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Not too many mid-size SUVs are offering hybrid engines. More options mean more money. Add the three-row configuration and the number of vehicles goes down. The luxury segment also boosts the offer and the price. So, if there is a luxury mid-size SUV with three-row layout, would it be a perfect vehicle? Try the new 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid- it has all.
This is one of the most versatile models in the SUV segment. For 2020 season, the Sport Hybrid features Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD). This is another reason why we praise MDX. Additionally, you should also check out the Entertaining or Advance packages. But, this is the high-end build option which will make the price go up by nearly $10k.
2020 Acura MDX Hybrid Specs
The standard configuration for the mid-size SUV combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Infiniti and Lexus are also using powertrains with the same displacements for their models in this segment. Output levels are close, and Acura engineers tuned this unit to deliver 290 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.
But, the 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid will use a totally different engine as its base. Lexus RX combines a 3.5-l mill with electric motors, while Acura pairs a 3.0-liter unit with battery to get 320 hp. That is 30 horses more than the standard setup, and 10 ponies more than Lexus RX can produce. The same nine-speed automatic gearbox is a power router and the hybrid model uses an SH-AWD system only. If you want 2-wheel drive, then you must downgrade the drivetrain to a conventional V6 unit.
Fuel Economy and Towing Capacity
The 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid will return 27 mpg combined, achieving 27 mpg in the city and 27 miles per gallon on highway drive. The base petrol V6 comes with 27 mpg on the open road with FWD. Combined gas mileage is 23 mpg, or 22 mpg if you choose an AWD. In case you want the A-Spec model, the fuel economy is going to drop further.
The towing capacity will also depend on the configuration you pick. Usually, hybrid models are not the best haulers in the lineup. But, that is not the case with the 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid. The maximum towing capacity of this version is 5,000 lbs, thanks to the abovementioned Super-Handling AWD package. A 3.5-liter V6 engine can also tow as much as Sport Hybrid when equipped with an all-wheel drive. Without it, the rating drops to 3,500 pounds.
What is Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive?
Honda, Acura’s parent company, developed the system called Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. It is different from the standard AWD setups we see on other models, and the SH-AWD is available for rare top-tier trims of some SUVs by Honda and Acura. MDX Sport Hybrid is one of them.
Conventional AWD is sending power to four corners of the vehicle, maximizing the traction. The SH-AWD is distributing power to each wheel individually. For example, when you are on the highway, 90 percent of the power will go to front wheels. If you want to accelerate hard, rear wheels will need more energy and the SH-AWD distributes 45 percent of power to the rear axle. While cornering, the power could go up to 70% to rear wheels to improve stability and maneuverability. The Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive brings peace of mind even for all-weather and all-terrain situations.
2020 Acura MDX Hybrid Type S
There are some images and experts are claiming the Type S is finally caught testing. Well, we are still not sure, but other sources are also suggesting the high-performance edition could be built upon the 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid. A 3.5-liter V6 engine is the most powerful unit Honda is using. However, the hybrid setup including a 3.0 unit delivers more power. Engineers could tune it to burst 400 hp and that would be enough for the Acura MDX Type S SUV. With the model for the next season already out, the new package could be an upgrade we will see in the second half of 2020.
2020 Acura MDX Hybrid Price
The base price of the MDX mid-size SUV is $44,500, which is below its main rivals, Lexus RX and Infiniti QX60. The 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid will add $9,000 and you will get SH-AWD and Technology Package as standard equipment. You can also upgrade the SUV with Advance Package that costs $7,000. In this case, the MDX turns into a six-seater model with captain’s chairs in the middle row. Also, you will get Milano leather upholstery, ventilated front seats (heating is already there at lower trim levels), 360-degree camera, LED fog lights, and roof rails. Unfortunately, the Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is not available with the A-Spec or Entertainment Package.
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