The 2nd generation MDX is a great looking vehicle. To me, it looks better than the new 2014 MDX. Its angular yet muscular looking shape make it an eye catcher on the road. It easy to see why it attracts so many buyers.

There are two things I wish Acura had more foresight with when refreshing the MDX (2010 to 2013).

(1) To me, while the steering firmness is good in parking lot situations, it is too light at speed, whether highway or main roads where your traveling 20+ miles an hour. Supposedly, people complained at how "heavy" the steering was in the 2007 to 2009 year models and, unfortunately, Acura listened to them.

(2) This one is really a peeve of mine. The transmission is programmed to change gears too early from 1st to 2nd gear. It did this originally in gears 3 through 6 as well until Acura updated the software to take care of a transmission jitter. While the early shift problem was solved for those higher gears, it left 1st and 2nd gear "neutered" in the sense that acceleration through those gears is limp at best. 1st gear should have held out to about 2500 rpms before shifting to 2nd gear and second gear about as long or just short of that. Instead first gear shifts often times before 2000 rpms where the torque feels non-existent and the vehicle feels sluggish, especially when pulling out from a stop to take a turn.

An example of what it should have been like is BMW's finely tuned 8-speed transmission. The gears have shorter ratios, yet the transmission is programmed to hold 1st gear through about 2500 rpms in normal driving. This leaves second gear with enough low end torque to continue strongly in the vehicles acceleration.

I understand that Acura was shooting for fuel economy, but at the expense of making the vehicle feel like its devoid of acceleration from a stop. I really think they should have though that one over a little more - unless they catering to those who could care less about an engaging drive. That's not advancement.

Anyone feels the same way about these two things.

 

Drive in sport mode, problem solved

Transmission in S mode, makes a BIG difference in holding gears longer and accelerates much quicker.

And if you have the Advance, put the suspension in Sport mode.

 

^

Many of the reviews I've read applauds how the MDX actually drives like it's a smaller vehicle than what it really is. I guess that goes hand in hand with the steering/suspension and that's what people like. I've driven big vehicles and sometimes they're just annoying as hell to drive at low speeds in a parking lot. Too much work to do so little.

 

If u r talking to me, what is "werd" about that?

 

For 2014, the steering is much smoother and even more direct, and with the standard IDS system you have 3 selectable modes. Comfort vs. Sport is a huge difference in firmness and feel, by example.

In regards to transmission tuning, this is also a significant difference for 2014 in conjunction with the stronger low end torque provided by the direct injection motor. Feels crisp and smooth.

The 2014 is a huge leap forward in all regards, and especially so in refinement and powertrain performance/economy.

 

My guess: the 'early' 1st to 2nd shift is due to emissions and MPG standards.

 

These days all major car companies do whatever they can for fuel efficiency. Can we see again the day the gas price per gallon was just $2.5? When 2nd gen came out (2007), the gas price was $2.5/gallon...

 

TsTurbo I was agreeing with you, and my paragraph was for VPTrails.

 

The 2nd generation was conceived and designed in 2004 & 2005 when the race was more about horsepower and bragging rights than fuel economy. I would gladly have traded 1 mpg in the city for having it hold first and second gear a little longer. The transmission is very good, its the programming that gets in the way. Even it sport mode, first gear still shifts the same. As a far as drivability, it does handle like a smaller vehicle which is one of the reasons I bought it in the first place. They got the handling aspects right.

I like the idea of IDS and different settings to suspension, steering, gear shifting and accelerator sensitivity. In that respect, I think the new one would be much better. The fact that the new is 275 lbs lighter is another plus. However, I'm not a fan of its increased length. It's just too long for my taste.

I have heard others complain about early gear shifting as well. What do you think the odds are that Acura would update the software to hold those two gears longer? They must have various version of programming software they used when they developed the powertrain. Or would they laugh me out the door?

 

We obviously have a difference in opinion here, I think the shift points are perfect, depending on how I feel like driving it, after all, it is not supposed to shift like a muscle car, it is a luxury sport SUV. Do u have the 5 or 6 spd?

 

Agreed 100%!

 

Yes it does make a big difference ! I traded my 07 MDX in a heart beat for the 2014 advance , no regrets !

 

I have a 2010 with a 6 speed transmission. You can't compare the 2007 to 2009s to what I'm saying. It's amazing to me that people find the 1st and second gear shift points satisfying. I'm not talking muscle car performance here. What I'm saying is holding 1st and 2nd gears a little longer will go a long way in terms of acceleration and grabbing enough low end torque to not feel a bit sluggish from a complete stop.

Since the torque converter software update, 3rd and 4th gears have been significantly better because they are holding gears longer. Acura did this to avoid a potential problem and, inadvertently, also fixed the lame early shift gearing they once had for those gears. Those with a 2010 model know what I'm talking about because we drove ours for over a year before the fix was done.

For comparison purposes, my BMW X3 has and 8 speed transmission has shorting gearing and it holds shift points for 1st and 2nd gear to around 2500 rpm in normal driving and its performance is phenomenal. I'm sure the larger X5 does the same as it has the same engine and transmission despite being heavier than the MDX. The X3 is truly is an "ultimate driving machine" and yet it nice and relaxing and composed when you want it to be. They don't accelerate like sports cars in normal mode unless you want them to, i.e. heavy foot.

No offense to anyone who thinks the MDX's shift points for gears 1 & 2 are fine, but I think people who want to ride their couch down the street, have a nice numb riding experience with ultra light pinky turning steering should maybe look to a Lexus instead for the Saturday morning soccer games. Those people would be good candidates for self-driving cars.

Those going from a 2007-2009 to a 2014 can't assume the same opinion about the 2010-2013 to 2014. The refresh vehicles have a revised engine and completely new transmission.

I'd be more interest in hearing a comparison between 2010-2013 and the new 2014. Although, honestly, I'm not so sure I'd ever buy another MDX. Its too long now.

On another note, the RDX went from having a nice lean looking body style in its first generation to looking like all other SUVs out their - high riding wagons with bulging bodies. i.e bloat. I'd bet Acura would sell even more RDXs if it kept is old body style dimensions, revised its front end and give it what it needed, a more refined and quieter ride. Then it would have been like an X3 or MB GLK - both of which should be the industry standard for body style and dimensions - with a lower price tag. That would be a home run for the RDX.

 

I absolutely agree that the 2010 shifts too early from 1 to 2. Unless you push hard then it seems superfluous to use first, no sooner does the car move and then it changes to second.
Sport mode is not an option because the Sport mode in the 2010 onwards is totally different to the sport mode of previous years.

 

The 2014 is a slam dunk. Far superior than the previous gen. Period. No comparison. Trade that 2nd Gen and step up to a entirely different Acura MDX! Night and Day!

 

Pretty bold statement, it has only been out one week, lets give it some time before jumping on the fan boy wagon. And it still looks mini vanish, so certainly not a slam dunk on looks.

 

Have you posted any pics of your MDX on here? I can't see your avatar as well as I'd like to please post a pic or two.

 

I'll take some better photos this weekend. I purchased the first one in my area and getting stopped everywhere I go!! The Advance Running boards are a MUST!!! Beautiful!!! Just had the Running boards and Side Body Molding installed. Sucker looks amazing! more to come......

 

Thanks so much! Can't decide whether to get the running boards or not. I like how the body moldings break up the doors (and Acura knows that ... They feel intentionally left off). I look forward to your photos ... Would love a level full side shot of the running boards.

 

I tend to agree with Tsturbo. The new MDX is wagon-like in appearance. Maybe it rides more Lexus-like if your into that, but then again, there always a Lexus to buy for that. The look, inside and out, sold me on the second generation. The 3rd generation has a more feminine look. I'm just not into that. Smooth contours may be great for aerodynamics, but if your shelling out 50K on vehicle, you shouldn't be too concerned about a couple of miles per gallon less. Otherwise, Chevy has great high mileage vehicles to choose from.

From what reviewers and members are saying, the interior has cheapened out a bit for 2014. Rather than use real wood accents, they made the faux wood smaller hoping you perceive it as Tier 1, and it just isn't. The extensive use of plastic pillar coverings instead of fabric is yet another indication of this. Sure the 2014 has new toys, like IDS & jewel-eyed headlights, but I'm fooled so easily by gimmicks.

P.S. Just out of curiosity, since there is a big difference in refinement in the 2010-2013 MDXs over the 2007-2009 ones, can anyone who has a refreshed MDX provide their honest opinion as to the pros and cons of theirs are vs the 2014 when they test drove one? Thanks

 

early signs show the '14 MDX to be selling well in the short time it's been on the market. my dealer started with about 40 june 21st. they now have NINE left on their lot as of yesterday. i'm sure they have also had a few more trickle in. i know they sold their one and only ADV/ENT model the first weekend, and it's been replaced with a recent delivery. people around here want the SHAWD version.

i lurked on another local dealers site. they had 16 on their lot with the majority being FWD models.

 

+1!

 

I purchased the first 2014 MDX Advance/Ent/SHAWD in New England (they actually sold it to me on 6/18 before having any in stock) as I have been waiting for this since last November. I have driven the 2013 but was put off my the mileage (22 on HWY) as I tend to drive a lot and when my rep told me about what the 2014 was supposed to bring to the table I sat impatiently and waited.

The 2014 is simply a gorgeous machine inside and out. The interior is refined, beautiful, and comfortable. I don't get the sense that Acua 'cheapened out' on the interior in anyway. IMHO, there is NO comparison between the driving experience/handling of the 2013 vs the 2014. The 2014 wins hands down. The 3 IDS modes are an outstanding feature and this car is so quiet it glides on the road. Further, I have almost 800 miles in the two weeks I've had the car and I have filled the tank twice (almost three times) and I have been averaging 27.5 MPG.

The technology (both Infotainment and Rear Entertainment) rock. My ONLY complaint in this department is the AcuraLink Next Generation app does NOT support remote start from the App at this time and the 'Get Vehicle Status' function often times will display alerts that are not accurate (though the most important info - tire pressure, door lock/alarm status, odometer, and gas level - is very accurate).

I can't say enough about this car!