Update (September 10, 2024): ‘Why customers still ask for an Acura MDX Hybrid,’ ‘Acura MDX Sales,’ and ‘All-electric ZDX now on sale; unlikely to appeal to MDX shoppers’ updated.
The fourth-gen MDX, launched in 2021, isn’t available with a hybrid powertrain, and it may not receive the option later during its lifecycle. In other words, as things stand, the Acura MDX Hybrid may not return to the U.S. market.
Why the Acura MDX Hybrid is not coming back
While SUVs across segments are gaining hybrid variants during generational changes, the Acura MDX has lost its only electrified powertrain. Citing Acura’s global development chief from a media roundtable, a report from Autoblog.com, filed in December 2020, suggested that the Type S variant offers adequate performance in the fourth-gen MDX. So, there’s no need to bring back the Sport Hybrid (SH-AWD) powertrain available in the third-gen model.
In August 2022, Dave Gardner, former executive Vice President of National Operations, American Honda, told CNET that the Acura brand will “bypass hybrids altogether and move directly to zero-emission vehicles”. It is evident that there will likely be no future hybrid Acura models coming to market, with the ILX Hybrid and MDX Sport Hybrid (both discontinued) being the last Acura hybrids in the U.S.
A lineup of all-electric models complementing gas-only options aligns well with the Acura customer profile, which is characterized by a higher budget and a demand for technology and performance in their vehicles. This differs significantly with the typical expectations of a Honda customer, where a hybrid option would be seen as a major requirement.
Why customers still ask for an Acura MDX Hybrid
MPG
One could argue that customers demand hybrid variants in cars like the Acura MDX for the benefit of fuel efficiency, not necessarily only performance. Sure, the 2025 Acura MDX Type S can deliver 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, which is noticeably higher than the erstwhile MDX Hybrid (321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet). However, it is nowhere near the 27 mpg combined fuel economy rating of the discontinued MDX Hybrid. The Type S variant is far less efficient, delivering an EPA-est. combined fuel economy of 19 mpg.
Emissions
Some customers find the standard variant’s efficiency inadequate, wishing there was a hybrid option. As a driving.ca reader review (by Rosa Reyes) concludes, MDX customers still call for a hybrid option due to rising fuel costs and environmental issues. For reference, the standard variant returns 22 mpg combined in FWD and 21 mpg in AWD.
European competition
The BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE are available as plug-in hybrid models optionally, with an EPA-estimated electric range of 39 miles and 48 miles, respectively. The Volvo XC90, which features seven seats as standard, also comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain option, returning an EPA-estimated electric range of 32 miles. The Lexus TX, on the other hand, is available with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies, with six seats as standard. Lexus expects the TX PHEV to travel up to 33 miles in EV mode.
Acura MDX sales
Thanks to the full redesign for MY2022, the sales of the gas-powered Acura MDX recovered in the U.S market in 2021. The MDX surpassed the RDX to become the best-selling Acura model in the country, contributing 38% to Acura’s sales in 2021 (157,408 units).
As of August 2024, MDX sales were down 17.2% year-over-year. While Acura sold 40,533 units between January and August 2023, it delivered only 33,571 units during the same period in 2024.
All-electric ZDX now on sale; unlikely to appeal to MDX shoppers
The pure-electric Acura ZDX mid-size SUV is available in the U.S. Underpinned by GM’s BEV3 platform and packing Ultium batteries, it is priced from $64,500. However, it may not suit a large section of MDX shoppers who want a frugal premium midsize SUV. The top-end Acura ZDX Type S targeted at customers who desire more performance and sportier driving dynamics is also a part of the future EV range and is priced at $74,500.
Also See: Acura RDX Hybrid not part of the company’s future plans: Report
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
