Hey Guys,

Now that the cat is out of the bag with the 2013 RDX redesign, do you guys think the 3rd gen MDX will follow a similar approach in design?

I don't mind the look of the RDX prototype, but overall i think the redesign is rather tame. I was hoping for something a little more substantial. In my opinion, there was a substantial amount of change going from 1st to 2nd gen MDX... Which kept things interesting. I don't think this is the case going from 1st to 2nd gen RDX. Seems more like a MMC refresh! I really hope they don't do this to the 3rd gen!

what do you guys think?

 

Honda sells over 18,000 CR-Vs a month compared to about 1200 units for the current gen RDX. I think the tame redesign is to get folks to jump ship from the I-4 CR-V EX-L model to the V-6 RDX for about $2,000 - 4,000 more. If Acura can just steal 10-15% of the CR-V customers away, that would increase RDX sells to 3000-3900 total units per month (right behind the MDX).

2013 RDX with 20/28 city/hwy might even steal some folks away from the MDX 16/21 city/hwy.

I think the all new MDX will follow similar design themes; but, lean toward the ZDX level of luxury and tech instead of TSX/RDX levels.

 

I think your logic makes sense from a sales perspective... but i hope your wrong about the design theme!!

The current MDX is a big/hot seller, but if Acura wants to compete at a tier 1 luxury level, i think they need to shake things up. I guess only time will tell, but with the availability of the Infiniti JX, Acura better have something up its sleeve!

 

It seems the Luxury SUVs that people want the most are the big, fat, sloppy handling, and over priced like the Lexus, Caddy/GMC, Land Rover, and Mercedes. Acura and Infiniti offer a lot of tech, value, and driving experience; but, sales are not close to the others because of lack of desirability. BMW seems to hit a good match with sport, luxury and desirability; but, reliability and price is their Achilles heel.

The main thing I want to see with the all new MDX is an increase in mpgs without a hit on performance (direct injection, hybrid system, 7AT, econ/sport mode, improved aerodynamics, 3.2L V-6 with supercharger, turbo diesel, etc…).

A 2014 or 2015 MDX will be our next vehicle if Acura doesn't jack it up.

 

Same here.... I've been putting this off for quite some time now in the hopes that these guys will put out something solid! We need a 7 passenger and we're considering the following:

1. Acura MDX
2. Infiniti JX
3. Mercedes GL - Used
4. Audi Q7
5. XC90 - Only if there is a refresh (its been 10+ years!!!)

I also love the redesigned ML, but it doesn't offer seating for 7. If it did, it would be on my list! Same goes for the new Grand Cherokee!

 

I think the opposite with design....RDX will adopt some lines from the current MDX....the newer MDX will be different......until then we can speculate!

 

I sure hope not. I thought they learned this shield grill design has killed their sales, but here's another example of it again. The current MDX, and TSX are the only 2 cars that look decent, and sales prove it. They ruined the TL with it's redesign. The 3rd gen was one of Acuras all time best sellers, and now they can't hardly sell any 4th gens. The back of this prototype reminds me of the Q5. The front is not as bad as before, but they could of done better.

A side from abandoning the flagship grill, they need to offer an 8 spd automatic tranny. Our BMW X5 is getting 22 MPG compared to the MDX at 16 (these are combined averages of highway/city), mostly because of the transmission.

I really hate these flagship designs a lot of manufacturers are using today. Every car/suv in your lineup does not need to look the same. There should be more of a difference, instead of each model being a little bigger. The BMW 3 series, 5 series, and 7 series all look identical almost except the scale. Mazda is doing the same thing with the CX-5,7, 9. Get some people with imagination and style back into the design studios.

 

I think Honda/Acura only have 2 full-time folks and a couple of interns working on transmissions. We were stuck with the 5AT for +10 years, I hope it will not take another +10 years before we see a 7AT. This would put the 8AT at around the year 2030. I would agree and Honda/Acura should just jump ahead and just make an 8AT and skip the 6AT and 7AT.

 

When is the 3rd gen coming out? Safe to say 2014?

 

I've heard 2013 being mentioned as a possible release date... But i wouldn't be surprised if it gets pushed out to 2014. Whatever the case, i really hope they get the redesign right!

 

I'm hoping for 7AT + Hybrid model. For features pandora & some goodies found on X5 would be great.

 

The next gen MDX is larger with 3.5L, Hybrid option, and will be made in US. As far as design shape goes one should expect similar lines.

FYI - My wife drives a Toyo Venza 4 and that RDX looks similar.