Any insight on the long-term reliability of the ZF 9-speed transmission on a 2020 MDX? Its a major hold up for me as I am debating on pulling the trigger in buying one. Test drove a 2020 MDX A-spec and really liked the car. Have read lots of negatives regarding <18 model years and the jerkiness of the transmission. Have heard some say its been fixed in the 19/20 years, but some say there are still problems out with it. Some have said to purchase an extended warranty or wait for a 21. Dont want a 21 due to high demand and first year model bugs. Appreciate the help!

 

The solution is to buy the Hybrid with the dual clutch 7 speed.
A much better car in so many ways. The only caveat is that you cannot tow with it.

 

Very interested in the hybrid, only problem is they are scare and the only ones that are available are the advance hybrid, which is out of my price range.

 

Does it have to be a new MDX? Depending on where you live, there are some pre-owned hybrids out there for the taking from the '18 and '19 model year. Heck, I see a rare one showing up on Carmax in Idaho. Not much difference from the '18 to the '20. Plus there is nothing wrong with pre-owned. Someone else already took the early year depreciation hit. Especially a good buy if purchased from a Honda/Acura dealership with certification.

 

My 19 RDX Aspec has been flawless with about 40,000 miles on it. The transmission is smooth.

 

Would love the pre-owned verified route, problem is there isn’t any around me.

When I drive the mdx, does the jerkiness occur around the shift from 2nd to 3rd gear?

 

I currently lease a 2017 hybrid and will be leasing a 2020 9 speed in a few weeks. I love the hybrid but there are not many around so took an extended test drive in the 9 speed. It was smooth in all driving situations. Many reviews on You tube relate no issues or minor ones with the transmission which has been tweaked since its introduction. I also lease a 2018 TLX AWD and have had no issues with the 9 speed transmission in 25,000 miles. I suggest that you take an extended test drive-you may be pleasantly surprised with the performance.

 

Just got the 20 A-spec, there is some jerkiness at low speed but smooth on acceleration, my only issue is there is a bit of delay when you press gas at hwy speed. The RDX 10-speed is very quick to respond compare to 9 speed, but the problem for me are the very short gears, you will probably have 5 or 6 gears already in one block at 40mph speed from traffic light start, gets annoying most of the time. But I would choose the 10 speed instead of the 9 speed anytime because of the quick response. The good thing about the MDX is the V6 engine and the very solid built, im okay with the dated infotaiment as long as it has the Apple Carplay.

 

RCJD - great insight. Do you think this just one of quirks of the 9 - speed? I will do an extended test drive and see if I notice a delay in when the gas is pressed on the highway and any hesitancy at low speeds. Any thing else I should look for?

 

I know they are scarce but if you have the time and the patience, it is certainly worthwhile!
Last August I got a great deal on a Hybrid Tech. My only compromise was the color.

 

Chot - its really just the transmission and it really feels and drives a lot heavy compare to the new RDX which only have 200 lbs difference.

 

From a GMC Sierra with their terrible 8-speed to an ‘18 MDX Tech with a weird but not terrible 9 speed to my ‘20 MDX Tech AWD with an imperfect but much better 9 speed, I think this is great.

i do note I strongly prefer to daily drive in Sport now, when in the ‘18 I didn’t care to do that and left it in Normal.

 

The 9 speed is in hundreds of thousands of cars from many manufacturers. It has "odd" shifting behavior because of it's dual dog clutch design, but it is not unreliable. 2020 are likely going to be the best model year of the 3rd gen MDX yet. Take care of your car and it will take care of you. Cheers

 

the 9speed is fine. I had it in the 16, traded it in at 65k miles, no issues. I even changed the oil late at 60k and it was pure black. In my 2020, i will change the oil at 45-50k miles. ZF makes great AT. 2 of my BMW have ZF 6speed, still run fine at 150k miles and original oil. At 150k miles, I just don't want to take the risk to change it.

 

So you think I would be fine going w/ the 2020? Looking to keep the car well over 150K miles, hopefully trouble free?

 

I mean nothing is guaranteed but I bet my own money on this car lasting me a decade. I am even more optimistic about a 2020 because Acura has had 6 years to address issues with this generation (and 4 years to optimize the behavior of the transmission). Mine is a 17 and has been flawless so far.

 

I can say from personal experience that the ZF has gotten better with each year for sure. I had a 2018 TLX A-spec and it was much better and smoother than the 2015-2017s. I am now in a 2020 MDX A-spec and its better than the TLX was. While the ZF has it's imperfections, its a fairly reliable unit. You should have no issue with long term longevity. What color are you considering?

 

White w/ black interior. I have test driven it several times. Really likes the way it handles. It feels solid and confident (coming from an accord and pilot owner). You would not believe how I have been going back and forth between MDX and RX 350. I have 1 dealer down to about $49K OTD on the MDX.

 

Excellent color choice and my personal favorite. Only reason I didn't go with White/Black was my TLX was white and needed a change, so I went with modern steel. 49k OTD is a pretty good deal! I say go MDX... here is mine for inspiration

 

what are the red streaks on your driver's side doors?

 

Looks like a refection to me

 

Reflections from orange parking cones