F23A4

....plus 380-400 lb-ft @ $70k. Aside from the Mustang GT, I don't love the brand BUT the Ford Explorer ST is a tempting proposition that pulls off 400hp/415lb-ft for a good chunk less. If it wasnt for the fact that EVERY police agency in my region has the Explorer based Interceptor, I'd actually consider swapping my 22 MDX for a 22 Explorer ST.

Kense

LOL Delusional

WTF.Acura

A SQ7 optioned with the upgrade stereo and massaging seat cost 102,090.00 that is 28,995.00 more than a adv Type-S mdx with no options, which is 73,095.00 and if you wanted to add the sport rear diff to the Audi that is another 5,000.00+.

ELIN

A couple issues with that comparison.

Class-wise, the MDX competes w/the Q5/SQ5 series. The fact that the MDX got bigger and heavier means it will receive similar criticism to the TLX competing against A4, 300 series, etc.

The SQ7 is a V8 true 7-seater similar to my GL450. You can fit 2 adults comfortably in the 3rd row in my car and I'd imagine the same for the SQ7. You couldn't say the same about an MDX 3rd row.

If Audi made a slightly bigger 3-row SQ5, then that would be the apples to apples comparison (i.e. compromised 3rd row).

WTF.Acura

When has the MDX compete with the Q5? Since the debut of the MDX in 2001 the MDX has always been a midszie three 3 row suv/cuv. Last time I checked the Audi Q5 was a compact suv and has never been equipped with a 3rd row.
The Audi Q7 was introduced in 2005 for the 2006MY and it was 200.2 inches long. The Acura MDX was introduced in 2000 for the 2001MY and it was 188.5 inches long. A year after Audi introduced the Q7, Acura released the 2007 MDX (2nd Gen) which was 190.7 inches long. We also cannot forgot that the Q7 is based on a long fwd architecture built to accommodate v8's, so most of the added length on the Q7 is confined the the engine bay. The new MDX is 198.4 inches long compared to the Q7 199.3 inches, so how is the MDX a Q5 competitor?

F23A4

Per Acura, the Q7 is the most direct competitor to the MDX:

https://www.acurainfocenter.com/vehi...ive-comparison

....with the RDX being aimed at the Q5:

https://www.acurainfocenter.com/vehi...ive-comparison

Kense

The MDX Type S is more expensive than the X5 40i.

Honda430

A X5 40i equipped comparably to an Advance Type S is $79,000. The question is once you’re willing to spend $74k what’s another $5k to buy the BMW that has more cache.

Kense

Exactly but the thing with BMW is you're not going to be paying $79,000. They have heavy discounts that will take the car below what the Type S goes for.

BEAR-AvHistory

Acura marketing must have made up that whole competitor list when they were all wasted after last years New Years Eve Party. Reads more like a wish list than a real comparison. Not so slick marketing 101 for dummies. Identify your product with ones viewed as very desirable by the public hoping for some brand recognition rub-off.

ELIN

I’ll agree the Q7 is closer in size but you should be comparing the V6 and not the ultra-expensive V8 (SQ7). I was under the mistaken impression the Q7 was a full-size SUV like my GL450. My ‘18 MDX always looked tiny next to the GL.

F23A4

That possibility notwithstanding, the MDX-S is going to have a very short duration on dealer lots even with that outlandish MSRP and concurrent ADM in some instances.

Honda430

The Q7 with the six when optioned like a MDX Type S comes in at around $81,000. It's shocking that they sell that vehicle with the same 4T that you can get in the A4.

WTF.Acura

I wasn’t intentionally trying to compare the MDX Type S to the SQ7. I was responding to Fiatlux how said why pay that much a for a MDX Type S when you can get SQ7. I was just trying to show the price difference of a comparable equipped SQ7 to the MDX Type S adv.

Legend2TL

Tesla1856

It might be because people in other countries are really worried about big-ICE and gas-mileage.

For us in the USA ... while you can see those lower-configs available for order ... I doubt many ever buy them that way. It also helps Audi show you what you are paying for.
I suggest you always get the biggest ICE available on that particular model , and no-lower than Premium-Plus trim.

one4all

Love this review. Pretty much every review I've seen and article I've read about the TLX (that isn't a simple one dimensional drag race) has been positive, but this one is probably my favorite. I like how she examined the seemingly minor but critical engineering details that separate Acura (and Honda) from their competitors.

Honda430

Tony Pac

As much I find the TYPE S is super expensive, almost $100K CAD. But the good news is that everyone has multiple choices to go and pick something else. By us complaining here, Acura won't reduce the price but wait for ADM hahah! And I promise you there are people will pay for it.

In Canada ADM isn't popular but I learnt from daughter's gym instructor that he paid over $12K worth of accessories on his Civic Type R. C'est la vie as we say in French.

Kense

I don't think so. Once you start talking over 70K people will look elsewhere. Not many people want to pay 70K for an Acura unless it's an NSX and that was way over priced as well and doesn't move.

sombasol

where in canada are you finding a 100k car?? I havent heard of anyone in canada paying ADM and if you got no add ons even with tax and delivery your like right at 70. I got an extended warrenty, interior carbon, protection pack 2 and i was still somewhere around 73 (I believe).

leomio2.0

C&D comments section is ripping on Acura pretty hard. Stark contrast to the Internet's response when information was being released about the TLX-S.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-type-s-price/

Although, I don't know why people are upset at the price. I was expecting it to be in the high-$60k to start. TLX Type-S was about 10% higher than the Advance TLX MSRP. Following the same pricing strategy, the MDX-S should come in right at $67k, which it does ... and offers air ride suspension to boot. I don't have an issue with the pricing at all, and the people calling for it to start in the $50k range need to stop hitting the crack pipe. I couldn't care less about this vehicle ... I just wish Honda/Acura could have done better with this powerplant.

Tesla1856

1. Agreed

2. I was glad to see they finally got the "right" engine it this big 7-seater (their new V6 turbo). I didn't think Honda/Acura had a better V6-ICE . Hopefully, it has the matching TLX-S transmission (or better) .

leomio2.0

Honestly, if they had put this turbo V6 into the standard MDX, it would have catapulted this car (& brand) into a top-tier contender IMO. Again, I couldn't care less, since I don't need a mid-sized SUV, but from an outsider looking in, it would be an extremely compelling vehicle and would have a good chance of converting many from the German camp and maybe even Lexus. The Koreans would be left holding their nuts in their hands wondering what happened to their "value proposition" advantage. For the Type-S variant - go with a larger turbo, open up the cylinder heads and some other minor tweaks and the car would likely easily be able to achieve 20% more power (~425HP) along with the added air suspension. That would easily justify the price increase and the reception of the vehicle would not be so polarizing.

If they had built it this way, they wouldn't be able to keep these in stock, even without the supply shortage. Instead, they went conservative and they'll be the ones watching as the Koreans take more and more of their market share ... because hardly any German owners are getting an Acura (if they go Japanese, they almost all go Lexus) and Lexus owners are basically in a cult where they pat each other on the back for making the most prudent vehicle purchase while they ineptly drive under the speed limit everywhere. The MDX sells well enough as it is, but if they ran statistics, I'd wager my left testicle the overwhelming majority are coming from another Acura product or it's their first dabbling into "luxury" car territory.

The biggest downside to if Acura had done this is the inane ramblings of the fanboys would have been slathered all over the internet ... rather than retreating and fortifying themselves into private FB groups as the outside world of every make and model mocks their marketing strategy or making it seem like every single car of theirs has "racing" pedigree with drifting SUVs and action shots all while having nothing to actually back it up. Then again, if they built it like this, their viewpoints would be justifiable, rather than borderline sociopathic, as they are now when I watch people still defend the TLX-S as being a real contender in its supposed segment.

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

I wonder if this poster is a member here



The TLX-S does 0-60 in 4.4 seconds? That's a 1st.. So he claims the MDX-S will nail 0-60 in 4.8-5 seconds while using the same setup as the TLX-S but also being 300-400 LBS heavier. Yeah, makes sense I guess. We are still clinging to the good ole "Acura will be more reliable" without actually knowing if it will be since the competition has been out and there's enough real world reliability data vs the one that doesn't quiet exist yet.. Yeah, makes sense I guess. Long term reliability and Air suspension never goes hand in hand. The main reason why I didn't pull the trigger on many vehicles I've looked it was due to the air suspension. ML63, GLC43, GLE43, Jeep Grand Cherokee ect, air suspension with issues. Enjoy it while in warranty, run away from it once it's out of warranty. I've been joining a few MDX pages and BSin with my ex co-workers at Acura, the TLX and MDX are having issues. Honestly seems like Acura has become that brand to lease while everything is covered. I don't know if it's smart to own these long term.

Legend2TL

+1, her technical reviews have gotten better as time goes by as she looks at the various components (aluminum lower control arms and knuckles) on the rack as well as looking at the engine bay. Like how she also does a rating for ease of working on the vehicle (access to various components), and also how she covers all aspects of the TLX Type-S from it's overall build quality to being slightly overweight far more than just drag races as you pointed out. She was pretty honest with her overall review as well.


Her rewiring of her MR2 turbo was also pretty good how she had to reuse some of the Toyota OEM electrical connectors and did a nice splicing job into the new ECU.

ELIN

Air suspension is completely overrated. I have it on my GL450. You activate it and the suspension goes up. Put any kind of speed on it (i.e. highway) and the suspension automatically drifts back down.

I would imagine the MDX Type S does the same for safety reasons. It's like I said previously: Acura is just creating boxes for folks to check. Owners will eventually come to the conclusion "I paid extra for this?!!!"

Nexx

i think you highly underestimate the buying power of current Acura owners.

Tony Pac

Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to MDX TYPE S. In Quebec with taxes is close to $100K.

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

I agree with you. After driving multiple Mercedes and other vehicles, I didn't feel as if the Air suspension was worth it. My parents had a 2006 S500 4Matic (fully optioned w/air suspension) and it was due for a suspension overhaul at 78,000 miles. I went to Mercedes and picked up 4 Air shocks, front lower control arms, links and upper control arms with complete brakes all around at a discounted price of $5,500. I did the job myself in my driveway. Not fun while on your back, but nothing all that difficult either. Just keep in mind, that's only one piece of the puzzle. You still have air compressors, lines, valves ect. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a very good quality non air suspension setup. Even the electronically adjusted damping struts can be costly sure beats air suspension in reliability, overall cost and simplicity.

leomio2.0

I too have absolutely no desire to ever have a vehicle with air suspension ... in fact, it's a detractor for me because no matter who makes them, they're always going to be a fail point that's exceedingly expensive to repair. Even Lexus air suspensions have their fair share of issues.

BEAR-AvHistory

Don't think buying power is the issues as you can go near $90,000 for a Chevy or FORD SUV now. I think its the choices $75,000 opens up to the buyer.

C&D tested X5 40Xi was base/as-tested price: $61,695/$72,530. All the other usual suspects are in the same range. I know 0-60 &1/4 mile are not important here but it does seem to come up & was all over the C&D report write ins with a lot of sub 5 second claims. The X5 looks like its equal to or quicker than the Type-S sedan.

Zero to 60 mph: 4.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.6 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g
C/D observed fuel economy: 19 mpg
Weight: 4872 lb

Makes the base V6 MDX look like a better proposition for what most here say is important to them.

leomio2.0

Wow, it's crazy how those numbers are literally identical to the TLX-S for the leap to 60 and quarter. Safe to say the MDX-S is going to be a few ticks off in both categories. All the more reason I feel like the turbo V6 should have been the standard engine, while a tweaked version should have been in the Type-S.

The reception in Reddit's Acura sub-forum isn't enthusiastic either. I think Acura may have alienated a lot of their core buyers who are looking for something sporty, reliable and most importantly, affordable comparative to the European offerings.

To add to the list:

2020 Audi Q7 55 Premium Plus
PRICE AS TESTED
$71,990 (base price: $64,795)

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.0 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec
¼-mile: 13.7 sec @ 101 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g

Honda430

I’m thinking it sells well at 73K simply because it looks better than the competition and can comfortably seat six. Even if it only does 0-60 in 5.5 few will hold that against it provided they ace the road holding aspect and driving feel. When I test drove the new MDX I felt handling was a little sloppy. Buttoning down the ride and steering feel while giving it more down low torque will go a long way towards dramatically upping its appeal to the enthusiast who needs to purchase a vehicle of that size.

BEAR-AvHistory

Hard to say other than it is going to be a big step. C&D for the new base V6 got : The run to 60 mph now takes 6.4 seconds and the quarter-mile passes in 15.1 seconds at 93 mph,

They also said: A blanket of snow prevented us from learning if the new version improves upon the 0.83 g of lateral grip posted by an all-wheel-drive 2017 MDX we last tested.

That leave an opening as the new base needs to improve on the 2017, then the Type-S needs to improve on the new base. Target is 0.89. The Type S did well so it has a shot.

As for looks beauty is in the eye of the beholder & the X5 sells as well as the MDX does at present pricing.
MDX
2019 52,019
2020 47,816
2021 54,522 Nov

X5
2019 54,595
2020 50,513
2021 41,779 Sept

My thought is why buy it instead of the base for the extra money if it can't run heads up with the other SUV's? Same thought I have about the sedan. Lots of guys here after the numbers came out & said 0-60 is not important, they don't live their life a 1/4 mile at a time, I would never run someone out of a traffic light & so on.

Might be missing something but the only difference I see between the Type S and the standard line is its a bit quicker.

E92Vancouver

Audis are over rated, over priced, under powered and maintenance will kill you out of warranty. The Type S TLX is going to do just fine!

F23A4

As the current owner of the 22 MDX Tech SH-AWD and the former owner of the 20 MDX Tech SH-AWD (as well as the 17, 15, 12 and 09 models) I can say with confidence that the current version is a better handler, particularly under throttle. However, I will say that the 20/17 were a little quicker (ZF9 notwithstanding).

Generally agreed. I love the J35 motor but no longer feel it's the optimal choice for this MDX and I also feel that the J30AC should have been the standard motor for the 4G MDX. Unfortunately, the 'carryover' J35 makes the 4G feel noticeably underpowered. I dont love the sounds coming from the 2.0T in my TLX but I wonder if Honda should have tuned it for work in the base MDX.

pyrodan007

Right.... on a new engine with under one year of feedback/stress testing. As much as they are "underpowered", my S5 SB has zero problems beating your newly engineered Type-S. Before you mention money, I don't care... no longer a valid reason with Acura's greedy ADM. Now look who's overpriced. As for out of warranty work, get an extended warranty as I did ... so much complaints for easy fixes. Type-S will need maintenance too in the long run, and I doubt it'll be Honda Accord cheap.

FactoryMatt

i can tell you after working on a VAG car, for an enthusiast, they suck to work on/with. they prioritize ease and cost of assembly over ease of maintenance. never seen so many one-time-use and plastic snap fit parts in my life. they deliver tons of perceived value for normal buyers at the expense of actual component quality. never again.

pyrodan007

Being a fan of Eric the Car Guy, Honda also uses one-time/snap/plastic pieces too. If something needs to be changed, it's part of maintenance. As for space, it's part of the risk in getting a bigger more complex engine. Type-S included.