Electrified and enhanced 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid hits showrooms

(August 1, 2018) TORRANCE, Calif. — The 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid begins arriving at Acura dealerships nationwide today featuring four new exterior color options and new interior wood treatment. The 2019 MDX Sport Hybrid will open with a starting price of $53,795 including destination charge. This price reflects only an increase of $1,500 over the conventionally powered MDX SH-AWD with Technology Package despite offering standard adaptive dampers and an additional 31 horsepower while also receiving a nearly 37-percent higher city fuel economy rating.

Similar in design to the NSX supercar, the MDX Sport Hybrid's powertrain features Acura's signature three-motor Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, making it the brand's most powerful and efficient production SUV. The Acura MDX lineup continues to lead the industry as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV both of this year and of all-time.

Engineered for customers who desire the ultimate in driving refinement, technological sophistication and prestige, the MDX Sport Hybrid's 3.0-liter, i-VTEC V6 engine turns out 321-peak horsepower and 289 lb.-ft. of torque, while realizing an impressive EPA combined fuel economy rating of 27 mpg.

Similar to the conventional MDX, the 2019 MDX Sport Hybrid features a number of enhancements, including driver and front-passenger 4-way power lumbar support (up from 2-way), authentic Desert Olive Ash wood highlights, high-contrast seat and door panel stitching, and matching wood center console trim for Advance Package models.

Technology and Advance grades include unique interior trim, exterior badging and stainless steel sport pedals. Technology Package models include seating for seven, while the range-topping Advance Package incorporates a 6-passenger interior configuration with second-row captain's chairs and a large second-row center console in place of a three-occupant bench seat.

An advanced 7-speed dual-clutch
transmission (7DCT) is standard — a feature closely related to the NSX supercar's 9-speed DCT. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, MDX Sport Hybrid's DCT offers ultra-fast gear changes and operates without the need for a torque converter, significantly improving efficiency. The 7DCT can operate automatically or manually via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The MDX Sport Hybrid's electric SH-AWD system operates independently of the gasoline engine, as the two rear-mounted electric motors dynamically apportion torque directly to the rear wheels.

When cornering, the MDX Sport Hybrid delivers positive torque to the outside rear wheel, much like mechanical SH-AWD, to create a yaw moment. In addition, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD can simultaneously apply regenerative brake torque to the inside rear wheel during cornering to further enhance cornering control.