Opus360

Is there any information yet about the re-designed 2013 MDX? I have been searching about the web and nothing definitive came out.

jaytank

No redesign in 2013 but there might some very few changes in 2013 - full redesign is expected in 2014

MDXtremist

wonder if they would get rid of the SH-AWD system in 2014 just like the new 2013 RDX.

TiggaMan909

Are you sure about this? According to edmunds, we're supposed to see a redesigned MDX mid-2012 as a 2013 model.

http://www.edmunds.com/futuremodels/2013/


The wait is killing me! No disrespect, but i really hope your wrong on this!

jbawden

The Edmunds list says mid 2012 for the MDX and late 2012 for the RDX but we've already seen the RDX and not a peep about the MDX. Just sayin' the list might be unreliable. I too hope to see a redesign, curious about powertrain updates mostly. My guess is they will reposition the MDX as a bit more upscale to better capture some the X5/RX/ML cross-shoppers. The slightly bigger than last year 2013 RDX will pick up a few MDX shoppers that would have to stretch to get into a new MDX. Same strategy as the TSX/TL relationship that started in 2009.

TiggaMan909

Man, I really hope they release this thing sooner then later. I doubt i can hold out till 2014. The infiniti JX is starting to look a lot more appealing...

Opus360

JX has some very innovative safety systems. I'll be looking at this later this week. Dealership is having a launch party.

jbawden

It's certainly a good looking rig, but I think I'd try to find something else to occupy my time for the next 12-18 months, the first model year of a brand new from scratch vehicle is something to be avoided, even in these modern times. Plus, a CVT transmission is about as far removed from a driver focused experience as you can get. Even if a CVT is slightly more efficient, it simply fails to satisfy the soul. ggggrrrrrRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrr <my CVT impression>

db22

I doubt if it will be both.

TiggaMan909

haha! patiently waiting.....

Opus360

I test drove the 2012 MDX yesterday. Salesman said the refresh will take place for MY2013. I told him there has been no news especially considering the MY2013 RDX has been announced already. He said MDX is still selling well.

How much discount do you guys think I can get on the 2012 MDX considering it is likely the last model year before refresh?

jbawden

With all due respect, a lot salesman will tell you just about anything to move metal. Not saying he is wrong, but just not totally reliable. Looks like the '07 concept was "leaked" in April of '06, so maybe a refreshed '13 model will follow the same pattern, available by the end of this year? Doubt you'll be able to leverage a possible 2013 refresh into a discount anytime soon. Maybe if the dealer is sitting on some '12 models with a truck full of refreshed '13 ready to unload, but that is an unlikely scenario.

TiggaMan909

I hope your sales guy is right man!

As for the discount on the 12, if it were me, i wouldn't offer anything! Only because i know its a proven car, the demand is still there, which pretty much means these suv's will sell themselves in a matter of time. Not to mention, I have a feeling most buyers are reluctant to make a move on any first model year car. Will need a year or so to work out all the bugs/kinks.

Either way, hope you get the deal your looking for! As for me, its the JX or this.... back to patiently waiting.....

TiggaMan909

Just a quick update, i went and test drove the Infiniti JX35 AWD Premium/Theater package yesterday and here a few observations:

Pros:
LOVE the design - Very aesthetically appealing / Easy to look at
Low ground clearance - Could be a con to some, but I'm in TX and we don't get much snow. This SUV is not meant for off-road!
Handling - Handles very much like a car, could be due to low ground clearance. I'm sure AWD had a factor in this as well.
Price point - Much lower then the competition
Seating - Ample seating in the 2nd row. Can fit 3 large adults back there no problem. even in the 3rd row, space is adequate. Offers lot more space then what I've seen the competitors offer
Car Seat Collapse - This is a huge feature in my book. The third row can easily be accessed without having to take any car seats out! Very kid friendly!
Gas Economy - MPG is better then the competition, but could be because of the low power output.

Cons
HP/Torque - 265HP seemed very underpowered for a car that size. There is noticeable lag when you punch it. Power specs are lower then the competition
CVT Transmission - HORRIBLE, personally i think it takes away from the driver experience. Not a fan by any means!
Interior - Not as refined as some of the other models they offer (possibly strategic). Gives them some opportunities for changes. MDX definitely wins in this department!

Overall, its a good looking car, but there is definitely room for improvement. Definitely something to consider, but i REALLY REALLY hope Acura gets it right with the next gen MDX. Even if its entry point is a little more expensive, i'd rather have all the bells and whistles that Acura "usually" provides....

Acura_Dude

I'm an MDX fan, but the JX is definitely a nice CUV. IDK wth is so great about a CVT. I like hearing and feeling a car shift, whether it's auto or manual. IDK maybe it's just me, but the CUV market is insanely crowded.

I like your quick review of the JX, reminds me of Insideline's.
http://www.insideline.com/infiniti/j...and-video.html

TiggaMan909

I just finished up reading inside lines review and it was spot on! Thanks for sharing this! In fact, this one line just about sums it up:

"So basically, the JX is about what most people would expect from a crossover in this category: a compliant, comfortable ride and nothing more."

I agree that the current MDX is much more of drivers car then the JX is. I just hope they continue that theme with the next gen!

Anyways, back to patiently waiting....

Acura_Dude

honda_nut

I'm pretty sure a new 3G MDX would be introduced for 2013 if Honda/Acura were to follow the 6 year life cycle they have for trucks. That saying, the 2G MDX and the RDX where introduced around the same time. But I do find it weird that nothing has been mention nor have there been any spy shots.

Also the JX35 seems like a very promising crossover. I'm thinking a JX35, 3rd gen MDX, or an Odyssey Touring Elite will be strong contenders for replacing my dad's aging Odyssey. Germans are not allowed so these seem like the only roomy, upscale options without getting a V8.

db22

I priced a JX similar to my MDX Advance Ent and I was well over 50K. I also noticed some weird packaging - no heated steering wheel with heated seats etc

db22

Acura is introducing the new RL this year and I do not think that the MDX intro will be the same year. The new MDX is being built in a new plant in Alabama so new plant, new car, new workers - would you go for it?

Opus360

Thanks for the info. Sounds like the first year 3rd gen MDX is a risky proposition.

Where is the current MDX built?

jbawden

Canada

Grimnebulin

Does anyone have any idea about the production run of the 2012 and 2013 MDXs - specifically when do they stop making the 2012s and start making the 2013s?

wrestrepo

That's what I heard yesterday at the dealer from the manager guy while purchasing a 2012 MDX, don't know if it was part of the sale's pitch

I thought that that had been announced/expected

I test drove the JX, it's the perfect car for those who want an upscale minivan. The car is nice and all, but nowhere near the driving experience you have in an MDX, cvt and 260 horses?no thanks.. The car was really boring to drive.

TiggaMan909

I'm in agreement with you. I test drove the JX and found the performance to be very dull. Sure it carries 7 passengers comfortably, but will it give you cayenne turbo type of performance? Absolutely not...

That said, you have to ask yourself what is it that you want from this refresh? Are you looking to track your 7 passenger SUV? I think the majority of buyers in this market want something that can haul 7 passengers comfortably, at a reasonable price, with some bells & whistles as far as technology goes. I think both the current MDX and the JX meet these standards, but there is certainly room for improvement.

Aesthetically speak, I think the JX runs circles around the MDX. This is just my personal opinion and this is where I hope Acura corrects itself with the refresh. It also has the best MPG in its class, not to mention the most interior space. The 3rd row seating is legitimate again.

The MDX definitely has the JX beat in the "fun to drive" factor, but it can definitely use some improvement in the space category. Again, this is something I hope Acura corrects with the refresh! But if your looking for a performance SUV, there are others in this segment that will better serve that purpose. At a premium price of course.

Personal tastes aside, at the end of the day, it comes down to this: Cheap, Fast, or Stable.... PICK 2. You can't have all 3.

wrestrepo

Let me say that I have to partially disagree with you. The JX may be a good looking car, definitely better than the MDX, but most new Acuras are hideous (thanks beak), although they are improving, but the JX is also generic looking and dull.
As far as comfort, the third row may be better than the MDX, but the second row suck. The seat is very low, which makes you sit with your knees very high (for my taste). Also, you can only put two child seats on that row, as opposed to three in the MDX.
The JX has more tech than the Acura, and being a new design shows in the available "things", push start, keyless, panoramic sunroof, etc.
MPGs? the AWD JX gets 18/23, the MDX is 16/21. Two mpgs is nothing, considering the sacrifices you are making in the driving department with the CVT and the ~260HP engine. If you really want an MPG improvement, go for the Highlander Hybrid

TiggaMan909

^^^ That's a fair assessment. No argument here. I think both cars have their pros and cons. I just hope Acura really identifies where there flaws are and gets it right with this refresh. And by no means am I an Infiniti fan boy. In fact, I've never liked any of their cars, until they released the JX which made me take a second look. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. But you can say that about both models.

Let me be clear though, I'll gladly sacrifice a little bit of performance to gain something thats easy on the eyes and has a generous amount of seating space. If I had to choose a 7 passenger suv today (in that price range), I'd choose the JX. For me, its a family hauler, not something I'm going to race with.

I just really hope Acura hits a home run with this refresh to make me think otherwise!

Gen4MDX

So I am not feeling the JX, specially your comment about being easy on the eyes. The current MDX is much better looking to me, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder

TiggaMan909

^^^ Can't hate on that!! Whatever floats your boat, I guess!

Grimnebulin

I totally agree.

We're choosing between the MDX Advance and X5 3.0i (and maybe 4.4i too - but much more expensive). Testing driving both this weekend. Brain says MDX for value and reliability, heart says X5 for more fun, better looking (IMHO ).

2013 X5s are already out. 2012 MDX for now I guess

Assuming no changes for MDX for 2013 (which seems to be a high probability), does anyone know when 2012 MDX production will stop/2013 will start being produced?

Grimnebulin

^ Put down engine size above, should be X5-35i and X5-50i.

DreadPR

Finally something ...spy shots:

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/spot...pe-141581.html

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-mdx-spy-shots

MASK

2014 redesign is one thing - unknown
2014 built in USA on new fab line is another unknown.

cgold79

I hope to see "Keyless Entry" on the MDX, the RDX now has it.

I cant believe that its already mid-June and there is no news on the 2013.

SlimTL

I hope this isn't a repost:

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-mdx-spy-video

db22

No LED front indicators but at least it has amber turn signals at the rear although they will probably screw that up for the American market.