Well, due to some travel requirements on some very rough roads and the fact my wife is pregnant, we are going to have to dump our 1997 F250 Crewcab Powerstroke. I can't afford and have no reason for 2 vehicle payments (mine is a company vehicle), so we are going looking into an SUV.

The top 2 prorities are simple, a very smooth ride (especially on horrible roads) and something reliable. I am not going to look at the RDX because that is too close to our TSX. I'm looking at getting either a 2004-2006 MDX or a 2004-2006 Lexus GX470.

If I could find a certified GX470, that would help in the reliability department, although both Lexus and Acura are known for their reliability so I'm not too concerned with either. My price range is $18-23K if possible.

Has anyone cross shopped the two? How does the ride compare in each? I'm not too concerned with options, but the Mark Levinson in the GX is great. I've drove the GX about a year ago and really liked it. Having said that, I've never driven an MDX.

Any thoughts or advice in regards to either?

 

Once you drive the mdx your decision should be easier. Since the gx is truck based i would think the ride of the mdx would be a little smoother but i have never driven a gx before.

 

I completely agree on driving the MDX. Once I did that nothing else I test drove BMW, Nissen and Caddy. Mant compared in toys but not in driving. Even though the Lex had somethings I liked better like a bigger gear box and adjustable seat temp controls.

 

We have a 2006 MDX and our friends have a 2006 GX470. Here are my takes on the the two models. They're very different dynamically, the only real similarity is the brand cache:

MDX

• Unibody construction means better handling, better ride, easier maneuverability (parking, etc.)
• 3.5L V6 means better fuel economy yet it still has good power (2006: 253hp)

GX470

• Body-on-frame construction means it's better off-road (it's a Lexus 4-Runner)
• 4.7L V8 means less fuel economy, but it has 10 more horses (2006: 263hp) and offers better towing

IMO, the MDX is far more attractive (inside and out) and Acura continually offers the best navigation systems on the planet. Also, the Bose surround sound is comparable to the Mark Levinson (not better, but comparable).

Do yourself a favor and check out the 2007+ Cadillac SRX while you're shopping. The 2007+ interior is way more upscale and Caddy ironed out some of the wrinkles from the previous years. I drove a V6 and a V8 2008 model and was pleasantly surprised. Obviously the 2010 SRX is all-new, but the 2007-2009 models can be had for competitive prices and are worth a look.

GL

 

The SRX is a nice vehicle, but I'm not sure about buying a GM vehicle at the moment. I'd prefer to stay with a Honda/Toyota.

Thanks for the comparison. In the end I'll probably decide after driving them, but I don't think either would be a bad decision. It will end up being personal preference in the end I'm sure.

 

I advise going with Honda.

Whether one believes Toyota's recent troubles are media induced exaggerations or not, the engineer in me tells me something is fishy with Toyota's design.

 

I know what your saying about Toyota, but if you notice, vehicle manufactured outside the US (Land Cruiser, etc.) are not included on the recall.

I'm not worried about that with this vehicle, although what has happened to them has helped Honda and the U.S. automakers.

 

I am a long time GM owner and who would ever believe I would own two Acura's. I don't trust GM will be here in the years to come and I got fed up with the very low resale values. I drove a bunch of SUV's and felt the MDX was the best all round SUV for me.

 

I'm actually going to have a 04 GX470 for a couple hours this afternoon and have 2 MDX's (03, 04) in the family which I drove many times. I'll chime in with my thoughts.

For now, I personally think GX470 > MDX but that is mostly based on looks of exterior and interior. I'll give a full report later.

 

I can't wait to hear your comments. I have driven the GX470 myself, but it was about 2 years ago or so. I think it was an 04 model as well.

I have never driven an MDX, or been a passenger, just sat in one at the showroom. I'm very aware of Acura reliability, service, etc.

At this point, I am leaning towards the GX as it seems to be built more like a truck yet still have the smooth suspension and ride while the MDX is built on a car platform.

Please, let me know your thoughts.

 

If you prefer a truck over a car (which it seems via above), then definitely the GX470 is the better choice. The GX is more "trucky" and the MDX drives more like a car.

For me, when I ride in our friend's GX, I like the leather better...but honestly that's about it. The interior of the GX looks dated (not a fan of the shifters) and overall IMO it looks like a GMC Envoy (especially in the rear). Also, the maintenance of a V8 and the resale of a V8 SUV down the road would throw immediate caution flags.

But I understand to each is your own and ultimately you'll be living with your decision...so whatever vehicles suits you better is obviously the one to go with...

For comparisons (the exterior similarities with the Envoy)...




For comparisons (the interior differences with the MDX)...

 

I do think I would prefer a body-on-frame (did I get that right) of the GX. I think the MDX has much more of a contemporary, car like dashboard/console while the GX is more truck like, more straight lines, and is simple and does look more outdated. I do like the GX interior though.

Anyways, we'll see. I still want to test drive an MDX although there aren't too many used MDX's out there. Used vehicle prices have definitely gone up in the past few months, geez.

Do you think the situation with Toyota might help me negotiate for a GX if that's what I decided? I was hoping I'd find one at a Toyota dealer since my guess is they are just looking for a sale.

 

Allright, had the GX470 for a few hours yesterday and I must say I am in love with this car. It is an 04 black/gray with Mark Levinson, Navi, RES, back up camera, 3rd row, air suspension, no xenons.


First impression: Wow it's big. It is considerably larger than the MDX and it feels like it.

Engine: The V8 wins over the 3.5l MDX engine hands down. You can't even compare. The V8 roars from stop signs and has amazing pick up for such a heavy truck, not to mention how quiet it is in the cabin and how smooth it is.

Interior: I award Lexus here. I'm a big fan of the layout, I love the GPS in Lexus, I always have (Used to have GS400, GS430), I find that it's one of the easiest to use. I like the seats, something as simple as having the individual arm rests on the front seats is a big win to me. I'm 6'4 about 250lb and I found the Lexus to be very comfortable.

Handling: It handles much more like a truck compared to the MDX. This section I find to be very subjective. I personally like the SUV feel more than the car feel but if you are an enthusiastic driver, the MDX might be more for you; it is a little more fun to take around corners even though the GX has more pick up.
(I have to tell you my 4000lb RL felt like a race car after the GX)

Feelings overall: I like sitting up higher in the GX, I feel a major difference here over the MDX. I feel like the GX has more toys in it than the MDX which I'm not a huge fan of. More toys=more problems.

All in all, I'll be looking at GX's for my next vehicle. I think it's a great family truck, but I will be looking for one with just Nav, I don't want any other options. I enjoyed driving it. I had it for about 3 hours which were spent mostly in traffic but I did have a chance to get it on the freeway for about 35 minutes and it felt great.

I was actually looking at MDX's when I bought my RL, the RL just was a better financial choice at this time and I thought I'd buy an MDX next for the fiance (in a year or two). Now the fiance is in love with the RL and I'll be the one getting a new car again.

Hope this helps with the decision, I know mine is made.

 

Oh I forgot to mention, I believe the MPG is about the same. My mother's MDX is always between 16.5 and 17.5mpg on the dash and the GX is driven mostly in city and I noticed their average was 16.5mpg. I thought that was very interesting. I thought it would have more similar mpg to the LX470 which is closer to 12-14 (I had a Landcruiser for a couple weeks a few years ago).

EPA:
MDX 17/23
GX 15/19

 

Interesting. Consumer Guide online gives the '06 GX470 a 57 out of 100, whereas the '06 MDX gets a 67, and quite a bit better fuel mileage rating. It's all quite subjective when it's seat of the pants.

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...ts.htm?trimIds[]=279886&trimIds[]=281698&trimIds[]=279455&trimIds[]=277125

 

I know that my mom's MDX eats more gas than my aunts. We are replacing the EGR valve this weekend, hopefully that makes a difference.

 

i would go for the MDX for overall durability and gas mileage despite vas25tl mentioning that the 2 are about equal

 

i test drive both 06 MDX and 07 GX470 few years ago, but few friends of mind have the GX470 so it's not stranger to me. my impression is that the 03-04 MDX isnt as refine as GX470. interior wise, GX470 use better materials and i can feel it, definitely high scale impression, but this is not necessary a good thing(like wearing a prada shoe to fox hunting). GX seems to have better off road package as well, lower transfer gear, hill hold, decent control. the engine, like previous post noted, the engine in GX470 has so much torque and drive is very refine and easy. the J35 in MDX is good, but not as good as GX470. the ride is soft and comfy in GX, while MDX make you feel more connected. GX looks bigger from outside, but not from inside. seating 3 in 2nd row is not a problem with MDX, but is tight on GX, the 3rd row is useless, completely useless in GX, while you can still stuff kids in 3rd row. MDX is driver's car while GX470 is more like passenger. check crash test and there was no detail about GX470. i would concern about safety if it will be the car that carry my family.