MDX 2020 changes
The 2018-2020 MDXs are pretty much identical. I think the only major change for those model years was the 19-20 MDX 3.5L Adv in fwd or sh-awd models adding electronic dampers. The 2017 MDXs have the updated styling; but, the previous gen info-tainment touch screen without carplay. Only the 17-20 MDX sport hybrid in tech or Adv will have Sport+ and electronic dampers if your are looking for a more sporty ride (no towing is the cost for the sporty ride).
For certain occasion, I like the Sport+ dynamic setting , driven in S (as supposed to D), makes the car transmission response like the PDK on Porsche 718 GTS.
It holds the gear when you are cornering, and downshift multiple gears by itself under hard braking so it slows down the car quicker and the RPM stays in the high power band,
It holds the gear when you are cornering, and downshift multiple gears by itself under hard braking so it slows down the car quicker and the RPM stays in the high power band,
For certain occasion, I like the Sport+ dynamic setting , driven in S (as supposed to D), makes the car transmission response like the PDK on Porsche 718 GTS.
It holds the gear when you are cornering, and downshift multiple gears by itself under hard braking so it slows down the car quicker and the RPM stays in the high power band,
It holds the gear when you are cornering, and downshift multiple gears by itself under hard braking so it slows down the car quicker and the RPM stays in the high power band,
I had some years of experience with VW Passat B7 (DSG with double clutches) driving, and I just trying now to compare them with this one type of transmission.
The first I would like to figure out, if the Sport+ Mode driving has saving the power flow during shifting/downshifting and jerks are not present here?
I find the Sport+ shifting to be quick and smooth; Which reminds me of the transmission feel of PDK 718 GTS that I have driven.
Obviously not a overall car driving experience since 718 GTS is a sport car, may be PDK on Porsche Macan will be closer in overall driving dynamic.
I have driven Porsche Cayenne which does not come with PDK (aka DCT in Acura) but with 8 Speed Tiptronic (fluid transmission with no clutch like Acura 9 speed auto), it is slower in shifting and still have the "slip" on non-clutch transmission but the "slip" makes it smoother also during shifting.
I am pleasantly surprised by the quick and smoothness of Acura DCT.
Obviously not a overall car driving experience since 718 GTS is a sport car, may be PDK on Porsche Macan will be closer in overall driving dynamic.
I have driven Porsche Cayenne which does not come with PDK (aka DCT in Acura) but with 8 Speed Tiptronic (fluid transmission with no clutch like Acura 9 speed auto), it is slower in shifting and still have the "slip" on non-clutch transmission but the "slip" makes it smoother also during shifting.
I am pleasantly surprised by the quick and smoothness of Acura DCT.
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There are some serious discounts on MDXs because of the 4th Gen coming out next year. I would drive at least 3 different models of the MDX to see which one your like (I would only go for sh-awd versions):
- A-Spec looks the sportiest with updated front/rear bumpers, oval exhaust tips, red accent interior, red gauges, sporty seats with inserts, sport steering wheel, and cooled seats. Has larger wheels; but, same suspension as the base and tech MDXs. The larger tires drop the mpgs a bit.
- MDX Adv has the most tech and they added active dampers. Acura didn't update the owner's manual and we "think" the active dampers go into the stiffer setting in IDS "Sport" mode. Probably be a more sporty ride with the Advance MDX compared to the base, tech, and A-spec MDX version.
- Sport Hybrid in Tech or Adv versions. Probably the best "bang for the buck" hybrid 6-7 passenger SUV with the best balance of performance+economy. Extremely smooth delivery of the EV+V-6 power and tq with very sporty handling with active dampers. No annoying Auto Stop-Start feature like the 3.5L MDXs for hybrids; but, it has I.C.E. with or without EV that is almost invisible in transition. You sometimes have to look at the rpms or Power distribution monitor to figure out if you are using EV only, I.C.E. or some combo of all 4 motors.
- A-Spec looks the sportiest with updated front/rear bumpers, oval exhaust tips, red accent interior, red gauges, sporty seats with inserts, sport steering wheel, and cooled seats. Has larger wheels; but, same suspension as the base and tech MDXs. The larger tires drop the mpgs a bit.
- MDX Adv has the most tech and they added active dampers. Acura didn't update the owner's manual and we "think" the active dampers go into the stiffer setting in IDS "Sport" mode. Probably be a more sporty ride with the Advance MDX compared to the base, tech, and A-spec MDX version.
- Sport Hybrid in Tech or Adv versions. Probably the best "bang for the buck" hybrid 6-7 passenger SUV with the best balance of performance+economy. Extremely smooth delivery of the EV+V-6 power and tq with very sporty handling with active dampers. No annoying Auto Stop-Start feature like the 3.5L MDXs for hybrids; but, it has I.C.E. with or without EV that is almost invisible in transition. You sometimes have to look at the rpms or Power distribution monitor to figure out if you are using EV only, I.C.E. or some combo of all 4 motors.
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drdomore
3G MDX (2014-2020)
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Feb 3, 2015 12:02 AM






