Topic: Used Vehicle Review: Acura MDX, 2014-2018

[johngenx]

Do any other mfr's use a version of this D4S technology? Seems everyone has had problems with carbon buildup except Toyota and that motor.

Not that I know of.  Toyota sells very few DI engines.  They either have port injection or D4S, and as they introduce new engines, they have the newest version of D4S.

[tortoise]

Audi also has a port/DI 2.0T but it's only available in Europe.

[dirtyjeffer]

the IS 250's 2.5L V6 motor is DI and no good because of carbon buildup issues. The 350's motor is DI as well, but way better, because it also had additional port fuel injection, which prevented carbon buildup.

The 3.5L V-6 comes in several configurations.  The AWD/RWD version as used in the IS350 uses Toyota's superb D4S injection system which uses both port and direct injection.  Port injection is better for certain rpm ranges and for engine cleaning, DI is better for some higher rpm zones, so Toyota builds a system that uses both.  You literally get the best of both systems.

D4S has been around for a while now and is proven.

Ahh gotcha. Yeah, that sounds like what he told me as well. Do any other mfr's use a version of this D4S technology? Seems everyone has had problems with carbon buildup except Toyota and that motor.

there's no denying the D4S engine from Toyota is superb.

[johngenx]

Lots of people drive cars with DI engines. They just require more service than non-DI engines.  It's not a disaster owning one. Other than an occasional carbon service, the engine in the MDX is typical Honda. It will last forever.

[JohnnyMac]

the IS 250's 2.5L V6 motor is DI and no good because of carbon buildup issues. The 350's motor is DI as well, but way better, because it also had additional port fuel injection, which prevented carbon buildup.

The 3.5L V-6 comes in several configurations.  The AWD/RWD version as used in the IS350 uses Toyota's superb D4S injection system which uses both port and direct injection.  Port injection is better for certain rpm ranges and for engine cleaning, DI is better for some higher rpm zones, so Toyota builds a system that uses both.  You literally get the best of both systems.

D4S has been around for a while now and is proven.

Ahh gotcha. Yeah, that sounds like what he told me as well. Do any other mfr's use a version of this D4S technology? Seems everyone has had problems with carbon buildup except Toyota and that motor.

there's no denying the D4S engine from Toyota is superb.

Are the new 2.5 engines in the Camry and upcoming Rav4 come with D4S?  Or are they just DI?

[johngenx]

Al the new Toyota engines are D4S.

[dkaz]

D4S is a thing of beauty.

I haven't had any carbon related issues with my Skyactiv engine however. They engineered something in the engine to reduce or prevent the build up of carbon.

[lebowski]

We've had our '14 since the spring of 16, so 2.5 yrs.  We had a couple of issues sorted shortly after buying including:

- clunky rear suspension; there's a TSB for it so it was updated.  Big improvement with the new parts.
- steering would make weird sound when backing out of driveway, turning wheel, and shifting into drive.  It was hard to duplicate but fixed with a reprogram.
- finish on passenger side door handles was failing/flaking/corroding.  Replaced under warranty.  Dealer said they had a bad batch of them, but only affected passenger side.  Weird.

Its been solid since those initial items.  My experience with Honda is that the above items would be addressed in later years.  The wife loves the thing and to be honest I really like it.  Great V6, awesome AWD.  Infotainment sucks compared to new cars but no biggie for me.  My phone links fine so its all good  . We consistently get in the 8's (l/100km) cruising at 120 on the highway.  We've done several extended highway trips and I find the seats great.  mmret hates his so there's that, ha ha.

That said, I really like the look of the future Lincoln Aviator.  Will be on the list when its time to update the Acura, but no plans to sell anytime soon.

Thanks for sharing  and good to read you've enjoyed it overall. I agree on the Aviator - great exterior styling, reminiscent of a Range Rover Sport, but they've given it a bigger greenhouse, sensibly ditching any "Sport" pretense.