JSakaBuck

Getting ready to splurge on a '17 MDX Advance, but have been reading up on the Sport Hybrid on the horizon. My sales rep can't/won't give me any indication as to a release date. I assume he wants me to buy NOW. But, before taking the plunge, anyone know when we can expect the Sport Hybrid.

I test drove the RLX Sport Hybrid two years ago and was VERY impressed. It may be worth waiting for the Sport Hybrid MDX.

Thanks in advance.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

no. no one knows anything except what Acura said.
Spring 2017

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

could be march....could be may....
could be pushed back

Edward'TLS

Any pricing info ? How much more expensive than the current SH-AWD MDX ?

RDX10

How much more is the RLX hybrid compared to the standard RLX, that should give you a rough inidication. Here in Canada the RLX only comes as a sport hybrid with 2 trims so I can't make that analysis. I will say though that based on other SUV's that offer a hybrid system that it could tack on as much as 2-5k and I don't see Acura pushing 80k with the MDX as it tops off at about 70k right now in Canada.

mrgold35

I'm assuming there is only a sh-sh-awd Advance MDX version so far instead of a tech or Advance version sh-sh-awd like you can get with the RLX? Then the only option would be with or without entertainment. I would be surprised if the price is less than $60,000-$62,000 since Acura charges about $5500 for sh-sh-awd for the RLX. Acura might even charge more for the sh-sh-awd in the MDX since it suppose to have magnetic suspension and 3.0L V-6 engine.

RDX10

I actually expect it to be cheaper than the RLX move to hybrid because of the 3.0l V6, of course with the assumption that the 3.0l is cheaper to produce. What I don't understand is why they put in a 3.0l V6 vs sticking with the conventional 3.5l V6...It seems like such a missed oppertunity to me. Also where is this 3.0l coming from?

On the other hand, is this a sign that Honda is going to be dropping the J35 and going with this J30 from now on and possibly go to forced induction tech? I'm really curious where they are going with this.

Edit: As I was thinking earlier with China's 3.0l+ engine tax. Honda produces the RDX with a J30Y1 engine producing 262hp and 220lb/ft in China, this is almost certainly going to be the engine going into the MDX.

dzionny_dzionassi

And it is not direct injection engine, cheap, cheap...

RDX10

And still SOHC using a timing belt still...cheap cheap cheap.

TacoBello

Ok, seriously, Acura needs to differentiate between sh-AWD and sh-sh-AWD a lot better than they currently do. They are not doing themselves any favors by not doing so.

TacoBello

I'm betting Acura wouldn't do a 3.5L V6 with the sh-sh-AWD, because then it appears like an SUV is "on the heels" of the NSX. Even though the two 3.5L V6s couldn't be any more different, and one happens to also feature two big ass turbos as well. But when the biggest engine you'll release is a 3.7 V6, your options on differentiating the models becomes a bit harder. Why do you think the TLX moved down to a 3.5L across the board, instead of keeping the bigger, more powerful 3.7 V6? Optics, mang.

And if that isn't why, it's because Acura is being uber conservative as always, because Acura hates us, and they refuse to give people too much power. Whatever that means.

It's one or the other. Or a little of both, I dunno.

RDX10

But then when you look back and see that the 2007 TL-S had the engine out of the RL which in and of itself was a canibalistic move and makes me wonder if they would put the RLX J35 in the TLX-S?

I don't know man, I really doubt they would care about something like that because they are completely 2 different classes (no one is going to buy an MDX Hybrid over an NSX lol). If anything the RLX is biting at the heels of the NSX and isn't that why you build a halo car? To make other lesser models look better? What I don't understand is their refusal to make anything larger than 3.7l...like why? Everyone else has big honking 5.0 V8+ sized engines and then they stick to SOHC and timing belts and watered down accord fwd architecture.....

I can't explain what the hell is going on in Acura HQ other than obvious cost cutting measures EVERYWHERE. Like sure the 3G mdx is nice, but it is NOWHERE NEAR 70k nice and it is obvious where they are cost cutting....I can go on.

alpha0

I dont think Acura wanted to increase performance of regular SHAWD (which is almost in line with competition) with hybrid. So they just went with improving fuel efficiency (alongwith some addition to low and mid level torque). I still dont understand why did they announce it last march if it was not going to be available for one more year?

alpha0

Hybrid

Also if Acura wants to compete with BMW X5M or Cayenne GTS or Turbo or EHybrid or higher end XC90, it would need 400+HP and 450+lb-ft which i doubt can be provided by J35 + batteries. 377 hp and 341 lb-ft setup of RLX does not help MDX against any existing segment.

RDX10

I agree with you about that not being competitive, but I don't agree with that philosophy. They could have easily strapped on a single turbo to the J35 and then added on the sport hybrid system....I can see people buying it because they buy things like the mercedes GL(S) amg and audi q5 q7 with the monster V12 diesel.

No sales won't be huge, that isn't the goal, but it creates a new identity for the brand and sets the pace for the rest of the lineup. I think all the engineering and parts are there, all that is required is that someone grow a pair and go for it. The biggest thing Acura has going for itself is value and the proposition of reliability, throw in performance to that mix and watch sales figures grow enormously.

If they revamp the infotainment and put in a stronger performance drivetrain and more sport oriented cabins, they will give things like the X5M a good run. The current MDX with ZF9 and regualr J35 can hit 60 in 5.9s, imagine what an extra 100hp and 100-120 lb/ft could do?

mrgold35

I was thinking for MDX sh-sh-awd pricing if it holds the same as the RLX:

fwd MDX Tech: $48,500 + $5500 sh-sh-awd = $54,000

fwd MDX Adv: $54,500 + $5500 sh-sh-awd = $60,000

fwd MDX Adv+Ent: $56,500 + $5500 sh-sh-awd = $62,000

RDX10

So are you assuming the normal Sh-AWD is in between those price thresholds?

mrgold35

I'm thinking that would be the minimal pricing for the sh-sh-awd MDX if they have a tech or Adv version w/ or w/o entertainment. Acura usually charges $2000 for sh-awd; but, there isn't a non hybrid sh-awd RLX to compare price structure. The only hardware carried over from the current sh-awd MDX would be spare tire. I don't think the sh-sh-awd MDX could tow the full 5000lbs with the 3.0L engine (probably no add on tow trans cooler)? Other than that, it looks like they will start with a fwd MDX tech or Adv and add the sh-sh-awd hardware, suspension upgrades, and programming (sport+ mode, hybrid dash display info).

My SWAG is they will start with the tech/Adv sh-awd prices and then add $4500-$5500 on top of that for the sh-sh-awd hardware.

sh-awd MDX Tech: $50,500 + $4500-$5500 sh-sh-awd = $55,000-$56,000

sh-awd MDX Adv: $56,500 + $4500-$5500 sh-sh-awd = $61,000-$62,000

sh-awd MDX Adv+Ent: $58,500 + $4500-$5500 sh-sh-awd = $63,000-$64,000

RDX10

I think this makes more sense and I agree with this pricing scheme a lot more. I don't see them removing the standard shawd for only hybrid.

TSX69

pgeorg has shared that the hybrid manual is out & Jeff @ TOV says the press event is soon, so hopefully that means the release is coming.



I still cannot believe that the MDX (or ZDX for that matter) does not have full LED tail lights.

Still very anxious to see if the hybrid does not have an all electric mode as C&D stated. Although that would explain the relatively low mileage compared to the RLX, it seems like an odd choice. Lack of all electric was 1 of the complaints about the IMA system & I would hate to see Honda/Acura regress.

TSX69

MPGs is now on fueleconomy.gov: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/38567.shtml

26 city, 27 hwy; 27 combined

neoshi

Check out the pricing structure: New 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Has 321HP And A $51,960 Starting Price

If this is true, this is a direct compete with non sport hybrid models. Hmm.. are they maybe looking to replace the traditional models eventually with only sport hybrids? Not sure what they're driving at here...

mrgold35

That can't be right, can it?

That would mean the sh-sh-awd tech is only a few hundred bucks more the regular MDX sh-awd tech or Adv model (depending on how good your negotiating skills are)? The gas saving alone will pay the difference in prices in the 2-3 years of driving compared to +15 years with most hybrids variants.

MDX tech+sh-awd: $50,460 (no destination charge of $975)
MDX Adv+sh-awd: $56,500 (no destination charge of $975)

The only thing I think might be a downside for the sh-sh-awd MDX is towing. I haven't seen the specs; but, I would be surprised if it was 3500lbs or less.

neoshi

Yeah the Tech is actually a way no brainer to go with the Sport Hybrid. The Adv, there's more of a price gap but still minimal. Usually we get around $5k off MSRP on the Tech, so I'm curious how much we can manage with the Sport Hybrid.

iutodd

Here is my theory: Acura is going to make the 2.0T the "base" engine option, the Sport Hybrid will stay right where it is now, and they'll add the oft rumored 3.0T on top. This is how they make the Sport Hybrid work if it's ever going to work. It "replaces" the V6 and the 2.0T and 3.0T are a half step down and up from there. The MDX has eight trims right now. The Sport Hybrid makes it 10. I think they can have 4 trims of the 2.0T, 2 Sport Hybrid trims and 4-5 3.0T trims. The 2.0T would cover anything below $50kish (and be the only FWD trims), the Sport Hybrid is $52-58k (tech/advance) and the 3.0T base should probably be somewhere around $51/52k so it's Advance Trim would be $63k or something. That would create pretty powerful incentive for people to move up to the Sport Hybrid or 3.0T model and spend more money than on the base 2.0T - which would still be a good car.

mrgold35

Maybe the test for this theory will be when the 3rd Gen RDX hits the road next year of the year after. I figure the MDX and RDX would share powertrains; but, which ones? The 240hp/260tq 2.3T 5AT in the 1st Gen RDX could power the sh-awd and move the +4000 lbs vehicle at little better compared to the 6AT 3.7L 300hp/270tq +4500 lbs setup of the 2nd Gen MDX.

reddogTL

2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Arrives in April, Starts at $52,935 - Motor Trend

Comes out next month and will get active dampers along with 7spd DCT. This should knock down the existing 0-60 from 5.9 to low 5s. Just depends how much additional weight the hybrid system adds + weight savings from 3.5L to 3.0L. The engine shrink should also help improve handling with less weight in the nose.

RDX10

So a nearly 9k jump from base? I am wondering if the Hybrid will be like the RLX in the US with trims for both the normal and hybrid variant. If so, I wonder if that 9k gap will he maintained. Now extrapolating that to Canadian prices, the hybrid will likely start at around 60-62k, wonder if that means a sport hybrid elite will go for something like 75-80k....they would REALLY be playing with the big boys in that price range and better have the driving dynamics, speed, and quality to compete.

Also wondering where everyone is getting a 3.0T from, Acura has said nothing about that at all and I don't ever see the MDX sporting a 2.0T, it's imply too big with too much drivetrain loss from the sh-awd. Then again, it has lost A LOT of weight and is currently sitting at the same weight the 1G RDX was (that's actually VERY impressive when you think about it).

mrgold35

Acura.com updated the build feature for the MDX to include the sh-sh-awd upgrade. I can't seem to select that option on build page (or most other options) with the updated sh-sh-awd info? I think the webpage has some quirks they need to work out.

Tony Pac

Basically, it will have everything. so you don't need to add much, unless you want the Advance package. I think this is a good strategy. If i am not mistaken this will be the cheapest luxury hybrid SUV in the market. Plus the 3rd row

neoshi

Those quirks include mismatch of torque figures between the press release (289) and the builder (341). lol yet again! Gotta love the QC.

neoshi

FYI, Acura PR just confirmed it's 289 tq not 341.

TacoBello

289 is pretty damn high for a 3.0L v6. That sport hybrid system adds some nice oomph.

The 03-07 Accord had a 3.0L v6. I think it only made 215lbft of torque. I don't believe Honda used a J30 again after that.

however, what does the non sport hybrid put down for torque? I imagine the numbers are pretty similar, but the torque curves look completely different.

RSA_Secure

Can't get Sports Hybrid + Adv + Ent (7 passenger configuration) based on their online configuration tool .

RDX10

Honda uses a J30 (the same one being used here) in the china market RDX. The 3.0l alone only makes 224lb/ft. When I initially read that someone said 341lb ft I was so excited but too bad it's only 280....the j37 made 275lb ft. So yeah the torque curve is different, but still...kinda wishing acura would finally break the 300lbft limit with the MDX.

neoshi

267. Yeah because of the motors, I'm expecting a good amount of torque to be available from 0 to somewhere around 4k.

mrgold35

Reading the 17 sh-sh-awd and using the build your MDX app shows you can't tow anything with this vehicle.

Don't know if the hybrid system additions will work with OEM or aftermarket trailer hitches? I just need something for a bike rack or a swing out hitch cargo carrier with 4-way lights. Knowing Acura, they will void your warranty if you have a hitch with sh-sh-awd MDX if you have any powertrain issues. Towing should be at least 1500 lbs like the RDX.

vicbastige

A SUV with no towing capacity at all? Ponderous.

mrgold35

I'm still confused about the tq numbers for the sh-sh-awd? I'm starting to think the 321hp/341tq is correct. The Acura web site and 2017 fact sheets still show combined 341 tq from all 4 motors (3.0L gas+7DCT mounted electric+ 2 rear mounted electric motors)?

Horsepower:
257: 3.0L V-6 @ 6300 rpm
47: front electric motor @ 3000 rpm
36: rear motor @ 4000 rpm
+36: rear motor @ 4000 rpm
376 Total HP 376hp minus X (some funny HP math calculation number) = 321 Combined Horsepower

Torque:
218: 3.0L V-6 @ 5000 rpm
109: front electric motor @ 500-2000 rpm
54: rear motor @ 0-2000 rpm
+54: rear motor @ 0-2000 rpm
435 Total TQ 435 tq minus Y (some funny math TQ calculation number) = 341 Combined Torque

Not sure if the super handling is limited or even still engaged above 4000 rpms? The fact sheet also said "Active Perforated leather seating surfaces Damper System". Nothing about magnetic struts/shocks damper system like in the 10-13 MDX and ZDX.

Link to page that has the MDX Fact Sheet PDF the 1/4 the way down under the red "All Brochures" link: http://www.acura.com/MDX

Edward'TLS

May be a 'seat cushion' active damper system, and not a 'suspension' active damper system ?