Traded my TL for a 17 MDX......
 

After almost 4 years, the day had finally come. Having 3 kids that are very active and with my wife and I having to divide an conquer on many occasions we decided to trade in my beloved 13 SHAWD Advanced TL on an MDX. She has a 15 Suburban so we needed another midsize SUV. I though about other rides (Q7, XC90, Highlander, and Pilot) but the combination of features and driving experience for the money had me go straight for the MDX. Yes, I know Acura has some shortcomings, but the MDX is a great vehicle. I drove some certified 15s, I drove a leftover 16 Tech/Ent but none felt as good as the 17 Tech. The transmission (which is why I started looking at 15s) feels great, the shifts are smooth and it seems to make the "only" 290 HP seem very eager. The suspension feels planted and composed. This was my main complaint on my TL. The TLs suspension seemed brittle, too eager to crash, especially in the rear. As good as the engine/drivetrain/transmission combo seemed great in that car, the suspension was a disappointment. Had I kept the TL, I would have eventually modified it.

The Tech in this car is enough for me. I'm not a huge Tech guy. I use the Nav and The ELS sound system sounds great. LKAS is annoying and I turn it off.

For me its all about how the MDX drives! For a 3 row SUV, it handles extremely well and is pretty fun to drive. Yeah I know the X5 is probably better but I don't trust the reliability and didn't really want to spend an extra . I'm already thinking about upgrading the tires. I wish Michelin made the Pilot A/S 3 in the 20 inch wheel size. I would put those on and get some dedicated snow tires. I will see how the Contis work but from the reviews I read, they aren't the best.

So there you have it. I am now an MDX owner. Long live my TL, I hope it goes to a good home, it was a great car and I will miss it. But for the money, the MDX is a good as a 3 row SUV gets. Good Job Acura!

Congrats!!

Does any of the kids sit in the 3rd row?

Occasionally, my kids are 17, 13, and 7. The third row works in a pinch when you have to take a bunch of people. Mostly I needed more cargo room for stuff.

Type-S Rph - Congrats on your new MDX. May I ask the color and whether you will be posting pics? I find the MDX is a great SUV and the biggest Acura success story so you did a great choice. It is sad when you consider Acura has an NSX that no one can afford, an RLX that no one wants to buy, a TLX still riddled with problems and an ILX that is far from being the best vehicle Acura has ever produced (we had one so I am speaking from experience). So people are wondering why the MDX and RDX do so well.....(lol)

Thanks Weather. It's a black on black tech. I wanted modern steel w ebony but the dealer couldn't find one and I didn't feel like waiting. So I had them throw in all season mats and the trunk tray and call it a day. When it gets nicer out I will post pics but it looks like every other 17.........for now.....

Congrats! great choice.

Type-S Rph, I considered the MDX and TLX, but went with the TLX at the end, I am wondering if you would think the third row seat would make the trunk feel smaller? One of the primary reasons I didn't go MDX was the third row seat...

;

You know it folds flat right? Folded down it has one of the largest cargo capacities in it's class.

I was never really happy with my 2015 MDX Tech until I got rid of the Contis and replaced them with Michelin Latitudes (I too wanted the Pilot A/S 3 but no such luck). The Latitudes handle SO much better, it is remarkable. Do it right away, you won't regret it!