ALSO SEE: 2016 Acura MDX Gets Nine-Speed Auto, Available Electronic Driver Aids: Live Photos
Acura hasn't made any changes to the 2016 MDX's sheet metal. Instead, the most significant update is the new nine-speed automatic transmission, which gets a push-button gear selector and paddle shifters for manual control. The new transmission is lighter than the outgoing six-speed, and Acura promises quicker shifts.
It isn't promising better fuel economy, though. Despite the extra gears, which usually lowers fuel consumption, the 2016 MDX’s EPA-estimated gas mileage comes in at 1 mpg lower in the city and on the highway compared to the 2015 version. Front-wheel-drive models are rated at 19/27 mpg. Add the updated all-wheel-drive system into the mix and those numbers drop to 18/26 mpg. Opt for the available engine start-stop system and you’ll up the city rating by 1 mpg across the board.
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The last major update comes in the form of a safety feature: AcuraWatch. This package consists of a number of electronic driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a forward-collision warning system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection.
The 2016 Acura MDX is on sale now starting from $43,785.
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