TiggaMan909

Wondering why Acura doesn't offer a captains chair option on the MDX? I know the Enclave and the Tahoe do and I consider both to be in the same midsize suv range. Getting access to the 3rd row is a breeze, not to mention its a legitimate 3rd row.

Come to think of it, no import (as far as I'm aware) has captains chairs...

I know this may not appeal to all buyers, but an option would be nice.

wrestrepo

I think that the Tahoe and Enclave are in a different, larger category. But as far as imports go, I know that the Infiniti QX56 offers them.....

SlimTL

And the QX56 is a nice SUV, btw. Normally I don't care for larger vehicles, but I checked it out at the Houston Auto Show and I really like them a lot. Very luxurious, roomy and comfortable.

wrestrepo

If money was no object that'd be the car I would have gotten instead of the MDX

frosty ride

I've got a 2010 MDX and a 2010 Tahoe and can firmly attest that the MDX is not in the size class of the Tahoe. It is much smaller, rides much firmer and much more "car like" with the acceleration. About the only way they are similar is that they both get about 16 mpg.

TiggaMan909

So this leads me to ask another questions. If the MDX is considered to be a proper "mid-size" suv and the Tahoe is considered to be a proper "full-size" suv, then what would you classify the Suburban?

I see and understand your logic, but I always considered a proper "mid-size" suv to be a 3 row with limited storage in the back (mdx/tahoe/q7, and X5 although it doesn't come with a 3rd row standard, its still an option). A proper "full-size" is something like the surban, sequoia, armada, etc... where you have 3 rows plus ample cargo storage in the back.

wrestrepo

Here is my logic regarding the Tahoe, its a body on frame SUV, a true off-roader (if you need it to be), and I believe that the third row was simply an after thought....It's also a larger vehicle, with larger engine(s). I don't think it's a true competitor to the MDX, and besides the Ford Expedition I don't really know what it competes against these days as the Dodge Durango became a bit "softer".

If you realize, Infiniti did, the MDX doesn't have any clear competitors, and by that I mean a "luxury brand that offers three rows of seating in a car like platform". The only other "luxury" brand that offered a third row in this price/size point was Volvo with their geriatric XC90. Now there is the JX. You can find others like the Kia Sorento (BTW I had a rental for a week and it was a great car), maybe even the Subaru Tribeca, but those are not Luxury brands. The RX doesn't have three rows, and that's supposed to be the competitor....or is it competing against the RDX?

The Enclave/Traverse/Acadia are larger and IMO don't really compare to the MDX. I would compare the MDX to the X5 and ML, perhaps a 4Runner or Highlander

Ken1997TL

Sounds like you want an Odyssey..

TiggaMan909

lol, trying to fight it my friend, but i will admit it serves its purpose incredibly well!

I just want a sporty, lux/near lux, family hauler with ample seating/cargo space right around 50-60K. If I could take the best of the JX (seating/cargo) and the best of the MDX (performance/sh-awd), merge the two together, we'd have the perfect offering!

As for the captains chair offering, I personally don't care for it, but a co-worker of mine basically dismissed the MDX entirely because it didn't have that feature. Just thought it would be a nice option for those interested in it.

Vividsi

The current odyssey in the Touring Elite trim is knocking on the doors of Acura in Luxury, heck it even has similar technology which is shared by the MDX and Its the best looking mini-van on the market IMO.

wrestrepo

Well, the QX56 has your name on it then, if you can afford the gas that is

TiggaMan909

Oh i'm definitely not rulling out the QX56, but will most likely go the used route if that were to happen.

I also have high hopes for the refreshed MDX. Was never disappointed from the performance aspect and I'm sure the refresh will deliver. There was definitely room for improvement with the interior and i'm hoping Acura comes through here.

I'm pretty content with the prototype and i hope not much changes with the production offering, but dying to see details on the interior though....

Vividsi

I just built the odyssey and i'm at $49K!

Puppetmaster

Late to this discussion, but when deciding on the MDX, I looked at the Chevy Traverse/GMC Acadia, which I think is in the same class but offers captains chairs. It's a pretty nice thing to have, if you like that layout. The Traverse/Acadia did seem like it had a slightly larger cabin and trunk so the third row is a little more spacious, and even with the third row up, there is more usable cargo space. For the MDX to have captains chairs and for that to work, I think it'd need to be stretched out lengthwise a little more so that the third row has more room.

limj23

I just traded in my TL for a new Nissan Armada and mine came with captain chairs and they do make a big difference. I was actually going to get a MDX but the small 3rd row, MPGs and the fact that Nissan was giving 7K rebate made me sway to a fully loaded Armada. If anyone else is cross shopping you owe it to yourself to check out the Armada if you need space and towing. I did it on a fluke and was totally surprised what a nice truck it was for the price.

TiggaMan909

Looking hard at the Armada and the Sequoia man. I can't believe the pricepoint that some of the dealers are quoting me for a platinum Armada!
Fully loaded in the mid/high 40's is very tough to pass up. As far as looks go, i'm leaning more towards the Sequoia, but they can't seem to touch the Armadas price point!

One thing i do like about the Armada though is the dual headrest screens. Can you confirm if it has a DVD player or have they upgraded to Blue Ray? The sequoia offers blue ray but only a single screen in the middle. Not a deal breaker but DVD format is a dying breed.

TiggaMan909

Really digging this:
I'm a sucker for the black/tan interior!

limj23

I actually got a new 2012 with the drop down center monitor like the MDX and paid 47K OTD with their top of the line extended warranty like acura care for 8/120K. I know Best bang for your buck out there now and the thing is truly a beast with the 5.6, I was totally surprised how small it actually drove and some features the MDX was missing.

db22

That's the problem, it's a truck and the MDX is not.