For the 2017 model year, Japanese luxury brand Acura released a refreshed and restyled mid-size MDX crossover SUV. The three-row, seven-seater family hauler has been one of the best-selling offerings in the segment, melding lavishness with utility. The MDX gained the iconic diamond pentagon front grille for the redesign, a powerful hybrid system, and the AcuraWatch safety suite.

Although it debuted with a price tag of around $50,000, they’re much more affordable five years later. In 2022, even top-of-the-line MDXs can be picked up for under $30,000. 

Does the 2017 Acura MDX have nice interior amenities?

Standard features include tri-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and two infotainment screens, an upper 8-inch and a lower 7-inch. While the MDX doesn’t support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, its included Bluetooth shows it’s well-equipped for the price. The Elite trim level even offers a 16.2-inch entertainment screen in the back with a DVD player and two wireless headphones. With the highest trim level, drivers also get a GPS navigation system, USB ports in every row, voice recognition, and a 360-degree camera.

Concerning comfort, the MDX delivers a leather-trimmed interior as standard, something typically reserved for more expensive models. Drivers can enjoy a 10-way power seat with power lumbar support and a two-position memory. The front seats are heated and ventilated, while the second row only features the heating function. Yet, internal temperatures can be changed through a GPS-linked climate control system. The innovative software monitors temperature changes between different geographical locations, then adjusts settings accordingly.

How does the 2017 MDX perform on the road?

The standard MDX engine is a 3.5-liter V6 providing 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Although it may only reach 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, there is a more fuel-friendly option. The MDX Sport Hybrid can achieve a combined 27 mpg, Acura says. This is achieved by a 3.0-liter V6, dual rear electric motors, and a single electric motor in the front. Acura’s system generates a respectable 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) SUV.

Car and Driver claims cornering is where the MDX showed the biggest advantage over its competitors. The hybrid model has electric torque vectoring at the rear to complement its handling-oriented suspension tuning. Electronically-controlled variable dampers provide stability for the mid-size SUV without making the ride overtly sterile. According to testers, the hybrid model’s lack of body roll and understeer approach those of a sports sedan.

How safe is the 2017 Acura MDX?

Standard on all trim levels for the 2017 MDX was AcuraWatch, a collection of driver assistance features. Active lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning can be enjoyed on the base MDX through the Elite trim level. Adaptive cruise control is also standard for the MDX, which is rare for the segment.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Acura MDX a Top Safety Pick+ for 2017, further improving safety credentials. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) also gave the luxury SUV a five-star safety rating, Edmunds reports.

Is the 2017 Acura MDX reliable?

Over the last five years, the NHTSA has only issued three recalls on the 2017 MDX, mostly minor ones. Moreover, Consumer Reports (CR) expects the MDX to be more reliable than many of its competitors. Compared with similar 2017 models, the Acura SUV sits right behind BMW and Lexus in reliability, CR states.

A generous six-year, 70,000-mile powertrain warranty covers the 2017 Acura MDX—a welcome sight for used car shoppers. While manufacturer guarantees are beginning to run out on lower-mile examples, the few faulty mechanics on the MDX are very likely to have been addressed. 

Is the 2017 Acura MDX a good choice for a used car?

Autotrader shows hundreds of 2017 Acura MDXs available for under $30,000. Some of these even boast less than 40,000 miles on the clock.

With its leather trimmings, invaluable driver safety features, and an optional hybrid version, the MDX stacked up well against its rivals from Audi, BMW, and Lexus, in 2017.