This factoid may surprise you – it did me.
The Acura MDX is the best-selling, three-row luxury SUV of all time. But if you think about it for a while, it should come as no shock. The brand was built, after all, on its commitment to innovative engineering, quality and reliability.
The refreshed 2018 version is available now, and my tester was the Sport Hybrid with Advance Package.
And like many cars today, it’s all about the electronics. The MDX receives a new dual-screen user interface with enhanced seven-inch capacitive touchscreen display and 30 percent faster response time.
Standard Apple CarPlay support, Android Auto compatibility and standard AcuraWatch safety and driver assist features make MDX among the best-equipped vehicles in its segment.
The Sport Hybrid showcases Acura’s 3.0-liter, i-VTEC V6 engine and three-motor Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system that is shared with the NSX. It’s mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
With 321-peak horsepower and 289 lb.-ft. total peak torque on tap, the Sport Hybrid is Acura’s most powerful production SUV ever built. And, despite turning out 30 additional horsepower and a 45 percent higher EPA city fuel rating as compared to the conventionally powered MDX SH-AWD, the Sport Hybrid carries a nominal premium of $1,500 over the conventional MDX.
My tester got upward of 27-miles-per-gallon fuel economy down the highway on a Memorial Day weekend jaunt to Camano Island. And best of all, the MDX seats up to six adults, or with the third-row folded flat, holds up to four golf bags and a couple of push carts.
MDX provides a broad range of standard comfort and convenience features including an available surround-view camera system, heated steering wheel, leather seats, smart keyless entry, power moon roof and push-button start. The 2018 Acura MDX Technology and Advance packages add two 20-inch wheel and tire options, bi-directional keyless remote engine start, power folding side mirrors and HD traffic.
In addition, the Advance grades include LED fog lights and genuine wood interior trim. Second-row captain’s chairs and a center console with two additional USB ports for third-row passengers are available along with an ultra-widescreen rear entertainment system is also available on models with the Entertainment Package.
The cabin is spacious and allows all passengers the ability to relax in comfort.
AcuraWatch is a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies offered as standard equipment. The package includes 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.
The 2018 Acura MDX earned a 5-Star overall vehicle score from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is expected to earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The 2018 MDX was designed and developed in the U.S. and is produced exclusively at the company’s East Liberty, Ohio, manufacturing center using domestic and globally-sourced parts.
Base Price: $58,150
Price As Driven: $59,145
Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
2018 Acura MDX Interior