2003 Acura MDX__Ultimate OFF-ROAD TEST__On Highway Tires (no lift & no snorkel)

The mighty ALEXA vs Ocala National Forest Off-Road Trail where Jeeps go to test their capability on unpaved roads, aggressively uneven terrain, endless deep water crossings, muddy holes, loose sand and wet slimy clay.
ALEXA SPECS:
2003 ACURA MDX TOURING
3.5L V6 AWD (Honda Acura VTM-4 AWD system)
Mileage: 340k+miles
Suspension: stock, no lifts
Tires: Cooper Discoverer HT Highway Terrain Tires (all 4 tires aired up to 50 psi during this video, for better clearance)
No Recoveries were needed during this video.
Meet ALEXA, 2003 Acura MDX Touring AWD. ALEXA is the most modified 2001-2006 Acura MDX you'll ever find. ALEXA is home in Florida.
Alexa has 4 TV screens inside, Internet hotspot, Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant, Google Chromecast streaming device, Nintendo gaming system, and a very loud Stereo system all while maintaining 7 available seats and 100% of available passenger space and 95% of available cargo space. She has has 327k original miles but just got a new jdm imported engine and AWD transmission combo with under 60k miles installed for under $2500. Shes ready for another 500k miles 💪🏾💪🏾(A)cura
Parts List...👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
-JDM Honda MDX J35A Engine
-JDM Honda MDX Transmi
-DT Moto Headlight Housings
-Brakenetics Cross Drilled Rotors
-Custom DRL Headlight Retrofit
-MGP Aluminum Brake Caliper Covers
-innovited 5000k hid low beam
-SVE Mustang Saleen Replica wheels
-Alla 9005 LED high beam
-JDI Push Button Start
-Sealight H11 LED foglight
-HPF hi flow catalytic converter
-Custom LED retrofit tail light housings
-Custom 3rd Brake light LED retrofit
-keyless entry immobilizer retrofit
-Custom LED mirror turn signals
-hi-flow dual exhaust system
-Custom LED instrument rope lights
-Custom 2 piece Front Lip
-Custom fitted TLX Type S emblem
-Front End Chrome Delete
-Custom Fender Vents/Hood Aero
-5% window tint/60% windshield
-full cold air intake
-dual oil catch can systems
-high output alternator
-Hayden 6 row transmission cooler
-Amazon Echo Show 5 voice assistant
-metro smart ride in car wifi system
-Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd gen)
-SNES Classic retro gaming console
-dual Jensen Axxera double din DVD player
-Mizuka Reverse Camera
-rockville 12" flip down screen
-dudubell Blindspot Camera
-rockville 8" headrest monitors
-USB Charging Stations
-Skar 300 watt 8" Subwoofer
-Skar 250 watt dome tweeters
-Skar 300 watt 6.5" midrange speakers
-Pioneer 3500 watt 5 Channel Amp
-Farbin Air Horn System
-Custom DS18 compression horn tweeter headrest retrofit
-Custom marble wrapped interior trim
Parts Links...👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
DT MOTO 2004-06 MDX headlights (black)
www.ebay.com/itm/Black-2004-2...
Hood Vents Universal (black)
www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-Glossy-...
SVE Mustang Saleen Replica Wheels 18" (black)
www.ebay.com/itm/18-x9-18x10-...
Acura Wheel center caps (black)
www.ebay.com/itm/OA65-B-4X-Fi...
Acura Tow Hitch Cover plug (black)
www.ebay.com/itm/2-ACURA-Trai...
Brakenetic Cross drilled rotor set (front+rear)
www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-REAR-B...
Hayden 8 Row Transmission cooler
www.ebay.com/itm/HAYDEN-TRANS...
Fender Vent Universal (black)
www.ebay.com/itm/2Pcs-Black-A...
2001-2003 Acura MDX OE style Foglights
www.ebay.com/itm/Fog-Driving-...

[@gratefuldrew1531]

I just bought an 05 MDX and this video makes me feel like a made a good choice

[@pizzamon795]

I have a 2010 3.7 and 6 speed trans. It is a beast uphill in the snow, with all seasons. Imagine with snow tires

[@deekamikaze]

​@@pizzamon795 I have the same engine and trans and I don't even have snow tires, just high rated all season tires, but the 4 wheel drive mode that is on the 04 MDX has gotten me out of every situation in the snow. I don't have a lift either and I've driven through 2.5 feet of snow no problem. At one point I turned into a shuttle for my job because even the coworkers with trucks couldn't make it to work so I ferries 26 people to and from work for all 3 shifts for 3 days and nights straight. I got a fatty paycheck and fell in love with the car. Our family wanted to sell it but I managed to talk them out of it. I couldn't allow it to happen

[@tonywalker3793]

That is truely impressive.

[@traceysmith9184]

Thanks for posting. I just got a 2003 MDX Touring almost 2 weeks ago. I have one of the worst dirt roads when it rains. I won't dread it anymore!

[@GLICIOUS21]

YW. As long as your tire thread life is good and your VTM-4 light isn't on you'll be fine rain or snow.

[@frankmorain2755]

Yea I live in Connecticut we just had a snow storm and the thing is a strait MONSTER in the snow. I’m so glad I seen your video cuz it gave me the confidence to go threw some deep snow. And I wanted to say I love the exhaust system you put on the mdx

[@GLICIOUS21]

Thank you. The mdx is such a underrated vehicle. Because its a premium priced luxury vehicle, it doesn't get the recognition it deserves for its off-road capability. For a luxury suv with 3rd row seats it exceeds expectations in off road capability. There are videos showing the mdx climb a iced over incline with ease while competitor suvs of the same size struggle with traction and momentum. The mdx really sales itself when you put it in a sketchy situation. If im ever in a sketchy situation with my family in the vehicle I wouldn't want to be driving anything else.

[@ddivine7775]

Thank you for making this video. I recently bought this vehicle and it makes me very pleased to see I made a good choice buying this Acura.

[@j.j.j.047]

Супер! я из Казахстана.смотрю и наслаждаюс видиом!спосибо!

[@frankmorain2755]

Dude that’s awesome because I just bought my wife the 2006 grand touring and it’s so cool just to my wife good in any conditions

[@GLICIOUS21]

Congrats on yal new Acura. Im glad to have been able to demonstrate what the 1st gen Acura MDX can do on highway tires with no lift kit and no snorkel. The Honda 4wd system in these is just so intelligent and advanced for its time to the point that I didn't even have the differential locked for most of this video. I live in FL so i don't get to test it in snow but every snow test video and review seems to show the 1st gen mdx exceeds expectations in capability. I've even seen a video of a 1st gen mdx parked in 2 to 3 feet of snow build up and start right up and bulldoze its way out of the parking spot with ease. 1st gen mdx seems to be very underrated and not many people know about them. Machine on the outside, comfort and luxury on the inside with the space to transport 7 passengers while having high crash safety rating and Honda engine reliability with Acura upgraded performance. There is a Facebook group you can join to learn more called "1st gen Acura MDX owners and enthusiasts"

[@donjahferro3991]

Hey Yo love what you did to it, definitely the most modified 1st gen mdx on the internet I’ve seen so far! 💯

[@GLICIOUS21]

Thank you brotha

[@3_Pack_Cortez]

Can't wait to try this on my MDX

[@gregpainter8088]

Buying an 04 tomorrow large in part to this video opening my eyes to the capabilities thanks to your video and now I have tire size questions and wheel spacer and lift questions

[@gregpainter8088]

Will 265/70/17 fit with out rubbing at full lock

[@GLICIOUS21]

Hey friend. ALEXA is running stock suspension no lift, and no wheel spacers. The wheels are 94-01 mustang saleen reps. They are staggered 18x9 in front and 18x10 in rear so they naturally poke out with no spacers. Front tires are staggered 265/60r18 and rear tires are 285/60r18 and the fronts can rub on the plastic in full turn.

[@GLICIOUS21]

@Greg Painter as for the 265/70r17 idk if they will rub. I don't have any personal experience with that tire size. There is a Facebook group called "1st gen mdx owners and enthusiasts " and im sure some of the members have ran that tire size and they could give you perspective. Im in the group as well so feel free to mention or tag me or ALEXA if you post.

[@ser_yoga_]

Love this car! Have 03y

[@timdial5720]

My 05 mdx touring has almost 400,000 miles and it still runs like a champ and go's anyplace I ask it in its capabilities. Even in a couple places beyond its capabilities. Very sketchy but made it. It's a beast for being a very nice vehicle. My only complaints have nothing to do with its capabilities.

[@KM-rh4zl]

Lemme guess, leather seats with those little holes that make the seat rip… cause same

[@lawrencemcmillan6693]

I love to see it I’m pushing 200000 in about 3 months. Been a month without an oil cap cause the aftermarket’s pop off if not screwed to the T and all the way

[@jd646]

Original transmission?

[@jd646]

Does it have the original transmission?

[@jd646]

Have you replaced the shocks

[@Mihail10000]

From Russia with love)Mdx 2001.

[@carlosrosado7939]

Alexa the Mighty! 😁😁

[@jf4998]

Alexa!! Nice!!

[@GLICIOUS21]

Thank you very much.

[@MDXtreme]

Pretty impressive on HT tires

[@GLICIOUS21]

Thanks friend. Tires get great gas mileage, good rain traction and are quiet on the highway.

[@MDXtreme]

@GLICIOUS21 np. Been following you in the fb group and been seeing some of the cool stuff uve added to ur 1st gen. Glad to see it get a lil dirty lol. Keep the videos coming

[@GLICIOUS21]

@@MDXtreme thanks alot fam. Ill be following you too. MDX is a underdog and I love to see underdogs conquer outside of their territory.

[@mepilstation2402]

Please check the choice of choosing a tyre with an aspect ratio of 60. If the OEM tyre specification is: 235/65/R17 then the new tyre which is 285/60/R18 may just not be the preferred best because the %difference between their outer diameters is greater than 3%.I will suggest you use 285/50/R18

[@hgfdksk17]

I miss mine 😢

[@rjvtdltvargas5012]

Estas camionetas sin muy buenas lo digo porque tengo una desde hace mucho

[@adamstilldrives]

Awesome car

[@GLICIOUS21]

Thanks

[@johnprice5457]

Alexa!

[@julianv0707]

great video, love the background music..what music is it?

[@GLICIOUS21]

Thank you. Idk much about the music other than it is royalty free and categorized as motivational background music.

[@cagequest2431]

iv refound there's only 1 lift kit to 3 inches by HRG FOR THE MDX

[@jerz732]

Gotta take my pro 4x

[@Kirbrayne]

Тоже мне бездорожье... Там и на жиге можно было проехать))

[@user-ch8wi5cj3v]

На камри)

[@lawrencemcmillan6693]

Watching on my Xbox had to hit the app to comment. I’m so happy right now. I’ve got Generals grabber hts60’ on my 03. Stock wheel size. What’s your fitment with the 18? No extra equipment?

[@GLICIOUS21]

Fitment is decent for daily driving. Does rub a little in front during tight turns but thats because of extra large tire size not because of 18s. My tires in front are 265/60r18 and 285/60r18 rear very wide meaty tire size and very tall height tire size.

[@lawrencemcmillan6693]

@@GLICIOUS21 im at 16mpg all around right now. I would have to let some lead off the door if I go w/ 18s. I’m in Ohio cars only been here about 5 years. Originally from Oklahoma so the paint and underneath is fantastic

[@mefirst5427]

I also have 2003 Acura MDX with 199k miles!

[@Mihail10000]

In Russia.204000 miles)👍Mdx 2001.

[@user-ch8wi5cj3v]

моей 340000

[@user-qx5hm5hs2u]

I have. 2003 mdx

[@all-or-nothing483]

Лучше Honda, может быть только Acura...

[@rex25450105]

I have 2014 mdx shawd with 19 inch all season tires. Do you think my car can do the same?

[@GLICIOUS21]

I am not familiar with the capability of the 3rd gen mdx so I can't vouch for its capability. But if you are going to try it, considering it may possibly have a lower center of gravity and therefore less clearance, I personally would get larger wheels and taller diameter tires. In addition I would also temporarily disconnect the main air intake vacuum duct hose from the throttle body and let the engine suck direct from the throttle body. This will protect your engine from damage from sucking in deep water if you cross deep water like I did. As long as the water is not deep enough to reach your side mirrors it most likely wont reach high enough to get into the throttle body and hydrolock your engine. The proper way to protect your engine would be a "off-road snorkel intake" if you can afford one. But moving your main intake duct off of your throttle body is a temporary hack that works too. You can clamp a bath rag or small dish cloth over the throttle body as a temporary air filter and it will do the job of a air filter temporarily as you drive through around 3 feet deep water with your intake off.

[@cdb1957]

What are those tires? They look awesome! Size and brand?

[@GLICIOUS21]

Thank you. All 4 tires are Cooper Discoverer H/T (highway terrain) they are pavement class tires. Front size are 265/60r18 and rear size are 285/60r18

[@mariapantuosco2267]

Just picked up a real clean 04. Needs tires and suspension work. What did you use?

[@GLICIOUS21]

My Tires are Cooper Discoverer

[@joshuasteinwald2539]

Beautiful machine. Needs a push bar tho imo.

[@GLICIOUS21]

Thank you friend

[@RACKO1]

Any issues with the 4wd system where you get the VTM4 light? That’s the only light that’s been annoying the shit out of my MDX, pushing 230k miles owned it for about 5 years now. Only problems I get with it are electrical but runs like a beast

[@GLICIOUS21]

Nope my 4WD works flawless. I only had an issue with it 3 times. One time was when one of my abs wheel speed sensors were bad, one time is when the VTM-4 fluid was old and needed to be changed and another time was when the differential oil temperature sensor went bad. I bought the new sensor from acura for like $35 and it was easy to replace. Fixed the 4WD immediately and haven't had an issue since.

[@RACKO1]

@@GLICIOUS21 awesome thanks for the reply I’ll Deff look into those 💯

[@GLICIOUS21]

@RACKO1 yw. Feel free to hmu on any social media platform for questions or for help. Im very active on FB. Im a member of the fb group called "1st gen acura mdx owners and enthusiasts" and I have posted tons of info there.

[@lawrencemcmillan6693]

Y’all can’t tell me these don’t look like new gen baby durangos!?

[@marianaperez9527]

Do you recommend getting an Acura? Thinking of getting one.

[@GLICIOUS21]

Yes. Reliability, durability and affordability is what makes Acura so competitive in its Luxury car class.

[@totskiepascua]

Hi there what tire size did you use? did you lift your tacoma?

[@GLICIOUS21]

Hello. My vehicle is an Acura MDX and it is not lifted. No lift. The front tire size is 265/60r18 and rear is 285/60r18. I hope that answered your questions friend.

[@totskiepascua]

@@GLICIOUS21 thank you. Ive type tacoma instead of MDX.

[@hds181]

Those are not stock tires and wheels. Look like All Terrains, not "Highway" tires, as in the description of the video. Still, very impressive.

[@GLICIOUS21]

@hds181 Hello. The tires are Cooper Discoverer H/T= Highway Terrain and you can clearly see them in the video at 7:55 look close

[@carmillejacques5832]

whats your tire size? great vid!

[@GLICIOUS21]

Thank you. All 4 tires are Cooper Discoverer H/T (highway terrain) they are pavement class tires. Front size are 265/60r18 and rear size are 285/60r18

[@mepilstation2402]

Wow riding on 285 tyres...how does it feel when you want to turn? Any noise ?

[@GLICIOUS21]

Well I keep my tires inflated to 50 psi so when I turn sharp like a u-turn my front tires rub on the plastic splash guard liners inside of my wheel wells. If I take that off they wouldn't rub anything else.

[@j.j.j.047]

А какой диаметр?у меня 255/55/18

[@bernardopaula1763]

I have one for 3 years with a bad transmission and still driving it is a2003 , over 200,000 just waiting till the day it dies on me😩

[@GLICIOUS21]

A transmission rebuild on these are way cheaper than buying another vehicle and then it'll drive like new for another 200k miles unless you change the transmission fluid on time. Changing the transmission fluid on time you'll get 500k miles or more out of these or any Honda.

[@bernardopaula1763]

@@GLICIOUS21 i am glad to hear that i won’t debate my self, I get it fix! Thanks

[@GLICIOUS21]

@@bernardopaula1763 yw

[@bernardopaula1763]

I was not going to fix it but seeing this changed my mind

[@johncolby7121]

what size tire did you put on that Acura?

[@GLICIOUS21]

265/60r18 in front 285/60r18 in rear

[@jd646]

Do you change the shock struts? And if so what brand did you use

[@GLICIOUS21]

Only replaced the rear with kyb. That's all.

[@jd646]

@@GLICIOUS21 interesting! The front shocks aren't worn out? How many miles are on your Acura

[@GLICIOUS21]

@jd646 Alexa has 361k miles on her. At this point before ALexa arrived at this extreme off-road terrain, her front shocks were original and already beyond worn out but. But they weren't showing obvious signs. But this extreme terrain trail was several miles long and made to endure at low speeds so ALexa and the jeeps endured this terrain for 5 hours that day before we all came out the other side. By that time ALexas front shocks did start revealing obvious signs of wear. They begin to squeek when they compress. Normal road conditions won't push worn out parts to the point of instant death as severely so had ALexa not tackled that nightmare terrain for 6 hours the shocks would probably not ever squeak for another 30k miles. I am saving to replace the shock and coil spring together as one unit which cost alot more. ALexa exceeded expectations on that trail. We passed several abandoned american trucks who did not make it to the end. Even lost 1 of the jeeps and had to pull 2 jeeps out meanwhile ALexa flexed on the entire course and did not get stuck once. A 3 row 7 seater luxury suv with 360k miles stock suspension and highway season tires coming out the other side of a 6 hour extreme terrain beating trail covered in mud and twigs with just some squeaky front shocks surrounded by the jeeps that made it through on 35 inch tires and 4inch lift kits with snorkels showed me how underrated the 1st gen mdx was. The clean-up was extreme too which makes me not want to return to that trail. The radiator fins, condenser fins and transmission cooler fins were all clogged with twigs front both the outside front and the backside inside engine bay. Wading in muddy water up to the upper grille washed the grease out of the old high mileage drive belt tensioner and introduced dirt grains and sand into the bearings which sped up signs of high mileage wear. Also washed the grease out of my old high mileage tie-rods. So I would say im glad I did it with very worn out parts because had I replaced these parts before the trail I would have been contaminating these brand new parts and speed up the wear and tear cycle.

[@jd646]

@@GLICIOUS21 wow thanks for the reply. I have an 04 MDX with 209k on the odometer. I had to replace the front and rear shocks because they were worn out. The rear are KYB and front I used Monroe, but I don't like the Monroe shocks I don't think they're that good. Was wondering about getting custom made shocks from and off-road shop... As far as myself and going off-road I take mine on dirt trails but nothing crazy. I love your build though it's amazing the tires are 🔥

[@jd646]

@@GLICIOUS21 Do you ever adjust the valves on her? And if so how often?

[@giogomez6532]

What wheels are does ?? Stock rsx wheels?

[@GLICIOUS21]

Stock mustang Saleen wheels

[@red_beard_13]

Hi. What size tires and wheels are on the Acura?

[@GLICIOUS21]

So the wheels and tires are staggered. 18x9/10" wheels on 265/60r18 front tires and 285/60r18 rear tires

[@red_beard_13]

@@GLICIOUS21 спасибо 🙏🏻.

[@bentpolski]

Dude NO WAY are they Highway Tires

[@GLICIOUS21]

They sure are. Cooper Discoverer H/T. Really good highway tires.

[@KING-MUFFASA]

Is it 4x4?

[@GLICIOUS21]

Yes it is AWD

[@billyray2885]

So…just 8+ minutes of a MDX driving through mud puddles. Literally. 🙄

[@stevenkhan4344]

“Ultimate off road test.” Not really anything impressive on those trails. Most stock vehicles can do those trails. And, probably in 2WD.

[@GLICIOUS21]

I get you saying "not really anything impressive on those trails" because the word "impressive" is very subjective depending on who you ask. One person might need to see my stock Acura climb boulders or power up a 90⁰ incline just to agree that it is impressive. But thats just you and you're one person. I don't mind one negative opinion. Reading through many of the comments at least 95% of people who watch this video are impressed because they see a stock acura with 350k miles on it on standard highway road tires with no lift kit doing things that you'd only see in a jeep advertisement. But this is a stock Acura with 7 seats and a DVD player. It's also daily driven to take the kids to and from school and myself to a from work and my whole family to do grocery shopping and then to Disney world. Which are the only things the people watching including the jeep people in the video thought the Acura was good for. The jeep people in the video were so doubtful that they had me pre-install the recovery rope before we entered the first really deep muddy water xing. When the Acura skated through that they were impressed and relieved that the Acura wasn't going to be the anchor on the trail that they thought it would. For hours through mud, wet clay, loose sand, very uneven Earth and 3 feet deep water crossings. To your comment that "most stock vehicles can do this in 2wd", there is a video of the white gladiator camera jeep in front of me pulling the red jeep out who got stuck behind me and also a jeep liberty from another group ahead of us who got stuck twice. But I can see you not being there and not seeing the entire trail saying this is not impressive.

[@user-ch8wi5cj3v]

Где оф роад то? там на камри проехать можно.