Car companies typically “refresh” their models halfway through their life cycle to keep them competitive and up-to-date.
This process is sometimes ineffective if the model itself is already outdated and a minor refresh isn’t going to make it much better.
But in some cases, the refreshing of the car is almost unnecessary, because the basic architecture and the performance of the car being changed is already so good.
That’s the case with the Acura MDX, one of the best selling three-row SUVs in the marketplace.
It’s finally receiving an update - but because the MDX has always delivered solid handling, ultra smooth ride, competent performance, and high-value features – this SUV feels like it didn’t need these changes to “stay great.”
Nevertheless, we welcome the changes Acura made to the 2017 MDX, which includes an updated front end, improved technology features, and higher end design inside and out.
Like Acura’s smaller RDX, the MDX feels more like a sports sedan than a full-sized SUV, which is exactly what Acura buyers want in this type of a vehicle.
Add in Acura’s excellent track record of reliability and quality, great resale value, and excellent safety records, and the MDX is a winner.
Design
One of the most controversial elements of Acura products has been its front end design.
Starting with the earlier Acura TL many years ago, the company introduced the new “beak” design but the brand struggled to find the right balance of uniqueness and freshness.
People either liked it or hated it (not too many “loved” the beak design).
So Acura reconfigured this concept and introduced a softer “beak” design later on – only to find that consumers still didn’t “get it.”
The 2017 MDX is the third attempt to get this design “right.”
Acura embedded what it calls a diamond precision pentagon grille onto the new MDX to make it more modern and appealing.
Is it better looking? Yes I think so.
But is it easily recognizable as an Acura and delivers a great design concept compared to others?
Not sure about that … because honestly the new grille and the front end of Acura’s now look like a combination of Lexus and Infiniti grilles put together and divided by two.
There isn’t anything about the front design that makes it look distinctively Acura.
Regardless, the overall design of the MDX is still solid and attractive.
It has a timeless design that’s become a household shape.
Just look at the new Mercedes GLC’s – it obviously stole directly from the ever-popular MDX.
The modern feel carries over to the interior, where the improved-looking wood trims and carefully positioned instruments add to the overall elegance.
The only challenge is that the two panel display system and tech-driven interface are still somewhat frustrating to use. Car companies in general really need to take a page from Apple and design something as simple and as elegant as the Apple iPad.
Performance
The MDX may not be as performance-oriented as the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes’ AMG products, but the Acura sport-ute is much sportier than its primary rival, the Lexus RX.
The handling response is quick and the steering has just the right amount of on-centre feel, carefully calibrated to align to the rest of the car’s character.
As expected in an Acura, the brakes exhibit a great feel too and they bring the big vehicle to a halt in a hurry – and in complete confidence I might add.
The 3.5-litre V-6 boasts a reasonable 290 horses and 267 foot-pounds of torque, enough to accelerate the MDX to 100 kilometres an hour in mid-six second range.
The refined engine is managed through a technically impressive nine-speed transmission which contributes to great fuel economy but delivers a bit of “hunting” feel.
The on-demand all-wheel-drive works great on or off road and it’s labelled as Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive as always (I wish Acura will replace this name with something simpler!).
Summary
The MDX comes in five variations from base model to Elite with all the toys.
A hybrid version features an advanced three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain with three hybrid-electric motors that distributes torque dynamically to each of the rear wheels.
Its closest competitor is the Audi Q7 which is substantially more expensive but offers sportier, more “German” feel that is the hallmark of European cars.
The Japanese keeps improving the feel of its models but the Germans still have an edge on this matter.
People will likely cross-shop the Lexus RX and Infiniti QX60 as well.
The MDX is superior in the areas of handling and overall character when compared to these vehicles.
The Lexus is luxurious beyond words for the price but suffers from numb steering.
The QX offers good value too but it’s getting outdated and the performance is only so-so in comparison to the MDX.
The MDX has always sold beyond expectations and therefore has become the benchmark for a reasonably priced, luxury SUV.
The MDX is a well-balanced vehicles that’s easy to drive and better than ever.
The prices start from $53,890 and go up to $69,990 for the top-of-the line Sport Hybrid model.
Full specifications can be found at www.acura.ca.
