I have tested MDX on a couple of occasions a couple of years back, but wanted to hear from hopefully 25+ owners, how do they feel about the car performance, road noise, overall experience so far...
I am thinking of trading in RLX SH for MDX, and yes, I know performance will not be the same, and I will certainly miss RLX SH over MDX in that aspect, but overall, I am in no hurry to go and race every time I drive the car somewhere. So, any thoughts, something you want to share specifically, and what to pay attention to for 25+ models?
I am thinking about the minimum Technology trim or perhaps the Advance or A-Spec Advance model.

 

I had a 2018 MDX. I now have a 2025. Performance is the same. 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. A little more road noise.Tires?
MDX is one fine car. Love the touch screen and the B&O system.

 

We were shopping for Pilot, 2026 Passport, or Honda Odyssey. Happen to just browse Acura dealership on our way out from the Honda dealership and saw that the MDX was the same (or similar) to the three options we were considering. We purchased a new 25 w/ SH AWD & Tech Package late last year because we got it for $53K before any trade in or cash.

Car has decent power and we love the room, cabin space, and layout but I wish the car was more quiet. There is too much engine and road noise for my liking and the suspension could be softer.

For drivetrain, don't know if its the mapping or gearing but unless I barely touch the throttle from a stop, it feels like the car thinks its in Dynamic mode or whatever its called. I prefer a smoother more gentle acceleration from my brothers 23 Pilot.

Lastly, the car can tow up to 5000 lbs ONLY with a transmission cooler.

 

Before I answer, let me ask you this: why do you want to get rid of the RLX SH-SHAWD?

 

I went from a RLX P-AWS (not SH-SH-AWD) to a MDX A-Spec Advance. Full disclosure, I also have an MDX Sport Hybrid.

Pros

• Infotainment System looks much better and is faster
• Ride height makes it much easier to see since most things on the road now are CUVs
• Up to date trends like digital screen, speed limit reader & ambient lighting
• Massaging Seats
• Bigger tire sidewalls; I scuffed the RLX rims more than once

Cons

• Lower MPGs; altho the RLX was rated at 24 I regularly got 27ish. At best I get the advertised 21 in the MDX.
• A little less plush. The RLX had pocket lining in the front doors and cup holder covers. The MDX is still a nice place to be but it seems more focused on being sporty looking
• As with everything, the cost has gone up considerably. The MDX with accessories came up to over $70k and it does not get the deep discounts the RLX did

I am just a regular commuter to work therefore things like performance do not matter much so have not noticed any difference there or in road noise. Both vehicles are very nice places to be.Other than some recalls and minor issues, have not had any major problems. I would recommend going from an RLX to MDX.

 

My wife loves her 18 RLX Sport Hybrid (+48,000 miles); but, really misses the utility of her previous 08 RDX Tech (Hondata, ETS intercooler, Eibach lowering springs, Progress RSB). Waiting to see if Honda get back into Sport Hybrid powertrain with the next gen RDX and/or MDX. Seems it will be several years before that happens? Might looking into getting a +25 MDX in Aspec/Adv or Type-S used or CPO if it is going to take too long for hybrid tech.