OFFICIAL: At $44K Is The Acura MDX Poised To RUIN Some Luxury SUV's Day?

Agent00R submitted on 6/21/2016 Auto Spies Photos Timestamp: 10:37:04 PM

Views : 11,830 | Category: New Cars | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Links: #honda, #acura, #mdx, #rdx, #pilot, #crv, #hrv, #suv, #bmw, #x5, #audi, #q7, #volvo, #xc90

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Though we've been beating this drum for quite a while, sport-utility vehicles are the "must have" form factor. Forget hatchbacks, forget sedans and you can definitely forget wagons.

Buyers want the added safety and confidence of driving a vehicle higher off the ground. Oh, and don't forget the additional space that typically comes with an SUV.

Honda's luxury division, Acura, has done a great job producing a solid selling SUV. Dubbed the MDX, it's the largest version that Acura has on offer. Since the first-gen product, sales have been strong. But, as buyer's have shifted towards compact SUVs, currently the Acura RDX is leading in the 2016 year-to-date sales race.

That said, Acura has announced the pricing of the 2017 model year MDX. Starting at nearly $44,000, it's a rather aggressive price for a three-row SUV.

Given the brand loyalty surrounding Honda/Acura as well as the competitive pricing strategy, do YOU think the refreshed 2017 MDX has a shot at making some SUVs sales days a bit miserable?

What say you, Spies?

Acura's press release follows:

Refreshed 2017 Acura MDX Launches with Bold New Styling, Premium Features and Standard AcuraWatch™ Technology

Jun 21, 2016 - TORRANCE, Calif.

2017 MDX showcases next evolution of the Acura Precision Concept-inspired new Acura Diamond Pentagon grille and exterior styling
Most premium and technologically advanced MDX in history now available with 20-inch wheels, second row captain's chairs, HD traffic, SiriusXM Radio® 2.0, heated steering wheel and Surround View Camera
Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) variant launching later this year
MDX is America's best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time

The restyled and refreshed 2017 Acura MDX, the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, goes on sale tomorrow at Acura dealerships nationwide with a starting MSRP of $43,950. The 2017 Acura MDX raises 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-assistive technologies, now offered as standard equipment on all 2017 MDX models, a first in the luxury SUV segment.

Featuring refreshed exterior styling inspired by the Acura Precision Concept, the 2017 MDX is highlighted by the new face of Acura, the bold and distinctive Diamond Pentagon grille. Integrated with a more sculpted hood, front fascia, front fenders and revised Jewel Eye™ headlights, the result is a more "executive athletic" appearance for Acura's class-leading luxury SUV. 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.

"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 Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager, Acura Division. "Backed by its high-performance credentials, the 2017 MDX has advanced its competitiveness and will continue its legacy of leadership as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV in America."

Premium Content

All 2017 MDX models benefit from increased standard luxury and technology features, including an Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, Auto High Beam headlights, SiriusXM Radio 2.0, four 2.5-amp USB charging ports and capless fuel filler. Technology and Advance packages add Bi-Directional Keyless Remote Engine Start, two new 20-inch wheel and tire options, power folding side mirrors, and HD Traffic.

In addition, Advance grades add LED fog lights, genuine Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel and Surround-View Camera System with six selectable viewing angles. Advance models can also be equipped with two second-row captain's chairs and a center console with two additional USB ports for third-row passengers. An ultra-widescreen Rear Entertainment System is also available on models with the Advance ENT Package.

Safety

All 2017 Acura MDX models come equipped with the AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver-assistive 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 rearview camera, and upper grades add blind spot information (BSI), front and rear parking sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and new Auto High Beam.

Combining AcuraWatch with Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the 2017 MDX delivers intelligent safety and confident driving performance at the top of the competitive segment and targets top safety ratings; a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already been achieved, and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is anticipated.

Powertrain

The 2017 MDX leads its class with its combination of refined and responsive power and outstanding fuel efficiency. The 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC® 24-valve V-6 engine is rated at 290 peak horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. peak torque. The 2017 MDX with front-wheel drive and Idle Stop has an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city/27 highway/23 combined, and MDX with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and Idle Stop is EPA rated at 19 mpg city/26 highway/22 combined. The MDX also meets the stringent EPA Tier 3/Bin 125 and CARB LEVIII ULEV-125 emissions standards.

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