Designed at the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif., the restyled and refreshed 2017 MDX offers powerful new styling highlighted by a bold and distinctive new diamond pentagon grille, which represents the new face of Acura. The new grille is integrated with a more sharply sculpted hood, front fascia and front fenders coupled with new LED fog lights and restyled Jewel Eye™ headlights, which enhance the MDX’s “executive athletic” demeanor. Adding contrast to the MDX’s windswept profile is a new chrome rocker panel design, while in back, a revised bumper, body-colored skid garnish and new dual exhausts with bright finishers further emphasize the MDX’s performance character.
A full complement of bright, efficient LED lighting graces the refreshed body design, including the headlights and turn signals, taillights, outside mirror-mounted puddle lights, and LED fog lights on Advance models. For the first time, a choice of sporty 18-inch and aggressive 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels are offered on the Technology and Advance Packages — up from 19-inch size on the 2014 to 2016 MDX models — as well as a Surround-View Camera System with six selectable viewing angles, including the highly useful bird’s eye view. Numerous other exterior features add luxury and usability to the MDX, including a one-touch power moonroof, power folding outside mirrors, high-performance all-season tires, available roof rails, and remote keyless entry.
Key Exterior Features
- NEW: Revised aerodynamic styling
- NEW: Dual exhaust outlets
- NEW: 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels
- NEW: Auto high beams
- NEW: Capless Fueling System
- NEW: Two new exterior colors – Modern Steel Metallic and Black Copper Pearl
- REDESIGNED: LED Jewel Eye™ headlights with Auto On/Off*
- One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
- LED daytime running lights (DRL)*
- Available LED fog lights
- Outside Mirrors with Reverse Gear Tilt-Down
- Windshield wipers with rain sensing feature
- One-Touch Turn Signals
- Low-Profile Roof Rails
- Smart Entry with Push Button Start
- Walk Away Auto Lock
Aggressive, Aerodynamic Styling
The revised bodylines and the addition of contrasting brightwork inject a new level of sporty attitude and elegance into the MDX equation, enhancing the presence of Acura’s flagship SUV in the luxury ranks. The new grille and more rakish fender lines, hood lines and headlights evoke greater strength, while the hood incorporates shapes and crush areas for improved pedestrian safety. Below the front fascia are aggressive air intakes together with recessed mounts for the available LED fog lights.
Bright detailing on the lower sills contrast with the upper body, adding new strength and balance to the MDX profile. While a new rear bumper fascia design features a black lower and body-color upper areas, lightening the overall look, while the new through-bumper dual exhausts and a new skid garnish emphasize performance.
Dual Exhaust Outlets
In another upgrade for the 2017 MDX, stylized dual exhaust outlets with bright finishers exit through the black rear lower fascia for a premium, sporty appearance.
One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
The MDX has a one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature that will fully open or close with a single touch of the switch. The moonroof mechanism was purposely designed to provide ample headroom. The moonroof has a sliding sunshade that opens with the roof and can be closed to block sunlight. To tilt or slide the moonroof, the driver or front passenger needs only to fully press the ceiling-mounted switch once (instead of pressing and holding it for several seconds). The moonroof fully opens or closes automatically. However, if the operator wishes to only partially open or close the moonroof (such as to achieve partial ventilation), a lighter touch yields fully manual control. The moonroof can also tilt to provide ventilation. An auto-reverse feature is built in, helping to ensure that the moonroof will not forcefully close if someone’s hand or arm is positioned in the path of the glass. If an obstruction is detected, the mechanism will reopen the moonroof. See Interior section for more information.
LED Lighting
The 2017 MDX incorporates a wide range of available light-emitting diode (LED) exterior lighting features, including LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Jewel Eye™ headlights, LED side marker lights and LED taillights. LED side mirror-mounted turn signals are standard on all models, and LED fog lights are offered on Advance grades.
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
The MDX has bright, distinctive LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). A signature design feature of the new MDX, the DRLs utilize a wing shape positioned above and beside the LED headlights. Shaped to match the rugged, purposeful stance of the new MDX, the LED DRL array is wider at the side and thinner on top, gradually tapering as it moves toward the inside of the headlight lens. Stylistically, the DRLs strongly and clearly define the front corners of the MDX.LED Jewel Eye™ Headlights with Auto On/Off
The 2017 MDX’s LED Jewel Eye™ headlights provide improved nighttime illumination and visibility compared to contemporary high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. The low beams reach approximately 460 feet compared to approximately 360 feet for traditional halogen low beams, and the beam width is approximately 100 feet compared to approximately 65 feet for halogen low beams.Besides improving driver confidence and active safety, the LED headlights use less energy, helping to enhance fuel efficiency by reducing engine loads. In addition, the LED headlights last up to three times longer than HID headlights and up to six times longer than halogen headlights — contributing to less frequent replacement and the associated cost savings. An auto on/off function is included, and the low-beams are also keyed to the remote key fob operation.
Auto High Beams
The 2017 MDX new auto high beam (HSS) feature uses a camera located on the rearview mirror mount to continually scan for oncoming traffic. Included on the MDX Technology Package and Advance Package, the system illuminates the high beams except when oncoming or proceeding traffic is detected and then automatically switches to the LED low-beams. Requiring no intervention or action from the driver, the auto high beam feature significantly improves nighttime illumination for enhanced active safety.There are numerous advantages to the auto high beam system, including earlier driver detection of objects in the roadway during nighttime driving. Earlier detection of objects can lead to and a reduction in stopping distances which in turn results in a higher level of driver confidence.
The system functions when the headlight switch is in the Auto position, and may be disabled and reactivated by a quick pull on the high-beam stalk. An HSS icon appears on the instrument panel when the system is functioning. The auto high beam feature automatically disengages during rainy conditions, when low beam lighting is preferable. Four consecutive wipes of the windshield wiper deactivate the system. Auto high beam then automatically reactivates when the rain ceases.
Fog Lights
The MDX Advance Package is equipped with LED fog lights to enhance visibility in inclement weather. Inspired by the Acura NSX, a special mesh feature surrounds the fog lights for a premium and sporty appearance.LED Taillights
All 2017 MDX trims feature large LED taillights, bolstering the vehicle’s restyled appearance.
Lighting Technologies
*New for 2017 MDX
Outside Mirrors with Reverse Gear Tilt-Down
To improve convenience while parallel parking, the MDX’s aerodynamically sculpted outside mirrors have a reverse-gear tilt-down feature that allows the driver to see the curb or curbside objects. Either the left- or right-hand mirror can be selected to automatically tilt down when reversing. After shifting into reverse, the driver simply moves the mirror-adjustment selector switch position to either the right or left. The corresponding mirror then tilts down to provide a clear view of the curb or curbside on that side of the vehicle. The mirror automatically returns to its previous position when the gear-selector lever is moved out of Reverse.
A power-folding feature on the Technology and Advance Packages allows the outside mirrors to be folded against the body sides when the vehicle is parked, reducing the chance of damage to the mirror housing in tight parking areas. The power-folding feature can be activated by pressing a switch on the driver’s door armrest when the transmission is in Park or Neutral and the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On mode.
Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors
Included in the Advance and Entertainment Packages, auto-dimming side mirrors use the same activation sensor as the MDX’s auto-dimming inside rearview mirror. The auto-dimming function of all three mirrors helps reduce glare during nighttime driving, especially from the headlights of following vehicles.Included in the Technology and Advance Packages, LED puddle lights, mounted on the bottom of the outside mirror housings, add convenience for the driver and front passenger at night. These LEDs automatically illuminate when the driver approaches and the vehicle detects the remote.
Rain-Sensing Wipers
MDX models with the Technology and Advance Packages include rain-sensing wipers that automatically activate if water is detected on the windshield. Designed to cover the maximum possible windshield area on all trims, the left (driver) and right (front passenger) windshield wipers are 26 and 20 inches long, respectively. The rear wiper is 14 inches long.
One-Touch Turn Signals
The MDX’s one-touch turn signals improve convenience for the driver when making routine lane changes. With this system, a quick movement of the turn-signal lever (between 0.4 sec. and 1 sec.) provides three blinks of the turn signals — an ideal strategy for changing lanes.
Low-Profile Roof Rails
Included with the Advance Package, aerodynamically shaped roof rails add versatility without detracting from the MDX’s streamlined package. Chrome-plated for an upscale appearance, the rails accept available cross bars that can hold a variety of accessories including a storage case or racks for bikes, boards or skis.
Smart Entry with Push Button Start
The MDX features Acura’s Smart Entry with Push Button Start. The Smart Entry system permits access to the vehicle’s front doors without having to operate the key fob or a conventional key (all four doors are accessible with the Technology Package and up). The Smart Entry remote has a unique digital identity and the MDX can be unlocked when the driver grabs one of the door handles while the remote is in his/her possession. When carrying the fob (or if all doors are unlocked), the tailgate can be opened using the handle located on the MDX’s rear tailgate.
Once the driver has opened the door and is seated, the Smart Entry system allows the MDX to be started by pushing the Engine Start/Stop button positioned on the instrument panel (so long as the driver’s foot is on the brake); to turn off the MDX, the driver simply pushes the button again with the vehicle in Park. When leaving the vehicle, a press of the soft-touch button on the exterior front door handles or tailgate locks all the doors. Alternatively, pressing the Lock button on the Smart Entry remote will also simultaneously lock all doors.
Smart Entry also features a unique “quick vent” feature. When the operator depressed the “unlock” button on the keyless remote for two seconds after unlocking the doors, the system lowers all four side windows and opens the power moonroof to quickly vent interior heat. In addition, by inserting the built-in key into the driver’s door lock and holding the key in the “lock” position, all open windows can be simultaneously raised. See Comfort and Convenience section for more information.
Remote Preferences
The Acura MDX comes with two keyless remotes that can be set with a unique preference to accommodate the preferences of two different drivers. The available preferences include driver seat, steering wheel and mirror positions, along with select HVAC functions. Other preferences include turning entry lights on or off, audio system pre-sets, air conditioning preferences, and navigation system settings. In the event both owners use the car at the same time, the MDX will recognize the keyless remote that approaches the driver door first.
Tailgate Functions
Like previous MDX models, the 2017 MDX’s rear tailgate can be controlled from the remote key fob — including unlocking, opening and closing the tailgate. In addition, the rear tailgate is part of the Smart Entry system. When the MDX is locked, and the driver approaches the rear tailgate, the tailgate will automatically unlock (as long as the fob comes within about 32 inches of the vehicle). The tailgate can then be opened simply by lightly touching the switch membrane beneath the Acura badge.
Capless Fueling System
A first for MDX, capless fueling eliminates the fuel cap, meaning that fueling the vehicle simply requires opening the fuel lid, refueling, and then closing the lid. This smart and easy-to-use design eliminates the need to touch a dirty fuel cap, reduces the possibility of damaging the vehicle’s paint with the fuel cap or tether, or forgetting the fuel cap at the gas station. It also eliminates the possibility of activating an emissions warning by failing to properly re-install the fuel cap. The fuel door unlocks with a remote button release inside the vehicle.
Exterior Colors
The MDX is available in seven exterior colors, including two metallic and five pearl colors. New colors for the 2017 model year are Modern Steel Metallic and the Acura exclusive Black Copper Pearl.
All colors are expressive and luxurious to compliment the redesigned MDX’s sophisticated and dynamic body shape. The acid-resistant epoxy clear-coat paint is superior to typical clear-coat paints for increased resistance to urban pollutants.
The 2017 MDX exterior colors include:
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Modern Steel Metallic*
- Black Copper Pearl*
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Dark Cherry Red Pearl
- Obsidian Blue Pearl
- White Diamond Pearl
*New for 2017
Exterior Specifications and Features