kssod

Any word on whether 2012 is a full model update? Acura sure can use a new hybrid engine ala Infiniti M35h. Getting a little tired of 13-14 mpg city with my 08 MDX. Highway (trips) isn't bad at around 21+. What's everyone's wish list for the next MDX?

mrgold35

I think 2012 may be too soon for an update. The 2010/2011/2012 will most likely stay the same; maybe some different color choices.

2013 might be the year for the update or maybe an early 2014. Acura still needs to push out the all new RL first to set the tone for all the other new models to follow.

EL_PIC

2013 / 2014 full update into gen 3.
It is probable to be longer w larger 3rd row and second engine choice.
2012 stays as 2011.
You are doing something wrong if you get 13 - 14 city mpg.
I get 16 mpg city on prem 93 and plus 91 mixes.

A larger sun roof would be nice.

kssod

Something wrong?????? Premium 91 or 93 35k, Acura serviced per MID. Tires inflated 34 all around. Local driving, soccer mom stuff, school, grocery etc. with occasional highway 5-10 miles. Reset trip A after each fillup avg around 13-14.
You may get a tick better with the 11 than my 08 due to your extra tranny gear

EL_PIC

check the accuracy of your miles odometer and or do your mpg manually.
the 6 speed trans should equal no more than 1 mpg.
you prob drive like bat out of hell ...

note - Acura does plan Honda Hybrid engines but it will be performance geared like Lexus - more hp than mpg

DoctorTuna

I agree, Honda products are on a 6 year cycle with mid cycle refresh every 3 years, the 2010 MDX being the mid cycle refresh. Likely the 2013 model will be the major update. The exception being the RL, it took 4 years for a refresh and who knows when the major update will occur based on sales....

MILBO

I have watched these mpg debates for years now and I determined that some cars get a little better or worse mpg's than others, but IMHO it has a more to do with how you drive and where you drive. I had a new 06 Element, 07 RDX & 08 MDX and I never get the mpgs (13-15 like you) that some people get....why you say, because most of my trips are less than 15 minutes and nothing but hills and stop and go traffic. When I drive on the weekend I get almost DOUBLE the mpg(24-26)...why you say, because I drive slower, much longer, flat terrain and on the highway.

MILBO

Why get another MDX?
My goal is to pay this big boy off and get an RSX to join it
I probably won't be getting any better mileage in that though

ntwillie1

I have an 08 and fill up with 91 or 93 but mostly 93 and we average 18-19mpg mixed city and highway and on pure highway i can get 24-25mpg on a 400 plus mile trip at about 75mph - 80mph. I've never heard of anyone gettng 13-14mpg on an MDX. Anyway, good luck.

Rexorg

Honda/Acura is notoriously tight lipped about future model changes. Why they are thinking about a new RL is beyond me as they can't sell the current one at any price it seems, even though it gets high praise for value and reliability from all the car and consumer magazine wonks. If past rumors are correct, Acura is looking to compete with the big boys with a true full-size sedan and a very powerful engine and to move from the mid-luxury to the high-end luxury category, albeit at a big price. Hopefully, the RL badge will go away as it carries too much baggage now.

mrgold35

The MDX is really the flagship of the Acura line up.

I think the MDX should set the tone for future models; not the RL or ZDX. Offer a supercharger with th 3.7L engine, direct injection with reg fuel, turbo diesel option and/or hybrid option (with gas or diesel). Everything else on the MDX is fine except for engine options.

DJ Iceman

In what sense? It isn't the most expensive, or the most attention-getting, or leading from a styling or technology viewpoint, or any of the other criteria I can think of that would define a brand's flagship.

It is definitely a core model and perhaps the one whose niche Acura most dominates. But I don't see it as the flagship in any way.

mrgold35

Sounds like you’re describing the ZDX with the above criteria? Maybe the ZDX should be the flagship, I'm cool with that. Thx.

ZCL

Without going to the Acura website and building, what Acura is more expensive?

My 2010 MDX Advance had a sticker of $55k and change, before accessories. Does the RL build more expensively? ZDX?

EL_PIC

Wikipeda says ...

Automobiles
The term flagship is also used to describe the top or main vehicle manufactured by automotive marque. These vehicles are usually, but not always, the most expensive, prestigious and largest vehicles in the line-up. The term is most often applied to sedans and usually only those manufactured by luxury automobile marques. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one example, and the Jaguar XJ is another.

The MDX being the lead seller with great luxury and image sounds more like a flagship than any other Acura to me.

mrgold35

Just going by price the Acura web site for the advance package:

ZDX $56,195 > RL $55,150 > MDX $54,105

Going by available tech and features (the entertainment package for MDX puts it even with the ZDX upgraded interior styling):

ZDX = MDX > 2012 TL > RL

Going by (exterior) styling:

ZDX > MDX > 2012 TL > TSX > RDX > RL


When they put the ZDX interior in the MDX, that sounds like a recipe for success for the next gen model. The RL flagship has to offer something totally new and different to beat out the ZDX and MDX (hybrid power/economy, upgraded tech, 4 wheel steering, active RSB, DSG transmission, etc...).

kssod

Is the active suspension available on the ZDX?

DJ Iceman

Yes. Didn't it premiere on the ZDX?

EL_PIC

For those with obsessed Flagship mentaly ...
The orig Acura flagship was the Legend and if you ask Acura mgt
they will say the Legend replacement ... the RL.
If you ask Acura sales dude ... they say whatever they can sell you.
Flagships are just that - they carry the flag.
Not necessary most expensive, biggest, fastest, etc.
they just define the line and allow other models to walk or break it.
While Mercedes has the S class as its flagship - VW has the bug.

larso1

One man's "Flagship" is another man's standard line model. This article calls the "Phaeton" Volkswagen's Flagship.

http://www.overdrive.in/story-news-c...n-28572-0.html

This article calls the CL-class Mercedes the company's flagship model. There apparently are no set guidelines for defining a car makers "Flagship model." I would call VW's bug an icon of the car maker but not its flagship.

http://www.justluxe.com/lifestyle/lu...ure-765499.php

DJ Iceman

I agree, larso1. I would consider the SLR MacLaren the flagship model for Benz, but they've actually got several models that could qualify based on price, exclusivity, performance, etc.

What we're seeing is that Acura currently does not have an obvious top-of-the-line, halo, drool-worthy model. The Legend may have been the flagship, but the NSX filled that role in my mind for a long time. With Lexus, the LS600hL may fit the book definition of a flagship, but the LF-A is really it as far as I'm concerned.

The closest thing Acura has to a flagship right now, in my opinion, is the ZDX. It's where they've loaded their snazziest technology, it's distinctive in the marketplace, it sells in low volumes, it has eye-catching design, and it's priced at the top of the line.

EL_PIC

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car...a_v-8-car_news

dwboston

Old article. The V8 was cancelled shortly after that article was written.

jasonwdp10

Not necessarily true:
2gtl 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, (5yr)
3gtl 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 (5yr)
4gtl 09, 10, 11, 12, 13(?)

1gtsx 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 (5yr)
2gtsx 09, 10, 11, 12(?), 13(?)

accord last last gen 98, 99, 00, 01, 02 (5yr)
accord last gen 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 (5yr)
accord this gen 08, 09, 10, 11, 12(?)

6g civic 96, 97, 98, 99, 00 (5yr)
7g civic 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 (5yr)
8g civic 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11 (6yr) additional year due to the "economic crisis"

last last gen cr-v 97, 98, 99, 00, 01 (5yr)
last gen cr-v 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 (5yr)
current cr-v 07, 08, 09, 10, 11 (5yr)
next gen cr-v per hondas website 12

pilot
03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 6yr

The mdx's normal cycle is 6 years anyways:
last gen mdx 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06

So i'd expect the current gen to be
07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12

However, generally, hondas are on a 5 year cycle, not 6.

I get 18mpg from my TL and my cousin gets 14mpg from his RDX, 13-14mpg is entirely possible if you drive mostly city.

IMO, the S class is the mb flagship. To me, it shouldn't necessarily be the most expensive, but should be the vehicle that "defines" the brand. mb sedans are much more common than coupes and tend to have more features, etc.

As for acura.. the brand identity is crap anyways. Their mission statement seems to change with every other press release. I'd say the MDX is the current flagship due to sales, but the RL is/was the flagship overall.

seaguy

if Acura can not longer its wheelbase to around 2.85 meter, it is going to die. Audi has done it. Everytime I see the car profile from side, I feel so sad. somebody said the front wheels of a HONDA/acura are installed on its belly.

larso1

That's a silly statement. I never thought the wheelbase looked too short. One of the reasons we bought the MDX was because it was more compact in length than the Buick which we also liked but was a bit too long for us. I can't see how pushing the axles out fore and aft will help anything, certainly not the handling.

mattyloudness

Just an interesting fact, the 1995 Legend sedan had a wheelbase of 114.6, the current MDX is 108.3

larso1

Apples and Oranges.
Another interesting fact: the Lexus RX350, the car so many fall all over themselves about, has a wheelbase of 107.6. Wow, looks like the MDX is a regular limousine.

shooter

Funny you meantioned this ... my 00 TL is a tad longer than the 09 MDX ... I was surprised to say the least since MDX has 3 rows ... but that 3rd row is truly for kids or short-legged adults ... The 2-gen TL is really timeless IMHO ..

EL_PIC

Thats why the MDX handles so well.
My '91 Legend was a very well engineered car, trully worth the original Acura Flagship title but would handel better if shorter.
Acura knew this and went to shorter RL w transverse engine as the current flagship. RL is 110 inch wheelbase.
If you want to call the MDX as flagship you can but leader in sales and demand is just that. It's the Leader !!
If you want to call anything else than Acura's defined flagship RL as a self proclaimed Flagship then you prob got a Fagship.

Rexorg

Acura Future Vehicles
By Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor | Published Jun 9, 2010
Acura MDX
2013 Acura MDX: Look for a full redesign of the MDX for the 2013 model year.

Acura RDX
2013 Acura RDX: The compact RDX crossover received a minor face-lift for the 2010 model year. When the RDX gets a full redesign for 2013, Acura will get rid of the current turbocharged four-cylinder. Tougher fuel-economy rules could force Acura to offer a normally aspirated four-cylinder base model along with a premium RDX powered by the 3.5-liter V6 used in the TSX sedan.

Acura RL
2012 Acura RL: Although plans for a rear-wheel-drive V8 model have been shelved, Acura is still planning to overhaul its flagship model in 2011. Given that the current TL already offers all the power, performance and size of the RL, look for Acura to take a few additional steps to differentiate its flagship sedan. One particular area where the RL could take the lead is hybrid power. Acura officials have gone on record saying that the brand will introduce more than one hybrid vehicle into its lineup and the RL could use such technology to give it additional horsepower without sacrificing fuel economy.

Acura Small Car
2013 Acura Small Car: Since the TSX has grown in size, there is room in the lineup for a new entry-level vehicle. Acura officials have said they are considering a model below the TSX as it will help the brand with its fuel-economy average as well as give it a direct competitor to the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.

Acura TL
2012 Acura TL: Fully redesigned in 2009, the Acura TL received a midcycle refresh for the 2012 model year.

Acura TSX
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon: The wagon version of the TSX sedan is being offered with a four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission only.
2013 Acura TSX: Acura is looking to add several hybrid models to its lineup and a gas-electric TSX is expected to be the first model to offer such technology. This model should arrive sometime in 2012.

Acura ZDX
2013 Acura ZDX: An all-new vehicle during the 2010 model year, the Acura ZDX will likely get a midcycle refresh around model year 2013.

KateVA

Any idea when Acura will produce a hybrid MDX? I have a 2005 MDX and I love it, but I'm getting ready for a new one. I'd love a hybrid and if they are planning one for 2013, I'll wait. If it's beyond that, I'll just go ahead and get a new one now.

mitchigan

LED's please!!!

JohnMCarney

My desire is to see the back-up camera come on immediately on shifting into reverse, rather than having to wait for the GPS to boot.

NJ06RL

Hmmm, our 2010 MDX tech/ent camera comes on regardless of whether the nav is booted up or not. No delays at all.

Rexorg

Ditto.

Svp50

When would the 2013 model year actually be available for purchase?

TiggaMan909

I'm guessing late summer/fall of 2012, unless they try and do an aggressive push with the full redesign, in which case maybe spring of 2012.

Rexorg

Acura is going to take it's time releasing the 3rd Gen '13? MDX, as the current model is selling well despite of the economy. I would guess the 3rd Gen base model will be close to $46K when it comes out, which could be a deal breaker for a lot of folks. My guess for introduction will be September or October 2012 after a short run of '12s, but it all depends if the assembly line is moved to Lincoln Alabama before 2013. If 2013 is still the target date for moving the line from Canada to Alabama then the 3rd Gen could be a '14 model and we will have to wait for 2 more years.

mtxjohn

Wow-13mpg? You must be a horribly unskilled driver. Maybe you should ride a bicycle. You may feel like you're "complaining" but you're just letting me know that you can't drive.

I rented a new Tahoe and got 22mpg for the entire tank. Thats a SIX THOUSAND POUND suv. With dual AC units and chock full of family.

I get upwards of 40MPG in my rsx-s. How? Because I dont drive like an idiot. Maybe you should invest in a scanguage of similar device to give you realtime feedback about your poor driving habits.

13mpg means youre using 77 gallons of fuel to go 1,000 miles.
22mpg means youre using 45 gallons of fuel to go 1,000 miles.
So it takes you 70% more fuel to drive a 3.7L Acura car-based SUV than it does me to drive a 6,000LB v8 equipped Tahoe?

A good carpenter doesn't blame his tools....