The MDX is a pleasure to drive, with good power and excellent handling, along with a practical amount of cargo space and a broad array of standard features. The MDX is not your ordinary, everyday three-row crossover. Not only does it handle extremely well for its size, it’s available with a hybrid powertrain derived from Acura’s NSX supercar. While the setup used here is less exotic, its performance and drivability are better than the standard 290-hp V-6 version with optional torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. The MDX is Acura's flagship crossover and the automaker's only three-row vehicle. The MDX also has the third highest starting price out of the entire lineup, below the flagship RLX sedan and the NSX supercar. Those who find the three-row MDX too big might also consider the two-row RDX. The MDX carries the same set of powertrains for 2018, and we still think the Sport Hybrid model is among the best examples of any partly electrified crossover available. The 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that powers the MDX is typical of the powerplants in three-row crossovers, and it’s a strong workhorse for the MDX. The nine-speed automatic transmission helps the MDX to be quicker than before with little to no loss of fuel efficiency. The nine-speed is mostly smooth and sure-footed, but it can be slow to downshift when you want acceleration. The MDX Sport Hybrid is powered by a version of the three-motor hybrid system that graces Acura’s halo model, the NSX supercar. This powertrain creates a total of 321 horsepower using its three motors and a 3.0-liter V-6 engine. We observed that the hybrid MDX could go up to 35 mph or so on electric power alone. With all four wheels clawing the pavement for traction, the MDX can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, an athletic result for any vehicle and particularly impressive for one that can seat seven. The MDX is a pleasure to drive. Acura’s all-wheel-drive systems help it to be more agile and engaging on the road than we expect a three-row crossover to be.