I've read quite a bit on the Edmunds.com threads and most of the comments on this site.
I've seen drivers side comfort issues mixed all through the other comments so I thought
I would start a thread that deals only with these issues.
I have a black(ext.) & tan {saddle} (int.) touring package without navigation.
We have around 800 miles on it. We love the handling and the looks.
Many driver's side comments deal with discomfort for men, I am 6'1", 220 lbs.
Here's what I've found:
Most comments do not take in to consideration that the MDX is over 4" wider
than anything else in its class.It bult this way for safety (less roll overs) and
for handling. This fact alone has a lot to do with the complaints.
Due to the width the door arm rests are a little hard to get used to. There is
a 2" gap between the seats and the arm rests. Very few people are used to
this, no matter what they drive.
The steering wheel is offset slightly due to the width. It is not that annoying
once you realize that. But it is a little quirky.
The seat itself is comfortable for long and short rides.
At first it seems that you cannot find the right distance to place the seat from
the steering wheel. You soon overcome this by pulling in a little closer to the
dash than you would expect. This is when you realize that you are not driving
a Yukon, Expidition or Sequoia. But hey, that's not what you bought is it?
Given this is your new found seat position, you realize that you cannot prop
your left elbow on the door( while steering) for very long because the door is
rounded and quite high. you may overcome this by adjusting the seat height.
Still in this position, the right side arm rest seems like it is just a bit
to far back from the steering wheel to comfortably rest that elbow while
steering for very long either.
You'll over come these "slouching" elbow issues soon enough by changing
your steering hand frequently.
Now comes what I have found to be the main problem. The steering wheel
doesn't tilt enough. It seems like it is just to vertical in any of it's limited range
positions. This causes wrist fatigue on a long drive. I'm serious! I think this is
the biggest ergonomic factor for a 6' tall man driving an MDX.
Now that Ive pointed it out... you'll see what I mean.
Ok, I admit if this my biggest problem then life is pretty good right?
I actually believe the reason the MDX is designed this way (seat position,
elbows, hand position,door heigth, etc.) is due to the overall safety design
of the vehicle.
The MDX is designed to be holding the steering wheel at "10 & 2" (just like
driving safety class teach you). Most of us Americans like to slough when
driving like we are in our Lazy Boys in front of the TV. So most likely,
a little improved posture while we are on the road won't hurt us will it?
If you are sportin' around town, none of these issues bother you because you
can sit up properly and drive like the MDX like a " SUV / Sports car" due to it handling and power.
So here's my solution, you (the man) drives it around town aggressively (and responsilbly)
and you wife drives it on the interstate for the long hauls! The driver's seat fits women
perfectly and they look real good sitting over there crusin' your new ride down the road.
This way you both get to show off your new MDX!
So don't worry about the driver's side ergonimics. It a tough life, but you'll get used to it.
Merry Christmas!
I've seen drivers side comfort issues mixed all through the other comments so I thought
I would start a thread that deals only with these issues.
I have a black(ext.) & tan {saddle} (int.) touring package without navigation.
We have around 800 miles on it. We love the handling and the looks.
Many driver's side comments deal with discomfort for men, I am 6'1", 220 lbs.
Here's what I've found:
Most comments do not take in to consideration that the MDX is over 4" wider
than anything else in its class.It bult this way for safety (less roll overs) and
for handling. This fact alone has a lot to do with the complaints.
Due to the width the door arm rests are a little hard to get used to. There is
a 2" gap between the seats and the arm rests. Very few people are used to
this, no matter what they drive.
The steering wheel is offset slightly due to the width. It is not that annoying
once you realize that. But it is a little quirky.
The seat itself is comfortable for long and short rides.
At first it seems that you cannot find the right distance to place the seat from
the steering wheel. You soon overcome this by pulling in a little closer to the
dash than you would expect. This is when you realize that you are not driving
a Yukon, Expidition or Sequoia. But hey, that's not what you bought is it?
Given this is your new found seat position, you realize that you cannot prop
your left elbow on the door( while steering) for very long because the door is
rounded and quite high. you may overcome this by adjusting the seat height.
Still in this position, the right side arm rest seems like it is just a bit
to far back from the steering wheel to comfortably rest that elbow while
steering for very long either.
You'll over come these "slouching" elbow issues soon enough by changing
your steering hand frequently.
Now comes what I have found to be the main problem. The steering wheel
doesn't tilt enough. It seems like it is just to vertical in any of it's limited range
positions. This causes wrist fatigue on a long drive. I'm serious! I think this is
the biggest ergonomic factor for a 6' tall man driving an MDX.
Now that Ive pointed it out... you'll see what I mean.
Ok, I admit if this my biggest problem then life is pretty good right?
I actually believe the reason the MDX is designed this way (seat position,
elbows, hand position,door heigth, etc.) is due to the overall safety design
of the vehicle.
The MDX is designed to be holding the steering wheel at "10 & 2" (just like
driving safety class teach you). Most of us Americans like to slough when
driving like we are in our Lazy Boys in front of the TV. So most likely,
a little improved posture while we are on the road won't hurt us will it?
If you are sportin' around town, none of these issues bother you because you
can sit up properly and drive like the MDX like a " SUV / Sports car" due to it handling and power.
So here's my solution, you (the man) drives it around town aggressively (and responsilbly)
and you wife drives it on the interstate for the long hauls! The driver's seat fits women
perfectly and they look real good sitting over there crusin' your new ride down the road.
This way you both get to show off your new MDX!
So don't worry about the driver's side ergonimics. It a tough life, but you'll get used to it.
Merry Christmas!