2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Starts at $52,935

CARS.COM — Acura’s 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid will be both the most powerful and the most efficient version of the brand’s three-row SUV when it goes on sale in April for a starting price of $52,935 (all prices include destination). A second, top-level trim is priced at $58,975.

Related: Our View: 2017 Acura MDX

Power comes from a 3.0-liter V-6 producing 257 horsepower and three electric motors, with two on the rear axle and the third incorporated into the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which could be more satisfying than Cars.com editors have found the regular model’s nine-speed to be. Total system output is 321 hp versus 290 hp for the regular V-6 MDX. And combined system torque is 289 pounds-feet of torque, with a chunk delivered instantly from the electric motors.

Power gets to the road through Acura’s sophisticated Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, a version of the torque-vectoring AWD system used in the brand’s NSX hybrid supercar at almost three times the price. The Sport Hybrid MDX also ups the performance of the regular MDX with adaptive shock absorbers and an advanced version of the drive mode system, adding a more aggressive Sport Plus to the Comfort, Normal and Sport settings that alter the responsiveness of the transmission, electric motors, shocks, throttle and steering.

With the added power also comes a 45 percent boost in EPA-rated mileage to 26/27/27 mpg city/highway/combined. That’s up from the 18/26/21 of the regular 2017 MDX with AWD, which can be had in base form at $47,025.

The lower-priced Sport Hybrid With Technology Package has seating for seven; the top-level Sport Hybrid With Advance Package seats six and has captain’s chairs in the second row.