michael24

My wife got a call about our 2014 MDX Tech lease asking if we wanted to renew for no money down on a 2016 same model. I was excited as I have not been too much of a fan of the 2014 transmission and horrible dashboard interface. Unfortunately she decided to get the 2016 RDX with tech and awd to save money. We only used the 3rd row maybe 2 or 3 times so not a huge deal.

The 2016 RDX is smaller but they fixed the dashboard interface and the performance is better too. I'll miss the MDX a little but the RDX has really grown on me and recommend it.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

nice pick up!

Edward'TLS

The latest RDX is like the little brother of the latest MDX, in terms of interior console layout and features/gadgets.

So whichever you buy is always a good choice.

Congrats.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

yeah, i think both vehicles are awesome!
the Wife did good!

NwTSXmt

Performance may "feel" better because its a smaller vehicle

Edward'TLS

A quick reminder that the latest AWD RDX is only using a conventional AWD system, not the torque-vectored SH-AWD as on the MDX.

RDX10

Wasn't the SH-AWD system tweaked and is now much more front biased compared to the prior versions?

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

The SH-AWD for the 2016 MDX can transfer up to 45% of engine power to the pair of rear wheels.

It is still more front biased. After all, the MDX is still sitting on a FWD platform.

RDX10

Yeah but the older MDX was capable of sending 70% to the rear and I read on wikipedia that the older MDX was constantly sending 70% of the power to the rear as default.

Acura vaguely gave some info about the new 2016 RDX having a revised AWD system to send more power to the rear for better driving dynamics. So yes the shawd is still better by far, it is no longer as good as it used to be.

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

That 70% is torque, not engine power.

When doing hard acceleration in the straight, a maximum of 45% engine power can be directed to the rear wheels.

But when doing hard acceleration on a curve, a maximum of 70% effective torque can be directed to the rear wheels.

Note that engine-power and torque are not the same thing.

RDX10

HUH? engine power and torque are the same thing in this application. You lost me here. I understand the difference between torque and horsepower, however it is not like only torque is being sent to the rear and not horsepower.

But no I think you are misunderstanding what I mean, the 2007-2015 MDX had a standard torque (Power?) split of 70/30 Rear/Front in normal steady cruising, the new 2016 MDX has a redesigned system that normally runs in 90% front wheel drive mode until slip is detected or upon acceleration or taking a turn, then it sends up to 70% of the power to the rear.

But I just realized that I read some misinformation, I read that the new MDX is only capable of sending 45% to the rear, but Acura fixed that information on their website and it now shows that the SH AWD system is still capable of sending 70% to the rear, although it was tweaked to be more efficient I guess.

Edward'TLS

mrag

I have been considering passing my 2014 MDX to my wife to replace an aging Honda Odyssey as our main family vehicle. That frees me up to get a new daily driver :-). Considering the RDX as I like the utility, however, TLX is more fun to drive (albeit with smaller back seat for the kids).


Please share more about your experiences in having gone into the RDX. To me, it lacks a luxury feel and does not seem to warrant $44k fully loaded when my MDX was still under $50k. Yes, $6k is a meaningful difference but clearly the RDX is more aligned to the cheaper ILX, while MDX and TLX are closely related.

RDX10

You are going to be disappointed if you are used to driving an MDX. Honestly the current RDX is a good vehicle but not a great one. It has a few nice options but luxurious is not what comes to mind, premium sort of comes to mind though. I honestly look at the RDX as being overpriced for what it is, it lacks many solid features and quite honestly the cost cutting is very very evident.

Take a look at a Lexus NX, you will be impressed.

mrag

The Lexus NX200 is a bit over styled for me. Seems to be a on the small side, too. Unfortunately most of the premium compact crossovers are, with the RDX seemingly the most spacious. Guess that is why they are called "compact"...

RDX10

I thought it was way overdone too, but in person it really grew on me. I still don't like the huge nose and how the front end is so pointy and long, but I really like the rest of it.

From what I can see, the interior is surprisingly roomy, it just seems smaller than it is. If you haven't tried it yet, go ahead and try it out. You will fall in love with the attention to detail, features, and solid tech.

mrag

Appreciate your thoughts! I have test drove once a while back, but it was a non-F Sport. Not sure I like the technology interface whereby you use your finger for inputs on a touch pad. But agree this vehicle has potential for the right buyer.

RDX10

No worries, I like giving my opinion and helping people. I agree on the touch interface too, I think in something mobile, touch should be the LAST thing to use because it makes predictability almost non existent.

My next suggestion for you is to go test drive a Hyundai santa fe port 2.0t, the new ford edge, and if you can swing that high, the VW Touareg. Alternatively the new mazda cx5 is nice as well.

mrag

I here ya... actually I am likely going to move away from a crossover since the wife will drive the MDX. Thinking that I may purchase a 2016 Subaru Legacy 3.6R and use the remainder of my auto budget for a "toy" (e.g., used Miata, GTI, etc.). Otherwise the full budget goes to something nicer like a new TLX! Decisions, decisions :-)


VW is quite nice, but also a gas guzzler.

RDX10

The Subaru is a VERY under rated car. Good choice, but I feel like subarus have a few cheap corners cut here and there which is pretty disappointing but still a very good car.

I suggest you look at the new maxima if you are into the whole cvt thing, or the kia optima/cadenza. I also like the hyundai azera, and the new genesis is simply stunning. Also keep in mind a new tiguan is coming out soon and it promises to be something stunning (if you do look at suv's again).

Actually the Touareg gets pretty amazing fuel economy in diesel guise, well over 30mpg on the highway and around 22-25 in the city. The gas is a little worse though. I had a 2007 one and was looking at the new ones.

mrag

Sounds like we could have our own discussion, RDX10! Yes, Genesis is very nice, but poor on MPG as I prefer to stick with AWD for nasty Chicago winters. Hence the slant towards a Legacy. Trying to avoid the higher end cars as I put 20,000+ miles annually on my vehicles and fellow drivers are getting worse - it can be a real jungle out there. Not sure it is worth the cost for premium cars, which tend to offer more AWD options.

RDX10

haha I feel bad for the OP, you can PM me if you want to continue the chat haha.

Yes the MPG isn't that great, but honestly it is MUCH better interior quality than even the TLX, it has a very very nice 8 speed auto and the AWD system is a next generation derivative of BMW's XDrive. I had one as a rental a while back and left feeling incredibly impressed.

Here in Canada we also get nasty weather similar to chicago so I agree, AWD is the way to go. I like the look of the legacy, I also really like the standard AWD, I just am not a fan of the interior at all and especially the CVT (hate those). ooooh I just got a good idea for you, try the new golf R, it is AWD and very fast and powerful while still delivering a solid 30MPG highway. Or check out an audi a4, should be reasonably optioned for around 40k, but that german "reliability"......

mrag

All good suggestions, thanks! There is always a chance I will keep the MDX and get the wife her own (larger) 3 row crossover, as she is always carting the kids around. The Pilot is interesting, but not sure if they have the 9-speed auto worked out yet.


BTW - a wheel bearing is going out on my 2014 MDX, scheduled for repair on Thursday. A bit disappointing after 25k miles.

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

What is the symptom for the bad wheel bearing ?

RDX10

You are welcome, if you keep the MDX, take a look at the new KIA sorento for her, she will be very impressed with it and so will you. They really pulled out all the stops.

Stay far far away from that 9-speed, not a single vehicle that has it has ran without some form of a problem (go look at the jeep cherokee forums).

The more I spend time on this part of the forum, the more I am losing respect and faith in the 3G MDX. I really liked it originally, but it feels like they seriously dropped the ball.