Acura is stepping up its game with the introduction of the 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid. There is no shortage of competitors in the midsize three-row premium SUV segment of the market, with familiar names such as Infiniti, Lexus and听Volvo, just to name a few.
All have in recent times introduced gasoline-electric hybrid engines to either boost power or听drive down fuel consumption.
The Sport Hybrid is the top-of-the-line model in the MDX line. It has a manufacturer鈥檚 suggested list price of $69,990.
The MDX, introduced in 2000, has become the flagship of the Acura line and, according to Honda, their best-selling three-row luxury crossover.
Given that almost all of its competitors have electrified their fleets, it was probably only a matter of time before Acura came to the party.
Although late, there is evidence that Acura was prepared for this eventuality. The current MDX is听the third generation of the model 鈥� it was first introduced at听the 2013 New York Auto Show. Fast forward four years and the MDX Sport Hybrid is introduced 鈥� with听no reduction of interior room. This leads one to conclude the engineers designed the vehicle to eventually accommodate the 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The hybrid鈥檚 powertrain is unique to the MDX line. While the gasoline versions are equipped with a 3.5-litre direct-injection V-6听and nine-speed automatic transmission, the hybrid is powered by听a 3.0-litre V-6 mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a built-in electric motor.
That鈥檚 not all 鈥� the rear wheels are driven by a twin-motor unit.
The gas and electric motors put out a combined 321听horsepower and 289 foot-pounds of torque. That鈥檚 more combined hp than the听Lexus RX 450h, Volvo XC90 and Infiniti QX60 hybrid. The Volvo produces six more foot pounds of torque, but on the flip side, the MDX Hybrid is more fuel-efficient.
One interesting point to remember when comparing these various engines is that the Volvo derives its power by turbocharging and supercharging its engine, while the Acura engine is naturally-aspirated.
What this means is that there is听no turbo lag, nor the worry about maintenance and potentially costly replacement for both a turbocharger and supercharger in the future.
The MDX Hybrid adds 31 hp and 22 lb-ft or torque over its gasoline brethren 鈥� and better fuel economy to boot, 9.1 city/9.0 highway vs. 12.6 city/ 9.0 highway for the regular MDX 鈥� albeit only in the city.
But the hybrid engine does have an unintended benefit 鈥� one that enthusiasts can warm up to.
To maximize fuel efficiency, many manufacturers have switched to Continuously Variable Transmissions or increased the number of gears in their automatic transmissions.
The MDX Hybrid is offered with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (the regular MDX comes with a traditional hydraulic automatic transmission).
To an enthusiast, a dual-clutch transmission (sometimes referred to as a twin-clutch transmission or double-clutch transmission) is superior due to its responsiveness. It differs from a traditional auto in that it is essentially two separate manual transmissions (with odd and even gear sets) working as one unit.
Dual clutch transmissions are more often found in performance vehicles.
As if anticipating a more sporty driver the MDX Hybrid, offers Sport and Sport+ modes as well as steering-wheel paddle shifters.
For added security on less-than perfect roads, the MDX comes equipped with an enhanced all-wheel-drive system. Acura鈥檚 Super Handling AWD system offers front-rear torque distribution control. It also regulates torque distribution between left and right rear wheels based on road conditions.
Your passengers will appreciate
both generous seating and room for
all their luggage. With up to 2,575 litres in total cargo, the MDX easily can
boast the largest trunk among the competitors that I have already mentioned, despite exterior dimensions that are similar.
In the cabin, they will also immediately appreciate the upscale trim that surrounds them. The second-row passengers get the same leg and headroom as the front ones. The third row even boasts the ability to fit a six-footer, but head and legroom constraints mean that they wouldn鈥檛 be able to move much.
The cabin is a serene oasis, with minimal noise, heated and ventilated leather seats and wood accents. The rear passengers can be entertained by a nice wide-screen for movies.
My tester had AcuraWatch, a suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies. Features include a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and road departure mitigation, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.
Acura may have been late to the field with a gasoline-electric hybrid, but the 2017 MDX Hybrid proves it was time well spent.
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THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Premium mid-size SUV, front engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine: Gasoline-electric hybrid, 3.0-litre V-6, 321 hp at 6,300 r.p.m., 289 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,000 r.p.m.
Transmission: Seven-speed double clutch
Dimensions (mm): Length, 4,984; width, 1,975; height, 1,713; wheelbase, 2,820
Curb weight (kg): 2,074
Price (base/as tested): $69,990/ $72,135 (includes $2,045 freight and PDI and $100 AC tax)
Options: Nil
Tires: 245/50 R20 on alloy wheels
Fuel type: Premium
Fuel economy (L/100km): 9.1 city/ 9.0 highway
Warranty: Four years/80,000 km new car, five years/100,000 km powertrain
