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Even after paying lots $ for a Trans Cooler - the Type S Turbo gives away 2,250 lbs of towing capacity with 3 passengers in 2nd row, (5k reduced to 2.750k) and has 1,500 lbs. less towing capacity than the 3.5 liter base engine with the same cargo load. The owners manual also has lots of scary warnings about the turbo rpms.
If this 3.0 is so weak under load - it seems a poor choice for lots of continuous mountain driving - even without towing. Certainly the original RDX turbo was weak in the mountains. Anyone have any contrary evidence?
Can't speak for the mountains. On flat sea-level surfaces, the engine holds its own in the Sport/Sport + mode. Good power and quick shifts in the transmission with the SHAWD makes it fun to drive. In the normal/comfort modes the engine is more subdue. Happy with the purchase. The gas mileage is pretty bad. I can only imagine the MPG in the mountains, though the SH-AWD would be fun on those mountain roads.
I'm not sure if it's a "weak" engine but more-so about components cooking as temperatures and loads increase. Even though you have an ATF cooler, the AWD differential and transfer case have to work much harder. Add into that the car can only do so much with it's stability system the more it is loaded up. Same with the MDX-S having that air suspension, probably to prevent damage to the air suspension itself as tongue weight is important. Press leases say MDX has a different torque converter with 30-40% faster shift times in sport mode so probably a bit more fragile than the std slower one. Notice the speed warnings on the right side?
As others have said, it has nothing to do with the engine. Secondly, yes, MDX wouldn't be my first choice for heavy towing, just like I would tow a 5k pound trailer with a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes.
But... Yes, Type S gas mileage is not good. On the highway I'm getting *maybe* one gallon per mile better than my 2010 AWD MDX. And to add insult to injury, the Type S tank holds three gallons less than the 2010! That said, the new MDX is really fun to drive.
I'm not sure if it's a "weak" engine but more-so about components cooking as temperatures and loads increase. Even though you have an ATF cooler, the AWD differential and transfer case have to work much harder. Add into that the car can only do so much with it's stability system the more it is loaded up. Same with the MDX-S having that air suspension, probably to prevent damage to the air suspension itself as tongue weight is important. Press leases say MDX has a different torque converter with 30-40% faster shift times in sport mode so probably a bit more fragile than the std slower one. Notice the speed warnings on the right side?
Why is the towing capacity for the Type S the same at 5 and 6 passengers, whether or not it has an oil cooler? How does that make any sense????
