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- 2017 Acura MDX
- Performance
Note: This performance review was created when the 2017 Acura MDX was new.
Performance: | 8.4 |
The 2017 Acura MDX derives ample power from its V6 engine. Fuel economy is great for the class, even in models with all-wheel drive. The suspension delivers both a cushioned ride and stable handling around corners. You'll be able to drive the MDX around small areas without breaking a sweat despite its large size. It feels smaller on the road than it is, and its sharp steering makes it easy to maneuver.
The 2017 MDX comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 making 290 horsepower, and the engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Getting up to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, the MDX is one of the most fuel-efficient luxury midsize SUVs you can buy. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the MDX gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.
You should have little trouble during your normal drives, with ample power delivered by the V6. Acceleration from a stop is fairly quick, but the sluggish start-stop system, which is meant to save fuel when you're stopped at red lights, detracts from the sense of speed, as the engine must first fire to life before you take off. The nine-speed automatic transmission also doesn't quite pass muster, shifting at inopportune times and not giving you as much muscle as you might want at any given moment.
The MDX may be a fairly large SUV, but it feels smaller than it is from behind the wheel. The power steering turns effortlessly and precisely so you can maneuver around confined areas with confidence. Thanks to the well-tuned suspension, the ride feels nicely cushioned when driving over rough roads, but handling stays sharp if you decide to put your foot down on winding roads.
Front-wheel drive and Acura's Integrated Dynamics System, which lets you adjust the power steering's responsiveness, are standard. You can get all-wheel drive (or as Acura calls it SH-AWD) to give you more grip on slick roads or to make the MDX's already lithe handling even sharper around turns.
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