[Lovejoy]

They didn't offer the sat option because nobody would buy it.

My last 6 or 7 cars came with satellite radio, I never once have even selected the output on any of the cars. Judging by the amount of spam mail I get asking me to subscribe to sirius, I am a typical user.

It’s sad when a person, or group, or company projects their choices onto those of others … there are several million sat radio users, and I happen to be one. It’s the first thing I do when I get a new car or truck. Can’t imagine not having it. Happy my 2024 type S has it.

 

[IanCH]

It’s sad when a person, or group, or company projects their choices onto those of others … there are several million sat radio users, and I happen to be one. It’s the first thing I do when I get a new car or truck. Can’t imagine not having it. Happy my 2024 type S has it.

There are 34 million total sirius XM subscribers, and of those 34million only a small fraction actually use the service because many cars come with a subscription

My point is that the vast majority, 90%+ of car owners, do not use the service and therefore there is no reason to put it in the car. If you want a CB radio you can have one installed in your car too.

 

[Lovejoy]

There are 34 million total sirius XM subscribers, and of those 34million only a small fraction actually use the service because many cars come with a subscription

My point is that the vast majority, 90%+ of car owners, do not use the service and therefore there is no reason to put it in the car. If you want a CB radio you can have one installed in your car too.

Curious why are you being such a PIA about this issue and what is your data source for actual usage?

 

[IanCH]

I'm not being a PIA

This thread is full of boomers questioning why a function that nobody uses would be removed when it's obvious.

 

[IanCH]

For the question on how I get my numbers, of the 34million subscribers, at least 10mil come from new cars sold in the US each year, that come with a subscription. So, something like 20mil paying subscribers of 208mil working age US residents. 90% dont use

 

[Lovejoy]

For the question on how I get my numbers, of the 34million subscribers, at least 10mil come from new cars sold in the US each year, that come with a subscription. So, something like 20mil paying subscribers of 208mil working age US residents. 90% dont use

There is ample data out there about total subscribers, down the month. As of Q424 total subscribers is a little under 34M. What’s confusing is comment that 90% of subscribers don’t use the service they pay for, is your subjective opinion? Not that I care that much, but from what I can learn, the actual usage of XM isn’t published.

 

[raceparts]

I'm not missing anything and I understand the appeal of satellite radio, ... If SiriusXM cared, they'd update their app so it worked with Android Auto. It stinks in the short-term for the people who still use XM. But it will be moot in the next couple of years as Starlink satellite cellular data goes live.

There is an AM, FM and Cell phone tuner in the '25 MDX. Previously there was a SXM Satellite tuner (and correct most likely a Starlink tuner in the future). SXM will not work with an Android Auto App. It is completely independent of a Cell system, it works on a different frequency. Sorry, I just don't understand why cell phone programming or bring your own... is better than 300 stations hands free, nationwide.

 

[IanCH]

What’s confusing is comment that 90% of subscribers don’t use the service they pay for

You're confused because that is not what I said.

 

[raceparts]

They didn't offer the sat option because nobody would buy it.

My last 6 or 7 cars came with satellite radio, I never once have even selected the output on any of the cars. Judging by the amount of spam mail I get asking me to subscribe to sirius, I am a typical user.

You could say the same about AM/FM. Fot the most part I can't recieve either where I live, and only one or two stations loaded with commercials.

 

[IanCH]

You could say the same about AM/FM. Fot the most part I can't recieve either where I live, and only one or two stations loaded with commercials.

To some extent I am surprised even AM/FM tuners still exist today. The only plausible reason is that they are so cheap an inconsequential to include that they stay in there.

That said, I use FM radio to listen to local sports and news. Sometimes its more convenient but I could also completely get around that if FM was removed.

 

[Lovejoy]

You're confused because that is not what I said.

Regardless of the % usage, a 34M user recurring revenue installed base, with low variable cost, is very desirable. I am stunned that Acura shunned it. My friend just bought an electric Audi Q5 and it has XM capability, so this isn’t a ‘boomer thing’.

 

[Lovejoy]

To some extent I am surprised even AM/FM tuners still exist today. The only plausible reason is that they are so cheap an inconsequential to include that they stay in there.

That said, I use FM radio to listen to local sports and news. Sometimes its more convenient but I could also completely get around that if FM was removed.

So what do you use to access news, weather, sports, music?

 

[IanCH]

So what do you use to access news, weather, sports, music?

My phone, like a normal person.

 

[86lxjunker]

My phone, like a normal person.

Most likely while they are driving.....instead of paying attention to the road and their surroundings........

 

[IanCH]

Most likely while they are driving.....instead of paying attention to the road and their surroundings........

I don't use my phone while driving.

But maybe you do!

 

[Lovejoy]

I don't use my phone while driving.

But maybe you do!

So, if you access all of your music, sports, news, weather, etc from you phone and don’t like AM or FM, and also don’t use your phone while driving, sounds like you just drive in silence? 😉

 

[dwboston]

There is an AM, FM and Cell phone tuner in the '25 MDX. Previously there was a SXM Satellite tuner (and correct most likely a Starlink tuner in the future). SXM will not work with an Android Auto App. It is completely independent of a Cell system, it works on a different frequency. Sorry, I just don't understand why cell phone programming or bring your own... is better than 300 stations hands free, nationwide.

You seem to be missing something here. Sirius/XM has an Android (or Apple if you choose) app that can be used for streaming the service. It's obviously how Acura expects people will access Sirius/XM since they got rid of the in-car capability. The vast majority of music/media consumption in cars is now streamed. Sirius/XM was a bigger deal before unlimited data plans were prevalent and data and overage charges were expensive. Now, everyone can stream at reasonable cost. Fewer people are using satellite radio. And the numbers quoted for satellite users are misleading at best, because they include the users on promotional plans included with new car purchases (paid for a discounted rates by the auto OEMs), most of which never convert to a paid subscription.

You seem misinformed or confused about technology. Can you explain what you think a "cell phone tuner" is?

 

[rrosley23]

I just picked up my 2025 MDX ASPEC. Of course at delivery, realized there's no XM radio anymore. I loved flipping through the stations on XM using the steering wheel control on my last MDX. While I understand you can add the XM app to stream music there's no way to control anything from the steering wheel. You are constantly taking your eyes off the road to do anything using the touch screen. Anyone have any advice to suggest an app that will give you that ability to have "channels" that you can change using steering wheel controls?? HELP!!

You can stream it though your phone. As far as changing stations simply push the left rotating wheel on the steering wheel to the left or right, this also works when streaming music. Also the same wheel button can be pushed to answer and hang up phone calls. I hope this helps.

 

[MaximusMDX]

Well How Do You Like This?.... Per the email I received from Sirius yesterday.....Sirius Now Available in Teslas!! Probably via a SAT Headunit....

​

available in Tesla Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles View in a web browser

​

​

​

Is Acura paying Attention??

Starlink

 

[MaximusMDX]

I bit the bullet and just leased a new 25 MDX A-Spec Advance on 2/1/25. I wrestled with the decision to buy my 22 MDX Advance at lesae end for $39,000 or lease a new 25 MDX (Or other model cars). For various reasons (some of which were "heart" vs "brain" driven), I did what I did knowing the issue of the eliminated SAT Radio Unit in the 25. I read the many posts on this thread about this issue; my test drives focued on the other principal features of the new MDX. I used Sirius / XM radio alot n my 22 MDX. Now just after 3 days of using my new 25, I never realized how much I missed the ease of access and use of Sirius in my 22. Even with the TTIP, which I had become accustomed to. Truth Be Told, the new Touch Screen is over - hyped. Yeah, it's responsive, easier to use (particularly "right out of the box") to the common driver, but really not a big a deal as proported - in my honest initial opinion. But I like that the 25 is quieter, rides just a bit better, has the impressive Massaging seats {i know My bad back and neck will thank Acura}, but leaves a me a bit puzzled why Acura changed to B&O Stereo system [ initial impressions to my ear is the ELS system was "better"]. However, notwithstanding whether one uses or likes SAT radio, Acura should have allowed or granted an option to have a SAT Radio unit Built in to the system for add'l charge (if that was the issue - $$$$$). Perhaps, only perhaps, if enough of us file complaints with Acura either directly or via this and other Forums, something could be offered??? It's a big If tho.

I love my SAT radio too and I definitely prefer the touch pad vs touch screen and appreciate the screen where it is in my 2022. Set back. I was given a 2025 loaner and was not happy with the entertainment set up. I also LOVE my wrist rest!