complements its agile-yet-comfortable handling in 2017. Acura’s 9-speed automatic transmission has been honed to the point where last year’s concerns concerning balkiness are gone. While we dislike the conventional MDX’s start-stop method, it can be disabled with a button. We love the AcuraWatch, which has outstanding semi-autonomous driving features. The technology can steer, accelerate, and slow the car without driver input, making long highway rides easier. The MDX Sport Hybrid’s handling is improved with NSX technology. Two rear electric motors—one for each wheel—allow the MDX Sport Hybrid to optimize power delivery for traction and handling.

Comfortable Interior

Except for the Advance option, which has a center console and two captain’s chairs in the second row instead of a 3-across bench, the MDX’s 3-row, 7-passenger interior is unchanged from last year. This reduces space to six but gives the two second-row guests first-class amenities. Milano leather and real open-pore wood trim are new to Advance. Leather, motorized moonroof, and upper and lower console screens give cheaper models luxury appeal. In place of a gear selection and parking brake are buttons.

Outdoor Styling

The 2017 MDX is the first production vehicle with Acura’s new diamond pentagon grille. Looks stronger and more coherent. The back bumper, bonnet, front fenders, and “Jewel Eye” headlights of this 3-row luxury SUV have been updated. The sporty twin exhaust outlets are now brighter. The MDX’s sloping window frame gives its back a coupe-like aspect, yet it’s roomy. Standard versions have 18-inch wheels, while higher trims have 20s. Capless fuel fillers eliminate cap unscrewing.

2017 Acura MDX Favourite Features

This generation MDX has great safety and driving aids, but AcuraWatch has improved them for 2017. Every 2017 MDX comes with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. Competitors charge thousands more for these features. The MDX Sport Hybrid saves gasoline, but not its main goal. No, it’s to improve performance using twin electric motors—one for each back wheel—instead of a mechanical differential.

2017 Acura MDX Standard Features

Initial equipment is startling for the 2017 Acura MDX. Standard features include AcuraWatch, leather interior, power-operated and heated front seats, tri-zone automatic temperature control, power tailgate, power moonroof, and HomeLink garage-door opener. An 8-speaker AM/FM/CD system with several USB connections and Bluetooth is available in the MDX. This MDX has Siri Eyes Free for iPhones but no CarPlay or Android Auto. Driver safety features include a rearview camera, lane-keep assist, road-departure mitigation, automated emergency braking, and traction and stability control.

2017 Acura MDX Factory Choices

Except for all-wheel drive, most important options are packaged. The Technology package adds navigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning, Siri Eyes Free, 20-inch wheels, and remote engine start to Sport Hybrids. Second-row captain’s chairs, improved leather, heated front seats, surround-view camera, and front/rear parking sensors are included with the Advance package. Sport Hybrid versions don’t include a rear-seat entertainment package with an entertainment screen, cordless headphones, rear-door sunshades, or heated 2nd-row seats. If you want a seven-seat Advance model, you must buy the rear-seat entertainment system with a 2nd-row bench.

Engine/Transmission

A 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 290 horsepower in the Acura MDX. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is available on all models however FWD is standard. This Acura’s 9-speed automatic transmission might be improved. Advanced models have idle start/stop. Variable Cylinder Management shuts down three of six cylinders during cruising and deceleration for fuel economy. Standard MDX can tow 5,000 pounds. The Acura MDX Sport Hybrid’s 3.0-liter V6 and electric motor are connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox based on the NSX’s 9-speed. Both rear wheels have electric motors on the Sport Hybrid.

Should I Buy a Used or New MDX?

The 2018 MDX’s infotainment system overhaul is a notable difference from the 2017 model. Despite having an upper 8-inch display and a lower 7-inch touchscreen, the interface is now more responsive and user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make entertainment and navigation easier in the 2018 MDX. You’ll spend somewhat extra to purchase fresh. The 2018 MDX starts at $44,200, $800 more than the 2017 MDX average. Instead of using, purchase new.

FAQs

A 2017 Acura MDX costs what?

Over 400 listings on our site show a 2017 MDX average price of $43,400. Available features, car condition, mileage, and area demand determine listing prices, which can range from $36,500 to $51,200.

How much is the 2017 Acura MDX to own?

The typical 2017 MDX costs $29,200 to insure, fuel, maintain, and repair over five years. A premium midsize SUV at those prices is affordable.

Best Acura MDX Model Year?

A new MDX generation began in 2014, including the 2018 model. Model years might be difficult to distinguish at first. However, several milestones should be noted. A new nine-speed transmission and better all-wheel drive were added to the 2016 MDX. The next year, enhanced safety measures were standard. Acura introduced the MDX Sport Hybrid and updated the appearance for 2017. The 2017 MDX, which comes standard with collision mitigation technology, provides the best front crash avoidance. Optional Collision Mitigation Braking System is available in 2015 and 2016 MDX versions.

Which Used Acur MDX IS Right for Me?

The 2017 Acura MDX has one model level with a V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic. Most models have front-wheel drive; however, some include Acura’s Super Handling all-wheel drive. The standard MDX is well-equipped; therefore we suggest it.

Conclusion

However, consumers seeking a fancier SUV may consider an upgrade package. All choices in the bundle below are included. Navigation, HD Radio, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning are available as packages, as are leather seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and a 360-degree camera.