I've always been loyal to Acura - never shopped around. However, this cycle, I've strayed and shopped the 2017 Lexus GX 460.
Maybe it's because I've had 4 MDXs and want something different b/c other than exterior styling, there isn't anything much "better" in the Lexus. Some may argue that the navigation is better however I've argued on this forum (under a different username that I can no longer access for some reason) that the navigation is just fine and most issues are user error.
After being part of this forum for over a decade, I know many of you are much better versed on vehicle comparison so I'm curious as to why YOU bought the MDX over the GX.
And fellow MDX fanbois, talk me off the ledge and tell me why I should stick with Acura :grin:
The MDX is much more of a car than the GX, also much better interior space utilization, much better mileage as well. I cross shopped the two, I am a fan of both Lexus and Acura, I would consider the quality and dealer experience pretty equal as well.
I like the 'truck' feel of the GX and thought the interior felt very similar to the MDX. I felt it had MORE space but specs show it to be very similar.
Sadly, it's coming down to some very trivial things like...
... there are SO many MDXs on the road.
... hate the right hinged rear door on the Lexus.
... lexus sales guy is very unresponsive and I feel their dealer prep and doc fees are exorbitant
I was ready to pull the trigger on the Lexus this week but woke up feeling nostalgic for the MDX
I am on my third MDX and have the itch for something new. I had decided I was not going to buy another MDX.
I had been thinking seriously about the Lexus RX, but have driven a couple when I took my wife's ES300h in for service, and was not that impressed (they were neither the Luxury trim nor F-sport so that may have an impact). I drove the Jaguar F-Pace and really liked it, but it is too small for my use. I have looked at X5 and Q7 (I like Q5 but also too small) as well, but the non MDX that I like the best is a Range Rover. I like the Range Rover Sport, as well as the new redesigned 3 row Discovery that should be out early next year (both configured like I want would run 70-75k). Apparently Tata Motors, that now owns Range Rover (and Jaguar) has been spending to upgrade manufacturing facilities that should greatly help reliability (although this would not be a concern for me since I will lease).
However, I was in the neighborhood last week and stopped by the Acura dealer and looked at the 17 Advance. I do like it and it is about 20k cheaper than most other vehicles I have been eyeing (and I am an anal financial guy). So up in the air as well on a decision. Thinking about trying to cut a deal on a trade for the 17 MDX Advance later this month. If not just I'll probably just wait until spring and lease something else.
I thought for sure I was going to buy a Jaguar F-pace until I drove it. Too small.
Same for the RX 350 - nice ride but backseat was too small.
I liked the Land Rover LR4 - on paper - but the reliability reviews were terrible so I scratched it off the list.
Like I said , the GX is nice, feels less prevalent on the roads, and is about the same price (maybe a little more)
It is hard, though, to leave a tried and true make/model ...
I agree, it is hard to leave MDX. I have had no significant issues with the three I have owned. Been solid all around vehicles.
I did not realize GX was in same price range as MDX. May take a look at it.
The 2017 Discovery is the replacement for the LR4 (there is a 2017 Discovery Sport out, but it is different than the 2017 Discovery which is not yet available for sale). It is to have all the tech upgrades as the F-pace, plus neat off road features that I would rarely use. Details are on their website.
There's a market for both vehicles - and virtually every vehicle out there that's for sale. You just need to see which one best matches your particular priorities and desires. There's no one-size-fits-all.
For me, I could probably never get past the hideous front end look of the Lexus to bother to test drive it but I suppose some people might not mind that look.
My priorities would be handling and acceleration, where I think the MDX would edge out the Lexus on both counts. Other factors are mileage (major favor to MDX on this one), overall size and room - not too big but not too small, and general driving comfort. If I wanted to off-road with it then the Lexus would trump the MDX because the MDX isn't meant for true off-roading but if I wanted to off-road I wouldn't get the Lexus either and would likely opt for something like a Jeep or 4-Runner, or to keep it more within this category, maybe I'd look at a Range Rover product if I could get past the price and depreciation and possible reliability problems (if any) on that. I think there are very few people buying a Lexus who'll do true 4-wheeling though - almost none.
I'd also look at price for what you get and care about. I think the Lexus is more expensive for what it is if you compare apples to apples - i.e. not comparing a top trim MDX to a bottom trim Lexus. If the Lexus similarly equipped turned out to be, for example, $10K more expensive then I'd need to justify in my mind that the cost was worth it. As an example, I have a 2014 Tech shawd MDX - I didn't think the Advance was worth the extra cost so I didn't buy it.
... reminds of me of the argument against Acura when they released their new grills
Yes, the mileage is a big difference, but so is the power (not that I need it)
No, I dont need the off-road capability but it comes in handy like the time I got the MDX stuck when I pulled off the side of a gravel road. 4WD would have been a better asset then AWD.
basically I am looking for a comfortable, luxurious vehicle with flexibility to haul the neighborhood kids to basket ball practice, load of the camping gear for the weekend trip, throw a kayak on top, haul the bikes, or throw new shrubs in teh back. I'd buy a pickup if I didnt want comfort and luxury.
Ive done all teh above in the MDX - I think it has lost it's "luxury" feel perhaps which is why I am looking elsewhere.
If they updated a GX 460 I would have considered it when I was shopping, but that thing is basically a reface. I think the interior is even still identical to the 2010 model? Eh, I duno. My friend has one and it feels like a luxury 4Runner (because it is), but the definition of luxury definitely evolved without it. If they can update it like they did with the rest of their vehicles, I think I would have been more inclined to consider it, but it felt a lot like my pre 2010 vehicles in terms of features. But more importantly [for me], it drove like it looks (heavy).
I mean the MDX isn't exactly luxury (hell Hyundai does PREMIUM better in some respects), but the GX 460 just felt.. forgotten.
I looked at GX also before getting the MDX. MDX came out to be lot cheaper than GX with all the safety features and had more room than GX.
No issues with MDX so far .
I shopped the GX vs MDX pretty hard. I really wanted the GX because I had owned the Toyota 4runner limited for 12 years and loved the vehicle. The GX still had the V8 versus the V6 in the new 4Runner. Unfortunately the sideways opening rear door was the deal killer for me. When garaged the rear door opened between me and the entrance to my house. If the garage door was down I could not get the rear door completely open, if my boat was attached I could not open the rear door fully...very frustrating. I got the MDX advance shawd and couldn't be happier. Much more responsive than the GX with better gas mileage and I can tow up to 5000lbs.
yes, i completely understand. That rear door is one of my biggest hangups.
I stopped by the Acura dealership to take a look at the 2017 - is it me or did they improve the seats? They feel much more substantial than my 2015 Tech/Ent - seemed a lot more like the 2010 or 2012 seats.
Also noticed they use real wood inlays now - maybe that is specific of the Advanced and always been in the advanced?
The lexus dealership may be making my mind up for me... they wont allow an extended test drive (i.e overnight at home) unless I sign a agreement to purchase the GX. I kinds chuckled and said "well, I'm not going to agree to purchase it if I'm still trying to decide if I want it". Then they wanted me to agree to 'numbers' before I took it. We tried but we couldn't get there on my trade - only offered $30k for my '15 Tech/Ent, 39k miles, Running Boards/Tow Pkg. - said it needs new tires but I've still got 7/32 trade left...
This is why I stuck with Acura for so long - I never had to go through the salesmen BS...
Where are you located? I am in MA, I just traded my '14 MDX Tech with 41k miles, needed tires, overall decent condition for $30,500 and I got a '17 base for $1400 under invoice, this was 2 weeks ago.
So I went with a '17 FWD Adv and added advanced chrome running boards. Had all weather mats and cargo mat thrown in to the deal.
I had a hard time deciding between entertainment vs. no entertainment but realized my kid would rather watch movies on an ipad than watch them on a screen. Plus I like the 2nd row bucket seats MUCH better than the bench.