2017 Acura MDX vs. 2007 Acura MDX A Decade of Decadence [Video]

We had a golden opportunity to compare the 2017 Acura MDX to its senior brother, a 2007 Acura MDX. While these vehicles are separated by 10 years of updates and innovations, they had a lot in common. Size, design, layout and some of the driving dynamics were remarkably similar. Still, the decade of advances were apparent in (mostly) positive ways.

In an effort to be transparent, you should know that I owned a first generation Acura MDX and I was very fond of it. I would like to think that being a former owner would push me to truly scrutinize the newer MDXs during our comparisons. It wasn’t that necessary. The 2003 Acura MDX I owned was primitive compared to the 2007 and on a different planet than the 2017 model.

The 2017 Acura MDX comes with light exterior updates (new nose) to the exterior, optional second-row captain chairs and a push-button ZF 9-speed automatic transmission. Its 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 makes 290 horsepower (at 6,200 rpm) and 267 lb-ft of torque (at 4,700 rpm). The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system not only gives the 2017 Acura MDX a useful AWD system for low traction situations, it aids in cornering on dry pavement.

Our 2007 Acura MDX had nearly 150,000 miles on the odometer; however, you would be hard pressed to feel the mileage as it drove beautifully. The 2007 Acura MDX 3.7-liter V6 makes 300 hp (at 6000 rpm) and 275 lb-ft of torque (at 5000 rpm). It comes with a five-speed automatic transmission and a much earlier version of SH-AWD.

The 2017 Acura makes less horsepower and less torque than the 2007 Acura MDX, and the 2017 Acura MDX is rated to tow 3,500 lbs while the 2007 Acura MDX can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Still, the 2017 Acura MDX is more efficient getting 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. It’s lighter than the old model and it has slightly more cargo space.

When all was said and done, we were very impressed with what Acura accomplished 10 years ago and what they accomplished today. Our only (noteable) gripe of the 2017 Acura MDX was with its unnecessary push-button transmission. Otherwise, the new 2017 Acura MDX is (still) a stellar people mover.

Check out the video and see for yourself!

A special thank you to the Blue Star Auto Group in Longmont for the loan of the 2007 Acura MDX.