Looking for a luxury three-row crossover with good fuel economy and nimble performance at a competitive price? The 2019 Acura MDX Hybrid delivers. However its interior isn’t as upscale and it has less cargo room than many rivals.
Acura introduced the Hybrid MDX for the 2017 model year, then updated the infotainment system and added standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for 2018. For 2019, there are few changes.
The Hybrid MDX seats six or seven passengers, depending on whether you get bench seating or the captain’s chairs in the second row.
Like the gas-powered MDX, the Hybrid MDX is available in one trim and then you choose your option package. The Sport Hybrid with Technology Package starts at $52,800 while my tester, the Sport Hybrid with Advance Package starts at $59,550. These prices are about average for the class—a bit surprising since hybrids are normally spendier. The MDX Hybrid comes standard with Acura’s SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system.
The Acura MDX Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Combined horsepower is 321.
The MDX Hybrid is actually fun to drive. Its responsive handling would make me forget that I was behind the wheel a massive three-row crossover hybrid that tips the scales at 4,486 pounds. The MDX Hybrid is quick off the line, easily accelerates to freeway speeds and when passing, and stays planted with little body lean when cornering. You can choose from four driving modes: Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ to suit your mood. The transmission shifts smoothly. All in all, the MDX Hybrid handles like a smaller vehicle. As a bonus, it has a floaty ride that’s smooth and comfortable.
The MDX Hybrid beats other three-row crossovers when it comes to fuel efficiency. My tester is rated at 26 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with a combined rating of 26 mpg. I got 27 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. The gas-powered MDX with all-wheel-drive is rated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with a combined rating of 22 mpg. All MDX models take premium gas.
The interior is certainly nice with quality materials but it’s not as luxurious as some competitors. Materials are mostly upscale. Passengers in the first two rows enjoy comfortable and supportive seats with good legroom and decent headroom; however taller passengers in the second row may wish for a little more headroom. As is usually the case in three-row vehicles, the third row is tight and best for kids.
Standard features include proximity key entry, push-button start, rearview camera, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, moonroof, AcuraLink infotainment system with dual touch screens, voice command activation, navigation, Bluetooth, 10-speaker ELS audio system, satellite radio, five USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a power liftgate.
The AcuraLink infotainment system comes with two screens which control different functions. It can take a little time to figure out, but once you do, the system is easy to use. Graphics are sharp and the system responds quickly to commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Standard driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Available features include a surround-view parking camera system, a head-up warning, Milano leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, 11-speaker ELS audio system, and two additional USB ports in the third row.
There’s not as much cargo space as in some rivals. There are 15 cubic feet with all three rows in place, 38.4 cubes with the third row folded and 68.4 cubes with the second and third rows folded down. There’s also some storage room under the cargo floor. A power liftgate is standard.
The good:
Nimble handling, especially for a three-row SUV
Good fuel efficiency for the class
Responsive infotainment system
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard
The not-so-good:
Interior not as nice as many rivals
Dual-screen infotainment system works well but takes getting used to
Less cargo space than some competitors
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $59,550. Destination fee is $995 bringing the grand total to $60,545.
Bottom line:
If performance, good fuel economy and a reasonable price are important to you as you shop for a luxury three-row crossover, the 2019 MDX Hybrid should be on your list. If you want a ritzy interior and lots of cargo space, you may want to look elsewhere. Consumers have a lot of worthy vehicles in this category to consider.
