prince.osu

Hi MDXers

I yesterday signed a contract with a dealer on a 2014 MDX Tech FWD but yet to pick the car. But after reading on internet (I wish I haven't done it) I am regretting that I should have got a AWD. I live in Cali and definitely there is no need of AWD, but still I read lot about the SH-AWD handing etc. I am sure I will be missing it.
Since I am yet to get the delivery of the vehicle, I am thinking of buying 2016 Tech AWD instead. But the 2016 transmission issues and gear shifter makes me nervous. I have only these two choices as I am very fixed on a particular color and I can't leave this dealer.

Which choice do you recommend?

neo1738

Honestly for you more than the AWD vs. FWD is the 2014 had a few issues that were fixed on later 2015 and the 2016 lineup. I would consider the 2016 if available. Plus those jewel eyed LED headlights are just gorgeous

TMQ

2016. Then take it to the mountains. Do keep an eye on the transmission.

RDX10

The jewel eye led's were available since 2014....

Op, it is awd ALL THE WAY for me. Shawd is proactive, not just a reactive system. So like mentioned above, it aids in handling in dry conditions as well as wet conditons. In my opinion, living in cali you guys have quite a few beautiful winding roads and you will be using that shawd on a daily basis. Mrgold35 has an rdx and mdx (both with shawd) and he lives in arizona and I am sure he uses the shawd daily.

jimihaha

If you're concerned about the 9 spd in the 2016, just go look for the 2015 Tech AWD. With the 2015, you get a better version of the 2014 and no 9 spd worries, plus it's cheaper than the 2016.

mdx001

I don't know about this. I have a 2015 MDX with sh-awd and a 2015 TLX with fwd and they both handle very well. The TLX seems to have a rocket like take off while the MDX is a little slower and they both handle well in curves. I don't think the average driver who doesn't push the car to the limits would see much difference. My AWD decision is because of the climate I live in.

RDX10

The TLX is quite a bit lower than the mdx with a much lower center of gravity, so it is no surprise that it handles much better than the mdx and is also faster. Pay attention to the screen in the dash that shows the shawd working, you will notice it activates even on mild turns. Imho the new gen mdx is like a boat in fwd trim.

LuvMyTSX

I too had reservations about the transmission before I purchased my 2016 in April. I tried to get a later build so hopefully issues would be worked out, and so far it's been a great car after 6000 miles. If you haven't test driven the 2016, make sure you do, and try to experience low speeds as well as high speeds, to get a sense of how it behaves. I haven't experienced any of the surging or other issues some others have and I've been very happy with the car.

As as for the gear selector, it was a big change at first and was strange to get used to, but now I actually like it and don't really miss the old shifter.

neo1738

My sentiments exactly.

mondster

I have a 2015 shawd, currently have a 2016 loaner. Im happy i have the 6 speed. The 9zf still has its quirks

MCRacer

On the handling, the MDX has a very heavy front wheel weight bias, something like 60+%, IIRC, couple that with FWD only and the car is going to push (understeer) in corners. Likely noticeable even in mild cornering. On the AWD, the rear torque vectoring can add some rear wheel steering effect to help overcome some of the FWD bias and understeer in cornering and help the MDX become more neutral in handling.

Having driven the AWD and owning a hybrid, the hybrid torque vectoring is even more pronounced by appling breaking force to one rear wheel and driving force to the other with the result the MDX handles more like a RWD car with near 50/50 weight distribution. At least compared to my RWD cars with near 50/50 weight distribution. Still doesn't overcome the higher center of gravity.

Will a different front sway bar help? Don't think it will make much difference, actually a rear sway bar would be better.