Honda's luxury division has announced 2017 Acura MDX prices as well as equipment upgrades to the model.

2014 Acura MDX Dynamic Power Plenum grille detail

Acura MDX

The Acura MDX was first introduced in the summer of 2000 as a 2001 model. At the time it was, and remains, Acura's largest crossover sport utility vehicle. A second generation of the model went on sale in the fourth quarter of 2006, as a 2007 model, while the current third generation MDX, unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show, went on sale later that year as a 2014 model. All 3 generations have shared a common vehicle platform (Global Light Truck) with Honda's Odyssey, Accord, Ridgeline and Pilot.

2017 Acura MDX front 3/4 view

2017 Acura MDX

The MDX was all-new for 2014, so 2017 changes are minimal and include a minor – but nonetheless eagerly anticipated - facelift to the exterior, additional standard equipment across the lineup, added equipment to higher-grade models and a number of additional optional features.

Outside, the MDX is the first recipient of Acura's new Diamond Pentagon grille (which first appeared on the Precision Concept), a vast improvement over the outgoing model's Dynamic Power Plenum grille, which was often derisively referred to as a "beak." This change alone would make the MDX more pleasing. It also features a more sculpted hood, new front fenders, a new front fascia and revised "Jewel Eye" headlights.

2017 Acura MDX rear 3/4 view

Along the sides, there's new chrome rocker panel trim while the rear fascia sports a revised bumper, new visible dual exhausts and an updated lower diffuser.

The biggest physical interior change is the eighty-sixing of the conventional foot-actuated parking brake in favor of a new electric parking brake with automatic brake hold. Other new standard features include auto high beam headlights, SiriusXM Radio 2.0, four 2.5-amp USB charging ports and a new capless fuel filler system.

On the safety front, all trim levels now come equipped with a multi-angle rearview camera and the brand's AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Road Departure Mitigation. Upper grades also get blind spot information, front and rear parking sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and new Auto High Beam.

2017 Acura MDX dashboard

On the options front, Technology and Advance packages add Bi-Directional Keyless Remote Engine Start, a pair of 20-inch wheel and tire options, power folding side mirrors, and HD Traffic.

The Advance package also includes LED fog lights, Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel and a Surround-View Camera System with six selectable viewing angles.

Options on Advance package models include second-row captain's chairs and a center console with two additional USB ports for third-row passengers, while a widescreen rear entertainment system is available with the Advance entertainment package.

2017 Acura MDX front seats

The engine under the hood is a carryover 3.5-liter V6 rated at 290 peak horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. peak torque. 2017 FWD models with Idle Stop have an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 20/27/23 city/highway/combined mpg, while Super Handling All-Wheel Drive models with Idle Stop are rated by the EPA at an estimated 19/26/22 city highway/combined mpg.

Also on tap is a Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive model which will be available later in the year, which will make the MDX the third Acura model to use the brand's three-motor Sport Hybrid powertrain with electric torque vectoring.

2017 Acura MDX at the 2016 New York International Auto Show

2017 Acura MDX prices and availability

2017 MDX Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Trim Level, EPA fuel economy (estimated), MSRP (including a $940 destination charge)
MDX (FWD), 19/27/22, $44,890
MDX (FWD) with Technology Package, 19/27/22, $49,300
MDX (FWD) with Technology and Entertainment Packages, 19/27/22, $51,300
MDX (FWD) with Advance Package (with Idle Stop), 20/27/23, $55,340
MDX (FWD) with Advance & Entertainment Packages (with Idle Stop), 20/27/23, $57,340
MDX (SH-AWD), 18/26/21, $46,890
MDX (SH-AWD) with Technology Package, 18/26/21, $51,300
MDX (SH-AWD) with Technology & Entertainment Packages, 18/26/21, $53,300
MDX (SH-AWD) with Advance Package (with Idle Stop), 19/26/22, $57,340
MDX (SH-AWD) with Advance & Entertainment Packages (with Idle Stop), 19/26/22, $59,340

The 2017 MDX is available at Acura dealers as of June 22nd, 2016.