'07 MDX, from a TL perspective
Thread Starter
'17 RDX Tech AWD - WDP
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 284
Likes: 14
From: Connecticut
'07 MDX, from a TL perspective
First: Mods, I tried posting in Car Talk, it won't let me log in there. Not sure why. Please move if warranted.
Back to our regularly scheduled post...
My car ('06 TL, 5AT) was recently in for some warranty work at the dealer. I asked for something from their loaner fleet that had NAVI. I received an '07 MDX, and was able to drive it around for about 3 days. Here are my thoughts and impressions of that vehicle as it compared to my car...
Things I SLIKED about the MDX compared to the TL:
- The outside mirror defrost is integrated with the rear window defrost. Yes, this means that those little heaters could get used much more often. However, it also means that the stupid things will get turned off. In the TL, it is WAY too easy to forget they are on since it's tough to see the light on the dash because the steering wheel is in the way. So, in the long run, it will probably run LESS.
- Rear sear power outlet. The TL has no power outlet available to the rear passenger. It would be nice if there were one there - you never know when you might want to put a powered cooler in the trunk and open the passthrough to plug it in.
- Rear HVAC controls. The rear passengers actually have the ability to individually set their own temp controls for A/C and heat.
- An ACTUAL sunglasses holder... Not some "bin" in the map pocket of each door.
- NAVI screen position is "better". Having the screen further forward allows a less distracting glance at itwhile driving.
- Large center console. The center console in the TL is MUCH smaller, and holds much smaller items.
- Good driving feel. The MDX felt stable and in control at all times. The exterior lighting was good (thought the fogs seemed somewhat ineffective in the fog I drove in), good power, and very stable feeling in hard/sharp corners.
- Traffic incident reporting. I really liked the idea of traffic incident info on the NAVI screen, even if the closest issue was always at least 30 miles away....
- Dual pivot points on the rearview mirror. I like to push a rearview mirror all the way to the ceiling, then tilt the glass portion only for viewing. This pushed the whole mirror assembly up and out of my direct line of sight through the windshield, and increases my overall view. The TL has a single pivot point mirror, and increasing the field of view is not possible.
- Power telescoping wheel with memory. This is a very nice feature to have, especially since the position is saved as part of the driver memory. However, this is also in my dislike section. Read more there.
Things I DISLIKED about the MDX compared to the TL:
- No AUTO mode for rearview mirror. Granted, in a taller vehicle, it's less necessary. But, the manual lever it has is large and UGLY.
- No light inside the center console.
- Button positions on the steering wheel. The NAVI controls and HFL buttons are in a VERY unnatural position on the wheel. It makes it difficult to "find" them by feel (since your hands are nowhere near them while driving).
- NAVI input. The touchscreen is gone... all input is done by voice (it still recognizes only the names of states, and you have to speak town names one letter at a time) or a dial and push button. You have to scroll through the letters and push the button to get the letter you want. Very clunky, and not efficient AT ALL. My wife was trying to input an address AS A PASSENGER and found it very hard to do. The touchscreen on the TL may get fingerprints, but it's WAY more efficient.
- Gas mileage. Yes, I know it's an SUV. But, I had to absolutely baby the gas pedal to get 20MPG on a trip.
- Brake feel. Not only did I not like the more mushy feel of the MDX brakes while driving it, but I almost launched myself through the windshield of my TL when I got back into it! I had gotten used to the lack of braking power, and overapplied the brakes on the TL. Thankfully, I was still in the dealer lot and only going about 10 when I did it.
- HFL/ Audio: While the MDX has an ELS system like the TL, the sound quality in the TL is far superior. The HFL was more muffled/garbled sounding, and I had to run the volume much higher than I do in the TL. I had difficulty understanding most of the people I talked to.
- "Clunking" noise in the rear. The rear suspension makes hollow "clunking" noises when you go over small bumps. My estimation is that this is due to how/where the suspension is mounted. That could have been much better - design issue, in my opinion.
- Power telescoping wheel with memory. While it's a nice feature, it doesn't telescope quite far enough. I was not comfortable with the seat all the way back because of how it made my arms feel. When I positioned the seat so that my arms were comfortable, my legs were a little cramped. Another inch would be great... Also - why does the wheel start to move into position AS SOON AS THE KEY IS INSERTED? IMHO, that makes it a little unnatural feeling to be twising the key to start the car. It does move out of the way when you remove the key, but the "kitchen-chair-like" seating position really doesn't require it.
GENERAL: It is a nice vehicle, and has many nice features. I'm sure it's beloved by many that have it. But, it's not for me. I could see driving it once in a while, but my TL is far nicer for my preferences.
Back to our regularly scheduled post...
My car ('06 TL, 5AT) was recently in for some warranty work at the dealer. I asked for something from their loaner fleet that had NAVI. I received an '07 MDX, and was able to drive it around for about 3 days. Here are my thoughts and impressions of that vehicle as it compared to my car...
Things I SLIKED about the MDX compared to the TL:
- The outside mirror defrost is integrated with the rear window defrost. Yes, this means that those little heaters could get used much more often. However, it also means that the stupid things will get turned off. In the TL, it is WAY too easy to forget they are on since it's tough to see the light on the dash because the steering wheel is in the way. So, in the long run, it will probably run LESS.
- Rear sear power outlet. The TL has no power outlet available to the rear passenger. It would be nice if there were one there - you never know when you might want to put a powered cooler in the trunk and open the passthrough to plug it in.
- Rear HVAC controls. The rear passengers actually have the ability to individually set their own temp controls for A/C and heat.
- An ACTUAL sunglasses holder... Not some "bin" in the map pocket of each door.
- NAVI screen position is "better". Having the screen further forward allows a less distracting glance at itwhile driving.
- Large center console. The center console in the TL is MUCH smaller, and holds much smaller items.
- Good driving feel. The MDX felt stable and in control at all times. The exterior lighting was good (thought the fogs seemed somewhat ineffective in the fog I drove in), good power, and very stable feeling in hard/sharp corners.
- Traffic incident reporting. I really liked the idea of traffic incident info on the NAVI screen, even if the closest issue was always at least 30 miles away....
- Dual pivot points on the rearview mirror. I like to push a rearview mirror all the way to the ceiling, then tilt the glass portion only for viewing. This pushed the whole mirror assembly up and out of my direct line of sight through the windshield, and increases my overall view. The TL has a single pivot point mirror, and increasing the field of view is not possible.
- Power telescoping wheel with memory. This is a very nice feature to have, especially since the position is saved as part of the driver memory. However, this is also in my dislike section. Read more there.
Things I DISLIKED about the MDX compared to the TL:
- No AUTO mode for rearview mirror. Granted, in a taller vehicle, it's less necessary. But, the manual lever it has is large and UGLY.
- No light inside the center console.
- Button positions on the steering wheel. The NAVI controls and HFL buttons are in a VERY unnatural position on the wheel. It makes it difficult to "find" them by feel (since your hands are nowhere near them while driving).
- NAVI input. The touchscreen is gone... all input is done by voice (it still recognizes only the names of states, and you have to speak town names one letter at a time) or a dial and push button. You have to scroll through the letters and push the button to get the letter you want. Very clunky, and not efficient AT ALL. My wife was trying to input an address AS A PASSENGER and found it very hard to do. The touchscreen on the TL may get fingerprints, but it's WAY more efficient.
- Gas mileage. Yes, I know it's an SUV. But, I had to absolutely baby the gas pedal to get 20MPG on a trip.
- Brake feel. Not only did I not like the more mushy feel of the MDX brakes while driving it, but I almost launched myself through the windshield of my TL when I got back into it! I had gotten used to the lack of braking power, and overapplied the brakes on the TL. Thankfully, I was still in the dealer lot and only going about 10 when I did it.
- HFL/ Audio: While the MDX has an ELS system like the TL, the sound quality in the TL is far superior. The HFL was more muffled/garbled sounding, and I had to run the volume much higher than I do in the TL. I had difficulty understanding most of the people I talked to.
- "Clunking" noise in the rear. The rear suspension makes hollow "clunking" noises when you go over small bumps. My estimation is that this is due to how/where the suspension is mounted. That could have been much better - design issue, in my opinion.
- Power telescoping wheel with memory. While it's a nice feature, it doesn't telescope quite far enough. I was not comfortable with the seat all the way back because of how it made my arms feel. When I positioned the seat so that my arms were comfortable, my legs were a little cramped. Another inch would be great... Also - why does the wheel start to move into position AS SOON AS THE KEY IS INSERTED? IMHO, that makes it a little unnatural feeling to be twising the key to start the car. It does move out of the way when you remove the key, but the "kitchen-chair-like" seating position really doesn't require it.
GENERAL: It is a nice vehicle, and has many nice features. I'm sure it's beloved by many that have it. But, it's not for me. I could see driving it once in a while, but my TL is far nicer for my preferences.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
From: Delaware/Philly
My 04 TL has been in the shop for 10 days now and I also have had an 07 MDX for a loaner. My first question was... 50 grand and no dimming mirror. It is nice but I also noticed the hollow sounding rear suspension. I like the updated navi as it has alot more set up options that can be personalized. You are not kidding about the gas, I got 295 miles out a tank of gas and it took 18 gallons to fill back up. I am used to 400 miles to tank in TL. Over all a very nice "sav" I am still very much on the fence about the "look at me" huge grill, and the price tag.
Thread Starter
'17 RDX Tech AWD - WDP
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 284
Likes: 14
From: Connecticut
Some additional thoughts I missed in the first post:
LIKE:
- The NAVI now understands individual letters. It's actually frustrating that my 06 TL understands state names, but can't understand individual letters. I can speak the state, but have to type in the town or street. The MDX NAVI understands the letters.
- The NAVI has it's own day/night/off switch. There's a very small button at the bottom of the console that allows you to quickly change the display from day to night to off and back again. I like being able to do this without cranking the display of the gauges to the top as well.
- AUTO Headlights. 'Nuff said.
- Many NAVI enhancements. I like being able to see what's "just off" the current exit. Nice feature.
- HFL "smoothness". In my TL, originating a call on the HFL causes the bluetooth to crackle and "pop" when the call is starting. The HFL in the MDX made no noise at all. I wonder if there's a software update for my TL that would correct this?
LIKE:
- The NAVI now understands individual letters. It's actually frustrating that my 06 TL understands state names, but can't understand individual letters. I can speak the state, but have to type in the town or street. The MDX NAVI understands the letters.
- The NAVI has it's own day/night/off switch. There's a very small button at the bottom of the console that allows you to quickly change the display from day to night to off and back again. I like being able to do this without cranking the display of the gauges to the top as well.
- AUTO Headlights. 'Nuff said.
- Many NAVI enhancements. I like being able to see what's "just off" the current exit. Nice feature.
- HFL "smoothness". In my TL, originating a call on the HFL causes the bluetooth to crackle and "pop" when the call is starting. The HFL in the MDX made no noise at all. I wonder if there's a software update for my TL that would correct this?
acura-cl.com OG
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,348
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Is Land?
keep in mind guys the reason for the mirror not dimming is because:
1 much higher off the ground than the TL
2 it comes with rear tinted windows at about 15-20% that doesn't let much light in to begin with.
i like the MDX, if it were over the 6000 lbs (for taxes) i'd be driving one!
1 much higher off the ground than the TL
2 it comes with rear tinted windows at about 15-20% that doesn't let much light in to begin with.
i like the MDX, if it were over the 6000 lbs (for taxes) i'd be driving one!
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
From: Queens, New York
i actually like the mdx alot compared to the older ones, thats why my mom just bought one. I got the auto dimming mirror for free so no complains there. Aside from that i love the truck and was surprised how car like it felt. I instantly felt more comfortable in that mdx compared to my tl. I can never get comfortable in my TL even in the 3 years i had it, thats another reason why im getting rid of it. But i give 
to acura with the mdx. We cross shopped with the new X5 and with a comparbly equiped X5 the tag was 63,000. So that alone made the choice easier for my mom, plus my pops already has a 7 so the X isnt really needed.
Travis
to acura with the mdx. We cross shopped with the new X5 and with a comparbly equiped X5 the tag was 63,000. So that alone made the choice easier for my mom, plus my pops already has a 7 so the X isnt really needed. Travis
2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 95
From: Southeast Michigan
Additional perspective on Navi input since the MDX system is identical to the one in my RL.
You don't have to spell things out by voice. You can say the name of the street and the Nav will give you a list of street names that sounded similar to what you said. It's much quicker than even using a touch screen.
For example..
You: Menu
Nav: How would you like to find your destination? (Screen shows City or street)
You: City
Nav: Say City name
You: Chicago
Nav: Say street name
You: Lake SHore Drive
Nav will then display a list of street names that sound similar (i.e. Lakeshore Drive, Lake street, Lakeview, etc.)
Nav: Please select the street
You: 1 (first one displayed)
Nav: What is the address?
You: 1234
Nav: Would you like to calculate a route to 1234 Lakeshore drive, Chicago?
You: Yes
Done. It actually moves along very quickly and you hardly have to take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. It took some getting used to, but I don't miss the touch screen at all and I actually prefer it over the touch screen Nav in our Land Cruiser.
You don't have to spell things out by voice. You can say the name of the street and the Nav will give you a list of street names that sounded similar to what you said. It's much quicker than even using a touch screen.
For example..
You: Menu
Nav: How would you like to find your destination? (Screen shows City or street)
You: City
Nav: Say City name
You: Chicago
Nav: Say street name
You: Lake SHore Drive
Nav will then display a list of street names that sound similar (i.e. Lakeshore Drive, Lake street, Lakeview, etc.)
Nav: Please select the street
You: 1 (first one displayed)
Nav: What is the address?
You: 1234
Nav: Would you like to calculate a route to 1234 Lakeshore drive, Chicago?
You: Yes
Done. It actually moves along very quickly and you hardly have to take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. It took some getting used to, but I don't miss the touch screen at all and I actually prefer it over the touch screen Nav in our Land Cruiser.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
From: Delaware/Philly
don't get me wrong here, I still love my TL.They called me today and said my TL will be done at 5:00. That means I have to give the MDX I have had since Dec, 6 back. I have grown quite comforatable in it in the last 800 miles. It is going to turn 1000 miles on the odometer on my way there.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ding069
keep in mind guys the reason for the mirror not dimming is because:
1 much higher off the ground than the TL
2 it comes with rear tinted windows at about 15-20% that doesn't let much light in to begin with.
i like the MDX, if it were over the 6000 lbs (for taxes) i'd be driving one!
1 much higher off the ground than the TL
2 it comes with rear tinted windows at about 15-20% that doesn't let much light in to begin with.
i like the MDX, if it were over the 6000 lbs (for taxes) i'd be driving one!
Plus, although I like the look of the fake wood on the dash, it has an incredibly cheap feel to it when you touch/knock it. A vehicle in this price class should definitely have the real thing.
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