Some of us were duped by the dealer. I'm agriavated every time I drive my '25 MDX. Why would I buy a car without SAT radio.... without ANY radio for that matter? AM/FM is absolutely horrible. There is no CD option. If you bring your own music the plug to do so is buried in the console. I've broken two cable ends off, just reaching for something when driving. I've installed a DIY Sat radio, .... better than nothing ,.. but certainly not hands free or anything that compares to my '18 with a working factory Sat radio w' CD.

 

I'm frankly shocked how much of a deal people are making of this. All over this forum people are getting aftermarket tint, aftermarket hitches, aftermarket plastidip, aftermarket rims, aftermarket speakers.

One phone call to a car audio store, and far less than one car payment, and poof! you have aftermarket SXM.

Scratching head over all this fuss. Acura has telematics uploads and knows exactly what percentage of its owners used SXM over the past decade. Not like contacting them is going to tell them something that they don't already know. They needed the sat antenna in prior years to support Acura navtraffic, now with Google builtin SXM has to stand on its own. Some bean counter looked at the telematics and decided the Antenna cost wasnt worth it for SXM subscribers alone.

So... aftermarket.

 

Agree …

 

Agree …

I'm frankly shocked how much of a deal people are making of this. All over this forum people are getting aftermarket tint, aftermarket hitches, aftermarket plastidip, aftermarket rims, aftermarket speakers.

One phone call to a car audio store, and far less than one car payment, and poof! you have aftermarket SXM.

Scratching head over all this fuss. Acura has telematics uploads and knows exactly what percentage of its owners used SXM over the past decade. Not like contacting them is going to tell them something that they don't already know. They needed the sat antenna in prior years to support Acura navtraffic, now with Google builtin SXM has to stand on its own. Some bean counter looked at the telematics and decided the Antenna cost wasnt worth it for SXM subscribers alone.

So... aftermarket.

That's probably how it went down, however, Acura could have offered it as an Acura installed Option. For those that don't care Ce Lie Vie, but for those that do want it, I would have made the decision to take that option or not. I think it has more to do with selecting B&O stereo system over the ELS system which is very likely based on $$$$$$$$$$ decision as well. The aftermarket units require some Gerry rigging into the center console USB port (see raceparts posts in DIY thread) and installing a separate antenna (out the rear somewhere). Now the dashboard needs to be opened up , wiring to the USB port (don't know if that takes the USB out of its ability to then play Flash Drives ?), and wiring for the antenna out the back to the roof. Honda did the same to the new Pilot. The car makers took the CDs out with the Internal 500 GB HDs (my 4 previous Infinitis and my 19 MDX had them), now Sirius XM Receivers and they wanting to take out AM radios (needing a Congressional Bill to make sure they don't). It's all about "forcing" you to pay for your radio and Music via Streaming with monthly charges. Other features are beginning to follow that path as well......Remote start (not Acura Yet) . automatic Headlights that follow the road ( some of the Germans do it) , Acura Link is not far from this action (they just announced that on certain older models with Acura Link will be cancelled ).

I am wrestling with an aftermarket SXM Radio Receiver - I think there is only one engineered to fit the 25 MDX according to posts here... Or jsy take it like a Man, and use the crappy SXM app in AA LOL>

 

That's probably how it went down, however, Acura could have offered it as an Acura installed Option. For those that don't care Ce Lie Vie, but for those that do want it, I would have made the decision to take that option or not. I think it has more to do with selecting B&O stereo system over the ELS system which is very likely based on $$$$$$$$$$ decision as well. The aftermarket units require some Gerry rigging into the center console USB port (see raceparts posts in DIY thread) and installing a separate antenna (out the rear somewhere). Now the dashboard needs to be opened up , wiring to the USB port (don't know if that takes the USB out of its ability to then play Flash Drives ?), and wiring for the antenna out the back to the roof. Honda did the same to the new Pilot. The car makers took the CDs out with the Internal 500 GB HDs (my 4 previous Infinitis and my 19 MDX had them), now Sirius XM Receivers and they wanting to take out AM radios (needing a Congressional Bill to make sure they don't). It's all about "forcing" you to pay for your radio and Music via Streaming with monthly charges. Other features are beginning to follow that path as well......Remote start (not Acura Yet) . automatic Headlights that follow the road ( some of the Germans do it) , Acura Link is not far from this action (they just announced that on certain older models with Acura Link will be cancelled ).

I am wrestling with an aftermarket SXM Radio Receiver - I think there is only one engineered to fit the 25 MDX according to posts here... Or jsy take it like a Man, and use the crappy SXM app in AA LOL

 

Of course, in offline mode. The car still has GPS and can use whatever maps it has cached.

Try it yourself - turn off the vehicle telematics and don't connect your smartphone, then run Google Maps built-in.

The SXM drama is so overwrought.

It really is.

 

Our 2022 MDX Advance is our road trip vehicle - we take multiple trips each year covering several thousand miles each time.

50% of the time we listen to my USB library of 1500 tracks.

50% of the time we listen to XM radio.

No XM radio on the 2025 is a deal-breaker no-go for us.

 

wyliec2, it would appreciated if you could send those sentiments to Acura via Acura Link email or via Acura Owners site email. Despite the nay sayers about Sirius /XM which is their peroghrative of course, the more Acura hears from their customers helps to set barometer measuring the issue of eliminating the SAT Receiver. As a 25 MDX Owner (Lessee) I (and many others of us) remain disappointed that Acura removed the Receiver and at a minimum didn't provide it as an "accessory" option Like all weather Floor mats, for instance.

 

Email sent.

If one is strictly an urban dweller, streaming via phone may be reasonably viable (if not nearly as convenient) alternative to XM radio.

If you routinely travel where cell service is marginal or missing, streaming is worthless whereas XM radio works consistently and reliably.

 

What, I just realized my MDX does not have a cassette deck?! Letter being sent to Acura right now!

 

Holy Mackerel......I just realized that too! And no CD player as well! I guess 8 Track tapes are out, huh? No internal Hard Drive either ...Gone With The Wind. Soon there will be no radio, why bother.....just stream it and get rid of the antenna. Being facetious of course.

 

Back in the sixties, you could order a car with a record player in the glovebox. Maybe we can get Acura to make that an option. Wouldn’t that be cool?

 

I guess we are getting silly, No?? But fun memories!!

Walking down Memory Lane (which doesn't belong in this thread) rekindles memories of my first drive. I'm 73, circa 1967, I was working with my father in his restaurant as busboy, at 16 yo. One day, while driving home (we worked into the late hours of the day) , my father pulls over his 1966 Silver Chevy Impalal SS (it had a small 283 cu. in. V-8) and tells me : "You Drive" . he had taken me driving some days before - I had my Learner's Permit - so switched seats (it had Vinyl Bucket Seats with a Floor Console for the AT shifter!!). So drove down a lonley long stretch roadway nearby where we lived all full of excitement. Perhaps about 1/3 of a mile. What a Thrill at the Time!!. That Chevy had an AM/FM radio ......LOL. 8 Tracks , Cassettes, and CDs were only figments of enegineers' imaginations. After getting my license in 1969 at 18 yo, {Passed my Driver's test on the 1st Shot taught entirely by my Father), he would allow me to pick up the Chevy from the restaurant to use on a particular day, taking a City bus to go pick it up. He would bark, after relunctantly giving me the keys...."And don't bring it back without Gas!" In those days, gas was $.31 (thats Cents) per gallon. Two Bucks yielded 1/2 a tank!! Then I would dropoff the car and then catch the bus home, if I was not working that day - which i did for 9 Years almost every weekend (But thats's another story as to how I got there!)

 

I guess we are getting silly, No?? But fun memories!!

Walking down Memory Lane (which doesn't belong in this thread) rekindles memories of my first drive. I'm 73, circa 1967, I was working with my father in his restaurant as busboy, at 16 yo. One day, while driving home (we worked into the late hours of the day) , my father pulls over his 1966 Silver Chevy Impalal SS (it had a small 283 cu. in. V-8) and tells me : "You Drive" . he had taken me driving some days before - I had my Learner's Permit - so switched seats (it had Vinyl Bucket Seats with a Floor Console for the AT shifter!!). So drove down a lonley long stretch roadway nearby where we lived all full of excitement. Perhaps about 1/3 of a mile. What a Thrill at the Time!!. That Chevy had an AM/FM radio ......LOL. 8 Tracks , Cassettes, and CDs were only figments of enegineers' imaginations. After getting my license in 1969 at 18 yo, {Passed my Driver's test on the 1st Shot taught entirely by my Father), he would allow me to pick up the Chevy from the restaurant to use on a particular day, taking a City bus to go pick it up. He would bark, after relunctantly giving me the keys...."And don't bring it back without Gas!" In those days, gas was $.31 (thats Cents) per gallon. Two Bucks yielded 1/2 a tank!! Then I would dropoff the car and then catch the bus home, if I was not working that day - which i did for 9 Years almost every weekend (But thats's another story as to how I got there!)

Great story … if you’re so inclined, start a new thread called trips down memory lane …

 

I think I will do that . Hell, I'm retired with not too much to do ! Not sure if MDXers have a section for this tho?

 

A friend owned a car with a turntable. Used to play 45s on it.

 

Must have sounded great while traveling over those dirt and cobble stone roads...

 

You could do that at Tailgate parties with a MDX- it has an electric Outlet in the rear!!

Checkout the new Thread in General Off Topic Forum Threads,

 

Bottom line, SXM sounds like garbage because it is so badly compressed. The advancements in BT and ACP/AA trump SXM. That is the reason it is gone. IMHO, if you must need SXM, use the app. It's cheaper too.

 

Pandora ,"Free" (Sunset Mix) Channel, sounds incredible and the best you will find out there, on the ELS system. Check it out and tell me I am wrong (but you won't be able to.) Zero distortion at higher levels and it takes advantage of all the speakers and different intervals.

 

I have a 2025 SType. Traveled from MN to AZ and back. Listened to XM throughout the trip. No steering wheel controls but you can change stations with voice commands or use the touch screen.

 

Not necessarily true, maybe if you are in extremely remote region… I live in western NJ and traveled 250 miles southeast of State College, PA which is not urban for a trout fishing trip and was able to listen to Sirius XM all the way there and back.

I thought it would be an issue but don’t find it to be hell I am no youngster and adapted to slightly change my habits. I didn’t buy the car just for the SiriusXM radio. I bought it because I’ve been a Honda/Acura owner since 1984

 

Crutchfield appears to have an integrated SXM solution for 2025 MDX’s. It’s not cheap but their website says it integrates with steering wheel functions as well as the factory head unit.

https://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/xm_radios.html?XVINQ=GW0%5Cu0026XVVer=YPG%5Cu0026awcr=309963449993%5Cu0026awdv=m%5Cu0026awnw=g%5Cu0026awug=9021427%5Cu0026awkw=kwd-19851906701%5Cu0026awmt=p%5Cu0026awat=%5Cu0026gad_source=1%5Cu0026gad_campaignid=176035643%5Cu0026gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7vuP6-36jQMVunR_AB1vojToEAAYAyAAEgI6WPD_BwE

 

I cannot believe this is really an issue, especially for a $300 adapter, to have highly compressed, mediocre music pulled from a SAT.

 

I cannot believe this is really and issue, especially for a $300 adapter, to have highly compressed, mediocre music pulled from a SAT.

Neither can I … but I have a 2024 Type S which has an integrated SXM system, and I listen to Fox and other news stations regularly, so I am spoiled by having it, so that

 

I would miss Fox Business, News and Headlines as well. I use pandora on CarPlay for music.

 

Understood that it is great for news/talk. Again, that is where the much cheaper, and better audio quality, XM app comes in.

 

Here is a copy of what I send to Acura via Acura Link CS emails.....

Vehicle Mileage: 3,014
Description: As an Lessee of the 25 MDX A-SPEC ADVANCE, my 3rd Acura since 2019, I am writing to again express my extreme disappointment at the Removal of the SAT Radio Receiver without offering at the minimum an option to include same. The sales people at dealerships Do Not alert you to this Ommission when testing the car! Shame on Acura! You do not even offer a alternative. I ask you look at the various Acura Forums and read the comments posted of all the disappointed MDX customers. I've had Sirius /XM radios in my cars for over 17 years.....Infinitis, Hondas, and Acura's. I get return CS calls that just yes me, with no positive feedback or offers. I'm surprised at Acura and left perplexed. The SXM app in Android Auto is FAIR at best ,quirky, erratic behavior, forcing my eyes off the road to look at the screen searching for channels, etc. And, it requires having my phone in the car to use! With the Receiver, that was not needed and it was very easy to use via the TTIP, the steering wheel selector menu or using the HUD.
I appreciate your attention to this and hopefully Acura does the Right Thing!

 

Here is a copy of what I send to Acura via Acura Link CS emails.....

Vehicle Mileage: 3,014
Description: As an Lessee of the 25 MDX A-SPEC ADVANCE, my 3rd Acura since 2019, I am writing to again express my extreme disappointment at the Removal of the SAT Radio Receiver without offering at the minimum an option to include same. The sales people at dealerships Do Not alert you to this Ommission when testing the car! Shame on Acura! You do not even offer a alternative. I ask you look at the various Acura Forums and read the comments posted of all the disappointed MDX customers. I've had Sirius /XM radios in my cars for over 17 years.....Infinitis, Hondas, and Acura's. I get return CS calls that just yes me, with no positive feedback or offers. I'm surprised at Acura and left perplexed. The SXM app in Android Auto is FAIR at best ,quirky, erratic behavior, forcing my eyes off the road to look at the screen searching for channels, etc. And, it requires having my phone in the car to use! With the Receiver, that was not needed and it was very easy to use via the TTIP, the steering wheel selector menu or using the HUD.
I appreciate your attention to this and hopefully Acura does the Right Thing!

I just got a phone call from HONDA, per my new case from the email sent yesterday. They noted that this was 5th complaint. They gave me the standard obligatory answers .... How they understand, and the comments will be passed along for future models, Blah, Blah... No resolve or offers at this time. I told them that scores of owners are very disappointed at this at this action evidenced by comments made in various Acura Forums. Told them I will regularly continue to file these emails. Are they listening, maybe?

 

I do not think the mods in this forum would let me post my letter to Acura.🤬

They know me well!

 

Vote with your pocketbook - don't buy a vehicle that doesn't have the attributes to completely satisfy you. Almatti - you knew the 2025 MDX didn't have SXM before you leased it but went ahead and leased it anyway and now are here complaining about what you decided to lease. It doesn't make sense to me. There are plenty of other vehicles you could've acquired that offer the SXM if that's such an important feature to you - i.e. important enough to correspond with Acura. It's like buying a black car and then complaining to the manufacturer that they didn't have the color green that you would've preferred. I think you should be kicking yourself rather than kicking Acura/Honda.

But rather than kicking yourself you should probably just not worry about it so much because it's not really a big deal and there's nothing they're going to do to retroactively put the feature in your 2025 anyway. Either quit using SXM altogether (easy for me to say - I don't use it), use the SXM app, or install an aftermarket unit. The cost of an aftermarket unit is nothing compared to the cost of a new MDX-S (or even base). I understand some people live in dead cell network areas but the vast majority live and mostly drive in areas with decent cell coverage. I think you live in the NYC area - I've driven all around there and don't recall any network connectivity issues (ATT with iPhone for me).

I think any complaint correspondence on this SXM will have zero effect on Acura/Honda. They sell roughly 50K MDXs per year and so far according to your interaction with Honda they've had 5 complaints (but that's likely inaccurate). That's a completely insignificant percentage of owners who complained. Even if every 4th gen owner poster on this forum complained it'd be a very insignificant percentage.

Acura/Honda has more data than we do - they almost certainly know the percentage of owners who pay for the SXM subscription. They also know what the sales numbers are for the 2025 MDX and 2026 MDX and can decide if the lack of SXM is really impacting those sales significantly.

Even though I don't use or care about SXM it seems odd to me that it was removed but I'm sure Honda has their reasons for doing so and it wasn't done on a whim. We as consumers can decide to support that decision by buying/leasing the vehicle or not support it by not acquiring it. You ended up deciding to support their decision with where it counts - your wallet.

 

mdxsta, I hear You. And Agree with you in many respects . I'm not "kicking myself" just venting. Yes I knew about the elimination of the SAT Radio forcing the use of a Fair at Best App, but notwithstanding that I don't buy (or lease) cars solely based on it's InfoT. systems. The number of complaints are the ones I made, many others have been made ( I guess judging by a unscientific Poll at this Forum and another), and you are correct Honda /Acvuar is very likely NOT to do anything about it, Maybe!. I think I posted a previous story somewhere on the Thread about a 2010 Infiniti G37X. Leased. Making a Long story short, the complaint pertained to the Quirky Shifting of Infiniti's new 7 speed AT. I complained the next day afteer driving it home (Yes, I did take it fior test drive before I lesed it, replacing the 2007 G35X before it). The Service Advisor listened to me , the Ass't Servixcxe Manager listened to me and just spewed.....That's The way it Works. I posted on Infiniti Forums, with many members who nhad that Car agreeing. It had a Lock up Torque Converter Feeling to it. I did not detect that on the short test drive. FF, after mnumerous complaints with the Dealer and meeting Infiniti Regional Managers, going out on test drives with Techs who hooked up Computers and agreeing with the quirkiness with No Answers. After 2 1/2 years, I get a call from the Dealer (Pepe Infiniti in White Plains, NY) to say Infiniti has just come out with a new Upgrade to The ECU/ TCM . The manager said it was because of YOU ....I said BS. He insisted yes. Pepe Infiniti was the biggest Infiniti Dealer in The NE USA. After the application of the Upgrade, it was much better - not perfect - but considerablly better and less Quirky. At least the last 6 months of the lease, it made for a better car. It told me that Squeaky Wheels can sometimes get the Oil. BTW, the next vehicle I leased was a 2013 Infiniti M37X - one of the best cars I ever Owned! All the Bugs in that 7 speed tranny were gone. They never marketted that car correctly, I saw very few on the road, yet it could give the Audi Q6 , MBs, Bimmers, and Acuras a very good run for the $$$$. A great roomy, Mid sized Sports Sedan, with excellent handling and AWD.

So as you say, I use the SXM App when desired ( less so now with this usage manner, instead of a push of a button in any mode), and will probably NOT get the aftermarket unit because of certain aspects of installiong it, needing a second AAjntenna on the roof, and occupying the Centyer Console USB port which probably conviscates its usage (not sure about that, but looking into it). In the meantime, I enjoy my MDX A-Spec Advance for its Ride, Handling, Comfort and Looks !! Even with the SAT radio ommission, overall, it is still the best Vehicle for the $$$$$ IMHO.

 

Great exchange … nice to see in today’s polarized world.

 

Sorry for all the typos....

 

Got my weekly reply back from Honda:

“Thank you for contacting American Honda regarding your feedback about satellite radio for your 2025 Acura MDX. We are sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your vehicle, but we want to thank you for providing us the opportunity to respond to your message.

American Honda documents and uses feedback regarding our vehicles. As such, we have documented your complaint on your behalf.

We welcome you to reply to this email with any additional suggestions or concerns. (Also, thank you for the meme that you sent. It definitely brightened my day.)

Sincerely,
Matthew T.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Case #: 15671255”