Ben B

Reviewed a 2014 Acura FWD with Technology Package on Apr 3, 2015

One day, during a 300-mile road trip, our 2011 MDX popped some engine codes and went into a limp-home mode. We made it to a dealer and our loaner was a 2014 Base MDX w/ Tech. Had it for about 96 hours and as we were already going to start shopping for a replacement, this turned out to be a good opportunity to put the new MDX through its paces. // Overall, we were seriously disappointed. Im not saying it isnt a good SUV (it is), Im just saying it wasnt for us. Acura has, unfortunately, transitioned the MDX from being an SUV to more of a low-slung, stylish grocery-getter, much like the Toyota Venza. The vehicle is shorter, fatter, and longer. If you need or want an SUV-shaped minivan, then this is the vehicle for you. To note, in one fell swoop Acura engineers upd the median MDX drivers age by 15 years. Now all the old folks driving Buick Enclaves are cross-shopping the MDX. Well done. All the 30-40 somethings who couldnt afford X5s, but wanted style and handling are SOL. Thanks Acura! // The good. Gas mileage, reasonable acceleration for an SUV, streamlined interior design, fit and finish was solid. Acura also vastly improved the map menu and voice recognition features. It is also quieter then the MDX it replaces. The adjustable suspension and steering work fairly well, although the sweet spot is probably in between the normal and sport settings. A properly tuned, non-adjustable suspension would have been fine. // The bad. While the cabin design flow is pleasing, some materials are cheaper than the previous MDX. The leather is noticeably degraded in feel and grain and the seat cushions are thinner and feel less substantial. Much more Honda-like than the $47K base price would impart. An SUV has ONE job - transport people (and things) comfortably. Thats it. As such, the darn seats should be really comfortable and I have to say that the front seats arent (I am 511, 180). The short seat cushions leave my thighs hanging off, which is particularly uncomfortable on long trips. Next. The touch-screen interface is dangerous and frustrating to use underway. I shouldnt need to use voice prompts or have to wade through multiple touch screen menus to turn on the seat heater. This is ergonomics 101 stuff. Not everyone wants an iPAD experience in their friggen car. More. Somehow, Acura ruined the ELS sound system. It is nearly devoid of bass (lighter drivers perhaps?). Finally. The exterior of the car looks like a larger version of the RDX and not a flagship SUV. // In summary, it feels like Acura was hell-bent on reducing weight and did not factor in the sum of those efforts. A pity. Make sure you test drive the new MDX thoroughly before committing.