2014 Acura MDX Unveiled
10-28-13, 05:37 PM
#108
Lexus Champion
Honda claims that this new MDX is on its own unique platform, shared with no other vehicle in its lineup. I suspect that will only be true until the new Pilot comes out next year and the next Odyssey minivan comes out in about 2 years.
10-28-13, 10:12 PM
#109
Lexus Test Driver
I've now seen enough of the new MDXs on the road to have a better impression of them.
The outgoing MDX was big and bold and had a lot of road presence. The new one is much more understated, and it's very difficult to tell it from its smaller brother the RDX. Doesn't stand out nearly as much, which is bad. They seemed to have "feminized" it, similar to the 2nd generation Infiniti FX vs. the muscular and brawny looking 1st generation FX model. And the "Jewel Eye" headlights are not the least bit distinctive on the road. They don't look any better than the higher model Honda Accords that have LED running lights, and especially don't distinguish themselves like BMW angel eyes do, or especially the Audi lighting designs. Jaguars, and the Tesla Model S all have nice and distinctive designs. Even some VWs and other basic non-luxury model cars have nice and distinctive LED designs. Does a straight strip of LEDs really pass at the luxury level? I don't think so. Need to get more creative than that. Some newer Mercedes are using orange LED lighting around the main headlamps in a distinctive shape, to set it apart from the sea of white LED lighting.
So overall, at least in the exterior looks department, pretty disappointing.
All of that money dumped into these Jewel Eye headlights just to not look anymore distinctive than a Honda Accord.
Sigh.
The outgoing MDX was big and bold and had a lot of road presence. The new one is much more understated, and it's very difficult to tell it from its smaller brother the RDX. Doesn't stand out nearly as much, which is bad. They seemed to have "feminized" it, similar to the 2nd generation Infiniti FX vs. the muscular and brawny looking 1st generation FX model. And the "Jewel Eye" headlights are not the least bit distinctive on the road. They don't look any better than the higher model Honda Accords that have LED running lights, and especially don't distinguish themselves like BMW angel eyes do, or especially the Audi lighting designs. Jaguars, and the Tesla Model S all have nice and distinctive designs. Even some VWs and other basic non-luxury model cars have nice and distinctive LED designs. Does a straight strip of LEDs really pass at the luxury level? I don't think so. Need to get more creative than that. Some newer Mercedes are using orange LED lighting around the main headlamps in a distinctive shape, to set it apart from the sea of white LED lighting.
So overall, at least in the exterior looks department, pretty disappointing.
All of that money dumped into these Jewel Eye headlights just to not look anymore distinctive than a Honda Accord.
Sigh.
10-28-13, 10:51 PM
#110
For all the hoopla about the MDX's jewel LED headlights, I was shocked to find out it ditched its LED tail lights for incandescent bulbs! WTF! Even the new Accord has optional LED tails. Quite surprising for what's supposed to be a premium luxury vehicle.
10-29-13, 01:50 AM
#112
Lexus Test Driver
They also ditched the sporty chrome exhaust outlets. Then again, so did Lexus on the RX. At least the RX has a manual auto-shifter.
10-29-13, 08:18 AM
#115
Lexus Champion
Their comments on styling, "Mushy and indistinct exterior styling". I agree.
10-29-13, 03:04 PM
#117
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Missouri
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It goes 0-60 over a half second quicker than the 2013, and gets about 7mpg more than the previous model. How is losing 10hp a step in the wrong direction?
10-29-13, 03:33 PM
#118
People are dense
I think the new MDX is a great effort by Acura and I'm sure they'll sell a ton. I'm glad they went the weight saving route and bucking the trend of adding more weight but compensating with more power. With less weight you usually get better handling dynamics.
10-29-13, 03:44 PM
#119
Pole Position
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: IL
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
People need to find something to dislike about it I suppose. Like you said it's faster and more fuel efficient so it losing 10hp is really a moot point. What good is adding 50 horse power if it doesn't translate to any extra benefits?
People are dense
I think the new MDX is a great effort by Acura and I'm sure they'll sell a ton. I'm glad they went the weight saving route and bucking the trend of adding more weight but compensating with more power. With less weight you usually get better handling dynamics.
People are dense
I think the new MDX is a great effort by Acura and I'm sure they'll sell a ton. I'm glad they went the weight saving route and bucking the trend of adding more weight but compensating with more power. With less weight you usually get better handling dynamics.
10-29-13, 06:11 PM
#120
i'm surprised the new MDX is getting lukewarm reviews in Motortrend's 2014 SUV of the year contest. it was part of the contending group while Dodge Durango, Jeep GC and Hyundai Santa Fe all made the final round. from what i've seen the outdated navi graphic was the main issue.