More MPG And More: The 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid AWD Advance

The 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid AWD Advance.

Seven months ago, we reviewed the new, better-looking Acura MDX.  The one with a regular gasoline engine.  Everything we said about that MDX stands for this one, so follow the link.

So what's this one about?  A different engine, a different transmission and very different city fuel economy.  All the while providing more...yes, more...power.

2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid AWD Advance.

In place of the 3.5-liter, 290 horsepower V6 and nine-speed automatic transmission found in other MDXs, the Sport Hybrid has a 3.0-liter V6 mated to an electric motor that generates a combined 321 horsepower and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Honda/Acura has done this before...one of the few manufacturers to include a performance bonus in its pursuit of higher fuel economy.  It works beautifully.  You're never really aware of the fact you're driving a hybrid until it's time to fill up and you don't have to yet.

2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid AWD Advance interior.

The gasoline-powered MDX has an EPA fuel economy estimate of 19 city/26 highway.  The hybrid?  It's estimated at 26 city/27 highway.  

The highway improvement is hardly noticeable, but in the city, a bump from 19 to 26 (equivalent to the gasoline version's highway mileage) is significant.   With the MDX Sport Hybrid's 19.4 gallon fuel tank, that works out to an extra 135 miles of city driving between fill-ups.  Best of all, Acura has wisely kept the cost increase to a minimum.  The gasoline model is $57,340 with destination and handling.  The Sport Hybrid?  $58,975.   The $1,635 premium can pay for itself in gasoline savings in a shade under five years, which is better than average.

We know which one we'd choose.  Thumbs up to Acura for giving the MDX Sport Hybrid the best of both worlds...fuel economy and performance.