Dear forum members,

I was wondering if anyone knows of any news about potential 2014 MDX hybrid? The only thing that holds me back from getting a new MDX is the absence of hybrid option, and I don't want to get 2013 RX instead so bad! It took a year for Infiniti to produce a hybrid for their JX, I hope it isn't going to take that long for Acura! I have a suspicion that a hybrid (if any) would be based on RLX hybrid model to some extent, which is rumored to come out in Fall.

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

I wouldn't rule it out but it won't happen anytime soon.

Not sure what your time-frame is, but best case scenario, and that's IF Acura goes through with this, will be Fall of 2014 if not later.

 

That's what I was suspecting... I need a car a way earlier than that... Just don'w understand why they hesitate with that, since both Lexus and Infiniti already have hybrids for corresponding models. I love the new MDX, but city driving in my area along with current gas prices kill me!

 

They prob will have a MDX H but if you need the H now ... go other makes.
There must be a Holdup since they talked bout it before ..

 

I wonder if Acura will launch the RL hybrid before the MDX hybrid. Acura also might be waiting on the 7DCT to add to both the RL and MDX hybrids.

I like Acura's thinking with the "sport" hybrid" of V-8 power with I4 economy with the RL. The extra power would be worth the +$5,000 for the extra cost and +28 mpg combined. If they don't have a MDX "sport" hybrid option; it would not be worth the extra money to me to get less power, less towing, stripped down sh-awd, and same hwy mpgs at a higher cost.

I think the Infiniti JX hybrid is using a supercharged 2.5L I4 + electric to get around 26mpg combined.

 

They just introduced the RLX and the MDX. RLX is FWD or SH SH AWD and the MDX is 2WD or SH AWD. If they were coming out with a Hybrid then it would have been announced by now.
Besides, an SUV is designed for a heavier duty application than a sedan so a hybrid seems like a negative if you want more weight carrying, more room, towing, utility etc..

 

IMHO, hybrid is a very handy option considering today's gas prices... SUV is inherently heavy piece of equipment, and trying to boost mpg raitings, auto makers tend to resort to lighter engines, which is tricky when it comes to SUV, since people do need powerful engine in this case. Hybrid seems to be a really good way to both improve poor city mpg numbers and also enhance SUV capabilities without extra expenses involved (disregarding surcharge that comes with a hybrid).

On the other hand, I admit it isn't thay common to see RX hybrid on the road, so maybe not too many people actually need a hybrid SUV as of now. Perhaps Acura just wants to wait out to see how the new JX hybrid goes, since I suspect they will use the same supercharged 4-cylinder engine for their prospective MDX hybrid option.

Btw, anyone knows if Infiniti announced anything regarding upcoming hybrid option for their JX model last summer when it first came out?

 

The Infiniti QX60 hybrid is scheduled to be out in October last I heard. Tentative fuel economy 25 city/27 highway. Supposedly a $3000 upcharge for hybrid but you are also "forced" to choose a more expensive package (more options standard).

 

Why do they call it the QX60 hybrid when it looks like the JX? Seems like it should be the the JX60 hybrid?

Even at $3000 price hike, it will still take +70,000 miles to breakeven on the gas mileage increase from 20 to 26 combined.

 

Infiniti is gradually going through a nomenclature change for all their vehicles.



Source: Car and Driver

 

$3000 surcharge isn't that bad considering how much more expensive Lexus rx450h is compared to rx350. You also have to factor in your driving conditions (mine are 80% city), so combined mpg can be misleading here.

25mpg city isn't that great though, relative to rx450h giving 27mpg with its V6 while qx60 will have v4.. Perhaps this is due to increased weight.

I really dislike to the look of qx60: no LED DRLs? Whaaaaat? Premium vehicle without LEDs that even mazda6 now has? And no turn indicators on mirrrors? Looks like an outdated honda accord for me... Plus those really small and dim taillight LEDs make it a last straw. Acura seems a way more upscale, with its interior and exterior design. Less tech features though, but I would rather go for design in this case