Double-dipping
Acura MDX Sport Hybrid brings dual-power performance to the lineup
SEATTLE >> Acura’s addition of hybrid power to its popular large crossover ute is all about adding performance to its model lineup.
While the MDX Sport Hybrid does get pretty decent fuel economy, it is the most powerful MDX ever, and, sitting at the top of the model’s lineup, comes with all the goodies affluent families want.
More than that, it is more fun to drive and includes some pretty sophisticated traction assistance that simply makes everyone a better – and safer – driver.
The model is based on the existing MDX all-wheel drive platform. That means a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension, but with Acura’s new active dampers and adaptive electric power steering.
The brains of these performance enhancing systems is the Integrated Dynamics System. It senses what’s happening and adjusts its electric motors, throttle, steering, transmission and active dampers to the driver’s preference.
The all-wheel drive system referred to by the serious mouthful MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is specifically tuned to the hybrid’s powertrain. That means it can send the exact amount if power to whatever wheel can use it, based on the available traction. It will distribute power side-to-side between the left and right rear wheels, using “torque vectoring” to help turn, by sending more power to the outside rear wheel during cornering.
In addition, the four-wheel disc braking system uses regenerative braking to charge the vehicle’s lithium-ion batteries. As with all trim levels of the MDX the Sport Hybrid comes standard with the Acura Watch suite of safety tech
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