I recently had the opportunity to test drive two 2017 SUV’s – The Acura MDX Sport Hybrid and the Honda Pilot Touring Edition.  Here’s what I discovered.

2017 MDX Sport Hybrid specifications:

• The Acura MDX Sport Hybrid powertrain (gasoline and electric) boasts a total system output of 321 horsepower and 289 lb.-ft. torque.
• 3.0-liter, SOHC VTEC V-6 engine
•  7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT)
•  4-mode Integrated Dynamics System with SPORT+ mode
• Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)

Vehicle tested: $70,000

Pros:

• Sport Hybrid model: fuel efficient – drove almost 600km on a tank of gas!
• Smooth and responsive handling
• 360-degree camera
• Tons of storage space

Cons:

• GPS/touch screen is not user-friendly

I drove the Acura for a week and fell in love with it.  It drove like a car, it was fast and responsive, and it was great on fuel.  The MDX offers seating up to seven passengers with the option of converting the second row into captains chairs.

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Next, I tested the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring Edition.

• Powertrain – The 2017 Pilot delivers an output of 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque.
• Double Moonroof
• 9-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control
• Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4™) AWD System

Vehicle tested: $50 000

Pros:

• Ample room and storage.
• Second-row captains chairs
• Easy access to back seats
• Fun and easy to drive
• Double Moonroof

Cons:

• GPS system was confusing to use
• Would like a little more horsepower

This roomy Honda Pilot offers seating up to eight passengers but the vehicle I tested had removed the standard three-row seating for two captains chair with a middle console storage so this seated seven passengers. The back third row (three seats) offered ample room for smaller adults or children.

 

Which SUV did I prefer? I preferred the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid.  It drove similar to a car and had great fuel efficiency.  I was amazed that I could drive almost 600km on a single tank of gas! I enjoyed the smooth and responsive handling of the MDX over the Honda Pilot. Everything you need in a luxury SUV was packed into this sleek and sexy Acura.  I personally enjoyed the Acura MDX so much that I didn’t want to give it back.