I’m an MDX S-Type owner. I disagree with your assessment strictly from the buyers perspective. What I mean is, I don’t think you’ve considered the demographic that purchases these. The Tesla and X3-5 owners who want that experience are, from my perspective, mostly millennials who love big, fast, shiny and new. In contrast, I’m a 45 year old GenX’er who remembers trying to squeeze 5.5 sec 0-60 times from highly “modified” Fox Body Mustangs with crank windows, manual transmissions and barely any tech. I personally was drawn to the simplicity of a vehicle that DOESNT require a touch screen, like everything else in my life. I like the fact that it’s a bit of an understated car because I’m trying to impress no-one. And I love the fact that it’s a practical daily driver that brings me a little excitement when I want it from a mundane corporate life. To be transparent, I was between this and a Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which has vastly more performance. But I realized that when that car breaks down and all the X3 and Jag F-Pace’s are long in the scrapyard, I’ll statistically still be enjoying this Acura well past 200k miles with little hassle.
Acuras are not much more if any more reliable than the Germans. They sell mostly to honda and acura fans who don’t want real luxury or performance. Still a nice vehicle.
@@MikeForsythe I’ve had both. My MDX type S is my 7th Honda product. All my other Hondas went well over 200k miles. I’m on my 4th German car, a 2018 Q7. It’s nearing 100k and my repair receipts are thicker than any of my Hondas.
I kinda like this SUV. It might be "conservative" when compared to others but that's what makes it special. It's a vehicle for mature people who aren't trying to outrace every car on the road. The interior is nice as well and I especially like the fact that there aren't massive screens taking up space on the dashboard. It's conservative for sure but it's a good thing.
We just bought a new MDX A spec. Has most of the Type S looking bits but the standard engine. We love it. The big benefit of this car that Doug didn’t touch on, is that it will actually continue to function outside of the warranty… that’s why we got it! Hopefully can keep it for 10-15 years without being bankrupt! Can’t do that with the “better” German competition
Mechanically the Type S is a lot different, self leveling air suspension, adaptive shocks, brembo brakes, 21 inch wheels, wider tires with self sealing technology. It does share the A spec seats I believe. Interior has different stitching and Type S specific steering wheel and trim pieces. Infotainment has Type S programming for graphics on start up etc. Then the next major difference is the motor. I owned the MDX tech before the Type S they drive completely different.
@@drhassan6892 No, it doesn't share the same seats. The Typs S has full Milano leather seats. The A Spec has a suede like center down the middle of the seat.
I own the Type-S, it’s my fifth MDX. I fall into that category of wanting an MDX for my family but paying a bit more for the Type-S to get some added performance for my daily use. I’ve had an M2 Comp for weekends (moving to an M3 Comp). I considered the X5 but to add similar feature it’s going to cost $20k+ more (at least in Canada) and I think the Acura brings more reliability. That said, good overall assessment of the Type-S.
AND this is why people buy the MDX(TypeS) it’s reliable, and costs less than the Germans, and looks just as good with mature performance. So what it isn’t as fast as a Porsche Cayenne GTS, that’s not what it’s for, it’s for the family guy who’s still cool enough to hang out at the Car meets.
I have the RDX right now, but have been looking into MDX as my next car (mine is over 10 years old now but still holds up great). I can't imagine wanting more performance though (maybe because 90% of the time i drive it im stuck in downtown Toronto traffic), what's your "daily use" case?
@@dcarts5616 no kidding. i can't imagine spending $70k+ on a vehicle with so many design flaws. to each their own i guess, this is why the vast majority of canadians are in so much debt, because they want to spend money to try to convince themselves they're cool enough to hang out at car meets lol
The interior honestly looks really nice though I'm surprised he said it wasn't very luxurious, but the reason he gave are confusing, just cause there weren't many risks doesn't take away from interior quality. It's not an issue with other brands and he's even complimented others for having an understated interior so idk y that's different just cause it's an Acura. Cause it looks about as good inside as it's competition. He also starts comparing this cars to EVs and their performance and how their styling is crazier and makes it a demerit for the MDX which makes even less sense since the MDX isn't an EV. And bc he always likes when cars are understated on the outside but here it's now a problem
The quality isn’t as good as the competition. A similarly priced BMW or Audi has better materials and a more impressive design. This car obviously still uses a lot of switchgear from the lower-end Acuras and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were Honda parts in this interior. And the overall design of this interior still very much reads “expensive Honda”.
Yup exactly, just because it's an Acura not a german or italian car, it's boring and conservative. Wait till it has an Audi or a bmw, and wow it's an excellent car. I used to enjoy his videos, but honestly he's not honest anymore. I remember how he used to make fun of the touch volume controller in older hondas (you have to tap tap tap it) and recently he made a video about I Believe a Mercedes or other european car which doesn't have a dial for the volume controller and he didn't make fun of it or complain, because it's a European car.
I like how he drives it around like a grandpa and didn’t even test it’s performance but complains about it, the SH-AWD is amazing when you floor it around corners
You should catch Joe Raiti's review if you haven't already. He REALLY tests the performance on twisty mountain roads and has a blast doing it! Makes you want one just based on that. And Joe would know. He was a race car driver.
Every SUV or minivan needs a removable middle seat, it's so useful. You can have your captains chairs if you only take two kids but when you take three you don't have to send one to the third row, and you have an extra seat for emergencies
My favourite will always be 3 separate seats in the second row. Yes, they will be a touch narrower, yes, the armrest won't be as fancy... But you can get 3 people comfortably into the second row, and have a ton of trunk space since you don't need the third row. And all of that will fit in a much smaller vehicle.
@@wojciechmuras553 exactly! Captains chairs in the second row on anything that's not ultra luxury is stupid in my opinion, as it's really impractical. And for what? So the parents have to do less parenting?
@@Mr.Goldbar Yes, that's another benefit. Child seats on the outer seats, parent in the middle, and it'll be way easier to take care of the kids enroute. 3 separate seats are the best option for a family vehicle!
It's been a Honda thing for years, our 2005 Odyssey has it. Not sure why Doug is acting like it's so innovative and exciting, I guess it's new for the MDX?
I do not find the MDX type-s to look conservative at all. Acura’s in general are fairly aggressive looking and look more sporty than having standard body lines. Also no mention of the fact that you are paying another 15-20k for the same features on an X5? Also why are we comparing a gas powered MDX to the styling of electric cars and their 0-60 times? Wait until the full electric Acura ZDX comes out before you say they aren’t doing electric right when they don’t have an electric car yet.
The MDX's sporty party trick is if you get heavy on the throttle in the middle of a corner, the torque vectoring really tightens the turn, and let's you put down more power than you think is feasible.
Doug is a European-car guy and it shows in his reviews. He has never had to own a vehicle for too long like a normal person and seen how fast the German cars fall apart. They spend more time getting fixed and leaving you stranded than driving on the road. An Acura will last forever and the S-AWD spanks anything else out there.
The Honda version really isn’t that different from the Acura version I suspect it’s just marketing. However my 21 Pilot Elite does the exact same thing mid corner. Their AWD systems are truly amazing. I have so much confidence in my Pilot. It’s not sporty compared to the Type S.
Exactly, simply hit the throttle at the turn apex and let the torque-vectoring pull you around the corner. Simple. Too many journalists are making the mistake of trying trying to drive it like it's RWD, when that's not how SH-AWD works.
@@christopherpartonii8618 I think they are different system, Honda's own awd on CRV Pilot and passport all have a front wheel based awd which can only send up to 50% power/torque to rear wheels. Acura's SH-AWD is a front wheel based AWD with a overdrive gear in the back axle, which allow the car to send 75% power/torque to the rear wheels and sometimes 90% power/torque to single wheel when you are stuck. In my mind SHAWD is better since you can both oversteer and understeer which provide better cornering (which is sporty). But they both work great in snowy road, it just when you are stuck Honda product might give in faster than Acura since there is less power (usually you are that stuck you can't get out by your own anyway LOL).
The sport mode exhaust sounds like a blender set to “liquify”. I don’t care really if I could afford this Type S I’d consider it. Really it’s very nice all around.
@@icculus It really is, clearly the Type S badging “does not a performance car make”. I do like how it looks, although as you point out a base bimmer offers more - I just don’t know if I could be happy w the current gigantic “gates to hell” nostril grilles. An older X5 makes would make good sense :)
@@TzadikTheManic An X5 and Q7 55 give you better performance and more luxury (although maybe not more features) for the money, and badge prestige. The standard MDX models are great values, but that seems very diminished in the Type-S. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a cool car, but $70k cool? Not sure.
At first I was mad you described the exhaust that way, but then I heard it and I couldn't help but laugh. If I bought one tomorrow, I'd go to a legit exhaust shop so it's way better, but keep the factory exhaust if I decided to resell the car.
The infotainment is a disaster with the track pad. I was considering this car until I used the trackpad. It’s unusable with Apple CarPlay. Everything else I agree with. Doug has some sort of unfair bias against Honda and he doesn’t value reliability as an attribute whatsoever because he’s an “enthusiast” (said in Doug’s voice).
@@neppcity he doesnt keep cars long enough like the average person does also he's said it himself, he values quirks and features over reliability which is the opposite of what honda does
@@neppcity I love the trackpad. I’ve never used the trackpad with carplay but it works amazingly well with their UI. Much better than mercedes’ trackpad imo and infinitely better than having to use a touch screen esp when the screen is as far away as it is in this interior. I work at multiple dealerships, have driven just about every car from every manufacturer worth less than 200k new and I have yet to find a touchscreen experience I like better than physical buttons for ac and a decent trackpad or rotary controller for the screen and I think acura’s works well(like I said haven’t used it with carplay yet).
The RDX was made before Acura decided to bring back Type-S. The current Type-S engine will not fit into the RDX’s engine bay. Once the RDX gets a redesign they will have a Type-S model.
@@AFCompany I don't think they will put the J30AC in the redesigned RDX Type-S. My theory is, they will put the K20C1 from the Civic Type R in both the Integra Type-S and RDX Type-S (spy photos of a camouflaged Integra were spotted recently with Type R exhaust pipes).
@@MegaRad666 Should be nice to work making cars people loves. I've had several Honda vehicles and my first bike is also Honda. Countless experiences and reliability that creates loyalty, it's hard to beat. I just laugh at those BMW owners and their bills.
@@Channelterror117 1979 and 1994 Accords, 2007 and 2019 RDX'S. I've spent a lifetime living virtually problem free putting 200k miles on the 94 and 07. You can keep your German luxury money pits.
Yeah no. At least in my area, the MDX is the type of SUV that you would find in fake rich people neighborhoods. They don’t want to look like a commoner in a CRV, but don’t have Mercedes-Benz money.
I owned a MDX for 12 years. It worked flawlessly. When I sold it, the things inside and outside were as solid as the first day I bought it (and I used it for all kind of outdoor activities). I replaced it with a Land Rover Defender. In the first 3 weeks of ownership I had a variety of issues. The front speakers stopped working, the car would switch in neutral while waiting at the traffic lights, AC stopped working. The issues were random, they came and they went away and they came again and went away again. The engine in Land Rover is not working quite well at low RPMs. The naturally aspirated V6 in MDX was solid as a solid can get. The SH-AWD in Acura was great in the snow (better than Land Rover with all its terrain modes) Yes MDX was a "boring" car but when you are left in the middle of the road with the "cool" car it's not fun at all and it makes you think, maybe the "aspirational" buying is not worth replacing the reliable fully functional buying. And if you really want to have a shock, you move from MDX to LR ;-).
The touch pad makes a lot of sense, Doug. It has a palm support that you can comfortably rest your hand on at waist level, which stabilizes your hand while making selections while the car is moving and going over bumps, increasing selection accuracy, vs. having to reach/stretch your arm farther away to touch the screen, with your arm at shoulder level, unsupported, and bouncing/moving around every time the car hits a bump in the road, meaning you'll have lots of missed selections. If you've ever driven a Tesla as I have and as I know you have, trying to hit those relatively small buttons on the center screen while the car is moving and going over small bumps in the road, with your finger landing in the wrong spot because of it half the time, is an exercise in frustration. This touch-pad interface, while not the same as a tablet or phone, is far more ergonomic to use, and I would argue safer, with increased selection accuracy. It also has the added benefit of the screen not being covered in unsightly, oily fingerprints all the time.
It looks like a overall nice car honestly, just a good looking, practical car with enough power to keep you satisfied. I actually really like it. Yeah 600hp is fun, but 9 times out of 10 350hp is well enough. Plus if you want a sporty car you shouldn't even be looking at SUV's in the first place in my opinion. their high built design is inherently flawed for sportiness. Just get a sedan or wagon then.
That’s understandable. But at the end of the day, Acura is advertising this as a sporty suv. If you’re going to create a sporty suv, then at least make it somewhat competitive.
Those 600hp beast are unreliable. Acura gives you enough power without it being a plastic mess. There’s a reason you can get horsepower for so little now days
I remember when I worked valet in downtown someone pulled up with this same exact model and when I drove it I fell in love with it, it’s the best luxury SUV that I’ve ever driven
My lady picked up a MDX type S several months ago and I will say its a great car, especially coming from a 2012 MDX. Honestly it is fun to drive. A suv don't need to have 500+ hp to be performance oriented or fun. Type S is beautiful, have the right amount of power, and handles pretty amazing imho and thats on the all season rubbers. The air suspension is great and the sh-awd is amazing. The interior is very nice...not the ultimate luxury but a great place to be. And the seats are comfy and hold you in place very well . I drive a 2017 Q7 prestige with the supercharged v6. Its 333hp and my car weigh over 5000 lbs, her car is 355 hp and is 4800lb. I hate to admit but it is definitely more sporty than my Q7 with air suspension and rear wheel steering. I think Acura did a great job turning up the wick on the MDX and doing it at a great value. I say great value because a similarly spec'd Q7 and X5 cost more $$$. As far as it looking understated, that is how Audi do their S models and I love it, so no issue here with the MDX. Good job Acura.
This is at least the second car recently where Doug did not show us him climbing into the rearmost seats. That was a key feature of the old videos. I request that it comes back.
I did buy one. After driving everyone elses SUVs it came down to 3 for a family daily; Buick, Lexus, and Acura. I ended up ruling the Buick out because of unknown long term reliability. I ruled out the Lexus because it was just plain boring and so muted to drive. I chose the Acura because it's a Honda, so I know it will last forever. I wanted AWD and waited months for it. I ended up getting the top model without AWD because I was tired of waiting... but this thing has been perfect! I have zero worries about it ever. I never look at the gauges at all because I know it's never going to have any warning lights and it will work forever.
My family has had a few MDXs over the years. I didn’t really appreciate the MDX until I got to drive it myself. It’s a neat car. Cool to see Doug finally review one.
My family never had Acura or Honda, but I got to drive them after becoming a tire technician and I'd take one over any Euro made performance car. Who cares if it's performance model is close to a base model BMW when the car will actually stay out of the junk yard
What you get really from this is build quality and reliability. Yes, I’ve been in German cars and there’s just something about the quality of Acura that comes across as better. The inputs seem heavier and the car feels better built. This will drive the same way it does now in 10 years. BMW and Audi? Not so much. Acura/Honda have a market and it’s those looking for a car for the long term. Not to get rid of it after the lease is over
I have a 22 Advance MDX, and I think they knocked the interior out of the park! The infotainment is a little strange, but it works great with Apple CarPlay. The GPS directions are also displayed in the heads-up display, which is super convenient when driving!
The MDX Type-S is already very attractive in its own way. It has one of the best designs inside & out. This competes pretty well with the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige even though that has more features in the second row
@@JonathanMoosey Acura has always been a performance based luxury brand though. So the ride quality is their focus. Also I have been in plenty of BMW’s, Mercedes, and Audi’s that are no nicer or worse than an MDX. Obviously the really expensive german ones are nice but do you to pay 90k for an Acura to have Mercedes interior?
My parents were sold on buying an Acura TLX until they used the infotainment. It confused me and they hated it as well. Acura needs to get with the times
Some manufacturers don’t realize software is becoming as important as the hardware nowadays. Like a smartphone! BMW & Teslas have the best UI in the business so far
My mom drives an MDX A-Spec and i absolutely love it. Performance isn’t anything special but it is extremely comfortable both to drive and to just be in. It’s got that awesome Honda touch but more luxurious
Hi Doug, thanks for this one. I was considering upgrading my 07 MDX, but after watching this, it hasn't really changed much, so not worth the upgrade (Specially when mine doesn't even have 100k and is still prestine). That being said, the trick of the MDX is not the speed itself, yeah, 300HP in my model year is not much now (maybe it was in 07), but the super SH-AWD at least in my 2nd gen is a thing. I live around a lot mountain rouds and it loves being thrown at the corners, feel like a lot smaller car. To me, that's priceless. Having such an amazing system to give you not only confidence but a fair share of fun for a 2ton vic, that's where it shines. If you drive mainly on straigh highways, may be boring. But to me, it's just ideal for a vehicle that's actually practical and can comfortably carry 7 people. So yeah, not upgrading in a few years for sure.
As much as the new one looks nice I didn't want the payments. I decided several months ago to get my 2nd mdx gen 2 cause I loved it so much. My 1st one was an 07 sport which I sold a couple of years ago and now I have an 11 advance. I've always loved the revised 2nd gen model and I still think it's the best looking mdx out there. The new one is close though. I just love how the 2nd gen mdx drive. It's more fun to drive then my prior 19 pilot touring AWD. I like that the 2nd gen is smaller and is so nimble. I did several upgrades to it already and love it even more. I'm still not done with all my add-ons yet but best bet that I will be keeping mine until the wheels fall off. I do miss all the new tech in newer cars though and I will seek another car in a couple of years but I won't be trading on my mdx this time around cause it's hard to find a clean one nowadays like how I did earlier this year. It was a 1 owner clean inside and out. I even had people said that my car still looks new. 😁
Good on you. I'd take your MDX over a new one lmao. It's really nice when I see such examples come into the shop, I see more nice ones than not. It seems like people really like to take care of them unless they have no choice.
Not everyone wants different and daring, and to stay a path of building predictable, reliable vehicles, especially in this category of vehicle, is wise. I've driven this cars competitors and I'm not a fan of having a large suv with so much power that it can't/or won't actually be used day to day - it's just too much for that shape of vehicle with that height. In my book, if you actually want performance you'll get an actual performance vehicle and not a grocery-getter. This car is plenty of excitement for the demographic they are going for. And they've definitely improved it in every way compared to the outgoing model, so I say that's a win! If anything, I do agree that the infotainment is just a bit off with that remote touch thing, I've used it before and it isn't super intuitive... you could say, as far as that goes - it's different and daring 😂
I feel like that's a good car for someone who doesn't want to stand out or seem daring. Something modern, practical, sporty but nothing too complicated or outlandish.
Not everyone likes big laggy screens and going trough 4 menues just to change temperature and fan speed. Some people respect practicality and reliability all that for fair price
Thank you Doug. This is my favorite car and was looking forward to watching this. Very excited about this car. People would run out and buy a hyper car this is my favorite and need to replace my older MDX and was thinking about this very one color and all.
Well I have had high performance cars and I am done with high performance cars and prefer the idea of Acura especially the MDX. It’s great to me. Sure the power isn’t c any but that is what I would want in power yet not crazy power.
The problem with BMW is the quality is poor and I have had mine MDX and it has 150,900 on it and never had a problem. My nephew drives BMW and always has problems at 100,000 and had to get rid of it
IMO Acura/honda doesn’t really follow trends or tries to do super techy stuff to their vehicles since those things quickly become outdated and are gimicky. They focus on simplicity and classical design that last for years. This type s is very nice and will still be nice for years to come!
I think it came down to emissions, honestly. Honda/Acura have been leaders in the Ultra Low Emissions category for a LONG LONG time. I agree with the sound... not great... but then again having a droning exhaust note when your baby is sleeping in the back isnt fun either.
@@PetesCreativeRecycling If that was true, Acura wouldn't have given the TLX Type S such a great exhaust note (it has a valved exhaust)...I think it's primarily because this is a luxury family SUV, as you mentioned.
Everyone is missing the idea that the MDX is reliable. The Q7 and X5 aren't gonna get 250K easily. I know we don't usually keep cars that long, but it's nice to know you're driving a reliable vehicle. The MDX is just that.
18:01 Nothing crazy: with the major exception of the Civic Si Type R. I've never understood Doug's original review of it (mocking the vents, wing, etc), when in 20 years from now, he will feature one from 2020 and gush over how gloriously bonkers it was.
I’ve been driving this car as a small-time journalist through the holiday and wanted to compare my insights to yours. They are aligned with yours. Ideal for Acura and MDX enthusiasts. Will not make German SUV buyers defect. I was shocked to find solid rear rotors (not vented) with just a conventional caliper in the back, and no 2-piece rotors in the front like what the RX500h has, so this baby has only a small sprinkle of performance, but I do like it’s comfort, smoothness and air suspension a lot. Great review as always.
Totally agree to Doug’s comment in the end. In 2017, I was shopping for a fun family SUV. I was shortlisting BMW X5, Acura MDX, and Audi Q7. I ended up buying a Q7. No BMW X7 and Q8 back then. Now, it’s still the best choice in rearview mirror.
That near $75,000 sticker for an MDX is probably why Acura has struggled in recent years. There are too many compelling options at that price point. Then again, a loaded Rubicon Wrangler is now 70k...
Acura isn’t struggling. Chip shortage. This the top selling 3 row. Ignorant aren’t we. However you have Kia at 50k. What is Acura supposed to do be a price of a Kia
@@rahimi4762 50k for a nice Honda is reasonable. Genesis is doing just fine being nice Kias. I would have thought the Highlander or Telluride/Palisade was the best-selling 3-row midsize crossover.
@@bwofficial1776 He's trying to compare sales of this to "real" luxury SUV's (the Germans mainly) when this really competes with 3-row vehicles from lower-tier premium brands like Volvo/Lexus/Cadillac/Lincoln, and Hyundai/Kia as of recent, etc.
@@rahimi4762 Not top selling, this year BMW X5 sold 2x more units than MDX, the GLE sold significantly more units too. You can't blame chip shortage, every manufacturer is facing the same problem. And if they can't secure enough chips to build their cars, then it's their fault they're struggling.
My mom have a 2016 MDX and her friend have the 2022 MDX. She sometimes bring me to college with her daughter. I can see the interior progress between the 2 models
Great review as always! :) Though the MDX Type is a middle ground of performance and luxury that many like myself find appealing. A comparatively speced BMW X5 xDrive40i (AWD version) is roughly the same price as the MDX Type S with Advanced Package. And Honda and Acura still takes risks. Look at the outgoing NSX and the Honda E electric car sold in Europe.
I love my MDX, I love the infotainment system with its touchpad. Never liked the touch screen in my other cars. I love how the MDX drives, very responsive, excellent every day driver. Seats are super comfortable, suspension is very nice, just love this car. I've owned the BMW X3 and X1, I have driven a whole bunch of BMWs including the Ms and I have to tell ya, I was not swept off my feet. Especially, when I had to take the BMW back to the dealership for repair just 3 days after I bought it. LOL. Sooo, Acura MDX it is.... all the way. I don't find it boring at all. it is beautiful on the outside and the interior is very nice.
I never knew anything about Acura until my dad bought a 2014 one. I thought it was ugly and boring but I ended up really liking it, and it held up super well for a 8 year old car with over 100,000 miles. Now we have a 2018 MDX and it’s super nice. But you do notice there isn’t much more to the 2018 MDX compared to the 2014 MDX. I’d say if you want a great driving SUV go BMW, those things are crazy driving machines. The Acura feels light, my dad doesn’t feel as secure driving it like you would a BMW. Acura is a good brand, but their evolution is so slow 😂
It's funny to me how a suv that does 0 to 60 in under 6 sec is no big deal anymore and with a four cylinder no less. I had a 1984 Trans Am HO with a V8 that did it in over 7 sec and that was considered fast back then. How fast does the average consumer really want a suv to go? I would rather get better fuel economy than do 0 to 60 in 4 seconds but I guess I'm old fashioned. :)
I like how normal sized are the side windows. With every “coupe SUV” you’re barely get decent normal windows, not to mention the rear one. This one reminds me of those 90’s early 00’s vehicles.
I think you are missing the point here. 90% of people do not care about a 0-60 of minus 2 seconds. You are trapped in your own bubble of 0-60 and BHP are everything when in the real world most people do not care. Even back in the day before the world was not so sanitised Plymouth struggled to sell Superbirds. The average family does not care, they want a reliable comfortable family car with a nice interior, not overly expensive to insure, good mpg and adequate performance. When my kids were young I would have found it more useful to have a removable centre seat than a 0-60 of 3 seconds. It is the same reason a lot of these SS, big blocks etc are rare, people did not want them back in the day, they bought the sanitised versions. I believe it is one of the most practical useful cars you have tested on here. We love the interior, however, we do agree with you about the mouse pad, we prefer a touch screen. Thanks for the review.
Tell me on exactly which planet can you get a performance SUV with ADAPTIVE AIR SUSPENSION, genuine leather seats and wood trim, 9 way massaging seats, 3 rows, HUD, 360 camera, 21" wheels, Brembo brakes, HD screens, 16 way power seats, pano roof, 0-60 in under 6 seconds... and the list goes on, for under 75K. I'm waiting!
I bought one of these in March and I have loved it ever since. It's sporty, comfortable, reliable and practical. Sure, it isn't the fastest thing out there, but it's an SUV. No SUV is built to be a street weapon, but some are built to be practical while adding some fun and a little bit of performance to the mix. Not long after I bought mine, I had a fun light to light race with a new 5.0 mustang and the Type S kept up. I got him off the line and stayed ahead the whole time. The Mustang didn't start pulling on me until the very end of the race. I'd say that's pretty impressive for an almost 5 thousand pound 3-row SUV.
@@biggchuski4927 Sure, it's fast and capable, but I can't think of anyone who wants true performance and buys an SUV. You can get sports and even supercars for cheaper than some new SUVs these days. The X6m starts over 100 grand for a new one, too. That's crazy money for an SUV imo 🤷♂️
I think I know exactly who will mostly buy this car: - a grown-up civic boyracer who has a family now and his wife no longer stands that rough and loud shitbox, and it's not that good for carrying kids and groceries around either, so this "high-performance" is a step up and a marriage-saving compromise - and also young grannies who want to be hip and cool, but won't buy a faster and flashier car no offence to young grannies of course
@@mattmekhaeil considering the RX is based off the lesser Highlander and rav4 and Camry except just stretched a tad no need. And the performance on the RX is laughable. I know because I own a Toyota Camry v6 and it has the same 0-60 as the rx500h with the same mpg: 5.7-6 seconds
@@naveenthemachine it's not all about acceleration. Why do people always look at acceleration and power? If you want something like that in a straight line get Durango hellcat or a tack hawk. Those will check off those boxes. Handling is also something that people look at too. Acura makes excellent handling cars from their awd system. This suv does everything you need it to be
I like the fact that there are actual buttons and knobs for climate control. Not everything has to be on the screen. It's ridiculous how dependent we are on screens as a society. A vehicle is supposed to be able to be driven, and simple things like heating and AC should be able to do without screwing with a screen.
I totally agree with your assessment towards the end. If you're putting this up against other "performance" SUVs, the others are all better. If you wanted an MDX to begin with, then this is the one to get.....providing you have the money to do so.
I just bought the type s advance.. We also have an 2019 rdx a spec clocking 80k with no issues. One of the reasons for going back to Acura..I test drove an x3, x5, ix, nx, rx, q5,xc60 and a model y. The x5 was the closest but with all options spec'd out on it including maintenance, wheels and upgraded leather, it was over 10k more than the type s advance.. does the x5 drive better and faster yes. Will the Acura be more reliable and cheaper to repair? I believe so.. They are both great vehicles and in the end happy with my choice knowing that heated/ventilated massaging seats, rear heated seats, driver assistance package, running boards, trailer hitch, rear window shades, brembo brakes, panoramic sunroof, 4yrs/48k maintenance, longevity and reliability didn't have to cost 90k
Talk about a quirk; that removable center seat from the 2nd row, well it makes for an EXCELLENT prop for "parental activities" Mebe dougie knew that when he mentioned parents liking the feature, lol
Great review. We had considered this, but ended up with an X7 M60i. I held out for the MDX Type-S due to its value, but I couldn’t justify it. One thing people aren’t addressing on this car is that it has deplorable fuel economy for a car of its class/performance. It’s shocking how bad the economy figures are for its lukewarm performance. You might as well get a big V8 Turbo engine as this powertrain lacks both performance and efficiency :(
This is the MDX for people who’ve already owned one before but want something a little bit more exciting, I don’t see many new costumers buying one of these
Especially for $70 grand, this thing will mainly appeal only to "Honda people" - To my eyes this shares the bottom of the barrel award with the Cadillac XT6 in the premium 3-row class, unless somebody plans to keep this for 10+ years for the predicted Honda reliability to kick in, and resale value will likely be stronger than most brands, but I see no other reasons to buy this boring thing.
S doesn't stand for sport it stands for Suburban Dad. The one with a pretty good but kinda bland job living with their family in a nice but bland little culdesac as they explains to their wife why "we" really should get the sport version but of course not for the performance but the many other extra's that will benefit the family! Their wife will roll their eyes and agrees knowing they just wanted the one that said sport and this is a small thing to make their husband happy. Then when dad arrives at his job all happy and proud he shows of his nice new SPORT! SUV to his colleagues that all give him the mandatory nod of approval as they act interested as you show them around the car giving you the usual hmm's and nice's as you point things out.
As much as I like the BMW and Audi competitors, I think a big factor for many will be the reliability and depreciation/resell value of an MDX Type S. That'll be its big draw when cross shopping. Five years down the line which car would you wanna be offloading? Personally I'd add a point to the value/quality with the Acura. Still lukewarm, but credit where credit is due.
You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned predicted depreciation. I think this is bottom of the barrel in terms of new 3-row premium SUV's personally, even a lowly Cadillac XT6 looks more upscale to me, but for the likely few who plan to buy and keep this for an extended amount of time this will likely retain a solid amount of value compared to most other 3-row offerings out there. That's the MDX's only trump card in my opinion.
You missed things like the pano roof, ability to lift the suspension, wireless CarPlay, and the cargo area floor options. Also little quirks like the holes in the grille and speakers in the ceiling.
Don’t agree w Doug on two things: interior is so nice, real low in front of you, car is wide and feels roomy not up or in front but in width. Driving feel is super numb and I couldn’t quite figure it out for a while, but after getting used to it, I really love it. I dreaded having to drive the tech trim on the MDX but ended up really loving it after getting used to it. I like it over the somewhat dated 3 row Lexus my dad drives around and my moms Mercedes glc 300 coupe. It’s a really good car, maybe a bit of a sleeper and that is a good thing if ur gunna try to buy one used
I already really like the Acura MDX, & my mom & aunt sat in the Type-S Advance since it was on the showroom floor, & they liked it a lot. I would love it if we could get one of these & a GV80 3.5T Prestige 😂
I’m an MDX S-Type owner. I disagree with your assessment strictly from the buyers perspective. What I mean is, I don’t think you’ve considered the demographic that purchases these. The Tesla and X3-5 owners who want that experience are, from my perspective, mostly millennials who love big, fast, shiny and new. In contrast, I’m a 45 year old GenX’er who remembers trying to squeeze 5.5 sec 0-60 times from highly “modified” Fox Body Mustangs with crank windows, manual transmissions and barely any tech. I personally was drawn to the simplicity of a vehicle that DOESNT require a touch screen, like everything else in my life. I like the fact that it’s a bit of an understated car because I’m trying to impress no-one. And I love the fact that it’s a practical daily driver that brings me a little excitement when I want it from a mundane corporate life. To be transparent, I was between this and a Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which has vastly more performance. But I realized that when that car breaks down and all the X3 and Jag F-Pace’s are long in the scrapyard, I’ll statistically still be enjoying this Acura well past 200k miles with little hassle.
You are correct
Acuras are not much more if any more reliable than the Germans. They sell mostly to honda and acura fans who don’t want real luxury or performance. Still a nice vehicle.
@@MikeForsythe I’ve had both. My MDX type S is my 7th Honda product. All my other Hondas went well over 200k miles. I’m on my 4th German car, a 2018 Q7. It’s nearing 100k and my repair receipts are thicker than any of my Hondas.
Agreed!
@@MikeForsythe you obviously dont know cars...
We need a GR Highlander at this point
Nah. Won’t happen
Toyotas not that much into performance. Since they said no more GR cars coming in the future
We really don’t…
that would be awesome!
GR is just gonna be some aero and suspension for 15k more
There is a Land Cruiser GR... but it isn't coming to ya'll in the US unfortunately.
I kinda like this SUV. It might be "conservative" when compared to others but that's what makes it special. It's a vehicle for mature people who aren't trying to outrace every car on the road. The interior is nice as well and I especially like the fact that there aren't massive screens taking up space on the dashboard. It's conservative for sure but it's a good thing.
We just bought a new MDX A spec. Has most of the Type S looking bits but the standard engine. We love it. The big benefit of this car that Doug didn’t touch on, is that it will actually continue to function outside of the warranty… that’s why we got it! Hopefully can keep it for 10-15 years without being bankrupt! Can’t do that with the “better” German competition
Mechanically the Type S is a lot different, self leveling air suspension, adaptive shocks, brembo brakes, 21 inch wheels, wider tires with self sealing technology. It does share the A spec seats I believe. Interior has different stitching and Type S specific steering wheel and trim pieces. Infotainment has Type S programming for graphics on start up etc. Then the next major difference is the motor. I owned the MDX tech before the Type S they drive completely different.
Clearly the car isn’t made for your demographic
Couple of bolts on and tune and It can be just as fast as the type-s if not quicker.
@@quakerome4594 if you’re talking about a regular mdx you might wanna think about what you’re saying.
@@drhassan6892 No, it doesn't share the same seats. The Typs S has full Milano leather seats. The A Spec has a suede like center down the middle of the seat.
I own the Type-S, it’s my fifth MDX. I fall into that category of wanting an MDX for my family but paying a bit more for the Type-S to get some added performance for my daily use. I’ve had an M2 Comp for weekends (moving to an M3 Comp). I considered the X5 but to add similar feature it’s going to cost $20k+ more (at least in Canada) and I think the Acura brings more reliability.
That said, good overall assessment of the Type-S.
AND this is why people buy the MDX(TypeS) it’s reliable, and costs less than the Germans, and looks just as good with mature performance. So what it isn’t as fast as a Porsche Cayenne GTS, that’s not what it’s for, it’s for the family guy who’s still cool enough to hang out at the Car meets.
I have the RDX right now, but have been looking into MDX as my next car (mine is over 10 years old now but still holds up great). I can't imagine wanting more performance though (maybe because 90% of the time i drive it im stuck in downtown Toronto traffic), what's your "daily use" case?
What line of work do you do that affords you that much financial flexibility in 2022?
@@dcarts5616 no kidding. i can't imagine spending $70k+ on a vehicle with so many design flaws. to each their own i guess, this is why the vast majority of canadians are in so much debt, because they want to spend money to try to convince themselves they're cool enough to hang out at car meets lol
@@TreCayUltimateLife oh for sure, it’s better to buy property than buy a luxury vehicle to impress the neighbours lol.
The interior honestly looks really nice though I'm surprised he said it wasn't very luxurious, but the reason he gave are confusing, just cause there weren't many risks doesn't take away from interior quality. It's not an issue with other brands and he's even complimented others for having an understated interior so idk y that's different just cause it's an Acura. Cause it looks about as good inside as it's competition. He also starts comparing this cars to EVs and their performance and how their styling is crazier and makes it a demerit for the MDX which makes even less sense since the MDX isn't an EV. And bc he always likes when cars are understated on the outside but here it's now a problem
The quality isn’t as good as the competition. A similarly priced BMW or Audi has better materials and a more impressive design. This car obviously still uses a lot of switchgear from the lower-end Acuras and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were Honda parts in this interior. And the overall design of this interior still very much reads “expensive Honda”.
Yup exactly, just because it's an Acura not a german or italian car, it's boring and conservative.
Wait till it has an Audi or a bmw, and wow it's an excellent car.
I used to enjoy his videos, but honestly he's not honest anymore.
I remember how he used to make fun of the touch volume controller in older hondas (you have to tap tap tap it) and recently he made a video about I Believe a Mercedes or other european car which doesn't have a dial for the volume controller and he didn't make fun of it or complain, because it's a European car.
2 words: Piano Black
@@brotherdubious that bmw and audi costs few thousands more...you get what you pay for.
@@anjansingh3093 they’re cheap but costs more. Drive an Acura first before sounding ignorant
I like how he drives it around like a grandpa and didn’t even test it’s performance but complains about it, the SH-AWD is amazing when you floor it around corners
Lol I was thinking the same thing I have heard great things about SH-AWD
Indeed. It enables a heavier vehicle to corner as if it were a much lighter one.
You should catch Joe Raiti's review if you haven't already. He REALLY tests the performance on twisty mountain roads and has a blast doing it! Makes you want one just based on that. And Joe would know. He was a race car driver.
@@gestebu Raiti is a freaking lunatic. ON THROTTLE!! Love it!
Every SUV or minivan needs a removable middle seat, it's so useful.
You can have your captains chairs if you only take two kids but when you take three you don't have to send one to the third row, and you have an extra seat for emergencies
My favourite will always be 3 separate seats in the second row. Yes, they will be a touch narrower, yes, the armrest won't be as fancy... But you can get 3 people comfortably into the second row, and have a ton of trunk space since you don't need the third row. And all of that will fit in a much smaller vehicle.
@@wojciechmuras553 exactly!
Captains chairs in the second row on anything that's not ultra luxury is stupid in my opinion, as it's really impractical.
And for what? So the parents have to do less parenting?
Solution: sell one of your children
@@Mr.Goldbar Yes, that's another benefit. Child seats on the outer seats, parent in the middle, and it'll be way easier to take care of the kids enroute. 3 separate seats are the best option for a family vehicle!
It's been a Honda thing for years, our 2005 Odyssey has it. Not sure why Doug is acting like it's so innovative and exciting, I guess it's new for the MDX?
I can tell you I wasn't expecting 4 egg SUV reviews in a row.
5 actually
I agree. I say they all look like potatoes. Everything they make now is the same shape. 🤮😖😷☹
imagine having enough money to pick and choose new cars, but most of them are unrecognizable if you pulled out the lights and emblems
@@_Avrai exactly why I don’t like these new crossovers
@@darkshinobi3030 me too
Doug is the type of guy to have the ac on 62 degrees and also have his heated seat on 7:26
Haha I drive like that too. He might like the seat heater for his back as this is my reasoning
I can't lie, I do that from time to time.
@@aztec1040 That's exactly why I drive like this, lol. Having my back heated after a day's work is pretty nice.
Wearing just one t-shirt makes a Doug chilly.
AC on low, heated seats and steering wheel is the only way I’ll drive.
I do not find the MDX type-s to look conservative at all. Acura’s in general are fairly aggressive looking and look more sporty than having standard body lines.
Also no mention of the fact that you are paying another 15-20k for the same features on an X5? Also why are we comparing a gas powered MDX to the styling of electric cars and their 0-60 times? Wait until the full electric Acura ZDX comes out before you say they aren’t doing electric right when they don’t have an electric car yet.
The MDX's sporty party trick is if you get heavy on the throttle in the middle of a corner, the torque vectoring really tightens the turn, and let's you put down more power than you think is feasible.
Doug is a European-car guy and it shows in his reviews. He has never had to own a vehicle for too long like a normal person and seen how fast the German cars fall apart. They spend more time getting fixed and leaving you stranded than driving on the road. An Acura will last forever and the S-AWD spanks anything else out there.
The Honda version really isn’t that different from the Acura version I suspect it’s just marketing. However my 21 Pilot Elite does the exact same thing mid corner. Their AWD systems are truly amazing. I have so much confidence in my Pilot. It’s not sporty compared to the Type S.
Exactly, simply hit the throttle at the turn apex and let the torque-vectoring pull you around the corner. Simple. Too many journalists are making the mistake of trying trying to drive it like it's RWD, when that's not how SH-AWD works.
My wife hates this party trick lmao
@@christopherpartonii8618 I think they are different system, Honda's own awd on CRV Pilot and passport all have a front wheel based awd which can only send up to 50% power/torque to rear wheels. Acura's SH-AWD is a front wheel based AWD with a overdrive gear in the back axle, which allow the car to send 75% power/torque to the rear wheels and sometimes 90% power/torque to single wheel when you are stuck. In my mind SHAWD is better since you can both oversteer and understeer which provide better cornering (which is sporty). But they both work great in snowy road, it just when you are stuck Honda product might give in faster than Acura since there is less power (usually you are that stuck you can't get out by your own anyway LOL).
The sport mode exhaust sounds like a blender set to “liquify”. I don’t care really if I could afford this Type S I’d consider it. Really it’s very nice all around.
The exhaust is so disappointing. The TLX sounds great, but for some reason this sounds like a run-of-the-mill V6. A base BMW sounds way better.
@@icculus It really is, clearly the Type S badging “does not a performance car make”. I do like how it looks, although as you point out a base bimmer offers more - I just don’t know if I could be happy w the current gigantic “gates to hell” nostril grilles. An older X5 makes would make good sense :)
@@TzadikTheManic An X5 and Q7 55 give you better performance and more luxury (although maybe not more features) for the money, and badge prestige. The standard MDX models are great values, but that seems very diminished in the Type-S. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a cool car, but $70k cool? Not sure.
At first I was mad you described the exhaust that way, but then I heard it and I couldn't help but laugh. If I bought one tomorrow, I'd go to a legit exhaust shop so it's way better, but keep the factory exhaust if I decided to resell the car.
I drove one last week and its a perfect daily driver.
doug does not give enough credit to this car, the interior is amazing quality, it looks beautiful outside, and the infotainment screen is easy to use
The infotainment is a disaster with the track pad. I was considering this car until I used the trackpad. It’s unusable with Apple CarPlay. Everything else I agree with. Doug has some sort of unfair bias against Honda and he doesn’t value reliability as an attribute whatsoever because he’s an “enthusiast” (said in Doug’s voice).
@@neppcity he doesnt keep cars long enough like the average person does
also he's said it himself, he values quirks and features over reliability which is the opposite of what honda does
@@neppcity have u used it? I doubt it. Just speaking a false narrative you know nothing about. Sit down please
@@rahimi4762 Do you know that he hasn't used it? Besides, standing is good for your health.
@@neppcity I love the trackpad. I’ve never used the trackpad with carplay but it works amazingly well with their UI. Much better than mercedes’ trackpad imo and infinitely better than having to use a touch screen esp when the screen is as far away as it is in this interior. I work at multiple dealerships, have driven just about every car from every manufacturer worth less than 200k new and I have yet to find a touchscreen experience I like better than physical buttons for ac and a decent trackpad or rotary controller for the screen and I think acura’s works well(like I said haven’t used it with carplay yet).
I'm still surprised the MDX type S exists before the RDX type S. I feel like most people that want that power wouldn't want it in such a large vehicle
The RDX was made before Acura decided to bring back Type-S. The current Type-S engine will not fit into the RDX’s engine bay. Once the RDX gets a redesign they will have a Type-S model.
@@AFCompany I don't think they will put the J30AC in the redesigned RDX Type-S. My theory is, they will put the K20C1 from the Civic Type R in both the Integra Type-S and RDX Type-S (spy photos of a camouflaged Integra were spotted recently with Type R exhaust pipes).
I build these cars and I 100% agree. But our Japanese overlords have their own enigmatic business plans.
@@MegaRad666 Should be nice to work making cars people loves. I've had several Honda vehicles and my first bike is also Honda. Countless experiences and reliability that creates loyalty, it's hard to beat.
I just laugh at those BMW owners and their bills.
@@Channelterror117 1979 and 1994 Accords, 2007 and 2019 RDX'S. I've spent a lifetime living virtually problem free putting 200k miles on the 94 and 07. You can keep your German luxury money pits.
You lost me at over 70 grand....
😂😂😂😂
Yeah no. At least in my area, the MDX is the type of SUV that you would find in fake rich people neighborhoods. They don’t want to look like a commoner in a CRV, but don’t have Mercedes-Benz money.
You can't get much luxury under 80k anymore
@@peppapigthekiller7539 some people like reliable cars..the acura is more reliable than anything maybe except lexus they're on par with
To be fair the equivalent to this car would be a BMW X7 and to get the BMW optioned out the same to the MDX type S here it would be over 100K
I owned a MDX for 12 years. It worked flawlessly. When I sold it, the things inside and outside were as solid as the first day I bought it (and I used it for all kind of outdoor activities). I replaced it with a Land Rover Defender. In the first 3 weeks of ownership I had a variety of issues. The front speakers stopped working, the car would switch in neutral while waiting at the traffic lights, AC stopped working. The issues were random, they came and they went away and they came again and went away again. The engine in Land Rover is not working quite well at low RPMs. The naturally aspirated V6 in MDX was solid as a solid can get. The SH-AWD in Acura was great in the snow (better than Land Rover with all its terrain modes) Yes MDX was a "boring" car but when you are left in the middle of the road with the "cool" car it's not fun at all and it makes you think, maybe the "aspirational" buying is not worth replacing the reliable fully functional buying. And if you really want to have a shock, you move from MDX to LR ;-).
The touch pad makes a lot of sense, Doug. It has a palm support that you can comfortably rest your hand on at waist level, which stabilizes your hand while making selections while the car is moving and going over bumps, increasing selection accuracy, vs. having to reach/stretch your arm farther away to touch the screen, with your arm at shoulder level, unsupported, and bouncing/moving around every time the car hits a bump in the road, meaning you'll have lots of missed selections. If you've ever driven a Tesla as I have and as I know you have, trying to hit those relatively small buttons on the center screen while the car is moving and going over small bumps in the road, with your finger landing in the wrong spot because of it half the time, is an exercise in frustration. This touch-pad interface, while not the same as a tablet or phone, is far more ergonomic to use, and I would argue safer, with increased selection accuracy. It also has the added benefit of the screen not being covered in unsightly, oily fingerprints all the time.
It looks like a overall nice car honestly, just a good looking, practical car with enough power to keep you satisfied. I actually really like it.
Yeah 600hp is fun, but 9 times out of 10 350hp is well enough.
Plus if you want a sporty car you shouldn't even be looking at SUV's in the first place in my opinion.
their high built design is inherently flawed for sportiness. Just get a sedan or wagon then.
That’s understandable. But at the end of the day, Acura is advertising this as a sporty suv. If you’re going to create a sporty suv, then at least make it somewhat competitive.
Those 600hp beast are unreliable. Acura gives you enough power without it being a plastic mess. There’s a reason you can get horsepower for so little now days
@@rahimi4762 it doesn’t need to be 600hp. Doesn’t even need to be 500. You can still develop a reliable sporty vehicle with more hp than advertised.
@@christophermaye4469 correct. I was saying what the Germans do that’s why they are headaches and fragile
He’s so stupid. “This one sucks because Aston Martin made a better one” This fucking guy.
I remember when I worked valet in downtown someone pulled up with this same exact model and when I drove it I fell in love with it, it’s the best luxury SUV that I’ve ever driven
I would like to see Doug do a review of the 2006-2008 MDX. It had a lot of features most auto manufacturers weren't doing until 2012 or later.
06 was the last model of the 1st Gen, 2nd Gen started in 07
My lady picked up a MDX type S several months ago and I will say its a great car, especially coming from a 2012 MDX. Honestly it is fun to drive. A suv don't need to have 500+ hp to be performance oriented or fun. Type S is beautiful, have the right amount of power, and handles pretty amazing imho and thats on the all season rubbers. The air suspension is great and the sh-awd is amazing. The interior is very nice...not the ultimate luxury but a great place to be. And the seats are comfy and hold you in place very well . I drive a 2017 Q7 prestige with the supercharged v6. Its 333hp and my car weigh over 5000 lbs, her car is 355 hp and is 4800lb. I hate to admit but it is definitely more sporty than my Q7 with air suspension and rear wheel steering. I think Acura did a great job turning up the wick on the MDX and doing it at a great value. I say great value because a similarly spec'd Q7 and X5 cost more $$$. As far as it looking understated, that is how Audi do their S models and I love it, so no issue here with the MDX. Good job Acura.
I would probably pick the MDX over it's German competition just based on the long term reliability and running costs alone.
5,7k views in 18 minutes. That's what happens when a car reviewer presents authentic, enjoyable content. Love to see it Doug🔥
I would hope so with 4+ million subscribers bro
16k in an hour now
@@smartyexplorer135 Nobody was looking for that.
Even so, his views have been down substantially lately.
His views have been horrible lately
This is at least the second car recently where Doug did not show us him climbing into the rearmost seats.
That was a key feature of the old videos.
I request that it comes back.
I would absolutely buy this if I needed a SUV.
Here are the clip u been looking for:
ruclips.net/video/rN55-aamkOA/видео.html !
I would absolutely buy this if I had the money to burn lol It's worth every cent.
I did buy one. After driving everyone elses SUVs it came down to 3 for a family daily; Buick, Lexus, and Acura. I ended up ruling the Buick out because of unknown long term reliability. I ruled out the Lexus because it was just plain boring and so muted to drive. I chose the Acura because it's a Honda, so I know it will last forever. I wanted AWD and waited months for it. I ended up getting the top model without AWD because I was tired of waiting... but this thing has been perfect! I have zero worries about it ever. I never look at the gauges at all because I know it's never going to have any warning lights and it will work forever.
My family has had a few MDXs over the years. I didn’t really appreciate the MDX until I got to drive it myself. It’s a neat car. Cool to see Doug finally review one.
Here are the clip u been looking for:
ruclips.net/video/rN55-aamkOA/видео.html .
My family never had Acura or Honda, but I got to drive them after becoming a tire technician and I'd take one over any Euro made performance car. Who cares if it's performance model is close to a base model BMW when the car will actually stay out of the junk yard
What you get really from this is build quality and reliability. Yes, I’ve been in German cars and there’s just something about the quality of Acura that comes across as better. The inputs seem heavier and the car feels better built. This will drive the same way it does now in 10 years. BMW and Audi? Not so much. Acura/Honda have a market and it’s those looking for a car for the long term. Not to get rid of it after the lease is over
I have a 22 Advance MDX, and I think they knocked the interior out of the park! The infotainment is a little strange, but it works great with Apple CarPlay. The GPS directions are also displayed in the heads-up display, which is super convenient when driving!
Interior is average at best.
When Doug said “When You Start Playing In Other Territories, If You’re Not Going To Play Hard You’re Not Going To Win” I felt that !!!!!!!
The MDX Type-S is already very attractive in its own way. It has one of the best designs inside & out. This competes pretty well with the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige even though that has more features in the second row
I think this Acura MDX looks amazing. Idk why he's downplaying it.
He hates acura for no reason
It doesn’t come off as a true luxury vehicle. It is basically just a nicer Honda. Acura has always struggled to be a true luxury car brand.
IMHO, he's right on. Too safe and boring really.
@@br4nd0nh347 it’s basically a step up from a Cadillac crossover.
@@JonathanMoosey Acura has always been a performance based luxury brand though. So the ride quality is their focus. Also I have been in plenty of BMW’s, Mercedes, and Audi’s that are no nicer or worse than an MDX. Obviously the really expensive german ones are nice but do you to pay 90k for an Acura to have Mercedes interior?
My parents were sold on buying an Acura TLX until they used the infotainment. It confused me and they hated it as well. Acura needs to get with the times
Some manufacturers don’t realize software is becoming as important as the hardware nowadays. Like a smartphone!
BMW & Teslas have the best UI in the business so far
My mom drives an MDX A-Spec and i absolutely love it. Performance isn’t anything special but it is extremely comfortable both to drive and to just be in. It’s got that awesome Honda touch but more luxurious
Hi Doug, thanks for this one. I was considering upgrading my 07 MDX, but after watching this, it hasn't really changed much, so not worth the upgrade (Specially when mine doesn't even have 100k and is still prestine).
That being said, the trick of the MDX is not the speed itself, yeah, 300HP in my model year is not much now (maybe it was in 07), but the super SH-AWD at least in my 2nd gen is a thing. I live around a lot mountain rouds and it loves being thrown at the corners, feel like a lot smaller car. To me, that's priceless.
Having such an amazing system to give you not only confidence but a fair share of fun for a 2ton vic, that's where it shines. If you drive mainly on straigh highways, may be boring. But to me, it's just ideal for a vehicle that's actually practical and can comfortably carry 7 people. So yeah, not upgrading in a few years for sure.
As much as the new one looks nice I didn't want the payments. I decided several months ago to get my 2nd mdx gen 2 cause I loved it so much. My 1st one was an 07 sport which I sold a couple of years ago and now I have an 11 advance. I've always loved the revised 2nd gen model and I still think it's the best looking mdx out there. The new one is close though.
I just love how the 2nd gen mdx drive. It's more fun to drive then my prior 19 pilot touring AWD. I like that the 2nd gen is smaller and is so nimble. I did several upgrades to it already and love it even more. I'm still not done with all my add-ons yet but best bet that I will be keeping mine until the wheels fall off. I do miss all the new tech in newer cars though and I will seek another car in a couple of years but I won't be trading on my mdx this time around cause it's hard to find a clean one nowadays like how I did earlier this year. It was a 1 owner clean inside and out. I even had people said that my car still looks new. 😁
Good on you. I'd take your MDX over a new one lmao. It's really nice when I see such examples come into the shop, I see more nice ones than not. It seems like people really like to take care of them unless they have no choice.
@@ScarlettStunningSpace They're great machines, why wouldn't you xD?
Not everyone wants different and daring, and to stay a path of building predictable, reliable vehicles, especially in this category of vehicle, is wise. I've driven this cars competitors and I'm not a fan of having a large suv with so much power that it can't/or won't actually be used day to day - it's just too much for that shape of vehicle with that height. In my book, if you actually want performance you'll get an actual performance vehicle and not a grocery-getter. This car is plenty of excitement for the demographic they are going for. And they've definitely improved it in every way compared to the outgoing model, so I say that's a win! If anything, I do agree that the infotainment is just a bit off with that remote touch thing, I've used it before and it isn't super intuitive... you could say, as far as that goes - it's different and daring 😂
Here are the clip u been looking for:
ruclips.net/video/rN55-aamkOA/видео.html .
I feel like that's a good car for someone who doesn't want to stand out or seem daring. Something modern, practical, sporty but nothing too complicated or outlandish.
Not everyone likes big laggy screens and going trough 4 menues just to change temperature and fan speed. Some people respect practicality and reliability all that for fair price
Thank you Doug. This is my favorite car and was looking forward to watching this. Very excited about this car. People would run out and buy a hyper car this is my favorite and need to replace my older MDX and was thinking about this very one color and all.
Well I have had high performance cars and I am done with high performance cars and prefer the idea of Acura especially the MDX. It’s great to me. Sure the power isn’t c any but that is what I would want in power yet not crazy power.
The problem with BMW is the quality is poor and I have had mine MDX and it has 150,900 on it and never had a problem. My nephew drives BMW and always has problems at 100,000 and had to get rid of it
IMO Acura/honda doesn’t really follow trends or tries to do super techy stuff to their vehicles since those things quickly become outdated and are gimicky. They focus on simplicity and classical design that last for years. This type s is very nice and will still be nice for years to come!
Well said! And agreed!
Why couldn’t they give it a nice sounding exhaust. It’s the little things that really limit the sale of cars like these
Here are the clip u been looking for:
ruclips.net/video/rN55-aamkOA/видео.html .
I think it came down to emissions, honestly. Honda/Acura have been leaders in the Ultra Low Emissions category for a LONG LONG time. I agree with the sound... not great... but then again having a droning exhaust note when your baby is sleeping in the back isnt fun either.
You can easily have that tuned.
A few bucks at a exhaust shop to remove the muffler and it’ll sound decent.
@@PetesCreativeRecycling If that was true, Acura wouldn't have given the TLX Type S such a great exhaust note (it has a valved exhaust)...I think it's primarily because this is a luxury family SUV, as you mentioned.
Everyone is missing the idea that the MDX is reliable. The Q7 and X5 aren't gonna get 250K easily. I know we don't usually keep cars that long, but it's nice to know you're driving a reliable vehicle. The MDX is just that.
The regular MDX is in the teens for gas mileage so this S version must be really abysmal. And $73k? Yikes!
Wow, Honda has perfected the art of making their "performance" variants sound like a Hoover vacuum cleaner, even the Type R!
18:01 Nothing crazy: with the major exception of the Civic Si Type R. I've never understood Doug's original review of it (mocking the vents, wing, etc), when in 20 years from now, he will feature one from 2020 and gush over how gloriously bonkers it was.
I’ve been driving this car as a small-time journalist through the holiday and wanted to compare my insights to yours. They are aligned with yours. Ideal for Acura and MDX enthusiasts. Will not make German SUV buyers defect. I was shocked to find solid rear rotors (not vented) with just a conventional caliper in the back, and no 2-piece rotors in the front like what the RX500h has, so this baby has only a small sprinkle of performance, but I do like it’s comfort, smoothness and air suspension a lot. Great review as always.
Totally agree to Doug’s comment in the end. In 2017, I was shopping for a fun family SUV. I was shortlisting BMW X5, Acura MDX, and Audi Q7. I ended up buying a Q7. No BMW X7 and Q8 back then. Now, it’s still the best choice in rearview mirror.
That near $75,000 sticker for an MDX is probably why Acura has struggled in recent years. There are too many compelling options at that price point. Then again, a loaded Rubicon Wrangler is now 70k...
Acura isn’t struggling. Chip shortage. This the top selling 3 row. Ignorant aren’t we. However you have Kia at 50k. What is Acura supposed to do be a price of a Kia
@@rahimi4762 50k for a nice Honda is reasonable. Genesis is doing just fine being nice Kias. I would have thought the Highlander or Telluride/Palisade was the best-selling 3-row midsize crossover.
@@rahimi4762 Umm this is NOT the best selling 3-row vehicle in it's class. And frankly the Kia Telluride offers more features than this overall.
@@bwofficial1776 He's trying to compare sales of this to "real" luxury SUV's (the Germans mainly) when this really competes with 3-row vehicles from lower-tier premium brands like Volvo/Lexus/Cadillac/Lincoln, and Hyundai/Kia as of recent, etc.
@@rahimi4762 Not top selling, this year BMW X5 sold 2x more units than MDX, the GLE sold significantly more units too. You can't blame chip shortage, every manufacturer is facing the same problem. And if they can't secure enough chips to build their cars, then it's their fault they're struggling.
Keep ‘em coming. When’s the Fisker Ocean video
Doug sounding like my gandpa not understanding how nice the touch controller is lmao
My mom have a 2016 MDX and her friend have the 2022 MDX. She sometimes bring me to college with her daughter. I can see the interior progress between the 2 models
Doug 4 years ago: cool car, cool car, quirky car
Doug now: suv, suv, suv, crossover, suv truck
😔
Here are the clip u been looking for:
ruclips.net/video/rN55-aamkOA/видео.html
Sad reality indeed
Take a shot every time Doug says “conservative”
And "luxurious" !
Been waiting for you to do a review on this one, love your reviews Doug!
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Yeah I don't like that gear and mode selector "stack"
Here are the clip u been looking for:
ruclips.net/video/rN55-aamkOA/видео.html
0:00 Thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis & Intro
0:40 Cars & Bids
1:27 Can Doug borrow your car?
1:34 Quirks & Features
16:57 The Drive
21:11 Aaaannnnnd so ... conclusion
21:35 Doug Score
Here are the clip u been looking for:
ruclips.net/video/rN55-aamkOA/видео.html
Great review as always! :) Though the MDX Type is a middle ground of performance and luxury that many like myself find appealing. A comparatively speced BMW X5 xDrive40i (AWD version) is roughly the same price as the MDX Type S with Advanced Package. And Honda and Acura still takes risks. Look at the outgoing NSX and the Honda E electric car sold in Europe.
I love my MDX, I love the infotainment system with its touchpad. Never liked the touch screen in my other cars. I love how the MDX drives, very responsive, excellent every day driver. Seats are super comfortable, suspension is very nice, just love this car. I've owned the BMW X3 and X1, I have driven a whole bunch of BMWs including the Ms and I have to tell ya, I was not swept off my feet. Especially, when I had to take the BMW back to the dealership for repair just 3 days after I bought it. LOL. Sooo, Acura MDX it is.... all the way. I don't find it boring at all. it is beautiful on the outside and the interior is very nice.
It's all about the reliability! That's why you buy one !
I never knew anything about Acura until my dad bought a 2014 one. I thought it was ugly and boring but I ended up really liking it, and it held up super well for a 8 year old car with over 100,000 miles. Now we have a 2018 MDX and it’s super nice. But you do notice there isn’t much more to the 2018 MDX compared to the 2014 MDX. I’d say if you want a great driving SUV go BMW, those things are crazy driving machines. The Acura feels light, my dad doesn’t feel as secure driving it like you would a BMW. Acura is a good brand, but their evolution is so slow 😂
The 07 thru 13 Mdx handles waaaaaay better then the 14 thru 21. The difference is night and day. I hope acura correct there mistake.
It's funny to me how a suv that does 0 to 60 in under 6 sec is no big deal anymore and with a four cylinder no less. I had a 1984 Trans Am HO with a V8 that did it in over 7 sec and that was considered fast back then. How fast does the average consumer really want a suv to go? I would rather get better fuel economy than do 0 to 60 in 4 seconds but I guess I'm old fashioned. :)
The F-150 Lightning, being a full size truck, does 0-60 in 4.0 sec! The transition to electric is making this MDX look like a slug.
It has a v6 actually
I like how normal sized are the side windows. With every “coupe SUV” you’re barely get decent normal windows, not to mention the rear one. This one reminds me of those 90’s early 00’s vehicles.
I think you are missing the point here. 90% of people do not care about a 0-60 of minus 2 seconds. You are trapped in your own bubble of 0-60 and BHP are everything when in the real world most people do not care. Even back in the day before the world was not so sanitised Plymouth struggled to sell Superbirds. The average family does not care, they want a reliable comfortable family car with a nice interior, not overly expensive to insure, good mpg and adequate performance. When my kids were young I would have found it more useful to have a removable centre seat than a 0-60 of 3 seconds. It is the same reason a lot of these SS, big blocks etc are rare, people did not want them back in the day, they bought the sanitised versions. I believe it is one of the most practical useful cars you have tested on here. We love the interior, however, we do agree with you about the mouse pad, we prefer a touch screen. Thanks for the review.
This would be a great car for $50k. Unfortunately they are asking way too much for basically a regular car.
I agree this just looks like a basic Honda to me, definitely not a $70k car.
These days $50K is the mainstream crossover class, although top trim. So a Pilot can get there. This is way better than a Pilot.
Tell me on exactly which planet can you get a performance SUV with ADAPTIVE AIR SUSPENSION, genuine leather seats and wood trim, 9 way massaging seats, 3 rows, HUD, 360 camera, 21" wheels, Brembo brakes, HD screens, 16 way power seats, pano roof, 0-60 in under 6 seconds... and the list goes on, for under 75K. I'm waiting!
I bought one of these in March and I have loved it ever since. It's sporty, comfortable, reliable and practical. Sure, it isn't the fastest thing out there, but it's an SUV. No SUV is built to be a street weapon, but some are built to be practical while adding some fun and a little bit of performance to the mix. Not long after I bought mine, I had a fun light to light race with a new 5.0 mustang and the Type S kept up. I got him off the line and stayed ahead the whole time. The Mustang didn't start pulling on me until the very end of the race. I'd say that's pretty impressive for an almost 5 thousand pound 3-row SUV.
That's not true,the BMW X6m competition is definitely a "street weapon"
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Macan GTS, GLC 63 are all street weapons 😈 smaller but still
@@biggchuski4927 Sure, it's fast and capable, but I can't think of anyone who wants true performance and buys an SUV. You can get sports and even supercars for cheaper than some new SUVs these days. The X6m starts over 100 grand for a new one, too. That's crazy money for an SUV imo 🤷♂️
@@LegendaryScottOfficial yeah they are very expensive
I've literally never had to take my eyes off the road to tell how loud my stereo is ... because I have ears!?!!!
Amen!
I love captains chairs but the bench seat with the removable middle seat is genius
Finally something that will put Acura back on the radar of many people!
cant be that many rich soccer moms kek
@@jugee8 yes there can.
No, it won’t. This car looks dated already. It’s actually quite SAD!
@@jugee8 I worked at a car wash this summer and boy you'd be surprised as to how many "she said no" rich wives are out there
That blue looks fantastic in real life.
German horses in horse power are not the same as Japanese ;)
Needs a center row console option you can get to replace the 2nd row middle. Having the option of both is a great idea.
I was expecting it, because I've seen their ads on it more than I've seen ads on the TLX or NSX type S...
I think I know exactly who will mostly buy this car:
- a grown-up civic boyracer who has a family now and his wife no longer stands that rough and loud shitbox, and it's not that good for carrying kids and groceries around either, so this "high-performance" is a step up and a marriage-saving compromise
- and also young grannies who want to be hip and cool, but won't buy a faster and flashier car
no offence to young grannies of course
Id rather get a TLX type R as a family car
73,000? For that? With dealer markup, that gonna be in the 90’s and 80’s, at that point is it even worth it?
It’s still a better buy than the Lexus RX “performance”
@@naveenthemachine have you driven the car fanboy? Go and drive it and come back to me. Your hate on a brand is pathetic
@@mattmekhaeil considering the RX is based off the lesser Highlander and rav4 and Camry except just stretched a tad no need.
And the performance on the RX is laughable. I know because I own a Toyota Camry v6 and it has the same 0-60 as the rx500h with the same mpg: 5.7-6 seconds
@@mattmekhaeil can u stop being such a jerk?? He knows what he's talking about
@@naveenthemachine it's not all about acceleration. Why do people always look at acceleration and power? If you want something like that in a straight line get Durango hellcat or a tack hawk. Those will check off those boxes. Handling is also something that people look at too. Acura makes excellent handling cars from their awd system. This suv does everything you need it to be
I love the Quirks and Features t-shirt. The graphic is spot-on.
I like the fact that there are actual buttons and knobs for climate control. Not everything has to be on the screen. It's ridiculous how dependent we are on screens as a society. A vehicle is supposed to be able to be driven, and simple things like heating and AC should be able to do without screwing with a screen.
Agreed! Love tactile buttons in a world drowned by smudged touchscreens. I don’t want to search 6 submenus just to adjust a damn vent!!!
Doug I know it's an older car that's extremely rare but if you could review a classic hakosuka skyline GTR that'd be amazing.
@@realstory77 No, just no
$74,000 is too much for an MDX.
I totally agree with your assessment towards the end. If you're putting this up against other "performance" SUVs, the others are all better. If you wanted an MDX to begin with, then this is the one to get.....providing you have the money to do so.
I just bought the type s advance.. We also have an 2019 rdx a spec clocking 80k with no issues. One of the reasons for going back to Acura..I test drove an x3, x5, ix, nx, rx, q5,xc60 and a model y. The x5 was the closest but with all options spec'd out on it including maintenance, wheels and upgraded leather, it was over 10k more than the type s advance.. does the x5 drive better and faster yes. Will the Acura be more reliable and cheaper to repair? I believe so.. They are both great vehicles and in the end happy with my choice knowing that heated/ventilated massaging seats, rear heated seats, driver assistance package, running boards, trailer hitch, rear window shades, brembo brakes, panoramic sunroof, 4yrs/48k maintenance, longevity and reliability didn't have to cost 90k
I was waiting for this
For thiiiiiiis
Talk about a quirk; that removable center seat from the 2nd row, well it makes for an EXCELLENT prop for "parental activities"
Mebe dougie knew that when he mentioned parents liking the feature, lol
I like the infotainment system because it's simple and when you're driving you don't need to take your eyes of the road
Great review. We had considered this, but ended up with an X7 M60i. I held out for the MDX Type-S due to its value, but I couldn’t justify it. One thing people aren’t addressing on this car is that it has deplorable fuel economy for a car of its class/performance. It’s shocking how bad the economy figures are for its lukewarm performance. You might as well get a big V8 Turbo engine as this powertrain lacks both performance and efficiency :(
This is the MDX for people who’ve already owned one before but want something a little bit more exciting, I don’t see many new costumers buying one of these
Especially for $70 grand, this thing will mainly appeal only to "Honda people" - To my eyes this shares the bottom of the barrel award with the Cadillac XT6 in the premium 3-row class, unless somebody plans to keep this for 10+ years for the predicted Honda reliability to kick in, and resale value will likely be stronger than most brands, but I see no other reasons to buy this boring thing.
They do
@@Stressless2023 bottom of the barrel is that 4 yr old raggedy X5.
S doesn't stand for sport it stands for Suburban Dad. The one with a pretty good but kinda bland job living with their family in a nice but bland little culdesac as they explains to their wife why "we" really should get the sport version but of course not for the performance but the many other extra's that will benefit the family! Their wife will roll their eyes and agrees knowing they just wanted the one that said sport and this is a small thing to make their husband happy. Then when dad arrives at his job all happy and proud he shows of his nice new SPORT! SUV to his colleagues that all give him the mandatory nod of approval as they act interested as you show them around the car giving you the usual hmm's and nice's as you point things out.
Wow! Doug reviewed an Acura. The world came to a pause for a minute.
It's about time you did this one!!
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The touchpad seems a bit aged but it looks like a pretty nice SUV.
Touch pad is new. They used to have two screens but ppl panned them for that
As much as I like the BMW and Audi competitors, I think a big factor for many will be the reliability and depreciation/resell value of an MDX Type S. That'll be its big draw when cross shopping. Five years down the line which car would you wanna be offloading?
Personally I'd add a point to the value/quality with the Acura. Still lukewarm, but credit where credit is due.
You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned predicted depreciation. I think this is bottom of the barrel in terms of new 3-row premium SUV's personally, even a lowly Cadillac XT6 looks more upscale to me, but for the likely few who plan to buy and keep this for an extended amount of time this will likely retain a solid amount of value compared to most other 3-row offerings out there. That's the MDX's only trump card in my opinion.
You missed things like the pano roof, ability to lift the suspension, wireless CarPlay, and the cargo area floor options. Also little quirks like the holes in the grille and speakers in the ceiling.
i can see a lot of people interested in a "new car" without having to lose all the classic quirks like physical buttons
Yeah not every one want to remove theirs glove to reach to a screen to put the defrost mode in the middle of winter!
Love it. Different than a standard MDX, but just enough. Looks incredible. Well done Acura.
Lost me at the shifter and pad.
Pad easy to use
@@rahimi4762 Thanks, that's good to know, but it's just not for me.
Don’t agree w Doug on two things: interior is so nice, real low in front of you, car is wide and feels roomy not up or in front but in width. Driving feel is super numb and I couldn’t quite figure it out for a while, but after getting used to it, I really love it.
I dreaded having to drive the tech trim on the MDX but ended up really loving it after getting used to it. I like it over the somewhat dated 3 row Lexus my dad drives around and my moms Mercedes glc 300 coupe. It’s a really good car, maybe a bit of a sleeper and that is a good thing if ur gunna try to buy one used
I already really like the Acura MDX, & my mom & aunt sat in the Type-S Advance since it was on the showroom floor, & they liked it a lot. I would love it if we could get one of these & a GV80 3.5T Prestige 😂
Just don't understand why they never made an RDX Type-S🤦🏻♂️ BUT went out the way to make the RDX Platinum which.... no one bought!!🤦🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Acura was always the Japanese Audi to me, not to much but just perfect enough and well balanced
I've thought about that too honestly. Lexus would be MB, Infinity used to be a BMW equivalent while Acura is in the middle of both
@@megatronusorionpax4900 exactly, I always felt the same way. Idk what's up with infinity tho lol
Do you always drive the newer cars for a couple of days? If so do you actually get the chance to drive your own that much?
Go watch his video from a few weeks ago where he explains the process of reviewing cars from the manufacturers.
Thanks for your advice and video 👍