It's probably not a matter of 'if' it could tow but rather if towing anything could impact the warranty.

The following is from the owner's manual -

Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.

Given that, if you want to tow just skip the hybrid and get the regular MDX. It's best to not second guess what's clearly stated in the manual.

 

Honda knows best if they say it's not recommended it is best not to second guess the people who make your car.

 

It's because you have small motors in the rear instead of a mechanical differential that gets power from a single motor with a larger torque capacity.

The closest configuration to this is a Tesla and even they advise owners not to tow or they may void warranty.

Just think about it though. When you derive torque from small motors on each corner, you still need to consider the load on each individual motor, especially when you turn and each motor is working different torque loads during torque steering.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

Yet strangely, hybrid SUVs from Toyota/Lexus are capable of towing 3500 pounds. Without voiding warranty.
Acura probably could have chosen to offer a "tow mode" to accommodate light towing, they just didn't.

 

That's because toyota doesn't use electric motors at the rear axle. Different type of hybrid. Everyone always assumes all hybrids work the same way. The MDX hybrid is really more like an EV in the rear.

Toyota's hybrid is a gas motor (and for the capacity you mention, i assume you're talking about the highlander and rx450h, which use their normal v6 ice as the basis) with a generator for assist that act as one powerplant so the towing capacity comes primarily from the gas motor and is further assisted by the hybrid tech.

Acura's hybrid is more like a [smaller] gas motor, with two electric motors in the rear that work in sync with the front motor for extra push and corner power. When you put extra load on the rear, i don't think the Acura system can sufficiently handle it all.

I think in time, they will be able to put on larger motors (and bigger battery) that will give it some capability. Personally, i think acura should have kept the normal v6 and the motors would have added extra oomph but i guess they couldn't reach the mpg targets to compete with Lexus.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

Dunno about "everyone", but I try not to assume anything when I don't have to.

From Edmunds on Highlander Hybrid: "Power is provided by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which along with three electric motors and a battery pack, produces a combined 280 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard"

But I haven't looked at it in detail. Incremental cost over non-hybrid never seemed rational to me. But AFAIK the Acura sport hybrid system is unique in its two-motor push-me-pull-you vectoring capabilities at the rear, and that surely produces some unique constraints. I just wonder if they could have provided a way to make it more "conventional" if you want to tow something.

 

Ahh yeah yanno what you're right. I kept thinking about the older hybrid drive setup where it's the one ICE and one electric motor (the old Prius based setup that went into the HS and older RX) that basically adds to the base engine's capability, but they changed that a while back. I remember looking into the reason why towing was a nono on the MDX Hybrid when they announced it and many of the EVs have a similar rear motor setup that also prohibit towing. Similarly in hybrids, it is mostly prohibited, but many owners still do it regardless and find little issue with it (other than the legalities of putting a hitch on a vehicle not rated for towing).

Realistically all current Toyota hybrids utilize the ICE + twin electric motors in dual and isolation modes just the same way the MDX Hybrid is doing it, except Toyota now does it with the two motor (one front and one rear) setup that outputs nearly 180 kW and I think the MDX Hybrid has that dual rear only motors that output a total of 95 kW (?), so one could reasonably believe there is SOME limited towing capability. But is the split of the 95 kW between two motors implying that each motor is really only capable of handling about 45 kW? Compare to Toyota that outputs 123 kW in the front and another 50 kW in the rear on the Highlander. Add to that the Toyotas add these electric motors onto the same ICE engines as the gas only models, while the MDX only utilizes rear motors and a SMALLER ICE. Maybe that's the kicker? BUT, then one would assume that the RAV4 Hybrid, with its even smaller displacement ICE would be unable, but it has 1750 lb capability (good to note that it also has one front motor and one rear motor just like the Highlander Hybrid, but I think these motors are like 105 kW & 50 kW).

So it looks like the difference is primarily that the Toyota setup has front AND rear motors, the Acura setup technically is also twin motors, but only in the rear and a smaller output overall (less than that of the Rav4 Hybrid overall). Then add the fact that Acura downsized the ICE and the torque output is peak at 5k, we seemingly get a vehicle that has only just enough power to pull people and cargo, albeit much quicker off the line than the Toyotas can (they're both PMAC type motors from what I've read). So I duno, there may be a whole certification issue here in addition to lower output electric motors and a lower output ICE.

 

But I did assume that two of the three electric motors for Highlander hybrid would be at the rear wheels. And I'm reading only one powers the rear? :hmmm:

 

Maybe Acura can provide a tow switch that disables the two rear motors to make it just a fwd MDX? The 3.0L V-6 should be able to handle 1500-2500lbs for limited towing. I just need to add a bike rack or a swing out cargo carrier. Don't want to void my warranty adding a hitch for two 30lbs bikes.

 

Did you look at the '17 sold in any other market but the USA?

Our 1st gen CR-V is rated at something like 1000 lbs except everywhere else (UK for example) it is rated for double that.

Likely the Honda legal department was involved in setting that limit, not the engineers. OR - the marketing department was involved - b/c they'd like you to buy a Pilot or Ridgeline to tow with.

Meanwhile I've used the CR-V to pull tow dollies and whole other cars. Not really the old CR-Vs forte due to tiny brakes but I went slow and only a short distance. It is well suited for a 1500 lbs utility trailer though.

Your hybrid can probably tow a fair amount but Acura/Honda doesn't want to pay for the repairs if you break something expensive in the hybrid driveline. Also, the hitch will be very noticeable if you ever use the dealer for service. Poof went the warranty!

 

I just need to add a bike rack or a swing out cargo carrier. Don't want to void my warranty adding a hitch for two 30lbs bikes.

I don't see any reason why you couldn't use the hybrid for that. The language in the manual I quoted above stated the word 'trailer' specifically. It doesn't say you can't have a hitch or bike rack, etc. A trailer would add not only weight but potentially impact the torque at the rear corners as 'neoshi' indicated above but a hitch mounted bike rack wouldn't do that - it just adds some weight to the rear end - not much different than having suitcases or people in the way back.

 

Could make for some interesting conversations with dealer service. Kinda like explaining to your wife why you started carrying a condom in your wallet. "Just for vacations, honey. I wouldn't use it for anything else." >

 

I think the MDX sport hybrid has an integrated electric motor in the transmission, in addition to the two electric motors at the rear. NSX is the same flipped around.

 

Ah yes yes a 50kW motor in front, less than half of Toyota's front. Interesting.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

Lack of towing = deal breaker for me. Looking to replace my 2010 Advance and am now seriously considering an Audi Q7, which has about the same HP and torque but offers a 7,700 lb. towing capacity.

 

I'm leaning towards the F-Pace for the same reasons. The sh-sh-awd MDX has everything I would want in a sporty SUV except for the no towing part. I still have time to give the F-Pace a look down the road for haggle prices to go down, bugs to get worked out, and availability to be less than 6 months for some special orders.

 

Why not just buy the MDX without the hybrid feature then?

 

Someone posted elsewhere about the 9-speed "abomination" in non-hybrid current MDX. I like that. ?

 

Oh - I see the problem. I've never even been in a 9-speed and I'm scared of them...

We're keeping our '14 6-speed forever because of that 9-speed!

 

Lack of towing = deal breaker for me. Looking to replace my 2010 Advance and am now seriously considering an Audi Q7
...
The sh-sh-awd MDX has everything I would want in a sporty SUV except for the no towing part.

These statements don't make sense. This thread is about the 'hybrid' MDX having no towing abilities. The non-hybrid MDX 'does' having towing abilities. If one likes the MDX generally, and also needs to be able to tow, then simply don't consider the hybrid option and consider whether the towing limit of the non-hybrid MDX (up to 5,000 pounds I think) is adequate for the intended usage.

 

I'm more interested in the "sport" features and then "utility" compared to the "hybrid" benefits. The sh-sh-awd MDX sound really good on paper with the extra hp/tq, improved handling, sport+ mode, and active dampers. Only $1500 for the sh-sh-awd looks like a real bargain compared to other systems from competitors that usually offer you less power/handling for more money for their hybrid systems. There is no-way to convert the regular 3.5L MDX with the same power/handling for $1500 and you end up probably voiding your warranty in the process. I usually keep my vehicles +150,000 miles and the extra cost of the sh-sh-awd MDX would break even long before that. I don't do any heavy duty towing; but, I do travel +20,000 miles per year. Depends on the trip if I need to take my roof box, swing out cargo carrier, and/or 4 bike rack. I just don't want my hybrid drivetrain to have a problem and Acura denies a warranty repair because I have a rear hitch bike rack for 2 bikes.

I had a few 14-16 MDX loaners with the 6AT or 9AT and they didn't feel as sporty as my 11 MDX Adv the way I like to drive. I like the styling of the +17 better; but, the non-hybrid models have the same powertrain/suspension as the 14-16 MDXs. I have time to wait 2-3 years since my 11 MDX only has 96,000 miles on her. If the next Gen MDX doesn't offer a "sporty" version option, I will look at owning a different CUV/SUV after being exclusively Honda/Acura since 1991.

 

Sadly I agree, 3rd gen way too soft for me...

I'm not sure what you mean by 'soft' but my 2014 MDX shawd handles and rides great for an SUV its size. In comparison to the 2nd gen, which I have not owned - only did some test drives in, I was somewhat disappointed in the harsher than expected ride (harsher ride doesn't always equal better handling) and less than expected acceleration on the 2nd gen (I think it was one with a 5 sp trans) - but that was just some test drives - not the same as owning one.

I've read that the 3rd gen is seconds faster than the 2nd gen on the Nurburgring for some objective data on the combo of power and handling.

I think 2nd gen owners looking to buy something else should try to get as objective as they can when evaluating the 3rd gen since they might be inadvertently equating a perhaps harsher ride to better handling when that might not be the end result - but I could be wrong on this.

Don't forget the hybrid, while having more combined HP, also weighs about 230 pounds more. I did some weight/HP calcs and the non-hybrid comes out to 14.6 while the hybrid is at 13.9. The lower the number the better but it's not a terribly significant difference. The hybrid weight will also have some effect on handling - potentially making handling worse despite whatever dampers are in it. The only way to really know how they compare would be to do some fairly side by side comparisons on a decent test drive that pushes them - or see what professional reviews have to say.

My point is - don't just assume that because of some raw numbers and specs, such as higher HP and active dampers, the power and handling will be directly proportional because the factor of the weight is significant as is where the weight is located and torque curves, transmission, computer (directing the trans and hybrid power, etc.), and other factors.

Regardless, I'd be surprised if there was a hugely significant difference between the two but I haven't driven them side by side to give direct input. If there's not a significant difference then the functionality of towing could easily trump whatever benefits might be had for the hybrid for some buyers.

But if you don't like it then you s/b looking at something else if you're in the market for a new vehicle.

I have time to wait 2-3 years since my 11 MDX only has 96,000 miles on her.

I agree - it's still young yet. I finally got rid of my 1998 Durango at 235K miles and actually drove it coast to coast and back when it had 194K miles on it - i.e. it wasn't a junker. The 2011 MDX s/b good to go for a long time. Most people churn their vehicles quicker than needed - they do it because they 'want' something newer - they don't 'need' something newer.

 

Added weight of the hybrid is mostly battery and motors that are low to the ground, so effect on handling should be small. It might even reduce body roll. Also, it gets active shocks, for better or worse. Still not gonna buy one if I can't mount a hitch receiver.

Sportiness and performance aren't the same thing. 2nd gen is probably the sportiest generation of MDX, but it did sacrifice some things relative to the others. Visibility out the rear comes to mind. That was a deal breaker for my wife, cuz she sits low. Not short, but all her height is in her legs. 3rd gen is a bit more family friendly, and a bit less "edgy" overall. To each their own.

 

Does anybody know if I can attach on the Hybrid a hitch just for a bike swivel rack? Not planning to tow anything just haul my bikes.

 

^^ Read a post from me near the start of this thread. The owner's manual doesn't state anything about mounting a hitch - it simply states that towing a trailer can impact the warranty. A hitch mount bike rack isn't a trailer. If you're really concerned about it get something in writing on it from the dealer but I don't see how Acura would have a leg to stand on in denying a warranty claim as long as you in fact, did not tow a trailer.

 

I understand but I am wondering if the Hybrid has the attachment to install a hitch.

 

Not all dealerships will look at an hitch on sh-sh-awd MDX and take our word it was only for bike rack+two 35lbs bikes if you had an issue with the hybrid drivetrain.

As far as I can tell, the sh-sh-awd starts out as an fwd MDX and they add the hybrid upgrades for $3500. I think the sh-sh-awd doesn't have a spare tire or spare tire hardware like the sh-awd version? Looks like all the hybrid motors occupies the same areas as the 3.5L+9AT and sh-awd rear diff. The only addition is the hybrid batteries under the front seats. Everything should be there to add OEM or aftermarket hitch and maybe a 7 or 4 way wiring harness (my swing out cargo box has 4 way lights).

Still holding out hope Acura will either say it is A-OK for bike racks and cargo carriers to hang of the hitch not to exceed X lbs OR they make the upgrades on the 4th gen sh-sh-awd MDX.

 

I understand but I am wondering if the Hybrid has the attachment to install a hitch.

I don't know - maybe someone here can answer that or you could go to a dealership that has one and just take a look under the back end to see if you see the attachment holes. It'd surprise me somewhat if it did 'not' have the mounting holes since I'd expect the chassis to be the same for all of the MDX variants - but it's worth a check.

Not all dealerships will look at an hitch on sh-sh-awd MDX and take our word it was only for bike rack+two 35lbs bikes if you had an issue with the hybrid drivetrain.

I don't think they'd have a choice - the presence of a hitch doesn't at all mean that a trailer was attached to it. 'Many' people use a hitch just for attaching bikes, a cargo box, etc. - perfectly valid uses that don't defy what the owner's manual states. If someone's really worried about it and they think they have a power train type of issue, which would be unlikely, they could always remove the hitch before taking it to have them look at the issue. I can't imagine Acura calling the owner a liar on this point when the owner's actually telling the truth - I think Acura would need to produce some evidence of trailer hauling - which they wouldn't be able to do.

 

you could go to a dealership that has one and just take a look under the back end to see if you see the attachment holes.

I actually tried that last Sunday, but my local dealer didn't have one on the lot. Dang.

So we're at the mercy of early adopters. Anyone? Anyone? Beuller?

What we're looking for are holes in the big "beams", three on each side near the rear. They would have threads inside them from weld nuts attached from the top.

One issue is that I think the sport hybrid MDX has a special fascia for the rear bumper, and that may not be compatible with the replacement fascia that comes with the OEM hitch for 3rd-gen MDX. So even if the hitch receiver attachment points are there, it might require an aftermarket hitch that drops below the bumper fascia.

 

It looks like someone called Acura and asked why no towing with the hybrid and the response they got was that Honda didn't think towing was important to people interested in the sport hybrid and so they didn't get it tested, and thus, no rating. I don't think Acura would modify the vehicle to remove those bolt holes (it would cost the money to have to product different structures and they planned for the sport hybrid from the beginning), so in all likelihood, I think putting bike racks or even light towing can be done without issue. We just don't know what the limit is lol

 

The rear wheels are being driven by electric motors. I don't know about bike racks,but no way should you be towing anything. Once you put a hitch on,Acura could deny any warranty claims involving drive train issues.

 

Once you put a hitch on,Acura could deny any warranty claims involving drive train issues.

I don't think they could have a valid warranty denial on this basis. There's nothing in the owner's manual precluding the installation of a hitch or of using a bike rack. The manual specifically states 'no trailer' (per the quote I already included in the thread) but that's it. The presence of a hitch is not the same thing as having towed a trailer and there are a lot of people who only use a hitch for the purpose of carrying bikes. I see them every day. I wouldn't be surprised if there were actually more people using a hitch to mount bikes as opposed to towing a trailer. It's the 'S' in the 'SUV'.

People can download the owner's manual and read about this area themselves.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if there were actually more people using a hitch to mount bikes as opposed to towing a trailer. It's the 'S' in the 'SUV'.

For MDX this may literally be true. Although I saw one just yesterday with a utility trailer hitched up, headed into a home improvement store. That's the "U" in SUV.

 

There is a difference in exhaust design that may be a problem.