2017 Acura MDX: First Impressions
CARS.COM — Acura’s refreshed MDX welcomes captain’s chairs in the second row and a new MDX Sport Hybrid model for 2017. It also received a face-lift that shows off Acura’s new styling direction. We’ll have to wait until we can drive the MDX Sport Hybrid to get a feel for its electrified all-wheel-drive system, but the newly available captain’s chairs are something I hopped into immediately, considering it’s the style of seating preferred by many families for easy third-row access. It’s also a feature the latest MDX hasn’t offered until now.
I’m a bit perplexed, however, by the captain’s chairs in the MDX, which omit the usual walkway to the third row between the chairs in favor of a fixed storage console. This means families won’t be able easily to access the third row when bulky child-safety seats are installed in the captain’s chairs.
The captain’s chairs don’t lose any functionality over the MDX’s second-row bench, however; they recline, slide and have one-touch third-row access. The captain’s chairs are comfortable, plus the center console offers lots of usability with twin USB ports, cupholders and multiple storage compartments.
Acura’s new styling direction looks more cohesive in person than photos suggest. Perhaps it’s the auto-show lights playing tricks, but the MDX’s big grille and wide headlights are less awkward-looking up close and show an attractive future for Acura’s design that’s been somewhat lost over the past few years.
