munkeepoo

You can now build the 2016 MDX on Acura's website. There is a new Lunar Silver Metallic which looks nice.

jayth.lg

it has a blueish tint to it, imo.

HokieAcura

I will be keeping an eye on the 2016 mdx to see what the initial reviewers think when they drive it with the new 9-speed. Very disappointed that the EPA highway fuel economy went down. As others have mentioned on here maybe real-world fuel economy will go up? Curious why Acura made the gamble as it seems most of you current 2G and 3G owners are happy with the current 6-speed and it seems fairly proven and reliable?

Is this a case where the marketing dept. got in a rush to lay claim to the 9-speed transmission before all the details and quirks were ironed out? Only time will tell.

Anyone know the tranny fluid change intervals on the ZF 9-speed, is it a fairly easy DIY?

MyT6MT

Shit! Now they offer white with a black interior. I wanted white on my 2015 but opted for silver since they did not offer black interior in the white MDX. Dickheads! Oh well!

mdxrebel

Now that Acura watch is available with all trim levels, do you guys think Advance trim is worth $8715 over MDX base with Acura watch ?
I initially want to buy 2015 Advance since it has all the safety features. Not sure what to do now.

ono

[QUOTE=Tigmd99;15323512]Just out today: [url=http://blog.caranddriver.com/holy-shift-zf-9-speed-automatic-problems-mount-chrysler-releases-third-software-update-for-jeep-cherokee/]

While NHTSA has not launched an investigation, Jeep dealers are replacing between 12 to 15 transmissions a week, according to AN. Aside from Honda, there have been no recalls for this transmission, only lots of frustrated owners from these first-year vehicles.

“We have had to do an inordinate amount of intervention on that transmission, surely beyond what any of us had forecast,” FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said at the Detroit auto show last month."

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I’ve read generally good things about the Aisin 8 speed. Also, a friend has this in his 2014 Touareg, and feels it’s much better that his previous Touareg that had a 6 speed.

I’m leery of the 9 speed ZF, but it looks like Chrysler and Jeep "license/tweak transmissions from ZF rather than developing their own”; and I read elsewhere (can’t readily find it) that they manufacture their version as well. (I don’t know if Acura is buying from ZF or manufacturing their own version. Hopefully, they aren’t sourcing them from Chysler/Jeep.)

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/04/read-between-the-lines-volvos-8-speed-automatic/

The big boys in passenger car automatic transmission design are: ZF, GM, Aisin, Mercedes, Jatco and Hyundai. Why am I not including Chrysler and Honda? Chrysler is easy: they have chosen to license/tweak transmissions from ZF rather than developing their own. Ford can’t make up their mind co-developing a 6-speed transaxle with GM, then licensing ZF’s 6-speed RWD swapper. All indications seem to point to Ford licensing the 8-speed RWD box from ZF while splitting development costs with GM on new xx-speed transaxles for smaller cars. Honda doesn’t tend to sell its in-house transmissions to other companies and if the rumor mill is correct, Honda will be buying ZF’s 9-speed transaxle while they shift R&D dollars to CVT development.

accord1999

There was a comment posted on vtec.net by a TLX V6 owner who test drove the 2016 MDX and found it greatly improved vs the TLX:

The Temple of VTEC - Honda and Acura Enthusiasts Online Forums > 2016 Acura MDX receives several powertrain upgrades > > Re: Oh, Oh! 9AT and Acura watch

For the TLX, it recommends 40K miles then every 30K miles if often driving in mountainous areas. Otherwise, it's up to the Maintenance Minder.

ono

If I were ZF, I would be upset with the black-eye the 9 speed is getting, maybe because Fiat Chrysler/Jeep is screwing up.

More on Fiat Chrysler/Jeep licensing and manufacturing of ZF 9:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_9HP_transmission

Production of 9HP at Indiana Transmission Plant I (ITPI) began in May 2013, followed by Tipton Transmission Plant at Tipton County, Indiana in 2014-05-13. The Chrysler transmission units used parts from Kokomo, Ind. Castings, with machining of the prismatic parts - housings, blocks and heads - done at Kokomo Transmission; and the rotating parts – gears and crank shafts – came from ITPI.[9]


Chrysler Starts Producing 9-Speed Auto At Tipton Facility - Video, Photo Gallery - autoevolution

After years of sitting idle, the American manufacturer recently celebrated the reopening of its facility in Tipton County. With the help of three nearby facilities located in Kokomo, the Indiana-based plant will manufacture an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission.

The first American production vehicle to be fitted with the ZF 9HP gearbox was the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, which was followed by the 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size luxury sedan. Jaguar and Land Rover adopted the new unit as well, while the Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI BlueTec uses an in-house developed 9G-Tronictransmission.

But why do you need gears that rival the number of those fitted to a mountain bike? Simply put, those extra cogs offer three main advantages: improved comfort, better mpg figures and better kick-down response. According to ZF officials, the 9HP can save up to 16 percent more fuel than a normal six-speed automatic, while shift times are kept below the threshold of human perception.

The 9HP gearbox was specially developed for front-transverse drive cars due to the fact that over 75 percent of modern passenger vehicles built around the world feature this type of engine and driveline layout.

Chrysler's Tipton Transmission Plant is the first American facility to industrialize the nine-speed automatic. According to Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the plant will initially employ about 600 workers by the end of the year.

Transmissions built in the 782,000 square-foot facility will be exported to Italy, Turkey, Brazil and China as well. When it reaches full capacity, Tipton will ship about 800,000 finished transmissions to Toledo, Ohio, for use in the Jeep Cherokee and Sterling Heights, Michigan, for the Chrysler 200.

ono

Thanks accord 1999. That person's comments are encouraging:

FWIW I just drove a 2016 MDX. The TLX V6 I am driving now has 4500 miles on it.

I would never guess the transmission is the same. Everything I don't like about the 9AT in the TLX doesn't happen in a '16 MDX. No hard shifts or hunting or delayed upshifts.

FYI-the IDS is still Comfort/Normal/Sport. No Sport+.

Also, the heated seats appear to link to the climate control in all trim levels now (I drove a base AWD).

As long as we don't see failure rates increase this is a net positive.
I also suspect that the EPA testing method is not particularly kind to the 9 speed and that real world MPG will not suffer."

blacktsxwagon

I think Tech plus AcuraWatch is now the best value IMHO

hondu

[QUOTE=ono;15325726]Don't forget Honda makes the 8-speed DCT and I believe they also make the 7-speed DCT for the hybrid system. Not sure how long they will continue to make their 6-speed anymore.

jayth.lg

How reliable are the 7 speed, 8 speed and 9 speed transmissions?

Tigmd99

Let's hope that the 7- and 8-speed transmissions are much better than 9-HP ZF transmission....

Edward'TLS

[QUOTE=hondu;15326261]The low-tech 6-speed will always have its place in the economy Honda brand vehicle lineups, due to cost.

It just the premium Acura brand vehicles that have all the exclusive use of the latest auto technologies.

Tigmd99

Interesting read: Acura MDX: 2016 vs. 2015 - Consumer Reports

hondu

They haven't even driven the 2016, so I would take their response with a grain of salt right now.

Tigmd99

They express caution due to their experience with TLX.

RDX FAN

What, nine speeds forward and still only one in reverse?

jayth.lg

Acura hasn't adopted the parallel parking yet correct?

Tigmd99

Had it on Prius...never used it once in 4 yrs of ownership....

CybrRdr

Whoa! 16 different configurations to choose from?!

2016 MDX $42,8651
2016 MDX with AcuraWatch Plus $44,365
2016 MDX with Technology Package $47,290
2016 MDX with Technology and AcuraWatch Plus Packages $48,490
2016 MDX with Technology and Entertainment Packages $49,290
2016 MDX with Technology, Entertainment and AcuraWatch Plus Packages $50,490
2016 MDX with Advance Package $53,080
2016 MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages $55,080
2016 MDX SH-AWD $44,865
2016 MDX SH-AWD with AcuraWatch Plus $46,365
2016 MDX SH-AWD with Technology Package $49,290
2016 MDX SH-AWD with Technology and AcuraWatch Plus Packages $50,490
2016 MDX SH-AWD with Technology and Entertainment Packages $51,290
2016 MDX SH-AWD with Technology, Entertainment and AcuraWatch Plus Packages $52,490
2016 MDX SH-AWD with Advance Package $55,080
2016 MDX SH-AWD with Advance and Entertainment Packages $57,080

blacktsxwagon

Yeah compared to the 2010-2013 which only had 5:

MDX
MDX with Technology Package
MDX with Technology and Entertainment Packages
MDX with Advance Package
MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages

hondu

Add color combos to the list and it grows dramatically. Acura is getting closer to BMW, where you will have to custom order to get what you want (which is a good thing for BMW), since I doubt dealers will inventory every combo possible. Try finding an Advance model in red or blue...

hadokenuh

Don't complain (I know you are not ).

This is definitely what Acura should be doing for all other models. Good for them, finally listen to consumers.

Next step: Individual Options.

Edward'TLS

The more choices the better.

This way it is becoming to mimic the custom order vehicles that are available from the European luxury auto brands.

Tigmd99

True, but this may also increase cost of vehicle, like those Euro brands.

xedap1998

2016 Honda pilot higher trim is also getting the 9 speeds...wondering if it going to steal some of MDX sales

Tigmd99

Very nice vehicle. But i do not see much mention of it being a quiet vehicle or what has Honda done to quiet it down on the road. Very practical for sure. 9-speed auto...not sold on that.

Yeah, the main reason i buy MDX was the quietness of it and mix of luxury, performance, and practicality.

Oh yeah, i hate dealing with Honda & Toyota dealerships.

Tigmd99

Did anyone notice that the new 2016 MDX has a larger/wider turning circle???

xedap1998

Premium Style and Features
The all-new design of the 2016 Pilot sports a modern, sleek, yet commanding and muscular form incorporating new premium features, including optional brighter and more efficient LED projector headlights with auto high beam technology, available signature LED daytime running lights and taillights, plus available 20-inch wheels and a first-ever panoramic roof option. The premium quality of the new Pilot carries over to the interior, where designers have applied high-quality, soft- touch materials throughout the cabin and added thoughtful details such as LED map lighting.

Additional high-end amenities include available heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. For the first time, upper-trim Pilot models will have available two second-row captain’s chairs, providing for easy walk through between the second and third rows, in addition to the standard second-row three-person 60/40 split seat for 8-passenger seating capacity.

Advanced Technology
The new Pilot delivers the connectivity and power access that the modern family demands, including up to five USB ports, four that provide better recharging with 2.5-amp output, to charge iPads or smartphones while in use. Additional ports and plugs include an auxiliary jack for nearly any audio player, an HDMI port for a gaming console, two headphone jacks, two 12-volt power outlets and a 115-volt outlet to power just about anything.

The new Pilot also incorporates Honda’s latest thinking for advanced, family-friendly technology, including an upsized 8-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface powered by a new Android-based operating system and more powerful processor, along with an available all-new embedded Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. The new navigation system features improved graphics and new capabilities, including 3D renderings of terrain, buildings and road signs, improved lane guidance, live search function, 911 emergency services and more.

The Pilot’s Display Audio system enables simplified smartphone connectivity making for easier access to all the features and connectivity options of the HondaLink™ connected-car system. A 9-inch rear entertainment system with DVD and new Blu-Ray disc™ capability is available.

Edward'TLS

In some cases, the vehicle will end up cheaper in price, because if a buyer wants only a couple of features added to his/her vehicle, he/she doesn't have to go for the topmost-trim-level or most-expensive-trim model, like previously with only 3-5 trim levels in total.

E92Vancouver

I feel your pain. This sucks! I hope you leased it.

E92Vancouver

Why the heck did Acura get rid of the 360 camera???? WTF???

accord1999

It's never been available in the US model; likely the 2016 Canadian MDX will still have the same extra features it had before.

Tigmd99

You like the 9-speed auto much?

LiQiCE

I actually wonder if the Pilot will steal a lot of sales from the MDX. It has some options the USDM MDX doesn't have like a heated steering wheel, 2nd sunroof, captains chair in the 2nd row. Kind of wishing I waited for the Pilot now!

Tigmd99

My 100% guess of the Pilot:
1. Poor handling; typical of segment like Highlander.
2. No SH-AWD...likely AWD from CRV/RDX.
3. Not as quiet on the road...cost cutting has to be done somewhere and this is where Honda typically does it.
4. Worst stereo; almost a given.
5. Poorer quality plastics and leather.
6. Less power...probably more on paper than in real life.

Pilot has always been more practical than MDX...this new Pilot will continue the trend. But, luxurious as MDX? No way.

SMMN

I agree with you but I also think the 2017 or whenever it happens more formal mmc refresh of the MDX will add some more technology (Apple car play/ android auto), better navigation/ displays and maybe a bit more in the performance area i.e. horsepower/torque.I would also assume that they will add some kind a panoramic roof - maybe a full panoramic roof.

But it is getting to the point where it is harder for the more expensive cars to outpace the less expensive ones in terms of just technology/features alone because technology is becoming so much cheaper. I think it's the integration of the technology and the sophistication issues (quietness, handling and overall smoothness) that the more expensive cars can continue to differentiate themselves.

Fibonacci

I prefer the "low tech" 6-speed AT over the ZF 9AT by a significant margin.

It's simply more responsive when you mash the throttle and it downshifts quicker at highway speeds on urgent overtake.

llsmms82

I have a 2015 MDX with 6,000 mile and the sunroof exploded, no reason, just driving down the road, the dealership said, this would not be under warranty..