WTF.Acura

I was wonder if the next gen MDX comes out with all the features that on the RDX and better, (for example the traffic jam assist that Acura only offers on the RLX sport hybrid.) would it be feasible that Acura could charge 70k for an adv MDX sport hybrid/ adv MDX Shawd or MDX type-s

mrgold35

My 19 sh-sh-awd MDX Adv came out to around $65,000 with all the options I put on her. Car buying service and Costco accessories discounts got prices into the mid 50s. Acura would have to up the luxury, tech, and power just to knock on the door of the luxury brands. +$70,000 SUVs depreciate way more than SUVs in the Honda Pilot/Acura MDX price range. I think the market is trending down range in the CR-V, Passport, and HR-V range compared to the upper end. Acura would sell 5X-10X more 1.5T CDXs compared to a Type-S MDX with 400hp.

thoiboi

Sure why not



Would anyone buy it is a different question, however.

WTF.Acura

Isn’t the the CDX based on the HR-V platform which has like a twist beam suspension. I would think Acura would have to shrink the the RDX platform because if they just import the CDX from China without an interior and exterior change while it’s still based on the HR-V it would get eaten alive by the new Q3, X1, UX, XC40. The current CDX doesn’t have the precision cockpit it still use the one form the civic with the touch sensitive buttons on the side. It would be a better idea to redesign the CDX before they bring it to the US market

WTF.Acura

I think people would but it you could option out a current MDX in the mid to high 60k region

DJ Iceman

I've taken to checking MSRPs of the various Uber vehicles I ride in, just because the first time I did it I was shocked. Volvo XC90 over $100k, BMW X5 in the $80ks, Escalade almost $100k, even a Chevy Suburban goes for $70k!

In my opinion the MDX is already competitive with if not superior to those vehicles in many (most) respects, so if the marketplace priced just based on me, I'd absolutely pay more for an MDX than any of those other vehicles.

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

Turbo V6 or V8, massaging seats, rear ventilated seats, and you might be knocking on the door to $70K.

Type34

I think the way you stated your question, yes it's possible and just a matter of time. But you stated it properly because it's a $50K-ish car that creeps into $70K territory with package / options.

If you asked if Acura could sell an MDX (or another SUV) starting at $70K, I'd say the answer is no, not long-term. It's about brand identity at the $70K+ region and Acura is not in that brand category. If you argue that Tahoe and Suburban survive in that upper echelon, it's because "Tahoe" and "Suburban" have more brand equity than "Chevrolet".

And I think Acura is comfortable in its luxury niche and as a loyal Acura owner, I'm fine with Acura's position as a value-packed luxury automaker. I think they're the best value in the marketplace.

Tony Pac

Acura doesn’t have a plan to bring CDX to North America for now. I think they will bring it one day with smaller RDX engine/platform rather than HRV.

Its a good segment to introduce CDX. But Acura can’t screw up like Infiniti. Look at the fate of QX30

fiatlux

Sure, you can option those cars up to sky high prices where they have features well above and beyond what a fully optioned MDX has. However, if you compare like-to-like, the premium for an XC90 or X5 is a few thousand, not tens of thousands.

Rob Rojas

Love the MDX, but 70k is pretty steep...

WTF.Acura

So, what options/features do you think a MDX might need to justify a 70k price tag.

Boardmember

The dealer network/experience would need to be improved. I read the reviews that repeat that the Acura interiors aren’t quite as upscale as the others, but I don’t see the gap. Or at least I don’t think the delta is that big.

of course, inflation will cause this question to answer itself.

moose66

Good question, with an answer that is difficult. I think they'd need to start with things like a completely digital dash, head up display (similar to that in the RLX if not better), premium leather and real aluminum/wood trim.

narutoninjakid

There are definitely things Acura can work on. Heated steering wheel on lower level's ( Should not be advanced only, Lexus gives you this option on many tiers ; also again cooled/ventilated seats on other levels other than Advanced. Better Interior quality, real leather and metal touches ( the current gen of Lexus is miles ahead of current Acura mdx interiors). Metal speaker grills ( Makes car feel much nicer IMO), customizable ambient lighting ( would love to have the customization options german cars give you in this regard), kick to open tailgate, touchscreen and rotary/touch infotainment ( even Lexus realized the errors of their ways and infotainment in the 2020 rx350 is touchscreen capable, Acura should do the same). Also, for some reason Honda/Acura loves using terrible resolution cameras. They need to upgrade the backup camera resolution and technology. Even Hyundai/Kia cameras currently outdo Acuras. This needs to be remedied. Some extra options such as 360 camera being standard would be nice to.

I really want Acura to knock it out of the park with the next MDX but if they don't fix some of their issues now I will just have to go look at the Lexus Rx350, Im also curious what the Genesis's upcoming SUV will be like. Their interiors are also really good IMO. It also doesn't hurt that people see Acura as below Lexus in standing in terms of brand.

WTF.Acura

Thanks for this very thorough assessment, but I think the refresh MDX has real wood trim. I would also love to see them use metal speakers grills like what’s on the RDX, but they would probably only use it for the ELS 3D audio system. Most like their going to keep ventilated seat on the two higher ends trims, which is the A-Spec and Adv, also we probably won’t see them implement a touch screen in to the true touch pad system until they applied to all models in the Acura line up. If you configure your MDX of Acura’s website you could add a heated steering wheel option to any trim level I think. Honda/Acura do need better cameras let’s hope they implement new camera on TLX and MDX redesigns and not debut them on a Honda product.

You made valid points, if Acura were the fix everything that you talked about would that justify the highest trim of the MDX costing 70k< ?

WTF.Acura

Acura interior have been lacking. The only Acura interior design I truly love is the 1st gen TSX, 3rd gen TL, and maybe the 4th gen TL. (Excluding the new RDX)

Midnight Mystery

I'd love to see the CDX here!

Everyone else is already doing it anyway.

Interesting username.

Midnight Mystery

Are you doing corporate research for the company because I feel like I'm in a focus group?

WTF.Acura

No. That a reach, I never knew asking a valid question means I work for Acura.

WTF.Acura

What’s so interesting about it. I think it’s very straight forward and self explanatory.

mrgold35

I think Acura should provide Type-S versions of the MDX, RDX, and TLX. You could say the RLX is close to being a Type-S version of the 3.5L RLX; but, no one wants it. Along with hp/tq increase, Acura would need to add a digital dash, head up display, upgraded seats, upgraded interior materials, upgraded sporty exterior styling, adjustable suspension for improved handling, and upgraded brakes. I would have gone for a 377hp MDX sh-sh-awd over the 321hp version if they were both on the lot. I know the 377hp MDX sport hybrid combined mpgs would probably be in 2-4 mpg less if they used the 3.5L compared to the 3.0L. That is still 5-10 mpg better than my 11 MDX.

Midnight Mystery

Just making fun since we had a spell of forum crashers here lately trying to bash the brand until we shut them down.

I like your username. We've all said that a time or two ourselves!

Welcome to AcuraZine bud!

WTF.Acura

Thank you 😘😘😘, ahh were like besties now

Midnight Mystery

Youre welcome and sure thing bud! 😏

WTF.Acura

What’s the RLX mpg???

mrgold35

I've should have said RLX Sport Hybrid being a Type-S version of the regular RLX.

Regular RLX 310hp/272tq: 20 cit,y 29 hwy, 23 Combined

RLX Sport Hybrid 377hp/341tq: 28 city, 29 hwy, 28 Combined

WTF.Acura

Is the RLX v6 different from the TLX and MDX. Are they just pump out more power for the RLX?