2017 Acura MDX Road Test and Review

2017 Acura MDX exterior on road ・ Photo by Acura

In the middle of its third generation, the 2017 Acura MDX has received a facelift. Acura, the premium automotive brand of the Honda Motor Company, has been selling cars in the US since the 1992 model year. The MDX was the first genuine Acura crossover SUV, appearing in its first generation from 2001 through 2006 (Oh, sure, there was the SLX  from 1996 to 1999, but that was just a tarted-up Isuzu Trooper). Acura proudly proclaims that MDX was the first crossover SUV to come with three rows of seating, a feature that has continued until today.

The MDX may not be the halo vehicle of the Acura lineup—that distinction goes to the NSX, the sexy supercar. It may not be the flagship, either—that’s the RLX, the tech-loaded sedan. But the MDX is definitely the leader of the pack, consistently outselling every other Acura model by a healthy margin for years, remaining steadfastly ahead of the RDX compact crossover.

What’s New?

Midcycle facelifts sometimes can be difficult to spot, but you can immediately tell that MDX has gone under the knife. The hood and front fascia have been restyled, with a new “diamond pentagon grille” that looks like the Acura logo exploding into pieces. Attention has also been lavished on the front fenders, side sills, and rear fascia. The MDX now gets standard Jewel Eye LED headlights, an Acura signature across the lineup. AcuraWatch safety suite is now standard, and MDX gets auto high beam function for its headlights, an electric parking brake, a capless fueling system and Walk Away Auto Lock.

New optional features include wood interior trim, 20-inch alloy wheels, second-row captain’s chairs and center console, Surround-View Camera System, LED fog lights, power folding side mirrors, heated steering wheel, HD Traffic data. and SiriusXM 2.0. The MDX can be ordered in two new exterior color schemes for 2017: Black Copper Pearl and Fathom Blue Pearl.

Photo by Acura

Trim Levels, Pricing and Packages

There’s just one model of MDX, with prices starting at $43,950. The base MDX comes with front-wheel drive. Add $2000 to include SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive).

From there, you can add packages. First, there’s the Technology Package ($4410). This includes GPS-linked climate control, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, navigation, premium audio with 10 speakers, Bluetooth, AcuraLink, Siri Eyes Free, email Compatibility, and more. Next, you can add the Advance Package ($6040), which requires that you have already selected the Tech Package. The Advance Package adds idle-stop, heated and ventilated front seats covered in perforated leather, second row heated captain’s chairs and center console, natural wood accents, heated steering wheel, second row sun shades, LED fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, surround-view camera, and other features. Additionally, you can add the $2000 second-row entertainment system package to either package. Our test vehicle came with SH-AWD, the Tech Package and the Advance Package, which led to an as-tested price of $57,340 (including $940 destination charge).

Photo by Acura

Exterior Design

If there’s one complaint that we hear the most about midsize crossover vehicles right now, it’s that they all look the same. Line up the competitors and give them a quick glance, and it’s hard to argue the point. The similarities are broad—general shape, size, stance, and appearance are strikingly close across the brands. The distinctions are in the details. It gets even more granular when you try to find the updates in a minor refresh like the 2017 MDX just underwent, but we’ll try.

The most obvious change is to the grille, which Acura describes as a “diamond pentagon,” whatever that means. Black chrome elements radiate out from the bright chrome Acura logo, contained within the grille surround. It’s a dynamic, attractive look. The hood has been subtly reshaped, as have the front fenders and side sills. The standard LED “jewel eye” headlights are crisp and expressive. The MDX still looks the same, only better. It’s not exactly a standout in the class—because there are no standouts in the class.

Photo by Acura

Comfort and Convenience

A true luxury crossover SUV, the Acura MDX comes with abundant standard comfort and convenience features, as well as big bundles of options. Comfort begins with seating. Heated leather front seats are standard, and ventilated and heated seats are optional. Standard 10-way power for the driver with two memory positions (and 8-way power for the front passenger) enhance the comfort. The second row seats slide over a range of 5.9 inches, making it possible to apportion legroom fairly to all three rows. The Advance Package replaces the 60/40 split second row with a pair of captain’s chairs and a center console for an executive limo feel.

The standard convenience features in MDX start with a pair of programmable proximity keys and pushbutton start. The MDX remembers driver’s seat and side mirror positions associated with each key, so the vehicle adjusts automatically for two drivers.

Photo by Acura

Technology

The Acura MDX’s standard level of technology is impressive and comprehensive, and expands even further with the Technology and Advance Packages. New for 2017, an available Surround-View camera system has been added with four exterior cameras that provide a 360-degree view and selectable views with the press of a “Camera” button. A mind-blowing GPS-linked climate control system is available. It senses the position of the sun relative to the vehicle, and automatically adjusts airflow from driver’s side to passenger side to “compensate for asymmetrical solar heating.” Acura Navigation is standard with the Technology and Advance Packages.

A 7-inch touchscreen display is standard on the MDX (an 8-incher is optional with Advance and Technology Packages), loaded with the AcuraLink software that allows you to use your smartphone’s internet data connection to use Pandora, Aha. and other applications. Bluetooth is standard, as is Siri Eyes Free, SMS text message function, and email function. The standard audio system comes with 8-speakers and 432 watts, and two premium Acura/ELS audio systems are available with even more speakers and power. A rear entertainment system can be added to the Technology and Advance Packages. MDX has two 12-volt power outlets and five standard USB outlets, expandable to seven with the Entertainment Package.

Photo by Acura

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the 2016 MDX as “Good” in all categories, and “Superior” for front crash protection (its highest ratings), so we expect the 2017 update to receive the same ratings. SaferCar.gov gave the 2017 MDX a 5-star (highest) overall rating.

The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance features is standard on all MDX models. It includes Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation. The 2017 Acura MDX comes with seven airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, LATCH connections, tire-pressure monitoring, Blind Spot Information with rear cross-traffic monitor, and more. Lastly, the MDX has been designed with Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and pedestrian injury mitigation.

Photo by Acura

Engine, Transmission, and Fuel Economy

One engine and transmission combination gets fitted to all MDX models: a direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 tuned to produce 290 hp and 267 lb.-ft. of torque, hooked up to 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive is standard, and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is optional. A drive-by-wire throttle system connects pedal inputs, and allows for multiple drive modes. Idle stop-start function comes with the Advance Package to deliver maximum fuel economy ratings of 20 MPG city/27 MPG highway/23 MPG combined with front-wheel drive and 19/26/22 with all-wheel drive. Acura recommends premium unleaded gasoline with 91 octane for MDX, which pushes fuel costs up a bit. Fortunately, the MDX doesn’t require a tune-up until it hits 100,000 miles.

Photo by Acura

On the Road

The Acura MDX has gained a few pounds with its makeover, and currently carries a curb weight of 4,001 lb. (vs. 3960 lb. in 2016). Even at two tons, MDX is still the lightest vehicle in its segment, thanks to extensive use of high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium in its body structure. You definitely feel the weight when driving the MDX, but it is handled well by the four-wheel independent suspension (strut front/multilink rear) with amplitude reactive dampers at both ends. The speed-sensing electric-assist power steering provides adequate feel and feedback, slightly better in turns and curves than it is during straight line cruises, where it can feel a little vague. Our test vehicle came with all-wheel drive, which further enhances the cornering prowess of the big crossover.

We were not as impressed with MDX’s 9-speed automatic transmission, which was a little too eager to upshift in standard driving mode, to the point of feeling a little herky-jerky. Selecting Sport mode actually smoothed things out a little, and made the driving experience more enjoyable overall.

Passengers praised the MDX’s seats, room, and appointments in all three rows. A road trip would be a good test of MDX, which has 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable up to 90.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear two rows folded. With the optional towing package and all-wheel drive, MDX is rated to tow up to 5000 lb., so let’s go luxury camping.

Photo by Acura

Final Thoughts

Acura's MDX has built a loyal following over its three generations. We’ve run into several drivers who have owned an MDX of each generation, and would not even consider the competition. The formula works well—luxury, a great level of available technology, and useful passenger-hauling ability all in one attractive package.

For shoppers who pore over the details, the competition bears examination before making a decision. The Infiniti QX60, GMC Acadia Denali, Lincoln MKT, Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X5, and Audi Q7 all offer high levels of technology and capability, and have unique strengths and weaknesses. The Honda Pilot, the MDX’s corporate sibling, can deliver a lot of MDX’s capability and similar technology at a less-than-premium price point.

Loyal MDX owners will not be disappointed with the latest update to their favorite luxury crossover. Third-generation owners may not feel compelled to replace their MDX to get the latest upgrades, but if it is time to replace the family chariot, they’ll be very satisfied with the 2017 Acura MDX.

Photo by Acura