So after a hiatus of 2 yrs I decided to revisit Acura and test drive the 16 MDX.I must remind that I had looked at the 14 when they came out and was disappointed.I have a 2011 Advance which I used as a comparison.After that I went and test drove the Touareg as I was considering one to replace our MDX.I hope my experience might be useful to someone cross hopping these both.I apologize for the rather long post.Excuse my mistakes[if any].
First the MDX,The dealer was good enough to toss the keys for an advance MDX black on black and let me test drive by myself.I took it around the city roads and freeway.
The Good
1. The new mdx is much quieter than the 2011 and a tad bit quieter than the Touareg.The Touareg seems to become louder on acceleration but then becomes quite at highway coasting speeds.
2. I did not perceive any transmission drag as someone had mentioned.I tried to replicate that willfully in all settings and couldn't feel it.I might be wrong but I am comparing it purely to my 2011 MDX.
3.The exterior looks better.But it looks softer .No flared fenders and those skinny tires make it look neutered.
4.I couldn't hear any whistling sound or the chirping sound.Heck,I couldn't hear the engine at all when I was sitting inside.
5. The 9 speed seemed to be smooth while accelerating but the downshifts while deceleration seemed a bit abrupt.Nothing jarring but definitely noticeable unlike the up-shift's which were smooth.
6.The keyless entry and power switch are welcome.
7.The Side mirrors are wider with a weird effect at the edge,probably to help with the blind spot.Its was weird at first but I am sure people will get used to it.
8.The Rear view mirror with no frame was excellent.In fact this was the feature I was really impressed with[I know seems stupid].I see that the New XC90 has the same design.I am sure all manufacturers will pick this up.If I end up buying a another vehicle I will seriously consider retrofitting this into that vehicle.
The Bad
1.The seats are just bad compared to both the 2011 and the Touareg.I felt the same when I first test drove it and there has been no change in my opinion.They feel less padded and smaller/narrower.There is absolutely no[lower] thigh support[Touareg provides some non adjustable thigh support].I understand that they were not broken in but I feel its a downgrade.
2. That Navi screen is a downgrade.You can still see the maps and get your work done but the resolution is bad.For a moment I had thought that there might be a screen over the navigation which made it look weird.On closer inspection it even felt smaller in size.I might be wrong.
3. I don't want to mention the Infotainment system as enough has been said and argued about it.They seriously need some more buttons there to get simple things done.
4. The dash is cleaner but felt cheap[material wise]Weight saving shows up here.Even the cover for the dash storage feels less substantial.The dash storage is less than in the 2011 but the center console storage is more.The center console buttons are mere plastic tabs .I didn't wish to see that quality in a self professed luxury brand.
5.The 9 speed in normal and comfort seems to up shift way too quickly.If you need acceleration at 60mph the accelerator pedal just acts as a volume knob.You need to use the paddles to come down to D5/D4 before you can get some acceptable acceleration.I never felt this on my BMW which has an 8 speed.
6.The biggest disappointment was the trunk.The vertical space is so less compared to any SUV.When I put my suitcase[International Checkin size] vertically ,it was touching the roof.We usually stack 4 of them vertically one beside the other in our 2011 MDX and have quite a bit of space above them for rear viewing.For short trips we could put a camera bag/coats/carry on bag in that space with no difficulty.It seems that with the new MDX its even a safety concern if you pack that way.I would strongly suggest people to take their usual baggage for a test drive and check this out.The Trunk is slightly deeper but much shorter.Width wise it seems the same.
7.The New MDX doesn't feel sportier/crisp in its handling compared to the 2011 MDX.My advance in sport feels almost like a BMW on twisty roads.Whenever I turned it felt softer ,it would complete the turn but it did not feel like a sporty vehicle.I just couldn't feel the SHAWD work as easily as I would feel it on the 2011 MDX.Or perhaps those active dampers on the 2011 are the secret behind its magic.
8. I tried to replicate that Infamous rear end thunk on this new vehicle and guess what ....I could feel it on occasion.Not all the time.It looks like it doesn't do that when you go through really bumpy roads.It does that only on those patches where the defects are not so bad.It was in the 60's and the weather was pleasant.
9.The steering wheel though with its nice controls felt smaller in diameter,I might be wrong here again.
10. The Transmission with those buttons needs visual input before you change the mode. The IDS button and the autostart stop button are the ones which bothered me the most.They are close to each other and felt the same. Whenever I was changing my IDS, I was pressing the autostart stop button accidentally.They should have changed one of those buttons to a more appropriate spot.
11.Brakes felt mushier than my 2011 MDX.
Touareg
This was a 2015 Lux white with black interior.First of all...I preferred the looks of the Touareg with its nice 265/55 tires.It looked like an SUV.My test drive was comparatively limited as I had the SA beside me.My usual SA[BMW] wasn't there but he promised me he will let me drive it alone the next time[met my SA after the test drive]
The Good
1.The interior was really nice for a VW.I was impressed the moment i sat in it.
2.It was built like a tank compared to the MDX,2011 and the 2015.Every part of the vehicle felt solid from the knobs/buttons to the sheet metal.Really liked it.
3.The engine was def noisier but became quieter at high way speeds.
4. It drove and handled well for a vehicle with no adjustable dampers and torque vectoring.
5. The brakes felt more responsive[but need to test it more the next time]
6.The seats were more comfortable than the MDX.They had a bit of thigh support for the lower thigh which comes handy during long trips.
7.The rear seat comfort and legroom seemed similar to the MDX.
8.The 8 speed transmission is a peach .I believe its the same as in my BMW and its so smooth.
9.It has both the twist key and the button to start the car. It seems trivial but after i test drove the vehicle and stopped it, I tried to restart it with the power button and staying true to its European origin the button stopped working.The SA after a couple of attempts told me that they would have to reset it. I was like LOL.I could start the vehicle with the key though with no problem.
10. A full size spare was welcome
11.The promised Gas Mileage.
12. The controls were less complicated.Acura should learn this from the Germans.You can still have a full functioning vehicle with minimal buttons /stalks if you program them right.
The Bad
1.The Trunk space. This was expected.The height was there but not enough depth to stack them[An international checkin bag] .If I end up with a vehicle of this size i would need to install a Hitch trailer to accommodate those trips to the airport when we fly abroad.
2.It was not as responsive as my 2011 MDX, The HP does count.Its not a deal breaker but you can feel the downgrade.Nice torque though, Very rarely did I notice a downshift while accelerating.
3.The Reliability and gremlins that come with European brands.The experience with that push start button only made my doubts stronger.
4.The Diesel engine is noisy at idle and acceleration.Not noisier than my 2011 MDX but def more than the 2016 MDX.It becomes quite at crusing speed though.I am not sure if they have the double pane glass on the Touareg.
5.Expensive..feature to feature.But you get what you pay for.
6.I am not a fan of touch screen navigation/controls. The screen would benefit from some resolution bump.It doesn't look crisp.
I plan to go again for an extended test drive next month and retest and confirm my findings.I plan to check out the XC90 too but I usually don't buy the newer models.
In a Nutshell....The 2016 MDX is a more comfortable/quiter vehicle but felt cheaper,It still needs quite a few things to be fixed.It has some really nice features going for it.It probably will serve most but that trunk space was a disappointment in my case.I prefer my 2011 MDX over it for now.I know it noisier and binges on premium gas but the ride is satisfying and so is the practicality of the space.I think its worth waiting for the MMY to see if Acura makes some changes to that infotainment system.
The Touareg is impressive minus that trunk space.I def need another ride in it without distractions to check the finer points.
While I was driving back home.. I kept feeling that my 2011 MDX still was a worthy vehicle despite its flaws.I kept thinking that may be...may be I can still enjoy it for a little longer.It has an attitude to it.Its aggressive when you press the pedal and responsive in the turns.It still brings a smile on your face in those twisty roads.Its worth some 23K on KBB and for whats its worth ...[compared to a 55k MDX or a 55k Touareg] I might keep it longer.I think Acura just took away the soul off the MDX in pursuit of sales and a different clientele.But the whole industry seems to be following this trend.Sometimes it might be not so wise to go against the tide.
First the MDX,The dealer was good enough to toss the keys for an advance MDX black on black and let me test drive by myself.I took it around the city roads and freeway.
The Good
1. The new mdx is much quieter than the 2011 and a tad bit quieter than the Touareg.The Touareg seems to become louder on acceleration but then becomes quite at highway coasting speeds.
2. I did not perceive any transmission drag as someone had mentioned.I tried to replicate that willfully in all settings and couldn't feel it.I might be wrong but I am comparing it purely to my 2011 MDX.
3.The exterior looks better.But it looks softer .No flared fenders and those skinny tires make it look neutered.
4.I couldn't hear any whistling sound or the chirping sound.Heck,I couldn't hear the engine at all when I was sitting inside.
5. The 9 speed seemed to be smooth while accelerating but the downshifts while deceleration seemed a bit abrupt.Nothing jarring but definitely noticeable unlike the up-shift's which were smooth.
6.The keyless entry and power switch are welcome.
7.The Side mirrors are wider with a weird effect at the edge,probably to help with the blind spot.Its was weird at first but I am sure people will get used to it.
8.The Rear view mirror with no frame was excellent.In fact this was the feature I was really impressed with[I know seems stupid].I see that the New XC90 has the same design.I am sure all manufacturers will pick this up.If I end up buying a another vehicle I will seriously consider retrofitting this into that vehicle.
The Bad
1.The seats are just bad compared to both the 2011 and the Touareg.I felt the same when I first test drove it and there has been no change in my opinion.They feel less padded and smaller/narrower.There is absolutely no[lower] thigh support[Touareg provides some non adjustable thigh support].I understand that they were not broken in but I feel its a downgrade.
2. That Navi screen is a downgrade.You can still see the maps and get your work done but the resolution is bad.For a moment I had thought that there might be a screen over the navigation which made it look weird.On closer inspection it even felt smaller in size.I might be wrong.
3. I don't want to mention the Infotainment system as enough has been said and argued about it.They seriously need some more buttons there to get simple things done.
4. The dash is cleaner but felt cheap[material wise]Weight saving shows up here.Even the cover for the dash storage feels less substantial.The dash storage is less than in the 2011 but the center console storage is more.The center console buttons are mere plastic tabs .I didn't wish to see that quality in a self professed luxury brand.
5.The 9 speed in normal and comfort seems to up shift way too quickly.If you need acceleration at 60mph the accelerator pedal just acts as a volume knob.You need to use the paddles to come down to D5/D4 before you can get some acceptable acceleration.I never felt this on my BMW which has an 8 speed.
6.The biggest disappointment was the trunk.The vertical space is so less compared to any SUV.When I put my suitcase[International Checkin size] vertically ,it was touching the roof.We usually stack 4 of them vertically one beside the other in our 2011 MDX and have quite a bit of space above them for rear viewing.For short trips we could put a camera bag/coats/carry on bag in that space with no difficulty.It seems that with the new MDX its even a safety concern if you pack that way.I would strongly suggest people to take their usual baggage for a test drive and check this out.The Trunk is slightly deeper but much shorter.Width wise it seems the same.
7.The New MDX doesn't feel sportier/crisp in its handling compared to the 2011 MDX.My advance in sport feels almost like a BMW on twisty roads.Whenever I turned it felt softer ,it would complete the turn but it did not feel like a sporty vehicle.I just couldn't feel the SHAWD work as easily as I would feel it on the 2011 MDX.Or perhaps those active dampers on the 2011 are the secret behind its magic.
8. I tried to replicate that Infamous rear end thunk on this new vehicle and guess what ....I could feel it on occasion.Not all the time.It looks like it doesn't do that when you go through really bumpy roads.It does that only on those patches where the defects are not so bad.It was in the 60's and the weather was pleasant.
9.The steering wheel though with its nice controls felt smaller in diameter,I might be wrong here again.
10. The Transmission with those buttons needs visual input before you change the mode. The IDS button and the autostart stop button are the ones which bothered me the most.They are close to each other and felt the same. Whenever I was changing my IDS, I was pressing the autostart stop button accidentally.They should have changed one of those buttons to a more appropriate spot.
11.Brakes felt mushier than my 2011 MDX.
Touareg
This was a 2015 Lux white with black interior.First of all...I preferred the looks of the Touareg with its nice 265/55 tires.It looked like an SUV.My test drive was comparatively limited as I had the SA beside me.My usual SA[BMW] wasn't there but he promised me he will let me drive it alone the next time[met my SA after the test drive]
The Good
1.The interior was really nice for a VW.I was impressed the moment i sat in it.
2.It was built like a tank compared to the MDX,2011 and the 2015.Every part of the vehicle felt solid from the knobs/buttons to the sheet metal.Really liked it.
3.The engine was def noisier but became quieter at high way speeds.
4. It drove and handled well for a vehicle with no adjustable dampers and torque vectoring.
5. The brakes felt more responsive[but need to test it more the next time]
6.The seats were more comfortable than the MDX.They had a bit of thigh support for the lower thigh which comes handy during long trips.
7.The rear seat comfort and legroom seemed similar to the MDX.
8.The 8 speed transmission is a peach .I believe its the same as in my BMW and its so smooth.
9.It has both the twist key and the button to start the car. It seems trivial but after i test drove the vehicle and stopped it, I tried to restart it with the power button and staying true to its European origin the button stopped working.The SA after a couple of attempts told me that they would have to reset it. I was like LOL.I could start the vehicle with the key though with no problem.
10. A full size spare was welcome
11.The promised Gas Mileage.
12. The controls were less complicated.Acura should learn this from the Germans.You can still have a full functioning vehicle with minimal buttons /stalks if you program them right.
The Bad
1.The Trunk space. This was expected.The height was there but not enough depth to stack them[An international checkin bag] .If I end up with a vehicle of this size i would need to install a Hitch trailer to accommodate those trips to the airport when we fly abroad.
2.It was not as responsive as my 2011 MDX, The HP does count.Its not a deal breaker but you can feel the downgrade.Nice torque though, Very rarely did I notice a downshift while accelerating.
3.The Reliability and gremlins that come with European brands.The experience with that push start button only made my doubts stronger.
4.The Diesel engine is noisy at idle and acceleration.Not noisier than my 2011 MDX but def more than the 2016 MDX.It becomes quite at crusing speed though.I am not sure if they have the double pane glass on the Touareg.
5.Expensive..feature to feature.But you get what you pay for.
6.I am not a fan of touch screen navigation/controls. The screen would benefit from some resolution bump.It doesn't look crisp.
I plan to go again for an extended test drive next month and retest and confirm my findings.I plan to check out the XC90 too but I usually don't buy the newer models.
In a Nutshell....The 2016 MDX is a more comfortable/quiter vehicle but felt cheaper,It still needs quite a few things to be fixed.It has some really nice features going for it.It probably will serve most but that trunk space was a disappointment in my case.I prefer my 2011 MDX over it for now.I know it noisier and binges on premium gas but the ride is satisfying and so is the practicality of the space.I think its worth waiting for the MMY to see if Acura makes some changes to that infotainment system.
The Touareg is impressive minus that trunk space.I def need another ride in it without distractions to check the finer points.
While I was driving back home.. I kept feeling that my 2011 MDX still was a worthy vehicle despite its flaws.I kept thinking that may be...may be I can still enjoy it for a little longer.It has an attitude to it.Its aggressive when you press the pedal and responsive in the turns.It still brings a smile on your face in those twisty roads.Its worth some 23K on KBB and for whats its worth ...[compared to a 55k MDX or a 55k Touareg] I might keep it longer.I think Acura just took away the soul off the MDX in pursuit of sales and a different clientele.But the whole industry seems to be following this trend.Sometimes it might be not so wise to go against the tide.