[mdxstang]

Lack of towing = deal breaker for me. Looking to replace my 2010 Advance and am now seriously considering an Audi Q7
...
The sh-sh-awd MDX has everything I would want in a sporty SUV except for the no towing part.

These statements don't make sense. This thread is about the 'hybrid' MDX having no towing abilities. The non-hybrid MDX 'does' having towing abilities. If one likes the MDX generally, and also needs to be able to tow, then simply don't consider the hybrid option and consider whether the towing limit of the non-hybrid MDX (up to 5,000 pounds I think) is adequate for the intended usage.

 

[mrgold35]

These statements don't make sense. This thread is about the 'hybrid' MDX having no towing abilities. The non-hybrid MDX 'does' having towing abilities. If one likes the MDX generally, and also needs to be able to tow, then simply don't consider the hybrid option and consider whether the towing limit of the non-hybrid MDX (up to 5,000 pounds I think) is adequate for the intended usage.

I'm more interested in the "sport" features and then "utility" compared to the "hybrid" benefits. The sh-sh-awd MDX sound really good on paper with the extra hp/tq, improved handling, sport+ mode, and active dampers. Only $1500 for the sh-sh-awd looks like a real bargain compared to other systems from competitors that usually offer you less power/handling for more money for their hybrid systems. There is no-way to convert the regular 3.5L MDX with the same power/handling for $1500 and you end up probably voiding your warranty in the process. I usually keep my vehicles +150,000 miles and the extra cost of the sh-sh-awd MDX would break even long before that. I don't do any heavy duty towing; but, I do travel +20,000 miles per year. Depends on the trip if I need to take my roof box, swing out cargo carrier, and/or 4 bike rack. I just don't want my hybrid drivetrain to have a problem and Acura denies a warranty repair because I have a rear hitch bike rack for 2 bikes.

I had a few 14-16 MDX loaners with the 6AT or 9AT and they didn't feel as sporty as my 11 MDX Adv the way I like to drive. I like the styling of the +17 better; but, the non-hybrid models have the same powertrain/suspension as the 14-16 MDXs. I have time to wait 2-3 years since my 11 MDX only has 96,000 miles on her. If the next Gen MDX doesn't offer a "sporty" version option, I will look at owning a different CUV/SUV after being exclusively Honda/Acura since 1991.

 

[PTC DAWG]

I'm more interested in the "sport" features and then "utility" compared to the "hybrid" benefits. The sh-sh-awd MDX sound really good on paper with the extra hp/tq, improved handling, sport+ mode, and active dampers. Only $1500 for the sh-sh-awd looks like a real bargain compared to other systems from competitors that usually offer you less power/handling for more money for their hybrid systems. There is no-way to convert the regular 3.5L MDX with the same power/handling for $1500 and you end up probably voiding your warranty in the process. I usually keep my vehicles +150,000 miles and the extra cost of the sh-sh-awd MDX would break even long before that. I don't do any heavy duty towing; but, I do travel +20,000 miles per year. Depends on the trip if I need to take my roof box, swing out cargo carrier, and/or 4 bike rack. I just don't want my hybrid drivetrain to have a problem and Acura denies a warranty repair because I have a rear hitch bike rack for 2 bikes.

I had a few 14-16 MDX loaners with the 6AT or 9AT and they didn't feel as sporty as my 11 MDX Adv the way I like to drive. I like the styling of the +17 better; but, the non-hybrid models have the same powertrain/suspension as the 14-16 MDXs. I have time to wait 2-3 years since my 11 MDX only has 96,000 miles on her. If the next Gen MDX doesn't offer a "sporty" version option, I will look at owning a different CUV/SUV after being exclusively Honda/Acura since 1991.

Sadly I agree, 3rd gen way too soft for me...

 

[mdxstang]

Sadly I agree, 3rd gen way too soft for me...

I'm not sure what you mean by 'soft' but my 2014 MDX shawd handles and rides great for an SUV its size. In comparison to the 2nd gen, which I have not owned - only did some test drives in, I was somewhat disappointed in the harsher than expected ride (harsher ride doesn't always equal better handling) and less than expected acceleration on the 2nd gen (I think it was one with a 5 sp trans) - but that was just some test drives - not the same as owning one.

I've read that the 3rd gen is seconds faster than the 2nd gen on the Nurburgring for some objective data on the combo of power and handling.

I think 2nd gen owners looking to buy something else should try to get as objective as they can when evaluating the 3rd gen since they might be inadvertently equating a perhaps harsher ride to better handling when that might not be the end result - but I could be wrong on this.

Don't forget the hybrid, while having more combined HP, also weighs about 230 pounds more. I did some weight/HP calcs and the non-hybrid comes out to 14.6 while the hybrid is at 13.9. The lower the number the better but it's not a terribly significant difference. The hybrid weight will also have some effect on handling - potentially making handling worse despite whatever dampers are in it. The only way to really know how they compare would be to do some fairly side by side comparisons on a decent test drive that pushes them - or see what professional reviews have to say.

My point is - don't just assume that because of some raw numbers and specs, such as higher HP and active dampers, the power and handling will be directly proportional because the factor of the weight is significant as is where the weight is located and torque curves, transmission, computer (directing the trans and hybrid power, etc.), and other factors.

Regardless, I'd be surprised if there was a hugely significant difference between the two but I haven't driven them side by side to give direct input. If there's not a significant difference then the functionality of towing could easily trump whatever benefits might be had for the hybrid for some buyers.

But if you don't like it then you s/b looking at something else if you're in the market for a new vehicle.

I have time to wait 2-3 years since my 11 MDX only has 96,000 miles on her.

I agree - it's still young yet. I finally got rid of my 1998 Durango at 235K miles and actually drove it coast to coast and back when it had 194K miles on it - i.e. it wasn't a junker. The 2011 MDX s/b good to go for a long time. Most people churn their vehicles quicker than needed - they do it because they 'want' something newer - they don't 'need' something newer.

 

[Wanderlust]

Added weight of the hybrid is mostly battery and motors that are low to the ground, so effect on handling should be small. It might even reduce body roll. Also, it gets active shocks, for better or worse. Still not gonna buy one if I can't mount a hitch receiver.

Sportiness and performance aren't the same thing. 2nd gen is probably the sportiest generation of MDX, but it did sacrifice some things relative to the others. Visibility out the rear comes to mind. That was a deal breaker for my wife, cuz she sits low. Not short, but all her height is in her legs. 3rd gen is a bit more family friendly, and a bit less "edgy" overall. To each their own.

 

[gugy]

Does anybody know if I can attach on the Hybrid a hitch just for a bike swivel rack? Not planning to tow anything just haul my bikes.

 

[mdxstang]

^^ Read a post from me near the start of this thread. The owner's manual doesn't state anything about mounting a hitch - it simply states that towing a trailer can impact the warranty. A hitch mount bike rack isn't a trailer. If you're really concerned about it get something in writing on it from the dealer but I don't see how Acura would have a leg to stand on in denying a warranty claim as long as you in fact, did not tow a trailer.

 

[gugy]

^^ Read a post from me near the start of this thread. The owner's manual doesn't state anything about mounting a hitch - it simply states that towing a trailer can impact the warranty. A hitch mount bike rack isn't a trailer. If you're really concerned about it get something in writing on it from the dealer but I don't see how Acura would have a leg to stand on in denying a warranty claim as long as you in fact, did not tow a trailer.

I understand but I am wondering if the Hybrid has the attachment to install a hitch.

 

[mrgold35]

Not all dealerships will look at an hitch on sh-sh-awd MDX and take our word it was only for bike rack+two 35lbs bikes if you had an issue with the hybrid drivetrain.

As far as I can tell, the sh-sh-awd starts out as an fwd MDX and they add the hybrid upgrades for $3500. I think the sh-sh-awd doesn't have a spare tire or spare tire hardware like the sh-awd version? Looks like all the hybrid motors occupies the same areas as the 3.5L+9AT and sh-awd rear diff. The only addition is the hybrid batteries under the front seats. Everything should be there to add OEM or aftermarket hitch and maybe a 7 or 4 way wiring harness (my swing out cargo box has 4 way lights).

Still holding out hope Acura will either say it is A-OK for bike racks and cargo carriers to hang of the hitch not to exceed X lbs OR they make the upgrades on the 4th gen sh-sh-awd MDX.

 

[mdxstang]

I understand but I am wondering if the Hybrid has the attachment to install a hitch.

I don't know - maybe someone here can answer that or you could go to a dealership that has one and just take a look under the back end to see if you see the attachment holes. It'd surprise me somewhat if it did 'not' have the mounting holes since I'd expect the chassis to be the same for all of the MDX variants - but it's worth a check.

Not all dealerships will look at an hitch on sh-sh-awd MDX and take our word it was only for bike rack+two 35lbs bikes if you had an issue with the hybrid drivetrain.

I don't think they'd have a choice - the presence of a hitch doesn't at all mean that a trailer was attached to it. 'Many' people use a hitch just for attaching bikes, a cargo box, etc. - perfectly valid uses that don't defy what the owner's manual states. If someone's really worried about it and they think they have a power train type of issue, which would be unlikely, they could always remove the hitch before taking it to have them look at the issue. I can't imagine Acura calling the owner a liar on this point when the owner's actually telling the truth - I think Acura would need to produce some evidence of trailer hauling - which they wouldn't be able to do.

 

[Wanderlust]

you could go to a dealership that has one and just take a look under the back end to see if you see the attachment holes.

I actually tried that last Sunday, but my local dealer didn't have one on the lot. Dang.

So we're at the mercy of early adopters. Anyone? Anyone? Beuller?

What we're looking for are holes in the big "beams", three on each side near the rear. They would have threads inside them from weld nuts attached from the top.

One issue is that I think the sport hybrid MDX has a special fascia for the rear bumper, and that may not be compatible with the replacement fascia that comes with the OEM hitch for 3rd-gen MDX. So even if the hitch receiver attachment points are there, it might require an aftermarket hitch that drops below the bumper fascia.

 

[neoshi]

It looks like someone called Acura and asked why no towing with the hybrid and the response they got was that Honda didn't think towing was important to people interested in the sport hybrid and so they didn't get it tested, and thus, no rating. I don't think Acura would modify the vehicle to remove those bolt holes (it would cost the money to have to product different structures and they planned for the sport hybrid from the beginning), so in all likelihood, I think putting bike racks or even light towing can be done without issue. We just don't know what the limit is lol

 

[elvisfan]

It looks like someone called Acura and asked why no towing with the hybrid and the response they got was that Honda didn't think towing was important to people interested in the sport hybrid and so they didn't get it tested, and thus, no rating. I don't think Acura would modify the vehicle to remove those bolt holes (it would cost the money to have to product different structures and they planned for the sport hybrid from the beginning), so in all likelihood, I think putting bike racks or even light towing can be done without issue. We just don't know what the limit is lol

The rear wheels are being driven by electric motors. I don't know about bike racks,but no way should you be towing anything. Once you put a hitch on,Acura could deny any warranty claims involving drive train issues.

 

[neoshi]

The rear wheels are being driven by electric motors. I don't know about bike racks,but no way should you be towing anything. Once you put a hitch on,Acura could deny any warranty claims involving drive train issues.

Yes that is understood by all. But they're far from incapable. You will find many ev and hybrid owners towing with electric motors in the back, but yes all their own risk.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[mdxstang]

Once you put a hitch on,Acura could deny any warranty claims involving drive train issues.

I don't think they could have a valid warranty denial on this basis. There's nothing in the owner's manual precluding the installation of a hitch or of using a bike rack. The manual specifically states 'no trailer' (per the quote I already included in the thread) but that's it. The presence of a hitch is not the same thing as having towed a trailer and there are a lot of people who only use a hitch for the purpose of carrying bikes. I see them every day. I wouldn't be surprised if there were actually more people using a hitch to mount bikes as opposed to towing a trailer. It's the 'S' in the 'SUV'.

People can download the owner's manual and read about this area themselves.

 

[Wanderlust]

The rear wheels are being driven by electric motors. I don't know about bike racks,but no way should you be towing anything. Once you put a hitch on,Acura could deny any warranty claims involving drive train issues.

Rear wheels on Highlander Hybrid are driven by an electric motor and it has a 3500 pound tow rating. That's only one example.

Trains are powered by electric motors. Have been for decades. The locomotives are "diesel electrics". Big diesel engines drive generators, and the electricity powers big electric motors in the "trucks" at the wheels. It has nothing to do with the capabilities of electric motors as a class. There is a question as to the torque rating of the motors, but the darn things are supposed to help power a two ton SUV, including up mountains with a load of people and luggage!

 

[Wanderlust]

I wouldn't be surprised if there were actually more people using a hitch to mount bikes as opposed to towing a trailer. It's the 'S' in the 'SUV'.

For MDX this may literally be true. Although I saw one just yesterday with a utility trailer hitched up, headed into a home improvement store. That's the "U" in SUV.

 

[Wanderlust]

There is a difference in exhaust design that may be a problem.

 

[MCDavis]

I can see WHY Acura would suggest no towing, but to legally to a trailer you must have trailer lights operational. That would mean a 4way or 7way plug depending on your trailer. In the event a hitch was mounted but no trailer wiring was present, then one could make a "legal statement" that a trailer wasn't towed or couldn't be towed. This would justify the reasoning for a bike mount, etc.

My '17 SH-AWD tows a utility trailer just fine (pic below) and if I ever get back into a pickup then I may very well look at the SH-SH-AWD for the wifey.

 

[wwhale]

Attached are photos of my 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid. Looks like the mounts are there for the hitch, without having the hitch in front of me its hard to tell but it looks like it would clear the muffler. Spare tire was not included, I ordered parts on line, winch, lug wrench, wheel and tire, all under $200, less then 15 minutes to install.