2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid First Drive Gallery

The 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is the very first battery-assisted SUV to be offered by the luxury brand. The Sport Hybrid drivetrain is borrowed in large part from the Acura RLX full-size sedan, and consists of a V6 engine matched with a trio of electric motors that together produce 321 horsepower.

The rear-mounted electric motors are capable of operating independently, which enables the SH-AWD system to direct torque to a specific axle while braking its opposite number in order to improve handling. Limited EV operation is also possible for the Sport Hybrid.

In addition to out-performing the gas-only version of the Acura MDX, the Sport Hybrid also happens to seat seven passengers across three rows, and does not give up any internal storage capacity or seating room as a result of its under-floor battery.