10 Takeaways from the 2025 Acura MDX - DM Review | Test Drive

[@iwhineTL]

I was cross shopping between the 2025 MDX-S and the 2025 X5 40i. After extensive research, test drives and various dealership visits, I ended up with the X5 and I will tell you why. Besides the 3rd row and air suspension, the MDX-S had several short comings. Being part of multiple groups, there's a rising concern on air suspension issues and transfer case failures. The other concerns, it's really not that quick considering its a "performance" trim and the fuel economy is terrible.. Long term maintenance isn't going to be any cheaper as some heavy hitter items like tires, brakes, suspension, timing belt ect will rack up hefty.. Looks greats, sounds good, rides good and has some great exterior color options. As for pricing, I visited several dealerships, including one I worked for. Hard on MSRP with one dealership willing to knock off $1,500 for loyalty. On the flip, the last BMW dealership I visited was able to give me 9% off MSRP and an additional 1K off from my CCA membership. In the end, I build a nearly fully spec'd X5 40i, including taxes and fees, I came in right under the MDX-S MSRP price. BMW offers 3 years full maintenance, I was able to get a 4th year for half the cost. Only thing that isn't covered will be tires. Acura has these priced at just shy of 80K with two of the dealerships I visited were right over 80K because of accessories. It doesn't make any sense at that price point especially with the short comings for a "performance" trim..

[@drivingprophet]

It made me smile to hear you go into detail about its “Hondaness”

[@DailyMotor]

Haha, you would know what I mean!

[@upshifter5316]

Have been looking in this category and have driven and revisited the MDX a few times. My right brain really likes it, but every time I drive it my left brain comes away from it feeling like I could easily live without it. This whole “for the price” concept keeps nagging at me. I really like the Type S, pretty much solves everything I find underwhelming on the base. But the the right brain does the math and determines that for the same price I’m better served elsewhere. The base MDX is an oddball. Doesn’t justify its premium over a Pilot Elite, nor does it justify its savings over a Type S. But I really want to love it.

[@samuelgoldstein6055]

We have a ‘19 MDX Hybrid and the only reason we haven’t replaced it yet is the absence of a current MDX Hybrid. It’s not an efficiency machine, but it’s quick and incredibly easy to get 26+MPG out of it in any scenario. Really cool car.

[@paulhenry913]

@@samuelgoldstein6055 next gen will be most likely be all electric. Probably 2028 model year. Honda/Acura will have their own platform by then

[@RetroKingOG]

The people who buy these MDX models would not care if the fan makes more noise than usual. They buy it because they want an engine that will surpass 300,000 km or 180,000 miles without any issues. And Acura’s 3.5L is the engine you want! And stop/start systems are the best way to break your engine in a matter of 2 years! Just turn it off before it costs you thousands in the long run!

[@scarboy6693]

Hey Charlie - Quick Correction on the trims. The Normal A-Spec also has the ventilated seats as well! But I do agree with the sentiment that could come down to the tech package

[@mat13174]

Yes, was going to mention that as well. Also agree that they probably should have included that with the tech package. Also disappointing that you have to go all the way up to the advance trim for a 369 degree camera

[@upshifter5316]

Agreed. Drove one this week.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Charlie, With the runaway costs of ventilated seats, maybe it is time to review the beaded seat covers that are still on the market. 😉

[@onpoint9141]

I think you are spot on with your gripes. Some "old school" things we love, like physical buttons. However, something like a mild hybridization system to smooth out the stop/start and add a few MPG should be at least optional at this price point. If you're already spending $70k, whats another ten thousand for the X5 over the next five years. Still the MDX is a very compelling SUV and probably the one I would choose.

[@officialyasir]

I agree with your takeaways. Acura was supposed to be the somewhat affordable premium brand, a reliable alternative to BMW. This is what made them successful but like many other brands they are losing their identity. When you factor in population growth, global automotive sales have been declining for a few years now. These OEMs need to take a hard look at themselves, stop investing in gimmicks like 10 speed transmissions and start getting back to the basics and make cars more affordable.

[@moncanadator]

A car that becomes more attractive the more you look at it.

[@deltajukejoint1561]

That blue paint is amazing.

[@paulhenry913]

Good points. I like the MDX but for 70k I'll take a base X5 with the b58 six

[@brotherdubious]

The price is the one thing holding this car back

[@theholt2ic219]

These cars needs that hybird attached to it with no price increase. It already is kinda expensive for what it is. It does look nice and make quite a stance but it is a bit over priced. It is literally in GX pricing. Only that 3.5L reliability is going for it but how far does it really get to turn over sales? Not sure who is coming up with Acura's pricing and feeling comfortable about it. I would honestly choose the Pilot elite or trail sport which will give you 70% of this car. In order, for that 60-70k+ it does need more. Acura is what is holding itself back because i would not call it dead at all since the MDX, Integra, and RDX sell pretty good for a less popular Luxury brand.

[@OPMDK]

Omg I can’t look at this interior, it’s so 90’s in a bad way. Also, agree, the Type S comes with way too many features that should come with a top trim luxury version

[@bohan9957]

So what happens when the subscription based navigation expires in 3 years? You now have to pay a monthly fee just to use the built in nav?

[@alvinsimba734]

Yes and it’s common with most brands these days but as long as you have phone with Google maps or Waze then you are set for life. As you don’t need to pay subscriptions with those

[@user-xx1cz4rp8z]

The google nav in this vehicle does not need a subscription data plan because it can use your phone's data. And it even syncs google maps on android auto to the native google nav in the MDX automatically - if you input a destination on android auto google maps and toggle between either interface your route guidance and destination will be the same.

[@bohan9957]

@@user-xx1cz4rp8z Thanks. Does it have any internal stored map database? What if you're outside of cellular coverage such as in a national park?

[@user-xx1cz4rp8z]

Good question as I drive in rural Canada in some areas without cell service but only just got the 25 MDX last week and haven't tried this yet. But I did a quick search online and I'm pretty sure android automotive is the same as google maps on a smartphone where you can pre download maps in advance. It looks like when out of cell range the system uses GPS along with the native/built in google maps. Also google maps pre downloads areas along a route that you have planned. The only thing is you would not be able to have live traffic overlays.

[@user-xx1cz4rp8z]

@@bohan9957 I should also add in case you're interested the new MDX does not have XM radio compatibility. Kind of sucks, you'd have to get the app and that does not help the few ppl like me or sounds like you who are sometimes out of data range. That being said a cheap automotive xm device with bluetooth stored in glovebox or armrest would be a workaround.

[@planetfabulous5833]

Is he no longer living in Michigan?

[@DailyMotor]

Nope, moved to Southern California last year