2014+ Acura MDX? Wife mobile :-/

I’m on the hunt for a new wife mobile/kid hauler. I’m tired of her stealing my truck when I take the car lol.
She’s coming from the previous gen Pathfinder (2012) - that we put 33’s on and for the 10 years prior 4runners. She really wants a LandCruiser or a LandRover LR4, which, I kindly have to keep reminding her we don’t have $80,000 laying around (we don’t finance cars and cap is around the $30 mark).
I like the look of the 2014+ MDX and the 3rd row is perfect for her and it does decent on gas. As-is the size (not terribly huge).
There isn’t very many 3rd row options for reliable 4wd/awd vehicles and the MDX fits the bill. The MDX isn’t what she wants, so I’d have to do some convincing.
Subaru is out
Dodge it out
GM is out
Ford is out

Pretty much only looking at Toyota/Lexus/Infiniti/Acura. Between the Tundra/Lexus/Kubota/John Deere my hands are full and she needs uber reliability. I can’t convince her to go back to a 3rd row 4runner which would be ideal for me.

Anyone have a MDX in the stable? I’d love to hear any real world feedback.

I read up on the forums and it looks like the new 9spd trans has had a few bugs to work out.
2014 was first year (avoid), 2015 best year because of 6spd, then the 2016+ is 9spd.

I’d have to color-match the nasty beak grille if going 2015 lol. I like the 2017 model grille better, but if the 9spd sucks that’s out of the question.

 

I bought a 2013 pathfinder over the mdx basically because of the interior size. The 3rd row of the pathfinder was easier to get into than the mdx. The mdx was more fun to drive. I always wished that I would have bought the mdx....until I traded in on the tundra.

 

You could get a 100 series LC and stay within budget... Maybe stretch a little and get a early 200

 

Lexus GX 460

 

I don't have the MDX but would be my choice. I see lots of them here in Denver metro/foothill communities. Usually a good sign that these are quite popular when driving in our severe weather extremes. Especially up in foothill country. I see the same with Forestors, tho obviously the MDX is several notches up! I see way to many BMWs broke down..just an observation.

 

I feel like with the higher end pilot trims, the MDX (for that matter the entire acura line except the NSX) is redundant and doesn't add much value to buyers unless they're audiophiles or need the SH-AWD system versus more basic AWD

 

We have a 2016 Pilot. This was the first year of the 9 speed transmission and has shifting bugs. Some hard shifts, gear hunting and the occasional clunk from the dog clutches which is more due to its design than problematic. Much better on the newer models as the software refined it.

Overall, it’s been a great vehicle. No major issues - just a few little things like the armrest and a buzzing noise from the rear fan. All warranty work.

It’s no Land Cruiser, but it’s a fantastic family vehicle. Lots of room for the family and Costco runs. An ARB fridge fits perfectly behind the rear seats with the third row in use. Fuel economy on a long trip is excellent as well. Better than my Tundra would get if it was pushed off a cliff into a free fall.

With Blizzak tires, it’s is also fantastic in the winter. The traction control is a bit nanny at times, but it’s overall stable as a goat. Almost to the point of surprising. I’ve had a Tacoma, Tundra, A4, Impreza, two Land Cruisers (40 series), CR-V, Pathfinder, Santa Fe and a few others over the years and I have to say with the right tires it’s the best family winter hauler I’ve ever owned.

It’s a surprisingly decent tow vehicle as well, if you truly respect the weight capacities. The attatched picture is towing a 3500 lb (loaded) trailer. Towed it multiple times through the Canadian Rockies and was shocked at how well it pulled with 3 people in the Pilot and gear. The mountain passes were non issues.

Seriously give it a look.

 

Does the MDX require premium gas? That would be a deal breaker for me. I was looking at the new RDX and it requires premium gas.

 

No it does not.

 

Like those said above look into a Honda Pilot. Solid SUV and excellent motor. Rock solid in the snow.

 

Come to think of it I do see a lot of Highlanders around here. The Honda Pilot does have decent reviews too.

 

We had an MDX 10y ago, reliable and nice overall, just don’t care for the way they look now. If we needed the space, I’d go for an upper trim Highlander, being familiar with Toyota interior and doing oil changes myself. There’s the longer RX350L for 3rd row too. However, we don’t need 3rd row and will likely move from our RX350 to a newer NX. The new 2019 RAV4 Trail is pretty cool too but a slightly used NX is cheaper. I’m in the same boat you are for finances, we purchase outright and keep them longer than leases, looking at $30K’ish as well.

 

I personally own 2015 Acura MDX SH-AWD (wife’s daily driver), mine is equipped with the Advanced and tech package so is the top of the line vehicle, this includes wide screen entertainment system and lots of fancy features, isn’t a Tesla but it has a assisted driving cruise control really nice feature for highway.

I only buy vehicles in the Honda and Toyota family for their reliability and definitely the MDX been doing a great job for me I bought it new for around $65K and now has passed the 40K miles without a single issue I just spent on regular oil changes, yes as someone mentioned in a previous message Premium Gas is a must for all Acuras, no tranny hard shifting the third row seating is a great option for families I have 3 kids and for long trips the Acura is in charge to move us everywhere, I also considered the Lexus GX 460 but if you want a luxury feeling and advanced technology in it definitely the Lexus will disappoint anyone considering this, like our Tundras all the Lexus line is dated and navigation system and infotainment is the same included in our Tundras.


Fuel economy is great, for long trips I have seen up to 29MPH so this great, is a great vehicle for snow driving supper responsive and won’t let you down.

The LED projector headlights in this SUVs are way better than anything else out there.

I added the OEM tow kit and pulls a boat or trailer like a champ up to 3500lb,


The Acura is a good option despite the premium gas requirement, I highly recommend it to you.

 

I swear, those are issued to the moms of the upper middle class.

 

We have a 2015 MDX bought about a year ago. Dosn't the MDX, Pilot and every other v6 in the Honda/Acura line use the same 3.5l motor, tuned to the specifics of the model?

 

We are 1 year owners of a used MDX SHAWD. Great vehicle, awesome in the snow but the third row is for small children only. Anyone else it's an emergency procedure!

I have a 2009 TL as well and IMHO I've never loved the transmissions in them. While they are not bad, they seem to lag on shifts. I've never had rough shifts, etc.

Lastly, we directly competed the MDX/Pilot and Highlander in the 2015-2016 age range (About $30k). The previous gen Pilot was too ugly for my wife, Highlander was too expensive and the MDX was just right.

 

I think it is stupid that a Lexus LX570 requires premium fuel and my Tundra 5.7 does not. Same engine. Peace. D

 

Yeah same thing with Acuras, same Honda engines used but they are tuned/timing differently for a high compression ratio for better performance so that’s why the premium gas requirements to prevent knocking/rattle in the engine. Trust me I have experience with this as a former Acura/Honda Tech.

If your car requires Premium Gas follow the instructions as suggested by your owners manual to avoid premature damage to pistons and fuel systems.

 

Bought my wife 2014 MDX with entertainment package, she loves it, perfect for her and my girls. It does require premium gas. We've had no issues with it at all. Routine maintenance as required, recently did timing belt at 105K. Water pump is changed when timing belt is changed.

 

Acura MDX is a good choice, if you can afford one do it period you won’t be disappointed, and remember buying Acura/Honda SUVs we contribute to the economy of our people in Alabama were this are assembled. Made in USA.

 

Take a good look at the Kia Sorento or the Mazda CX-9. I never liked Kia until recently when my mom was car shopping. I researched the hell out of them and the are super reliable and come with many high end features.
Kia warranty is 6yr 60k bumper to bumper and 120 month 100k powertrain warranty.

 

I agree - minus the wierd grille
Wife thinks it’s fugly.

 

She won’t do Highlander or Pilot.
I sent her a MDX today and she said it resembles a minivan. Anything near that category and she’s a no-go.

 

She won’t do any of the new Lexus SUV’s due to the spindle grille. I have a GS350 Fsport and previously IS350 - our Lexus dealer is the highest rated in the Country I think. I’d be all over Lexus in a heartbeat.

 

Excellent info!!! Thank you!!
I agree on headlights. I’m a headlight snob

 

Great info!

 

That’s not a deal breaker for us.
She’d probably drive a Tundra daily, but with 35’s I’m around 10MPG, and she drives a shit-ton. Right now she’s at 14MPG on regular 87. As long as she’s around that range I’m happy.

 

The CX-9 is a great looking car, but she wants more SUVish. No Kias for us. Friends/family had horrible problems with the Sorento.