2020 Acura MDX Redesign Odds
#1
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2020 Acura MDX Redesign Odds
With the 2019 RDX getting a complete refresh and the ILX getting a refreshed look for 2019 what are the odds for a 2020 MDX complete redesign? Does this new break at a certain time in the industry? This has probably been discussed here and was curious if anyone has seen any credible news stories or even spy photos of a 2020 MDX. I love the look of the RDX and can't wait to see what they do with the MDX.
#2
With the 2019 RDX getting a complete refresh and the ILX getting a refreshed look for 2019 what are the odds for a 2020 MDX complete redesign? Does this new break at a certain time in the industry? This has probably been discussed here and was curious if anyone has seen any credible news stories or even spy photos of a 2020 MDX. I love the look of the RDX and can't wait to see what they do with the MDX.
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mrgold35 (08-07-2018)
#3
mrgold35
I would be surprised if the next gen MDX would look any different from the 2019 RDX other than a longer wheel base for 3rd row, few more tech extras, upgrade in luxury materials, and new engine like a 3.0T. I see it as a 2021 model with an early 2020 release date. Acura still needs to update the ILX, TLX, and RLX and they need to space out the release dates. The RDX and MDX will always be the top sellers for Acura in this SUV/CUV market with SUVs getting almost the same mpgs as sedans of a few years ago.
#4
I would be surprised if the next gen MDX would look any different from the 2019 RDX other than a longer wheel base for 3rd row, few more tech extras, upgrade in luxury materials, and new engine like a 3.0T. I see it as a 2021 model with an early 2020 release date. Acura still needs to update the ILX, TLX, and RLX and they need to space out the release dates. The RDX and MDX will always be the top sellers for Acura in this SUV/CUV market with SUVs getting almost the same mpgs as sedans of a few years ago.
The good:
- I like the exterior styling.
- I (mostly) like the interior styling. The oversized dynamic mode knob is a bit awkward... I'm sure that could be something better.
- Size is good (for RDX class).
- Infotainment is dramatically improved.
- Seats are massively improved!
- For a 4 cylinder, it makes impressive power. (FOR A 4 CYLINDER)
- Ventilated seats are present, but ventilation is weak compared to other brands.
- Materials quality was disappointing. MDX needs to have much nicer materials for me to consider it. The biggest material fail is the palm rest near the touchpad; it's covered in a cheap-looking vinyl. This needs to be leather, at least in Tech/Advance trims. another example is the dash. We should see a stitched dash in at least the Advance trim.
- No remote start from key fob. Really, wtf?
- No power folding side mirrors. Really, wtf?
- Power delivery is not acceptable. This engine/transmission combo is jerky and lacks refinement. I'm not sure Acura can do much better with a 4 cylinder -- unless they add IMA. This is just an area where more cylinders + displacement are going to provide a smoother experience. MDX needs to retain a V6 powerplant, imo. I'll take my J35/ZF9, any day, over the current RDX powertrain.
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RLX-Sport Hybrid (09-02-2018)
#5
mrgold35
For some reason, Acura doesn't put the same effort into their interiors for the RDX/MDX compared to the sedans? I've noticed most SUV luxury brands interiors are 1-2 levels below the sedan in the same price range. I'm thinking all the bad you mentioned for the 19 RDX will at least be an option for the next gen MDX in the tech or Adv versions (except for real cooled seats). I would be fine with the 3.0T for the next gen MDX because I live and travel between 5000-7500 feet and up to 11,000 feet sometimes. My 08 RDX 2.3T drives the best compared to my 11 MDX and 06 TSX at those altitudes.
#7
For some reason, Acura doesn't put the same effort into their interiors for the RDX/MDX compared to the sedans? I've noticed most SUV luxury brands interiors are 1-2 levels below the sedan in the same price range. I'm thinking all the bad you mentioned for the 19 RDX will at least be an option for the next gen MDX in the tech or Adv versions (except for real cooled seats). I would be fine with the 3.0T for the next gen MDX because I live and travel between 5000-7500 feet and up to 11,000 feet sometimes. My 08 RDX 2.3T drives the best compared to my 11 MDX and 06 TSX at those altitudes.
In 2011 Kia came out with the all new sorento and all new optima (both flagship models in their respective lines), the sorento had entirely hard plastic dash and doors. Very cheap feeling. The Optima had soft touch dash with faux stitching and soft touch upper doors. The Optima also had cooled driver and passenger seat and heated front and rear seats. The sorento only had a cooled driver seat and heated front seats. Furthermore the optima had powered sunroof shades but the sorento was manual. That's just an example from Kia but I see it ALL the time with other automakers as well.
In my opinion this latest RDX is by far nicer than the current MDX even, and the MDX is always MUCH nicer than the RDX, so expect the next gen MDX to be incredible. I'm thinking leather stitched dash and doors, real aluminum...etc.
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mrgold35 (08-08-2018)
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#9
mrgold35
Acura could fall off the deep end again and go with the Concept D version from a Chinese auto show from a few years ago.
#10
#11
Hey, don't shoot me but I actually think that has the potential to be something very nice. I mean it has a lot of ZDX lines and I think a Acuraized version of this called the ZDX would be really cool.
#12
mrgold35
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RDX10 (08-26-2018)
#13
For some reason, Acura doesn't put the same effort into their interiors for the RDX/MDX compared to the sedans? I've noticed most SUV luxury brands interiors are 1-2 levels below the sedan in the same price range. I'm thinking all the bad you mentioned for the 19 RDX will at least be an option for the next gen MDX in the tech or Adv versions (except for real cooled seats). I would be fine with the 3.0T for the next gen MDX because I live and travel between 5000-7500 feet and up to 11,000 feet sometimes. My 08 RDX 2.3T drives the best compared to my 11 MDX and 06 TSX at those altitudes.
#14
Applying the RDX refresh to the MDX is what I am currently waiting for. The added size and all the latest bells and whistles plus MDX features not available on the RDX would be ideal for me. Unless we start seeing some spy shots of the 4G MDX in the next few months, I don't think it's coming until 2020.
#15
Burning Brakes
Applying the RDX refresh to the MDX is what I am currently waiting for. The added size and all the latest bells and whistles plus MDX features not available on the RDX would be ideal for me. Unless we start seeing some spy shots of the 4G MDX in the next few months, I don't think it's coming until 2020.
#16
- HUD
- Panoramic moonroof
- Remote start via smartphone app
- Adjustable thigh support on front seats.
- Adjustable side bolsters on front seats.
- Ability to set "height limit" on rear tailgate.
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#18
I would expect the new MDX to look like a bigger RDX. The big ass dial in the center stack, back to buttons for the climate controls and a touch pad with a single screen sticking out of the top.
#19
Advanced
iTrader: (1)
The current dual screen setup on the MDX is actually pretty user friendly, especially with the new capacitive touch screen in the 2018+ MDX. Hope the redesigned MDX will address some of these issues on the RDX.
#20
To be honest I wasn't particularly too thrilled with the 2019 RDX's true touchpad interface. It sounds great in theory, but in practice it is still not as intuitive as a touch screen or using a large dial. I still have to "guess" where to touch on the touchpad that will mimic the icons on the screen, especially for the icons located toward the center of the screen. In order to "guess" correctly, I still had to look down at the pad to get my references correct. Also the large single screen sticking out on the dash is a nightmare for glares at certain times during the day. The large round dial is also a complete waste of real estate. Seriously, how often do we drive around and constantly changing the driving dynamics from normal to sport?
#21
To be honest I wasn't particularly too thrilled with the 2019 RDX's true touchpad interface. It sounds great in theory, but in practice it is still not as intuitive as a touch screen or using a large dial. I still have to "guess" where to touch on the touchpad that will mimic the icons on the screen, especially for the icons located toward the center of the screen. In order to "guess" correctly, I still had to look down at the pad to get my references correct. Also the large single screen sticking out on the dash is a nightmare for glares at certain times during the day. The large round dial is also a complete waste of real estate. Seriously, how often do we drive around and constantly changing the driving dynamics from normal to sport?
The current dual screen setup on the MDX is actually pretty user friendly, especially with the new capacitive touch screen in the 2018+ MDX. Hope the redesigned MDX will address some of these issues on the RDX.
The current dual screen setup on the MDX is actually pretty user friendly, especially with the new capacitive touch screen in the 2018+ MDX. Hope the redesigned MDX will address some of these issues on the RDX.
#22
There are four lights!
I still fail to see what the touchpad does that the old rotary knob didn't do better in a moving vehicle. The only thing they should have done is move the rotary wheel to the position of the touchpad and then if they really want to keep allowing the hand writing recognition they should make the top of the wheel touch senstive. I've seen a few reviews now mention that they did get used to the pad after a couple days but that it was still awkward and better suited for a rotary knob. I personally agree.
#23
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TBH, I have a feeling the 2020 MDX will be a bigger RDX with a few changes:
1. More power may be 295-300 HP
2. Massage seats
3. Adaptive dampers standard
4. Few minor changes like stitched dash, more wood, less plastic and etc.
Thoughts?
1. More power may be 295-300 HP
2. Massage seats
3. Adaptive dampers standard
4. Few minor changes like stitched dash, more wood, less plastic and etc.
Thoughts?
#24
There are four lights!
We probably don't have to wait long either. The 2020 TLX supposedly out next year will give us a look at what the MDX might be as both platforms share lots of common bits.
Last edited by ZipSpeed; 08-28-2018 at 04:07 PM.
#25
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Looks wise, I'm expecting a bigger version of the RDX design language. So the 7 LED jewel eye headlamps and dragon tail tail lamps with full LEDs everywhere, including the turn signals (RDX has incandescent). In the interior, a full digital speedo/tach cluster and maybe a larger infotainment screen. Better appointment of interior materials (e.g. Nappa vs the Milano found in the RDX). V6T standard.
We probably don't have to wait long either. The 2020 TLX supposedly out next year will give us a look at what the MDX might be as both platforms share lots of common bits.
We probably don't have to wait long either. The 2020 TLX supposedly out next year will give us a look at what the MDX might be as both platforms share lots of common bits.
But I m not sure about the new TLX for next year.
#27
Car Crazy for Sure!
To be honest I wasn't particularly too thrilled with the 2019 RDX's true touchpad interface. It sounds great in theory, but in practice it is still not as intuitive as a touch screen or using a large dial. I still have to "guess" where to touch on the touchpad that will mimic the icons on the screen, especially for the icons located toward the center of the screen. In order to "guess" correctly, I still had to look down at the pad to get my references correct. Also the large single screen sticking out on the dash is a nightmare for glares at certain times during the day. The large round dial is also a complete waste of real estate. Seriously, how often do we drive around and constantly changing the driving dynamics from normal to sport?
The current dual screen setup on the MDX is actually pretty user friendly, especially with the new capacitive touch screen in the 2018+ MDX. Hope the redesigned MDX will address some of these issues on the RDX.
The current dual screen setup on the MDX is actually pretty user friendly, especially with the new capacitive touch screen in the 2018+ MDX. Hope the redesigned MDX will address some of these issues on the RDX.
to locate....I just do a sweep on the pad and land on what I want to go in to. Overall...I'm so used to the dual screens....that I do prefer them.
My GM believes the 2020 MDX will be the redesign year.....but, he gets fooled sometimes by Acura. But, it is what he believes to be true. We'll see. Honda Motor Corp. is always so
secretive and holds info very close to their "vests." They rarely tell the dealer's much on just when a model will be coming out, etc.
Last edited by Colorado Guy AF Ret.; 08-29-2018 at 11:21 PM.
#28
I also have liked the "dual screens" in my past 3 Gen 2 RDX's, and my '18 TLX A-Spec. The MDX still has for '19 and I like it...works for me! I currently own the new RDX. The touch pad is OK....I don't try to find the "sweet spot" to locate....I just do a sweep on the pad and land on what I want to go in to. Overall...I'm so used to the dual screens....that I do prefer them.
My GM believes the 2020 MDX will be the redesign year.....but, he gets fooled sometimes by Acura. But, it is what he believes to be true. We'll see. Honda Motor Corp. is always so secretive and holds info very close to their "vests." They rarely tell the dealer's much on just when a model will be coming out, etc.
#29
mrgold35
2. I would get more use from more seat adjustments and maybe pedal adjustment (wife 4'11" and I'm 6'3")
3. I'm cool with an adv/a-spec/sport hybrid with adaptive dampers, larger sway bars, sport+ mode, larger tires, upgraded rims/brakes, sport tuned exhaust.
4. Love the option being standard or in the accessories section for different materials for a luxury or sporty direction for the interior
5. I would like the option for a digital dash with 3D navi
6. real cooled seats, not ventilated
7. standard 2nd row rear heated seats (or just the tech/adv/hybrid models)
8. more adjustments for headrest either manual or powered
9. standard 360 degree camera and/or front/rear parking sensors and/or auto park system
Cool feature: can also use the 360 degree camera as a dash cam system in parking mode or when driving
#30
One thing I can say for certain is with the 2019 MDX, Acura nailed the Advance wheels. 2019 RDX Advance wheels are putrid.
#31
I took a 2019 RDX Advance for a test drive, last weekend. Overall, a nice vehicle, and a HUGE improvement over the 2018 RDX. However, it's still not providing MDX-level functionality and practicality. In a way, I was let down with the RDX. I'm okay with Acura borrowing heavily from the RDX, but they'll need to step up their game even further to get me to replace my MDX.
The good:
The good:
- I like the exterior styling.
- I (mostly) like the interior styling. The oversized dynamic mode knob is a bit awkward... I'm sure that could be something better.
- Size is good (for RDX class).
- Infotainment is dramatically improved.
- Seats are massively improved!
- For a 4 cylinder, it makes impressive power. (FOR A 4 CYLINDER)
- Ventilated seats are present, but ventilation is weak compared to other brands.
- Materials quality was disappointing. MDX needs to have much nicer materials for me to consider it. The biggest material fail is the palm rest near the touchpad; it's covered in a cheap-looking vinyl. This needs to be leather, at least in Tech/Advance trims. another example is the dash. We should see a stitched dash in at least the Advance trim.
- No remote start from key fob. Really, wtf?
- No power folding side mirrors. Really, wtf?
- Power delivery is not acceptable. This engine/transmission combo is jerky and lacks refinement. I'm not sure Acura can do much better with a 4 cylinder -- unless they add IMA. This is just an area where more cylinders + displacement are going to provide a smoother experience. MDX needs to retain a V6 powerplant, imo. I'll take my J35/ZF9, any day, over the current RDX powertrain.
#32
Does it frustrate anyone else that the new Passport is instantly better than the RDX? A lot better. And a V-6.
I’m hoping the 4G MDX is that much better than the Passport as the Passport is versus the RDX.
But you've got to keep in kind how much better a Civic Type R is compared to an ILX.
Honda gets the good stuff. My guess is that MDX will have to wait another year.
I’m hoping the 4G MDX is that much better than the Passport as the Passport is versus the RDX.
But you've got to keep in kind how much better a Civic Type R is compared to an ILX.
Honda gets the good stuff. My guess is that MDX will have to wait another year.
#34
Looks like they think we'll see the next generation MDX next year, for what it is worth.
https://www.vtec.net/modelmatrix/
https://www.vtec.net/modelmatrix/
#36
It shows a full redesign for the MDX, RLX and TLX in the same year. Sounds really ambitious. I hope it's true for at least the MDX since that's what I'm waiting on. Although a RDX Type S sounds intriguing as well.
#37
There are four lights!
I would love to see the MDX and TLX getting the FMC in the same year. Planning to move to a MDX when my TLX lease is done. Just like the current MDX and TLX, there's a few common bits it shares, and I expect the next gen MDX and TLX to continuing sharing. RLX just received a MMC not too long ago so I don't see it getting a FMC anytime soon, if ever. Just can the vehicle. Nobody is buying it.
#38
I'd be surprised if they launch that many complete redesigned models in the same year, that would spread attention to detail too thin for any specific model which will lead to a large number of reliability issues which have plagued acura the past few years and the main reason for their mediocre brand ratings.
It would be wise for them to focus on a single model or even wait another year to finish working the kinks out of the rdx so future vehicles don't suffer from the same issues.
It would be wise for them to focus on a single model or even wait another year to finish working the kinks out of the rdx so future vehicles don't suffer from the same issues.
#39
Also considering it's already December, there hasn't been a single spy shot of the new mdx undergoing testing and Detroit auto show where acura always introduces new models is only a month away, that seems to suggest that the redesign mdx won't launch next year. Either that, or they've kept it more under wraps than any other vehicle launch and will surprise everyone next month. Either could happen but playing the odds I'd say it's slightly more likely it won't be coming next year as otherwise we'd have seen spy shots of it undergoing track and street testing. No way you don't do extensive testing on a completely redesigned model and if you do no way to keep that a secret.
#40
Here's another source that predicts the MDX redesign coming in 2019. They think the TLX would come in 2020. I think this is pretty dated as well (Looks like its from mid 2017). Interesting to see what actually happens.
http://www.autonews.com/assets/pdf/f...ssan-honda.pdf
http://www.autonews.com/assets/pdf/f...ssan-honda.pdf