Topic: Test Drive: 2014 Acura MDX Elite

[Autos_Editor]

Acura has a new premium benchmark on its hands with the 2014 MDX, offering a full slate of luxury, comfort, performance, safety and technology. It can get expensive as you make your way through the trim levels, but it's as smart and rewarding a vehicle as ever.

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[Noto]

Glowing review - and well-deserved.  It's a great car.  Compared to my 2006 RX400h, this thing seems worlds ahead.  Makes me wonder if it had the 450h powertrain instead of the 3rd row seats, sounds like it'd be near perfection.  I think it could use a good diesel to help with fuel economy and torque.

though the transmission seems down on gears compared to some competitors

You know I love you guys and never want to criticize your work, but please stop using lines like that when referring to 6-speed trannies.  You hated the 9-speed that Chrysler used in the Cherokee, and eventually, 8-speeds are going to be "down on gears".

The only solution is to have infinite gears...wait, we do have that - a CVT - and we all know how much auto enthusiasts love those.

6-speeds offer a great balance of drivability, fuel economy, and cost:weight.

As for the MDX, I think it's a signal that Acura is back on the upswing (if only it could simplify its infotainment...maybe Acura and Subaru should partner up - Subaru simplicity with Acura tech/sound - just make sure it's like 90% Acura, 10% Subaru)

[mixmanmash]

As for the MDX, I think it's a signal that Acura is back on the upswing (if only it could simplify its infotainment...maybe Acura and Subaru should partner up - Subaru simplicity with Acura tech/sound - just make sure it's like 90% Acura, 10% Subaru)

I wouldn't go that far.  They always were right there with the MDX.  It's the rest of the lineup that isn't moving off lots (ILX, RL/RLX, etc).

[Noto]

Should note that this new one if down on towing from 5000 to 3000 which is a bit of a bummer but I suspect those towing with the MDX are few and far between.

Since it's the same powertrain, I wonder if the downgrade is more of conservation effort - maybe 5000lbs was the limit, but too hard on the brakes/alternator?  Or maybe 5,000lbs was intended to be for a trailer with its own brakes?  Seems rather odd to lower it so much with the same powertrain.

[mixmanmash]

Should note that this new one if down on towing from 5000 to 3000 which is a bit of a bummer but I suspect those towing with the MDX are few and far between.

Since it's the same powertrain, I wonder if the downgrade is more of conservation effort - maybe 5000lbs was the limit, but too hard on the brakes/alternator?  Or maybe 5,000lbs was intended to be for a trailer with its own brakes?  Seems rather odd to lower it so much with the same powertrain.

It isn't the same power train.  The previous MDX was a 3.7L port injected V6.  This is a 3.5L direct injected V6.

[ChaosphereIX]

sure it is a great vehicle, glowing review

cant get past the look of it...sorry not for me if I was in the market

[Solstice2006]

My wife and I absolutely adore our MDX. In fact, it was liking the MDX so much that it had me look into the TL. It seems to be the perfect mix of "sport," luxury, and family hauling ability that I have a hard time recommending anything else to people who are looking for something in this segment. When you look at the features (especially with the tech package) it's a tremendous value.

I had the opportunity to test drive this new one when I had my TL in for service and they've essentially taken care of the few shortcomings in the 2010-2013 generation with this new one. I prefer the button sea in the current Acuras more than the move to the touch screen but that's just my personal preference. Man I love the buttons in our MDX and TL.......I don't know what I'll do when we change cars!

Should note that this new one if down on towing from 5000 to 3000 which is a bit of a bummer but I suspect those towing with the MDX are few and far between.

No doubt the MDX is a great vehicle, but it's too bad it went from 5000 to 3500lbs.  As most SUV/CUV can do 3500lbs, part of the interest in the MDX for me was that it was able to tow 5000lbs.  Guess I focus on the previous generation as a contender for a tow vehicle...

[Fobroader]

This is definitely the go-to mid size SUV. Luxurious, quiet, well equipped, decently powerful, gets decent mileage, spacious......that beek though, man, the last gen was a good looking car, this one, not so much. Good review Tom. For me....I still want to see what the next gen Tahoe/Yukon drive like.

[opg210]

Walked to the train this morning through Calgary's first blizzard, stopped to help push a guy who had one of these stuck getting out of his driveway in an 8 inch drift. Should be impossible. The guy had no clue how to drive - another pusher (the MDX was blocking the street) took over behind the wheel, we rocked it a bit and off it went. But still...

Nevertheless if i was in the market for a luxury SUV this would be top of the list.

[Fobroader]

Walked to the train this morning through Calgary's first blizzard, stopped to help push a guy who had one of these stuck getting out of his driveway in an 8 inch drift. Should be impossible. The guy had no clue how to drive - another pusher (the MDX was blocking the street) took over behind the wheel, we rocked it a bit and off it went. But still...

Nevertheless if i was in the market for a luxury SUV this would be top of the list.

Idiocy will always be superior to the equipment available at hand....

[Snowman]

Great review and if I was in the hunt for a Japanese Luxury SUV as the primary family hauler this would be on the short list along with the RX 350.

[mixmanmash]

Walked to the train this morning through Calgary's first blizzard, stopped to help push a guy who had one of these stuck getting out of his driveway in an 8 inch drift. Should be impossible. The guy had no clue how to drive - another pusher (the MDX was blocking the street) took over behind the wheel, we rocked it a bit and off it went. But still...

Nevertheless if i was in the market for a luxury SUV this would be top of the list.

Reminds me of when a guy in a CRV got stuck in a cul-de-sac 2 away from mine a couple of weeks ago.  I went to help him and then looked at his tires.  All-seasons with less than 2/32s " thread...  I pretty much gave up and told him to get a set of new tires.

[Noto]

Should note that this new one if down on towing from 5000 to 3000 which is a bit of a bummer but I suspect those towing with the MDX are few and far between.

Since it's the same powertrain, I wonder if the downgrade is more of conservation effort - maybe 5000lbs was the limit, but too hard on the brakes/alternator?  Or maybe 5,000lbs was intended to be for a trailer with its own brakes?  Seems rather odd to lower it so much with the same powertrain.

It isn't the same power train.  The previous MDX was a 3.7L port injected V6.  This is a 3.5L direct injected V6.

That's what I get for making a comment without checking out my facts.  Apologies.

[dragonfly]

 Twaren't too bad 'til the cost part...68 grand??? Yoiks..It gets lousy mileage on premium gas and 68 grand...Geebuz  Thanks  Jack

[Fobroader]

Twaren't too bad 'til the cost part...68 grand??? Yoiks..It gets lousy mileage on premium gas and 68 grand...Geebuz  Thanks  Jack

An equally equipped SUV of this size is about the same price....sorry....thems the facts Jack.

[whaddaiknow]

Had a '12 and a '13 parked in my driveway over the 'Merican Thanksgiving last week and over the week-end. Had family visiting from the US.
Had a good chance to compare both previous and current MDX.
Both still look and feel modern. The quality is impeccable.
The suspension bits and undercarriage in the previous model appear to be built "tougher" and the overall rig looks more rugged. One of the reasons the towing rating is lower. The new MDX moved more towards the "luxury" than ruggedness probably having the RX square in its aim as the article noted.

My brother traded his CX-9 for the MDX. I think the only "big" this missing in his is the NAV.
Wait for it........               US$42k. Need I say more?

This screams quality, luxury and value all at the same time.

[ipolski]

The MDX is on top of the list as Passat Wagon replacement for Mrs.  We test drove one a couple of months ago and we liked it a lot.  With the Nav package at $57k, probably the sweetest price/features spot, it is a great value.

[Solstice2006]

Twaren't too bad 'til the cost part...68 grand??? Yoiks..It gets lousy mileage on premium gas and 68 grand...Geebuz  Thanks  Jack

I wouldn't be complaining, in the US it's much cheaper, and premium gas isn't much more than regular gas...

[carcrazed]

I've been seeing more of these on the road, and I still prefer the 2nd gen's design over this softer one.
I agree, the Tech package is the one to get, the tested trim (Elite) has a high price tag.

Having said that, having the DVD (only comes in Elite) for my daughter in the back is awesome!

[Solstice2006]

I've been seeing more of these on the road, and I still prefer the 2nd gen's design over this softer one.
I agree, the Tech package is the one to get, the tested trim (Elite) has a high price tag.

Having said that, having the DVD (only comes in Elite) for my daughter in the back is awesome!

Meh, DVD has been available for so long, when are they going to start offering Blu-rays.  The cost has come down. Sure you may not see the resolution difference on the small screen, but I only buy blu-rays, pain to double up the collection.  I know some Blu-rays offer digital, dvd, and Blu-ray, but not always...