2025 Update/Changes for Refresh
2025 Update/Changes for Refresh
I currently have a 2020 Sport Hybrid Advance and been lurking for a new MDX Advance or Type S Advance. My question is does anyone know any changes that will be made for the refresh besides little tweaks to the exterior.
My xmas list of changes for the regular mdx advance are as follow;
Adjustable dampers (Acura added these on the 3G model)
Updated DOHC engine from Pilot
Revised transmission tuning
Updated software to include faster processors
Different wheel design for the Advance package
Less piano black plastic
Better charge pad for phone
My Xmas list of changes to the Type S Advance;
More color combinations (black with blue or light leather for example)
More HP and Torque which won’t happen
Better transmission programming for efficiency
Less piano black plastic
Better charge pad for phone
Thoughts? And I know this type of thread has already been started.
Jason
My xmas list of changes for the regular mdx advance are as follow;
Adjustable dampers (Acura added these on the 3G model)
Updated DOHC engine from Pilot
Revised transmission tuning
Updated software to include faster processors
Different wheel design for the Advance package
Less piano black plastic
Better charge pad for phone
My Xmas list of changes to the Type S Advance;
More color combinations (black with blue or light leather for example)
More HP and Torque which won’t happen
Better transmission programming for efficiency
Less piano black plastic
Better charge pad for phone
Thoughts? And I know this type of thread has already been started.
Jason
Last edited by jason60051; Dec 19, 2023 at 11:17 AM.
[QUOTE=jason60051;16918927]I currently have a 2020 Sport Hybrid Advance and been lurking for a new MDX Advance or Type S Advance. My question is does anyone know any changes that will be made for the refresh besides little tweaks to the exterior.
My Xmas list of changes to the Type S Advance;
More color combinations (black with blue or light leather for example)
More HP and Torque which won’t happen
Better transmission programming for efficiency
Less piano black plastic
Better charge pad for phone
Thoughts? And I know this type of thread has already been started.
I have a 22 MDX Type S Advance and I like your suggestions! I’ll add that rear seats should be heated & Ventilated! More HP & Torque would be my most liked change
My Xmas list of changes to the Type S Advance;
More color combinations (black with blue or light leather for example)
More HP and Torque which won’t happen
Better transmission programming for efficiency
Less piano black plastic
Better charge pad for phone
Thoughts? And I know this type of thread has already been started.
I have a 22 MDX Type S Advance and I like your suggestions! I’ll add that rear seats should be heated & Ventilated! More HP & Torque would be my most liked change

I love piano black, have had it on many of past cars. I put ceramic wax on when I come home from the dealer, clean it carefully and it looks like new when trading in the car. By the way, I love the trac pad, no fingerprints and Acura has all the necessary controls on buttons, like temperature controls, volume ect. Even seat massage.
Trac pad
Good post.
The trac pad gets a lot of negative criticism but mainly from those who have not used it much. I found that once I memorize the settings the system becomes quick and efficient to use - at least for those features I use the most..
The trac pad gets a lot of negative criticism but mainly from those who have not used it much. I found that once I memorize the settings the system becomes quick and efficient to use - at least for those features I use the most..
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I wish they would revive the sport hybrid but they won’t. Americans are so fickle…during the mdx sport hybrid reign from 2017-2020 Acura didn’t move a lot of them (gas prices were low). I bought my 2020 mdx sport hybrid advance for $12k off msrp new in February of 2020. They couldn’t move them. Now that gas is up everyone wants a hybrid and Acura won’t do it again.
I wish they would revive the sport hybrid but they won’t. Americans are so fickle…during the mdx sport hybrid reign from 2017-2020 Acura didn’t move a lot of them (gas prices were low). I bought my 2020 mdx sport hybrid advance for $12k off msrp new in February of 2020. They couldn’t move them. Now that gas is up everyone wants a hybrid and Acura won’t do it again.
On the "new" DOHC engine from the Pilot. We know that will be certain because of emission reasons. But from what you guys know, is the DOHC engine "better?" Yes, no VTEC, but my VTEC days are over.
We often assume newer is better, but just wondering what you guys think? I'm happy with the current MDX and would buy it. Don't need a vehicle yet, so I can wait. But when August 2024 rolls around (assuming we will know by August), the selection may not be there.
(P.S. Actually, the only thing I don't like about the current MDX is that I wish they would make the front emblem smaller.)
We often assume newer is better, but just wondering what you guys think? I'm happy with the current MDX and would buy it. Don't need a vehicle yet, so I can wait. But when August 2024 rolls around (assuming we will know by August), the selection may not be there.
(P.S. Actually, the only thing I don't like about the current MDX is that I wish they would make the front emblem smaller.)
Last edited by cabanalane; Jan 16, 2024 at 09:24 AM.
It came down to a '23 Pilot Touring or '24 MDX A-Spec for us, and while my wife couldn't have cared less about the engines, I much preferred the old SOHC VTEC engine in the MDX. The new Pilot with the DOHC and cam phasers doesn't seem to like revving as much but it does deliver torque earlier which I found noticeable. Still, we ended up with the MDX mostly due to availability and dramatically lower interest rates, but I like having the tried and true older engine in there should we decide to keep the car long term. That, and, well, my VTEC days are still going as my personal daily is a '12 TL Elite/Advance 

I only drove non-S 4G MDX once, and to me the DOHC J35 does not stand out in any way compared to the old J35 in 3G MDX. The 10AT brings more positives - smoother and more responsive than 6AT and the terrible ZF 9AT, but the weight gain on 4G more or less offset any acceleration advantage brought by the 10AT.
High level preview of 2025 Mdx changes announced:
The MDX SUV, the brand's best-selling model, will receive significant enhancements including styling changes, the addition of Bang and Olufsen premium audio, a new technology interface featuring Google-built in and a more advanced AcuraWatch™ suite of driver assistive features. MDX also will trade its touchpad for a new touchscreen driver interface and a more usable center console.
https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases...obile-business
The MDX SUV, the brand's best-selling model, will receive significant enhancements including styling changes, the addition of Bang and Olufsen premium audio, a new technology interface featuring Google-built in and a more advanced AcuraWatch™ suite of driver assistive features. MDX also will trade its touchpad for a new touchscreen driver interface and a more usable center console.
https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases...obile-business
I just leased a new 25 MDX A-Spec Advance on Feb 1, 2025. I will post some commentary as I drive it more down the Road (Excuse that Pun). I traded in my 22 MDX Advance (lease expired after 42 months ) with only 22.7K miles which I could have purchased for $38,500. Notwithstanding my mental wrestling match about doing that or leasing a new MDX, The "heart" aspect dictated over the 'brain" aspect to the decision. Some takeaways so far: The Touch Screen is very good but has been Over-Hyped by On Line Reviewers IMHO; No SAT RADIO headunit - you need to Stream Sirius / XM radio via your Phone - that's a Zonk; the new B & O sound system is very good requiring more tweaking to get to My Sweet Spot on sounds - there was Nothing wrong with the terrific ELS system in my 22 MDX; The Massaging seats are a great feature; The ride is slightly better (that may be a New Car Placebo effect , maybe) , it is noticeably Quieter than the 22, and it does have a Enhance Acura watch system. I truly enjoy the new MDX , but I did as well in my 22 MDX. PS ... The Urban Gray Pearl is a Dynamic color - I got the Orchid Interior as a nice offset - but colors are purely Subjective.
I just leased a new 25 MDX A-Spec Advance on Feb 1, 2025. I will post some commentary as I drive it more down the Road (Excuse that Pun). I traded in my 22 MDX Advance (lease expired after 42 months ) with only 22.7K miles which I could have purchased for $38,500. Notwithstanding my mental wrestling match about doing that or leasing a new MDX, The "heart" aspect dictated over the 'brain" aspect to the decision. Some takeaways so far: The Touch Screen is very good but has been Over-Hyped by On Line Reviewers IMHO; No SAT RADIO headunit - you need to Stream Sirius / XM radio via your Phone - that's a Zonk; the new B & O sound system is very good requiring more tweaking to get to My Sweet Spot on sounds - there was Nothing wrong with the terrific ELS system in my 22 MDX; The Massaging seats are a great feature; The ride is slightly better (that may be a New Car Placebo effect , maybe) , it is noticeably Quieter than the 22, and it does have a Enhance Acura watch system. I truly enjoy the new MDX , but I did as well in my 22 MDX. PS ... The Urban Gray Pearl is a Dynamic color - I got the Orchid Interior as a nice offset - but colors are purely Subjective.
Whenever you have time, I would like to hear from you about the B&O. Many user say not much difference from the ELS. Did Acura change to B&O for more prestige or actual better sound system? This is still a mystery to many of us,
Tony Pac, as a Retiree at 73 YO, I do have the Time. LOL.... Honest Opinion, it is NOT better than the ELS as far as I can Tell (or hear). The tone controls are more convoluted, requiring some more "tweaking" with B & O's system. I think the reason Acura changed are two fold...Looking for that Prestige label (the ELS system was used only in Acura Cars), and for Money - I'm sure. I have not heard the Type S system which has 31 Speakers, mine is 19 I think. There are Roof mounted speakers and much larger front Center mounted speaker that I balance down to not over Treble the sound and separate Surround sound emphasis controls. Truth Be Told, I liked the ELS system which was more simple to adjust with Treble, Mid range and Bass specific Controls. The B & O has this Circle Thing where you can move a "cursor" around the Circle for more Warmth, more Treble, motre Bass etc... I'm happy with it overall with a terrific sound after I fooled with it. But it can be a bit on the bright side and if you over compensate the controls it can create a little Over Bassy sound - which is Not My Cup Of Tea for Music that I listen to. The new 25 Is Noticeably Quieter on the road (Acura states about 10% - I Think more than that), rides just a bit better (but that could be a Placebo Effect or the fact that it is riding on new Tires), loving the massaging seats even on brief local rides - which is primary usage. I am Truly Enjoying it. IMHO> The MDX is one terrific SUV especially for the Money. I say that even W/O testing the X5 , Audis, or Volvos, but I watched many Reviews about all of these cars. To get a Loaded X5 would be at least $10K more.
Tony Pac, as a Retiree at 73 YO, I do have the Time. LOL.... Honest Opinion, it is NOT better than the ELS as far as I can Tell (or hear). The tone controls are more convoluted, requiring some more "tweaking" with B & O's system. I think the reason Acura changed are two fold...Looking for that Prestige label (the ELS system was used only in Acura Cars), and for Money - I'm sure. I have not heard the Type S system which has 31 Speakers, mine is 19 I think. There are Roof mounted speakers and much larger front Center mounted speaker that I balance down to not over Treble the sound and separate Surround sound emphasis controls. Truth Be Told, I liked the ELS system which was more simple to adjust with Treble, Mid range and Bass specific Controls. The B & O has this Circle Thing where you can move a "cursor" around the Circle for more Warmth, more Treble, motre Bass etc... I'm happy with it overall with a terrific sound after I fooled with it. But it can be a bit on the bright side and if you over compensate the controls it can create a little Over Bassy sound - which is Not My Cup Of Tea for Music that I listen to. The new 25 Is Noticeably Quieter on the road (Acura states about 10% - I Think more than that), rides just a bit better (but that could be a Placebo Effect or the fact that it is riding on new Tires), loving the massaging seats even on brief local rides - which is primary usage. I am Truly Enjoying it. IMHO> The MDX is one terrific SUV especially for the Money. I say that even W/O testing the X5 , Audis, or Volvos, but I watched many Reviews about all of these cars. To get a Loaded X5 would be at least $10K more.
I grew up with ELS sound system and I feel like Acura shouldn't have done that but oh well...As far as B&O isn't horrible.
I think the "Prestige" component was the main one that Acura opted in for B&O. I read the other day, Genesis switched from Levison to B&O as well for G80. In reality, Levinson is part of the same family but no one knows or talks about it. B&O is known and brings that prestige to the brand.
As a quick update to my comments about the B & O sounsd system, I just played a Flash Drive of Music (Had to get a USB "C" to USB 3.0 converter in order to do so). With the settings at the previous Tweaked levels, the FD music was immediately too Boomy. I had to play with the settings to make the sound more to my liking. I hate Boomy Bass sounds spoiling the Music. After the tweaks it was better, and more to my liking. However, If I switch back to Streaming music via AA (TIDAL, Spotify, even Amazon Music) that became a little to tinny. In the ELS system, I set it and Fogot it. Many people like that Boomy Bass sound which rattles the seat, Not Me. This was a disappointing aspect of the sound system. One shouldn't buy a car based on its Sound system, however, this does make me miss the ELS system' simplicity and clear and balanced sound with very little tweaking looking for that Sweet Spot.
Fellow Acuraziners, the issue of the elimination of the SAT RADIO Receiveer in the 25 MDXs has lots of disturbed owners including Me. There are some here and on MDXers.Org. I sent an email to Acura's Customer Service about it and if they had any recommendations for an After Market units that would work Integrally / seemlessly with the new B&O sound system. They offered NONE. They ascribed a Claim Number to the Inquiry. I just sent the following email in Reply:THX for your reply. However, I would like to inform you of two Acura Car Forums : 1) MDXers.org and 2) Acurazine.Com/forum, both of which Threads that contain posts of angry and disappointed Acura 2025 MDX owners with No SAT RADIO Receivers. Like myself, the fact that SAT Radio was eliminated was never pointed out by salespeople at Acura Dealerships. I knew of it via watching certain reviews on You Tube. I invite you please to pass this along to Senior management at Acura so that they can have a sense of the disappointment of this removal. There are posters that Stream Sirius XM and never initiated the Sirius/XM service, but many more did. This is the only car offered in 2025 without it!!
Yes, one can have a Streaming app for Sirius / XM but that requires the use of your Phone. With the built in SAT Radio Receiver, I could play Sirius XM without that need.
FWIW, at the minimum, Acura should have had that option to include that Receiver for an additional charge with full disclosure in advance!
This 2025 MDX A-Spec Advance is my 3rd Acura since 2019. I also have a 2016 Honda CRV Touring model (my wife's car). I am a devoted customer - truly enjoying my MDXs - but very perturbed by this issue. And You will see many others are on the Forums.
Yes, one can have a Streaming app for Sirius / XM but that requires the use of your Phone. With the built in SAT Radio Receiver, I could play Sirius XM without that need.
FWIW, at the minimum, Acura should have had that option to include that Receiver for an additional charge with full disclosure in advance!
This 2025 MDX A-Spec Advance is my 3rd Acura since 2019. I also have a 2016 Honda CRV Touring model (my wife's car). I am a devoted customer - truly enjoying my MDXs - but very perturbed by this issue. And You will see many others are on the Forums.
Glad you sent the above to Acura, but sadly I think it will fall on deaf ears. They made a cost cutting decision (without lowering the sticker price to include this de-contenting).
As I have noted previously I will not obtain any vehicle that does not have built in XM radio. I have owned many Acura/Honda cars and SUV's so I will miss not having one if they completely eliminate XM, which is likely. Thankfully other manufacturers still offer this and other features Honda specifically has eliminated and may also disappear in future Acura products,. There is plenty of competition out there , I hope Acura and Honda take note !!!
As I have noted previously I will not obtain any vehicle that does not have built in XM radio. I have owned many Acura/Honda cars and SUV's so I will miss not having one if they completely eliminate XM, which is likely. Thankfully other manufacturers still offer this and other features Honda specifically has eliminated and may also disappear in future Acura products,. There is plenty of competition out there , I hope Acura and Honda take note !!!
As a quick update to my comments about the B & O sounsd system, I just played a Flash Drive of Music (Had to get a USB "C" to USB 3.0 converter in order to do so). With the settings at the previous Tweaked levels, the FD music was immediately too Boomy. I had to play with the settings to make the sound more to my liking. I hate Boomy Bass sounds spoiling the Music. After the tweaks it was better, and more to my liking. However, If I switch back to Streaming music via AA (TIDAL, Spotify, even Amazon Music) that became a little to tinny. In the ELS system, I set it and Fogot it. Many people like that Boomy Bass sound which rattles the seat, Not Me. This was a disappointing aspect of the sound system. One shouldn't buy a car based on its Sound system, however, this does make me miss the ELS system' simplicity and clear and balanced sound with very little tweaking looking for that Sweet Spot.
FWIW, now with 3 weeks under my Belt with the new 25 MDX, the New Touch Screen excitement is Over-Hyped by all the Pundits / Reviewers On Line. I had become more accustomed to the TTIP then realized - especially with a HUD and Steering wheel controls, and using the Shortcuts Icon - it was easier to get around. And I'm probably in the minority, I Liked the 22's NAVI system. Notwithstanding the lack of Instant Traffic, it was clearer with excellent response for Navigation instructions via Voice, Alexa, etc. Sometimes New is not equal to Better. I actually have some Buyer's remorse.
Yes the TTP is fine-I love it on my RDX. It is sad to say that Acura has listened to reviewers who drive the car a few hours and have complained about it since introduction.
I have been a loyal Acura/Honda customer for over thirty years and I am sad to say a lot of the luster seems to be coming off the bloom lately. Boring colors shared with Honda is another silly decision. Oh well the bean counters know best is their philosophy.
I have been a loyal Acura/Honda customer for over thirty years and I am sad to say a lot of the luster seems to be coming off the bloom lately. Boring colors shared with Honda is another silly decision. Oh well the bean counters know best is their philosophy.
It's been said before... What the Hell was Acura thinking of eliminating the SAT RADIO Receiver? If you did not want to pay the fees, so be it. At least it was there. I miss it slot. It sucks as a AA app .
It doesn't make sense for automakers to pay to put in hardware that a lot of customers don't actually care out. Something like 80% of sat radios in cars go unused. SiriusXM has been losing subscribers, and I wouldn't be surprised if more and more people switch to streaming (or customers die out...fact of the matter is that sat radio listeners are considerably older compared to streaming). Same reason we no longer have CD players in cars, and a lot of new cars are losing AM radio.
Losing AM radio is being addressed by an Act of Congress. It is the only real Emergency Alert system that can reach all people. The US Congress has ben twisting the arms of the auto makers like Ford and has forced them to include AM radios - Without Charges! AM radio , particulalry Talk Radio has never been more popular having record listenership. It is just an mechanism to be able to charge auto customers "fees" for the car features. Some charge monthly for Remote Start (thankfully, not Acura - YET), charge fees for adaptive Headlights' feature, etc. Regarding the SAT Radio, Since I'm one of the Old Timers who has it in 3 of my cars, I would have paid Extra to have that option installed at the factory. The SXM App works like crap, soooo difficult to use, requiring me to be in AA mode. Now, an aftermarket installation of a SDAT radio Receiver that will work integrally with the new InfoT. system will cost 2X as much. Posters on the "other" Forum have posted about what units to get and did it as DIY projects - which I cannot do.
FWIW, now with 3 weeks under my Belt with the new 25 MDX, the New Touch Screen excitement is Over-Hyped by all the Pundits / Reviewers On Line. I had become more accustomed to the TTIP then realized - especially with a HUD and Steering wheel controls, and using the Shortcuts Icon - it was easier to get around. And I'm probably in the minority, I Liked the 22's NAVI system. Notwithstanding the lack of Instant Traffic, it was clearer with excellent response for Navigation instructions via Voice, Alexa, etc. Sometimes New is not equal to Better. I actually have some Buyer's remorse.
Here is my order of preference for what I consider the best to the worst for cars I've owned in the last 5 years:
1) iDrive controller on my MY23 X3 - while my X3 offers a full touchscreen as well, I stick to the rotary controller for iDrive as it gives me the tactile response I desire w/o taking my eyes off the road for too long!
2) Touchpad on my MY23 GLS450 for MBUX - very similar to Acura's TTIP but w/o the jarring switch of how the cursor operates when moving from the Mercedes menus to the CarPlay menus. The touchpad is much more substantial than the Acura one (which approximates a notebook computer's touchpad flimsiness). Mercedes has a full touchscreen as well but again I choose to ignore it due to safety concerns!
3) TTIP on a MY21 TLX A-SPEC SHAWD - spent too much time staring at the screen (especially when navigating from Acura Android menu to CarPlay). This system was wired-only, which negated the point of the wireless charging pad (which didn't work for MagSafe phones anyway)! Only plus was there was no touchscreen option!
If touchscreens are truly what customers "want", then automakers are just using that excuse for cost-cutting physical controls (like the iDrive controller) in favor of the least safe touchscreen-only interface!
@Almatti, sorry for your buyer's remorse but it didn't seem like there was any convincing you to stick with what you had.
@Elin, I may have Exaggerated the Buyer's remorse comment a bit. I do Really Like my New 25 MDX A-Spec Advance ( Ise LIKE , reserving Love for people), and really Liked my 22 MDX as well. I think to clarify my comment , I will say that The Touch Screen itself works fine, it's the Google Based system that could be lacking or I'm a little too ignorant of its total MO. I do have a Google Phone (Pixel 8 Pro) which uses Android Auto. In comparing the NAVI aspect (Google Maps vs. Acura NAVI), I find that Acura NAVI was easier to use, was very clear and simple to operate. With the Google Maps in the new system, I am constantly Fooling with the "look" - zooming, etc. Actually, WAZE is better IMHO. Having said that, a big Improvement in the new system is that being in AA the 22's TTIP became a Very S L O W moving Mouse pad , totally different than in Non AA Mode AND, when in AA mode, the center console USB port (now a USB "C" port requiring an adaptor to play my old Flash Drives) , that Port was Cut Off from playing FDs. That has been "Fixed" in the 25. I can plug in a FD, goto USB on the Screen and without being in AA mode, plays fine. Actually, after Tweaking the B & O sound system, it sounds pretty Awesome.
While I'm at it.... Does anyone know if the text messages I receive, come up in the HUD screen ? They did in the 22 MDX, but I am unable to find any settings that allows the same. The text message comes up on the smaller side screen for a quick moment and everytime I click Play , it does Not Play it. Am I missing something? Is there a setting that changes that ? or must I be in AA mode ?
While I'm at it.... Does anyone know if the text messages I receive, come up in the HUD screen ? They did in the 22 MDX, but I am unable to find any settings that allows the same. The text message comes up on the smaller side screen for a quick moment and everytime I click Play , it does Not Play it. Am I missing something? Is there a setting that changes that ? or must I be in AA mode ?
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Terragotti
4G MDX (2022+)
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Jan 18, 2025 04:55 AM








