2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
The Acura MDX full-size crossover has aged quite well, following its freshening for the 2017 model year. Likely due for a redesign before long, the MDX carries on into 2019 with a few notable changes, again available with either a gasoline V-6 engine or a hybrid powertrain. For the first time, the MDX can be equipped with an A-Spec sport appearance package. Enhancement of its 9-speed automatic transmission promises more fluid acceleration. New 20-inch alloy wheels are included in the Advance Package.
Officially, the MDX comes in a single form, with option groups serving as trim levels. In addition to the basic Standard model, the lineup includes Technology, Advance, Entertainment, and A-Spec versions. Acura also offers a Sport Hybrid.
Except for the Sport Hybrid, each MDX contains a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 190 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, working with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available ?standard for the A-Spec.
In the Sport Hybrid, a battery/gasoline powertrain is adapted from Acura's NSX supercar, tuned for efficiency instead of performance. A 3.0-liter V-6, rated at 257 horsepower, mates with electric motors that drive the front and rear wheels separately. Combined output totals 321 horsepower, sent to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Acura says the “Sport” prefix is deliberate, claiming that model promises a sportier experience, as well as greater fuel economy and improved traction. The Sport Hybrid's mechanical torque-vectoring system can move 100 percent of power to left or right wheels, and up to 70 percent to rear wheels when needed.
Crash-test scores impress. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the MDX a five-star rating overall and for both frontal and side impacts. Only the rollover score (a calculated figure) is four-star.
In crash-testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the MDX earned “Good” ratings for all except the small-overlap test on the passenger side, which was not rated. Frontal crash prevention was deemed “Superior.” The 2018 MDX was named a Top Safety Pick.
Acura makes a considerable amount of advanced safety technology standard, including forward collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology package adds blind-spot monitors..
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For the first time, the MDX can be equipped with an A-Spec sport appearance package. Enhancement of its 9-speed automatic transmission promises more fluid acceleration. New 20-inch alloy wheels are included in the Advance Package.
Officially, the MDX comes in a single form, with option groups serving as trim levels. In addition to the basic Standard model, the lineup includes Technology, Advance, Entertainment, and A-Spec versions. Acura also offers a Sport Hybrid.
Except for the Sport Hybrid, each MDX contains a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 190 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, working with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available ?standard for the A-Spec.
In the Sport Hybrid, a battery/gasoline powertrain is adapted from Acura's NSX supercar, tuned for efficiency instead of performance. A 3.0-liter V-6, rated at 257 horsepower, mates with electric motors that drive the front and rear wheels separately. Combined output totals 321 horsepower, sent to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Acura says the “Sport” prefix is deliberate, claiming that model promises a sportier experience, as well as greater fuel economy and improved traction. The Sport Hybrid's mechanical torque-vectoring system can move 100 percent of power to left or right wheels, and up to 70 percent to rear wheels when needed.
Crash-test scores impress. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the MDX a five-star rating overall and for both frontal and side impacts. Only the rollover score (a calculated figure) is four-star.
In crash-testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the MDX earned “Good” ratings for all except the small-overlap test on the passenger side, which was not rated. Frontal crash prevention was deemed “Superior.” The 2018 MDX was named a Top Safety Pick.
Acura makes a considerable amount of advanced safety technology standard, including forward collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology package adds blind-spot monitors..
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Retail Price
| Engine | V-6 |
| MPG | Up to 26 city / 27 highway |
| Seating | 7 Passengers |
| Transmission | 7-spd auto-shift man w/OD |
| Power | 257 @ 6300 rpm |
| Drivetrain | SH-AWD all wheel |
| Curb Weight | 4,471 - 4,486 lbs |
