Double-dipping
Acura MDX Sport Hybrid brings dual-power performance to the lineup
SEATTLE >> Acura’s addition of hybrid power to its popular large crossover ute is all about adding performance to its model lineup.
While the MDX Sport Hybrid does get pretty decent fuel economy, it is the most powerful MDX ever, and, sitting at the top of the model’s lineup, comes with all the goodies affluent families want.
More than that, it is more fun to drive and includes some pretty sophisticated traction assistance that simply makes everyone a better – and safer – driver.
The model is based on the existing MDX all-wheel drive platform. That means a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension, but with Acura’s new active dampers and adaptive electric power steering.
The brains of these performance enhancing systems is the Integrated Dynamics System. It senses what’s happening and adjusts its electric motors, throttle, steering, transmission and active dampers to the driver’s preference.
The all-wheel drive system referred to by the serious mouthful MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is specifically tuned to the hybrid’s powertrain. That means it can send the exact amount if power to whatever wheel can use it, based on the available traction. It will distribute power side-to-side between the left and right rear wheels, using “torque vectoring” to help turn, by sending more power to the outside rear wheel during cornering.
In addition, the four-wheel disc braking system uses regenerative braking to charge the vehicle’s lithium-ion batteries. As with all trim levels of the MDX the Sport Hybrid comes standard with the Acura Watch suite of safety technologies.
Driving it is the constant rain and wind of a Washington State spring, the slippery, wet roads made it easy to both test, and develop respect for the car’s ability to “assist” with keeping the car pointed in the planned direction.
Judging this is difficult, because the Acura system gives no indication that it is working. So we professional evaluators must have the competence – and honesty – to determine when the car is fixing something that we might not haver been able to correct. That is actually the beauty of the system – it just does its thing.
In addition, this is a very comfortable car, with a great feel on the road and plenty of toys to play with inside. The stereo upholds the Acura tradition of superior sound. Both models look and feel good, and more upscale than the previous generation.
Acura is working to make its products consistently more upscale with the features that these buyers want. Granted everybody wants the cool features, but when the auto industry says that they mean features people want enough to pay for.
But the driving fun starts with the powertrain. The MDX Sport Hybrid powertrain consists of a 3.0-liter, 24-valve, SOHC V6 gas engine producing 257 horsepower and 218 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Three electric motors – a 47-hp. front motor built into the transmission, and a rear 72hp. Twin Motor Unit – provide more power, as well as an electric motor’s instant torque.
That makes the total system output 321 hp. and 289 lb.-ft. of peak torque, making this the most powerful Acura production SUV ever built. While doing this, it has earned an EPA rating of 26 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway.
This power flows through as evenspeed double-clutch transmission, which is standard with the Sport Hybrid. This is the same transmission used in the RLX Sport Hybrid SHAWD sedan and is technologically closely related to the nine-speed DCT in Acura’s supercar, the NSX.
Acura refreshed the MDX for the 2017 model and it shows the new styling direction for the brand, with a more aggressive look, particularly in front. There is a new grille on the MDX and for it and the rest of the brand there is more of a focus on luxury and sport. The idea is to increase the premium nature of the car. The family look will continue as Acura introduces new models.
So, this hybrid is to create interest in a new group of potential buyers.Buyers expected to be interested in this hybrid are affluent families with a higher household income than the gas-powered versions. They may also be people with more interest in technology, environment and performances. The idea is to add appeal to the driver in the family that wants driving to be more fun than is typically the case behind the wheel of a crossover sports ute.
The Acura MDX will be shopped against the other upscale hybrid crossovers. Not only is this entire class growing, but within the industry hybrids are the top trim levels for any model with a hybrid offering. These include the Lexus RX450, Infiniti QX60, BMW X5 Xdrive 40e, Mercedes GLE 550e and Volvo’s XC90 T8
The MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD comes in two versions. They are 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 Technology Package version comes with three rows for seven passengers. The Advance Package has three rows of seating but fits only six-passenger thanks to second-row captain’s chairs and large second-row center console in place of a three-person bench seat.
The two models have starting prices of $51,960 for the Technology Package and $58,000 MSRP for the Advance Package. The car is on sale and is built in the U.S.