“Typical Acura quality sacrificed for overages of technology. Mitigation braking failure in first 7k two times and vehicle leaked water in first week.”
2017 Acura MDX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Acura MDX gets a substantial mid-cycle refresh, led by redesigned exterior styling and standard driver-assistance features on every trim. It also marks the debut of the 321-hp MDX Sport Hybrid.
About the 2017 Acura MDX
3rd generation (2014-2020), mid-cycle refresh; first year for the MDX Sport Hybrid
Acura positioned the MDX as a three-row luxury SUV that blends family usefulness with more responsive handling than a typical large crossover. Its core strengths are seating for six or seven, a flexible cabin, strong V6 power, a broad set of standard driver aids, and an available torque-vectoring AWD system. The MDX emphasizes passenger comfort and everyday practicality while retaining Acura’s performance theme, especially through SH-AWD and the new Sport Hybrid powertrain.
The regular MDX is a seven-passenger luxury SUV with a 290-hp V6, leather-trimmed heated front seats, and a nine-speed automatic transmission; SH-AWD versions add all-wheel drive that can shift power between the rear wheels to help with traction and cornering. The new Sport Hybrid combines a three-motor AWD system with active suspension, while its Technology version seats seven and its more comfort-focused Advance version has six seats, second-row captain’s chairs, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera.
What changed, by category
Styling
Acura replaced the former grille with its diamond-pentagon design and reshaped the hood, front fenders, LED headlights, and bumpers. The rear also gained visible dual exhaust outlets.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and road-departure mitigation became standard across the lineup. An electric parking brake with automatic brake hold and automatic high beams also became standard.
Powertrain
The MDX Sport Hybrid joined the lineup with a 321-hp three-motor AWD system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The regular 290-hp V6 and nine-speed automatic carried over unchanged.
Tech
Every MDX gained four higher-output USB charging ports. Technology and Advance versions also received upgraded traffic information and remote-start hardware.
Structural
Sport Hybrid models added an active suspension and hybrid-specific braking hardware. The MDX’s main body structure did not receive a major change.
2017 Acura MDX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, i-VTEC, 3.0 Liter | V6, Hybrid, i-VTEC, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 290 hp | ||
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 218 lb-ft | 218 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 5000 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 90.9 cu-ft | 90.9 cu-ft | 90.9 cu-ft | 90.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 28.1 in | 28.1 in | 28.1 in | 28.1 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Side View Cameras | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2017 Acura MDX and the 2016 model?
The biggest difference is the 2017 MDX’s mid-cycle refresh. It brought redesigned front and rear styling, made key driver-assistance systems standard across the lineup, and introduced the first MDX Sport Hybrid.
Is every 2017 Acura MDX a hybrid?
No. Most 2017 MDX models use a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The new Sport Hybrid uses a 321-hp three-motor AWD system with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Which driver-assistance features became standard on the 2017 Acura MDX?
Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and road-departure mitigation became standard on every 2017 MDX.
How many people does the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid seat?
The Sport Hybrid Technology version seats seven with a second-row bench, while the Sport Hybrid Advance version seats six with second-row captain’s chairs.
Did the regular V6 powertrain change for the 2017 Acura MDX?
No. The regular MDX kept its 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain news for 2017 was the separate Sport Hybrid model.
2017 Acura MDX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Acura MDX.
4.1
2017 Acura MDX
(577 reviews)
“Extremely comfortable with great technology. Very fuel efficient and fun to drive. Lots of space for storage if you are traveling. Very attractive automobile.”
“The audio system (USB input) only plays low resolution (mp3, AAC) type files- a major disappointment. The navigation system relies on voice recognition and can take multiple tries for it to understand a command. Too distracting when driving.”