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2017 Acura MDX Quick Look; Full Review Coming This Week

2017 Acura MDX
Photo: Acura
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Guillaume Rivard
More technology including AcuraWatch wrapped in a bold new look

The restyled and refreshed 2017 Acura MDX is poised to continue as Canada’s best-selling luxury SUV, raising its game with bold new exterior styling, larger wheel and tire options, and an expanded complement of premium features and technologies including the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assist features.

"We're raising the Acura MDX's game for 2017 with premium new features and technologies that luxury SUV buyers want, complemented by bold, new styling we know they're going to love," said Gary Gill, Senior Manager, Acura Sales and Marketing. "Backed by its high-performance credentials, the 2017 MDX has advanced its competitiveness and will continue to be a strong pillar in the Acura lineup.” 

The new face of Acura
The exterior of the new MDX, inspired by the Acura Precision Concept, is highlighted by the distinctive Diamond Pentagon grille acting as the new face of Acura. Integrated with a more sculpted hood, front fascia, front fenders, and revised Jewel Eye headlights, the result is a more "executive athletic" appearance.

Additional styling updates include new chrome rocker panel trim, a revised rear bumper and skid garnish, and the return of visible dual exhausts with bright finishers.

Premium content
All 2017 Acura MDX models benefit from increased standard luxury and technology features including an electronic parking brake, automatic high beams, four 2.5-amp USB charging ports, and a capless fuel filler.

In addition, Elite trims add LED fog lights, genuine Olive Ash Burl or new Black Limba wood interior trim, and a surround-view camera system with six selectable viewing angles. 

Available later in the year, the 2017 MDX Elite will also be offered in a 6-passenger seating configuration. This new MDX model will be the only luxury SUV in its class to offer two second-row captain's chairs, and a centre console with two additional USB ports for third-row passengers. 

Safer than ever
New for 2017, standard equipment includes the AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver-assist technologies: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). 

All models also come equipped with a multi-angle rear-view camera, while upper grades add blind spot information, front and rear parking sensors, a rear cross traffic monitor and new automatic high beams.

This earned the 2017 Acura MDX a 5-star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is anticipated.

Powertrain
The direct-injected 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine under the hood is rated at 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, fuel consumption amounts to 12.6L/100km in the city and 9.0L/100km on the highway ― models with Idle Stop achieve 12.2L/100km in the city.

An available Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) powertrain variant will be offered later in the year, making the MDX the third model in Acura's lineup to utilize its revolutionary 3-motor Sport Hybrid powertrain with electric torque vectoring. 

Pricing
The 2017 Acura MDX is now on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide with a starting MSRP of $53,690 for the base model, $57,190 for the MDX Navi, $60,190 for the MDX Tech, and $65,790 for the top-line MDX Elite.

Guillaume Rivard
Guillaume Rivard
Automotive expert
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