Fellas ... need some inputs from all your drivers out there ... need a mid-size (three rows that is) SUV soon and my choices are the following : highlander Hybrid, Pilot, MDX, and Lexus GX470 ... I know the price difference between MDX/Lexus to Toyota/Honda is about 5-7k, but what would you choose if this is negligible when it comes down to all over performance & reliability ?

 

I'd say MDX. nice looking, luxurious.

If you want hot rod of an suv get highlander hybrid.

 

I personally have no need for an SUV. There are other choices that are better for what you need.

HOWEVER

I'd pick the MDX, as it is lower to the ground than the others, thus being a bit better at handling. I doubt you will leave pavement with it, so the one that would best resemble the drivability of a car is probably the best. And the MDX is a nice vehicle.

 

+ You can discuss your MDX in this same forum :P

 

MDX

 

Out of those choices I's say MDX but would add the CX-9 and Enclave to the list.

 

I like the MDX as well.

We just got an 09 7 passenger Subaru Tribeca(for the wife), they can be had for some good deals. We got a CPO 09, fully loaded model. Was used as a corporate demo for 7k miles, so technically it was never titled. Sticker was 41k, they had it marked down to 34k, we got it for 30,500.

 

Since I own a 4Runner, I'm pretty partial to Toyotas, and the new highlanders are very nice, I'd say either the highlander or the MDX depending on what you're looking to spend

 

highland vs mdx... 2 different personalities but i think your best bets... test drive em

 

MDX

 

We have a 03 Mercury Mountaineer. Bought it new and have had 0 problems in 100K+ miles of ownership. I'd definitely recommend it...

After driving the GMC acadia for a rental the wife really wants one. They have EXCELLENT gas milleage for the size. Several variants of it from Chevy, Saturn, and Buick

We use all 3 rows on a regular basis, but with two in car seats and one in a booster we need a second row that has three folding seats (not just 60/40) so we don't have to undo car seats for third row access. The GMC/Chevy/Saturn/Buick doesn't have a three way split second row so we are waiting til we get the middle child in a booster seat before we upgrade...

By your choices I assume you don't want American, but look into them before you make your decision, you may be surprised...

 

I voted Lexus...




Definitely look into the CX-9 as well...

 

+1 for looking at the CX-9.

but among the ones listed, i'd go with the MDX. i think it looks the best inside and out, and i believe it performs relatively well for an SUV.

but i dunno what you really need out of the SUV. the 3rd row is pretty useless in the MDX. and do you need large towing capacity?

 

Enclave or the Lexus

 

Thanks for the inputs guys ... I think I would get a "biased" opinion if I post in the MDX forum, hence a thread here in the car talk ... thought I had time to test drive the newly suggested Enclave or Arcadia (neighbor has one & it's nice looking addition to the nice MPG as OP pointed out), but my brother wants to have my RXH for a long trip so I need to get a SUV NOW ... so pretty much have to pull the trigger this weekend and the winner is ....




MDX sports/Ent (tkx to fiftyFive & other owners for their strong recomm. for this trim ) so i can start hauling the two ragrats plus the four adults around town ...

 

Highlander = Too Bland
GX470 = Too Big
Honda Pilot = Too

MDX? That's just right.

 

MDX for sure.. I actually liked driving it

 

Good choice. Our 2002 has served us well. Surprised how often we use the third row and the quantity of people that will fit back there.

I like driving it too.

 

as much as i love the MDX, i picked the pilot, cause you can actually take the pilot off road (who wouldve thought an SUV could go off road?)

 

why didn't you put Toyota 4Runner on there? i would take that over all the other SUV's on that. i don't like the back of the MDX anymore. it looks too fat and wide.

 

Excuse me...WTF

They are basically the same vechicle.

 

If you want a 3rd row SUV, you can rule out the Lexus. That 3rd row is absolutely useless. It's only suitable for young kids.

The MDX has a better 3rd row seat. It's still not adult friendly, but you can actually sit back there if you really tried.

 

If I were shopping a 5 passenger mid-size SUV, I'd get the Murano...but if I needed a 7 passenger mid size SUV the MDX is my only choice.

The Pilot's ugly, the Highlander is and the GX470 is effectively a truck....and handles as such.

While I sometimes question Honda's direction with Acura, the 2G MDX is clearly a homerun.

 

I'd go with the MDX too.

 

Pilot or MDX based on your options. My sister has an 08 Pilot. I drove it when we went down to MD. I thought it drove very well for an SUV and there was a lot of room inside of it. The interior is not as polished as the MDX will be. So if you are looking for more creature comfort, then I would go with the MDX.