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Not sure if it qualifies as the answer you are looking for, but for a couple of years we owned both (TL Type S and 2G MDX) at the same time. I know there are other AZ members who also own both as well.
I see the TSX, TL and 07-12 RDX being in the same group. The RL, +13 RDX, RLX and MDX being group together. I find the MDX supports a different driving style and provides access to additional lifestyle support you can't get with the TSX, TL and 07-13 RDX. It is still a sporty drive; but, only as sporty a +4500lbs top heavy SUV can get. I average +18,000 miles on my vehicles and the MDX makes it so much easier to eat those hwy miles with extra space, comfort, towing, flexibility, tech, luxury, and sportiness. The MDX drives like a smaller vehicle except when you need to park or put gas in her.
I think you will be very disappointing if you go to a MDX thinking you will drive it like a TL Type-S 6MT. I would go for the MDX if you can take advantage of its flexibility of extra space/cargo capacity and capabilities as a 5-7 passenger SUV.
I had an 06 TL Base that I traded for an 07 MDX after having our first child. We didn't need a second car as I rode my bike to work everyday.
Now living in RI and traveling up and down the NE corridor, I needed that second car, aaaaand I got my TL back, this time in Type S form.
I don't regret the MDX at all, in fact I love it's versatility and it's just a mean looking machine, my wife gets compliments all the time on it. It has the roof rack and hitch so I can put all of our bikes on and still have room for all of our other shit. My kids are young so they still come with a lot of baggage but I know it's a car that can grow with us.
If you need a bigger ride, go for the MDX, the RDX is a bit too small - at least for my own tastes - but you still need to get in one and drive it. Better yet ask the dealer to let you take it home for the weekend to really get a feel for it - that's what I did!
i own both. two different animals. my TL is my first love. the MDX was acquired for more cargo space, bike hauling, and travel comfort for road trips. The MDX drives like it wants to be a sedan but lacks the agility of the TL.
Each fills a need in my lifestyle. You need to determine what your needs and wants are with each.
Keeping our MDX fed was like a car payment at about $75-80 a week. It was the "family" car so it went on all the trips and the Mrs was running the kids all around town.
^^yeah the MDX is a gas hog around town. I wasn't getting much better MPGs in my TL comparatively. For me it was a wash. I actually get better MPGs in the MDX with the bikes on the hitch rack versus the roof rack on the TL. The roof rack made the TL guzzle the gas like a pig.
Mileage looks to be better in the 3G MDX, so who knows? Down the road we could have another one in the garage. Plus now kids can now drive themselves in the Accord we have.
I have had both simultaneously. The mdx handles well for an SUV but not as fun to drive as the TL. I have an 11 mdx advance now and a 12 odyssey touring elite and my odyssey actually has tighter handling and a sportier feel.
When it snows or rains we turn to the mdx, when it's nice out we use the odyssey because of all the kid stuff we have to haul around.
I have a 2008 NBP TL-S and my wife has a 2013 Dark Cherry MDX Tech. I like both vehicles and both drive well. The TL is a bit more fun but the MDX handles pretty good for an SUV. I wouldn't mind having the MDX as my daily driver.
I own both. I pretty much agree with what others said. If u want the best of both worlds, get a 2014 m d x . It's much fAster than 2g and gets way better mileage. Very car like but with a ton more space
I own both. I pretty much agree with what others said. If u want the best of both worlds, get a 2014 m d x . It's much fAster than 2g and gets way better mileage. Very car like but with a ton more space
The only thing I don't like about the +2014 MDX is it isn't mechanically different from the base to Advance models. The +10 Adv had larger tires, larger front/rear stabilizer bar, magnetic ride control, and the magnetic shocks help control dive/squat.
I wish they would add maybe larger stabilizer bars, 7DCT from the RLX, 10-15 extra HP, or even a sport+ option on the IDS (with or without magnetic shocks) on the +14 Adv.
The only thing I don't like about the +2014 MDX is it isn't mechanically different from the base to Advance models. The +10 Adv had larger tires, larger front/rear stabilizer bar, magnetic ride control, and the magnetic shocks help control dive/squat.
I wish they would add maybe larger stabilizer bars, 7DCT from the RLX, 10-15 extra HP, or even a sport+ option on the IDS (with or without magnetic shocks) on the +14 Adv.
That may be true. But outside of looks, it is definitely a step up from the 2G. And I lovvvvve my 2G. But I have to call it how I see it.
I had a 04 TL before my 11 MDX and my wife still has an 06 TSX. Just like everyone else the TL is more agile but the TSX is even tighter and the MDX does drive a lot smaller than it looks. My first car was a Grand Cherokee so compared to the MDX it does not drive like an SUV at all. The SH-AWD is very forgiving and handles well. Other than all that the acceleration in the TL is much torqueier.
I do mostly city driving and averaged around 14mpg in the TL and 13 in the MDX spending about $15 extra in gas every 2 weeks. No regrets on a bigger car with more seats and space. Just less spirited driving.
I had a TL with a 6 speed manual that I bought new in 06 and I absolutely loved that car. But I needed more room and the ability to carry a kayak. Last month I traded it in for a 2011 MDX. I really miss the 28 mpg but I do love the room. I am really thankful that Acura screwed up the styling on the 2014 so bad because they saved me over $20K. Lots of 2011s are coming off lease now so you just have to pick the color. They are recertified so you get 12 more months of full warrantee.
I was afraid that I would feel nostalgic every time I saw a TL but that is not the case. Two days after I bought the MDX, I had the trailer hitch installed and next week I plan on ordering the roof rack. It was time to move on.
Had an '08 CBP TL Navi and just switched to a 12' Aspen White II Tech. I loved the TL especially the looks and handling esp. for a FWD car. I like the MDX but it has to grow on me because it was a bit pricey, has mediocre MPG at best, and is 1,000 lbs heavier. The TL was a tad small so this was the next choice up for a growing family. I wanted an SUV that drives well and had it down to the MDX or a new CX-9 but that didn't fit in the garage and is also towards the end of it's life cycle. Hope to keep it for 10+ years!
My 2G RL introduced me to the wonderful world of Acura, and while I also had a 1G RDX, I found it to be far less of a car, but better at hauling a couple St Bernards. One thing led to another and I'm now owning a 2011 MDX Tech.
It's a big SUV. It may drive better than many big SUVs, but it's nothing like my RL or a TL. The magnetic suspension may help quite a bit (as much as physics may allow), but mine lacks that. The engine also is wanting. What was luxuriously generous in a sedan is now merely ample with the added weight and drag of the MDX. Lastly, the brakes on the MDX may be better than most (not sure about that, as they aren't great), while my RL almost made me nauseous with how quickly it could stop. I miss my RL. I never met the limits of the RL, and the MDX definitely has them.
Otherwise, the MDX is in the same upper echelon of the RL. I love the programmable key fobs with settings for seats, mirrors, steering wheel, and radio. The RDX lacked much of that. The leather is of a similar caliber, as is the sound system (the XM works way better than my RL). The comfort in the MDX is even better than the RL, and honestly, I've never ridden in a more comfortable car.
If the MDX had a supercharger and magnetic ride, I'd probably miss less. As it is, it's a compromise to meet my needs. It's an amazing car, that can haul five and a ton of stuff (or a giant dog behind the second row).
I just sold my 07 Type S and got a 10 MDX. So glad I did it because we just had a kid and the car seat made the passenger seat in the TL virtually useless because it had to be pushed so far up. I'm loving my MDX..rides very smooth and having that cargo space is perfect for all the baby stuff
I just sold my 07 Type S and got a 10 MDX. So glad I did it because we just had a kid and the car seat made the passenger seat in the TL virtually useless because it had to be pushed so far up. I'm loving my MDX..rides very smooth and having that cargo space is perfect for all the baby stuff
Ahh... I remember the days of needing to push up the seat to make room for the infant carrier. My girl is 3 now, so there's not an issue with that anymore, but there's another baby on the way in June, so I'll be right back in that situation! The second row of the MDX is really that much farther back than in the TL? Pictures make it look the same.
Ahh... I remember the days of needing to push up the seat to make room for the infant carrier. My girl is 3 now, so there's not an issue with that anymore, but there's another baby on the way in June, so I'll be right back in that situation! The second row of the MDX is really that much farther back than in the TL? Pictures make it look the same.
The second row is very spacious with large door openings. You don't feel sorry for adults in that row at all, unlike many sedans.
OP I actually recently bought a 2011 Acura MDX in Dec. 2014 and sold my 2005 TL. Mine is a Grigio Metallic with Taupe interior with Advance running boards. It looks very nice and love the additional space.
I am a single guy with no kids, but I loved the 2G MDX so much, especially the 2010+ ones. The 2014s are nice but I just don't like the overall stretched shape.
I plan to get the 19in. accessory wheels, tow pkg, and silver roof rails to really set it off the style since so many Xs look a bit boring without any accessories.
So I decided to pick one up and never look back. As much as I loved my 3G TL ride and speed, the X has way more comfort. The only issue I am having is a weird shifting 6AT that the dealer refuses to see what's wrong.
I'm looking to trade my 04 3G TL with TLS conversion plus cash for an 07-13 MDX. Need SUV to tow my bay boat
I like the +10 MDX for towing because of the 6AT and they made some improvements to the engine to strengthen it up and improve longevity. You just have to add a full size spare and make sure the trailer hitch can accept the the spare (OEM can take full size spare, some aftermarket hidden hitches can't).
This thread is old, but people seem to occasionally reply to it, so I will add my voice as well.
I just switched from an '04 TL Base to an '08 MDX Tech. The reason I did is because a drunk driver totaled my TL (while it was parked and no one was in it). I have had SUVs in the past and liked having them for various reasons, not the least of which is 4WD when needed. Sporty cars and SUVs are two different things and I really like both, but I can't afford both at the same time.....yet.
The MDX seemed to be the best all round vehicle in my research, aside from poor gas mileage, a point which I have not yet figured out how bad the effect will be on me. It is fun to drive and I can still out-accelerate most vehicles at stop lights. It has a better sound system than the TL and has my requisite sunroof and several other amenities that were not in my TL.
My wife has a minivan and we're both kind of tired of it. I figured the MDX may replace it within the next couple of years, then I can buy a TL to replace the van and have my cake and eat it too.
Guilty here.... Not by choice. But I was side swiped by a box truck back in January. The insurance company ended up totaling the car. My daughter was born the day after the accident. So even more the reason to get a larger vehicle. I picked up my 2012 MDX Tech today. I didnT have time to take much photos. But I'll be uploading soon.
Guilty here.... Not by choice. But I was side swiped by a box truck back in January. The insurance company ended up totaling the car. My daughter was born the day after the accident. So even more the reason to get a larger vehicle. I picked up my 2012 MDX Tech today. I didnT have time to take much photos. But I'll be uploading soon.
January 23
Sorry to hear the loss on your TL. I'm seeing more salvaged ones and many in the junk yards.
But...
Congrats on the new ride. The MDX will serve you well, I know I have enjoyed mine for its extra space and room. My own siblings didn't even know it was a 3 row crossover because of the overall shape. I showed them and they were like this thing is sneaky how they hide the seats. They are small in the 3rd row, but I actually sat there for a 3 hour road trip to visit family and I'm 5'7 thin but longer leg wise. So I was fine back there.
The power lift gate has come in handy so much, I didn't even realize it, the only thing I'm having problems is with a certain panel on the tailgate keeps popping off and when I have the 2 front windows slightly lowered, they rattle a lot. Not sure if that is normal.
Thanks. I been enjoying the MDX a lot. I missed the 6cyl feel. Like you I also have a 2011 RAV4 limited. After my TL was gone the RAV4 was helpful during the brutal winter here. But It missed that 6cyl pickup. I am amazed with the amount of space and comfort the MDX offers. I enjoy driving it everyday. I'm waiting for a good day to give her a nice bath. Take my time n wash her with pride.
Thanks. I been enjoying the MDX a lot. I missed the 6cyl feel. Like you I also have a 2011 RAV4 limited. After my TL was gone the RAV4 was helpful during the brutal winter here. But It missed that 6cyl pickup. I am amazed with the amount of space and comfort the MDX offers. I enjoy driving it everyday. I'm waiting for a good day to give her a nice bath. Take my time n wash her with pride.
Yeah my Rav4 is a bit more peppy from a stop then my heavier MDX. But since my MDX is my main DD and letting my mom drive the Rav4 for around the town errands. She loves it, and once its paid off I'll probably just give it to her since she doesnt need anything fancy.
I'll occasionally take the rav4 but it needs detail work since its black. Swirls everywhere, but when clean looks great.
I had never heard of an MDX being called a truck, until joining this site, but mine reminds me of a truck.
I can not say that a TL is or isn't sporty, but its a sedan and it better not perform like a truck, just like my yellow Integra better not handle like a sedan.
They are all different vehicles and have their flaws.
I have am 02 TL and an 05 MDX. The TL was my wife's daily, but she got a new car so I have taken it over with 184k. My daily was an 04 WRX that is heavily modded, now it's my project car. (Bigger turbo coming soon). All I can say is neither the TL or MDX handle like my subie, but they are more luxury comfort rides. The MDX looks like a truck but drives like a car. Both the TL and MDX have a similar feel in comfort but the AWD of the MDX is better. I may be biased as I really like AWD. The FWD of the TL is my biggest gripe. Any wet weather and I can spin tires with relative ease. As for going from a TL to an MDX, the space and comfort on long trips is better, but around town I feel the body roll of the MDX is felt more than the TL.
07-15-2014, 07:40 AM
The second row of the MDX is really that much farther back than in the TL? Pictures make it look the same.
