Have had a 2015 MDX SHAWD with Tech since new. Enjoyed it for 150,000 mostly trouble free miles. Considering getting a 2018 to 2021 or so MDX to be used mostly for longer distance (5-600 mile one way) trips. Want something with considerably lower mileage for reliability reasons.

Any advice/experiences regarding whether I should consider the Sport Hybrid version would be appreciated. What kind of highway mileage have you gotten with the Sport Hybrid?

Thanks!

 

The MDX, RLX, and NSX are performance hybrids that uses EV components instead of larger displacement engines, turbo(s), or supercharger to enhance performance and sh-awd handling; with, the side effect of improved mpgs. Not the same as Honda or Toyota mpg hybrids that are focused on the balance of max per gallon range on minimum amount of hp/tq.

The fwd 3rd Gen MDX will have better hwy mpgs compared to the 3.5L sh-awd or Sport Hybrid. The Sport Hybrid will lean more towards fwd mode with decreasing EV engagement as hwy speeds increases (little to no EV power, regen braking, or tq vectoring +84 mph). You would think the 3.0L would get better mpgs at hwy speeds compared to the 3.5L. Unfortunately, the +4500lbs Sport Hybrid is working the 257hp 3.0L pretty hard compared to the 290hp 3.5L pushing 200-450lbs less. The advantage of the Sport Hybrid is at city speeds with having similar city/combined/hwy 24-27 mpgs with more available hp/tq and regen braking/tq vectoring/electronic dampers for improved handling with or without I.C.E. engine power. The 17-20 MDX Sport Hybrid DNA is closer to the +22 MDX Type-S than the 3.5L 3rd or 4th Gen MDXs.

I went with the Sport Hybrid because of the improvement of performance and handling with the mpg bump as a bonus. My old 11 MDX Adv would get around 20-22 hwy mpgs; but, down to 14-16 mpg with city driving. I can sometimes see 25-28 city mpgs range with the sport hybrid (mpg can increase more the worse the city traffic). My lifetime for my 19 MDX Sport Hybrid with +67,000 miles is around 24.5 mpg with 60%-65% hwy with posted speed Interstate speeds mostly 75-80 mph (usually 5-10 mph above that). The Sport Hybrid has a 19.4 gal gas tank and your max fill up range can be 425-450 miles consistently with any combination of city/combined/hwy driving.

 

I have a 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Advance & I would recommend it. Luckily I have not had any major issues.

I typically average around the 27mpg EPA rating in mixed driving.

When new, the $1,500 price premium seemed reasonable. I would keep in mind that buying a used hybrid may mean that you will have to pay to replace the battery at some point which I believe costs in the thousands.

Good luck!

 

@Zippercat I'm a proud owner of a 2019 Sport Hybrid Advance that I purchased in Oct 2022. I couldn't agree more with @mrgold35 He pretty much summed it all up for you. The only issue that I've had was with a faulty purge valve solenoid that caused an emissions error. Oh, and I still have an open recall concerning the fuel pump module that needs to be addressed. I've toyed with the idea of getting a 22/23 MDX Type S but find myself saying "nah" and will also pass on the new ZDX despite the fire-sale that is currently going on. Acura was really on to something with their "sport-hybrid" vehicles. Why they abandoned them is a real head scratcher. Being in the northern Virginia area with a good mix of urban, rural, and city driving this vehicle has been great. I am a previous owner of a 2007 MDX and current owner of a 2013 ZDX(basically, a chopped-up MDX) which I love(despite the gas mileage) and also agree with @mrgold35 observation of the gas mileage. That has been my experience as well. Happy Hunting!

 

Thi Thread and others has begun to lead me into a "rabbit hole" for my decision of either Buying my 22 MDX Advance (lesae is expiring), Leasing a New 25 MDX A-Spec Advance OR lease another vehicle entirely. AT 73, retired, (and the wifey retired too - who loves and drives her 16 Honda CRV Touring with 49K miles) , I don't "really" need a 3 Row SUV. But my 22 MDX offers so much in comfort, ride & handling, nice Interior, and IMHO a great Muscular exterior redesign, but not so Good MPGs! It would be difficult to find a 19 or 20 MDX Sport Hybrid Advance with reasonable mileage, however, if there is a CPO one avaialble (which should provide an extended Warranty, favorable Financing, Roadside Assiatnce and other "Goodies") - it could be tempting to go that way. Yes, there is an old style two screen setup BUT it is Touch Pad Free. With rated 26 City/ 27 Highway MPGs (at least 90% of that number) , for the way I drive locally in Suburbia - 23+/- City MPGs is inviting. Having had a 19 MDX Advance, it had a very good sound system, handled well, had a 9 Speed AT, and SH-AWD ("SHAWDY") worked very well in snowy conditions. This has given me some good food for thought!!