It brings modest updates compared to the 2018 model and a $700 price hike
Following the debut of the 2019 MDX last month, Acura today kicks off sales of the Sport Hybrid model.
All-new for 2017, the three-row luxury SUV with a three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain brings subtle updates for the new model year, including new exterior colors, interior trim and features.
Pricing starts from $52,800 (excluding $995 destination and handling), making it $700 more expensive than the 2018 model. It's also only $1,500 more expensive than the conventionally powered MDX SH-AWD with Technology Package despite offering standard adaptive dampers, an additional 31 horsepower, and almost 37-percent higher city fuel economy.
[NativeAd]As with the 2019 MDX, the Sport Hybrid model gains several enhancements, including driver and front-passenger 4-way power lumbar support (up from 2-way), driver and front-passenger 12-way adjustable seats, high-contrast seat and door panel stitching, Desert Olive Ash wood highlights, and matching wood center console trim for Advance Package models.
Technology and Advance grades add unique interior trim, exterior badging and stainless steel sport pedals. Technology Package models offer standard seating for seven, while the range-topping Advance Package comes in a 6-passenger interior configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and a large second-row center console in place of the bench seat.
Also new for 2019 is the exterior color palette which receives four new paints: Gunmetal Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl and Canyon Bronze Metallic.
No changes have been made to the hybrid powertrain which continues to have a total system power of 321 hp and a total peak torque of 289 lb-ft (391 Nm) from the combined work of a 3.0-liter i-VTEC V6 engine that drives the front wheels and two rear-mounted electric motors that driver the rear axle, providing the car with AWD with torque vectoring. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) with an integrated electric motor is standard and can be operated manually via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Obviously, the 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient MDX model, with EPA ratings of 26 mpg city/27 mpg highway/27 mpg combined. The AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies is standard on all Sport Hybrid models.
READ MORE: If you want a more powerful and sportier Acura hybrid, check out the 377-hp RLX Sport Hybrid