From above you see a small sunroof but I still enjoyed it.
The
2014 Acura MDX is a luxurious Crossover SUV. The 2014 MDX is the third
generation of Acura's seven-passenger luxury performance SUV, the first to be
developed from the ground up using an all-new, purpose-built platform (body and
chassis) fully optimized for the needs of today's luxury SUV buyers. The MDX
was in finals for the 2014 North American International Auto show competition
that is highly important to manufacturers.
My
tester for the week was the Acura Front Wheel Drive MDX that shares the same
engine and six-speed transmission with the All Wheel Drive MDX. The six-speed transmission is a carry
over from previous model. I assume the next generation will offer a seven eight
or nine speed transmission but the present one worked well for the week of
driving when I was not stuck in snow. The previous model had 300 horses. The
new engine has 290 horses 267 foot-pounds or torque and is designed to deliver
power and fuel economy. Using Honda Acura’s VTEC technology plus direct
injection plus cylinder deactivation the fuel economy is excellent. The torque
gets the MDX off the road quickly and in highway driving ability to move
through traffic easily. Most of the competitors’ vehicles offer more
horsepower. Lexus offers upgrade to 8 speed automatic. The paddle shifter is from previous
model but worked well throughout my driving experience. As I have stated in
other auto reviews I love the paddle shifter to save brakes when traversing
hills or mountains. It also delivers some excitement in driving.
Acura
offers the three row MDX with comfort and all amenities their buyers demand. Neither
the Front Wheel Drive nor the All-Wheel-Drive models are capable of serious off-
roading. The new model is over an
inch lower also letting me know they do not intend many buyers ever to go off
road. I asked Acura if they offer under carriage metal pans to protect if
hitting rocks or even logs. No they do not and have never offered the
accessory. The PR staff told me outside of dirt roads do not use the Acura MDX
in off-road conditions. They designed the MDX for Palm Beach or Rodeo Drive
drivers who want a great vehicle that had added stability and luxury built into
it.
I
have driven the Acura FWD MDX primarily on the flat roads of Florida. Florida is good for the Front Wheel
Drive MDX. The FWD MDX had sunscreens on the second row windows ideal for
Florida or hot summers. You will
not need the sunshades for the winter season where temperatures this year were
way below normal.
In Michigan
I tested the FWD MDX during a week of snow and ice not seen in 20 years proved
to me to only purchase the All-Wheel-Drive MDX for winter driving. When I drive in snow country I carry
chains and a survival kit I have used for years. All items are stored in a
legal size file box made of high-end plastic. When I get in area with too much
snow, ice the chains installed allows me to get out of a stuck situation. As many states do not allow chains and
others will not allow you to traverse mountain roads with out them I always
carry them. In Michigan I used them to get me out of two situations where the
Acura FWD MDX got stuck. One in deep snow that held the chassis under pressure
and the FWD could not move forward or backwards. The chains on FWD allowed me
out. Plus I used fencing under other wheels. Had the kitty litter thrown on
snow. Plus, before that I used collapsible shovels to move snow from under the
car and behind it. I used my work
boots with chains on them to allow me to traverse ice without falling. Chains for shoes and tires are stored
in separate box provided by the tire chain manufacturer. When I have them in
Florida luggage inspection has asked me why? I just laugh.
According
to 2013 sales Acura sold more than 53,000 vehicles for the MDX Acura stated to
me that 70% of sales are the all-wheel-drive model. This year they expect more
sales. One of my editors stated no way would they buy. For they are five foot
tall and the brake lever is in such a bad location she could not drive FWD MDX in
comfort.
Standard
on the FWD MDX (AS SO MANY OF THE MANUFACURERS TODAY GIVE US) is a tire
inflator kit. Standard on the AWD MDX is a limited use spare. When you blow a
tire on the FWD MDX their tire inflator kit will be useless. When rim is
damaged and sidewalls gone just call a tow company. Not only is a tow expensive but also if you are told you
need all new tires only person winning is tire dealer. There is tremendous
confusion on All-Wheel-Drive vehicles when tire is destroyed.
Why
replace all tires when you have a tire flat or blow out on an AWD vehicle. Too
many manufacturers say yes. Great way for tires companies to benefit. A lot of
money to replace them all. The tire stores have never made so much money on new
tires as this 2014 winter. The potholes in Michigan caused tire blowouts and
rim destruction never before this high. Tire dealers I talked too have never made
so much money replacing tires destroyed by winter of 2014 and Pot Holes.
Some
manufacturers of all-wheel-drive, partial all-wheel-drive and four-wheel drive state
that their traction control system will be confused because of different size
tires when three tires are used 30 or 40% less and then add new tire. A new tire may have more surface area
than the other three used tires confusing traction sensors. . ACURA’S DRIVERS
MANUAL SAYS TAKE ACURA MDX AWD TO DEALER AND DEALER WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR TIRE.
ACURA DOES NOT APPROVE RUN FLAT TIRES ON THE NEWER MDX MODELS. I HAVE DRIVEN
RUN FLAT TIRES ON MANY OF BMW’S AWD VEHICLES AND LOVE THEM. They state also
with FWD MDX have dealer advise need one tire or replace all.
THIS WAS IN PRESS RELEASE I
RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY 2014. THIS IS CONFUSING TO ME AND OTHERS. When
a MAJOR FLAT happens in some cases it’s not entirely true that you HAVE TO
replace all 4 tires. According to press release the major AWD manufacturers
state the following. Audi
recommends that the tires remain within 4/32nds of one another in tread depth,
while Subaru recommends 2/32nds. But if your tires are outside that range
there’s still another option. Tire truing or shaving. While it’s primarily used
in racing, the same technique can be applied to a new tire to get it within
specification of the worn tires for about $25 – $35 per tire. So, it’s going to
be up to you if you want to shave down a brand new tire to match the old ones
or if it’s just time replace them all.
Some
of the older automatic AWD vehicles will need 4 new tires when one is beyond
repair (given that the three remaining ones are at 50% or less of their life) -
however, if one goes bad and the others are still pretty new, you may replace
only the bad one.
Same thing, if two tires are worn down and the other two are still decent (70% or better) - you don't have to buy 4 new ones. If 2 are worn out and the other ones are at 50% or less you will have to buy 4 new tires.
The
older automatic AWD systems with viscous couplings will suffer expensive damage
when the tires on one axle are slightly larger in diameter than on the other
axle. Repair bills of around $1000 are not uncommon.
If the Acura MDX whether FWD or all-wheel-drive
had snow tires I may have been able to move through the snow and ice as well as
I could with the Tire Chains. I did not have the luxury of having snow tires when
so badly needed. Raves from Corvettes chief engineer Tadge Juechter who is head
designer at the Corvette division of Chevrolet told me at the GM X-mas party he
drives his Corvette Stingray with snow tires and can traverse most of the
winter weather. He loves the snow tires. So little is discussed or advertised
about the advantage of snow tires.
Power
to weight ratio has improved thanks to weight saving design of the 2014 Acura MDX
models. High strength steels, new
rear suspension is lighter, plus different frame shared with Odyssey help in
delivering reduced fat not needed. The coil over shocks in the new model has
improved handling.
Selecting
Sport on the MDX’s integrated dynamics system (IDS) sharpens throttle response
and adds heft to the wheel. The steering is better than the previous model. It
is quicker. Three levels are offered Comfort, Normal, Sport and Acura FWD
owners will probably decide on comfort in the IDS mode.
Auto AWD in the MDX can be used full time on all surfaces including
pavement. AWD only briefly activates automatically when stability-threatening
conditions arise. Essentially a 2WD car with 2WD handling characteristics.
Absolutely no adverse terrain capabilities. Clearly built for added road
stability and safety.
Not recommended for off-road beyond graded dirt roads.
• 2 wheels are powered most of the time
• 4 wheels are only temporarily powered.
Not recommended for off-road beyond graded dirt roads.
• 2 wheels are powered most of the time
• 4 wheels are only temporarily powered.
I love the ability to tow and MDX FWD can tow up to 3,500 pounds. You
need to spend nearly $600 for wiring harness and trailer hitch. Installation is
extra. With the MDX AWD you need to spend another $277 for Trailer Hitch ATF
cooler kit or $882 plus dealer installation cost.
The
front wheel drive Acura FWD MDX Tech Entertainment model had MSRP of
$49,550.00. The All-Wheel-Drive model is around $2500.00 more. If you wish
towing ability it will cost you what I indicated above.
The
Acura MDX models have always been a favorite of North American families. I love
it but not as an off-road vehicles. But, as stated above in Florida and other
Southern states it is a great choice.
Quality of Acura/Honda is seen everywhere in the 2014 model and
continues to be a choice of discriminating buyers.
In
all wheel drive comparisons look at our BMW X3.5I,Cadillac SRX, Infiniti QX60,
Mercedes ML 350 4Matic,Audi and Lexus.
The Front Wheel Drive Acura MDX offers for tire repair an air inflator kit as so many manufacturers do today. The All-Wheel-Drive MDX comes standard with limited use spare tire. Above photo shows storage area I used for cameras and computer.
This shows compartment where I kept gear. On All-Wheel- Drive model compartment is not there for partial spare takes up the area.
Cover over carrier and then if you notice third row seats can be folded. When that is done the cargo space allowed me to carry Video and Camera Sticks/Tripods and gear. When folded with second row amazing what I could carry in cargo.
Going to drivers area we find some of the best seats available with memory and heated ability. I was amazed that my tester did not have heated steering wheel.
The MDX is skinnier for 2014, which allows for easier parking Acura states. The new MDX is longer and I am pleased with the cargo space when all seats are turned flat.
The
Acura MDX crossover third row rear seat is for children or animals or friends
you do not want to ride in comfort. Too cramped. The front row and second row
are luxurious and offer room plus heated seats! However for our crew and me the
fact that the second and third row seats now can be folded flat to deliver
amazing cargo space. We carried video gear, tripods and still cameras in the
flat cargo area. Below the rear
seating area the hidden cargo box was ideal to hide expensive camera gear and
computers.
Second row seats are great and offer plenty of room. Plus with entertainment tech model we had lets passengers in second row to view video music on large screen.
This is control center for heated seats, climate control and hook ups for video music.
With winter around and so much snow I used MDX Front Wheel Drive to bring some wood to use in fireplace. I used tarps and plastic to protect interior. As I stated above the MDX with seats dropped has amazing cargo area.
Engine compartment that holds horizontally engine that is not only 290 horses but with engine deactivation very fuel efficient.
The
Acura entertainment tech model delivered to the FWD MDX two screens to control
navigation located in center stack. Top one has navigation screen easily
seen. The voice recognition is
good but setting up takes some time to do. When sitting in second or third row
passengers get superb head phones to view movies or listen to music with the
tech entertainment systems. A large 16.2-inch screen works well for second or
third row passengers.
Part of entertainment tech MDX is the two screen control center. Part for navigation and other for all services from heat cool, radio, etc.
Beautiful dash and all functions to run the MDX are redundant as seen in photos.
Functions worked well but I was not happy with being stuck three times for MDX could not move through snow or ICE.
Snow would not stop in 2014 for the Midwest.
Wen snow was even this low Acura MDX was unable to move out of it!
US Border Patrol could not believe that their vehicle could outperform the MDX in deep snow. As stated previously I used MDX usually in Florida where we have tested vehicles for twenty years. Snow country of Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan cannot be run in Front Wheel Drive Vehicles unless snow is plowed. Streets must be salted or cleared also.
Bruce
Hubbard
Bonnie
Lynch
JB
Hubbard
Auto
Advisor Group
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