2011 Acura MDX Tech Long Term Review

Overall a nice CUV. It gets the job done. I think the JX35 does a better job on the luxury aspect while the MDX is a bit sportier. Which begs the question, should a $50k crossover be sporty? After almost two years I'd have to say no. I'd rather it be luxurious.
You can certainly pick worse cars.
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/ brorowcarwiz

[@danielmelendez9943]

I have a 2011 base Mdx with SH- AWD, for the price my car was bought new, i now have 110k miles. Basic maintenance, tires, breaks, 100k mile tune up, water pump and radiator flush. The only items that no longer broke are radio and CD and bluetooth for phone. Everything else works. Seaths in front are very comfortable, and so are the back seats. Good power and great torque vectoring from the AWD system

[@malie209]

Good review! I value personal user experience reviews.

[@user-jv4yb3fe5y]

I hope it was a deliberate joke about seats being uncomfortable in a long trip? Seats on this model are one of the most comfortable seats among rivals. As far as lumbar support, may be you didn't know, but you can adjust it.

[@deeman11011]

Хорошая Машина I own this same mdx. the seats are TERRIBLE. I'm 27 with no back problems, my girlfriend is 26 also with no orthopedic issues, and it KILLS both of our backs in 30mins no matter how you adjust it. the last long (3000mile) roadtrip I had one of the reasons I avoided my mdx and actually took my sports car with recaro sport seats and coilover suspension is because it had way more comfortable seats. seats and mpg are the only drawbacks of the car.

[@user-jv4yb3fe5y]

Well, that's too bad, I'm sorry for you and your girlfriend. The longest trip I had was around 500 miles non stop and no one complained. Also, I've had this vehicle for almost 4 years now and I had no problems with the seats whatsoever. And I had zero passengers complain whether it's a long or a short trip. I'm participating in Acura clubs all over the world and heard zero complaints about the seats from hundreds of club members. If you are having so horrible problems with the seats, you shouldn't be driving it. Just get something else instead.

[@miriamriesel]

I have thus car as well. You literally just have to move it to your liking. It's one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven and I road trip all the time. You can also get a carseat pillow if it's that unbearable.

[@alme2951]

howdo you adjust the seat?

This kid is a fucking idiot (deeman as well, apparently) these seats are awesome,especially for long trips!

[@JohnnyRogers]

Dude GREAT JOB! Just bought a 2011 MDX exactly like the one you did the video on with similar mileage, so everything was helpful. THANX!

[@brorowcarwiz]

Johnny Rogers Thank you!

[@freddymedina7430]

Do you like it so far? I'm thinking about maybe getting one but isn't a big Acura fan.

[@JohnnyRogers]

+Fred Medina 0609370 - Absolutely LOVE IT! Just added snow tires for the winter to go with the SH-AWD. Unfortunately we have only had snow once this season.

[@missyjones3390]

Johnny Rogers im looking at one now..my main concern is gas mileage. I assume its premium..but do u get good milege

[@Afrattzz1]

I hope you guys still have it 9 years later!

[@brorowcarwiz]

Thanks!! These are really nice cars. The sure do go after a specific buyer, though. Can't wait to see what the new one is like...

[@hondaftw1234]

I have to do this for our CR-V. Wish we had an MDX but looking foward to adding another Honda\Acura to the stable soon! Nice video

[@brorowcarwiz]

Glad that you enjoy your MDX! We have since traded it on another vehicle.

[@PAPERandPENCILguy]

I'll be driving in two years, i'm not like other kids, I like SUV's more than sedans mate.

[@fergumasonm00]

We are getting an MDX base in white tomorrow trading in a 2011 Honda CR-V but we never test drove it hopefully we love it

[@KingEastCoast]

great review! the MDX is one of my favourite Acuras

[@ACCORDingtoTom]

I honestly didn't think this came with a third row of seats. Cool! Very informative video.

[@brorowcarwiz]

Exactly!! Couldn't have said it better. I love the way this thing drives but there are reasons why I can see non-car enthusiasts (my mom) choose a JX over this. Thanks!

[@alexhughes5846]

I can see you know cars mate, great long term review, hope you keep it up in the future.

[@brorowcarwiz]

+Songqi Bi Thanks! Still making them.

[@SergioLambo777]

I have a 2011 MDX aswell and I agree on some of the things you said.. but the difference is that mine doesn't have bits falling over lol. About the seats I dont think they are that terrible, its true the lumbar is a bit weird on long trips (and I mean 6+ hrs) but I dont find them unconfortable at all. Its my second MDX and all my friends love the car, and lots of people have told me they love the color (bronze metallic) :)

[@brorowcarwiz]

I agree. We get the same fuel economy in our 2013 Tahoe with a 5.3 V8 vs the old MDX's V6

[@rickyao2468]

I have the Canada model Elite pkg, and it is really nice. The only complaint that I have is that the third row seats are practically useless unless a baby is sitting back there. Other than that, the other seats are very comfy and have adequate legroom.

[@Peter-kl8ff]

Good job, Thank You. great review!

[@importcarenthusiast]

GREAT job on this video, btw! I was gonna post a long-term 15K mile review of my Mazda today, but I have to refilm part of it.

[@Ecuador006]

Can you hurry up

[@Diggers_daughter]

everything inside looks just like my 09 I love it

[@PAPERandPENCILguy]

Glad to see we are on the same page. I'm only a kid and i'm trying to persuade my parents to buy a 2007 acura MDX (can't afford a newer one like yours, but it's good anyway) !!!

[@brorowcarwiz]

Best of luck to ya!

[@PAPERandPENCILguy]

Thanks a ton for the review, it helped a lot!

[@brorowcarwiz]

Thanks, I was a bit unsure.

[@Pedal2TheMetal]

Excellent video! I think this is a great SUV but like you said there is room to improve. For us car people, sportiness is great. But honestly most people who buy this car dont care much for sportiness and probably dont even know what a CVT is. And that's why the JX might be more of what most people are looking for. But for those who do want that extra touch of fun, the MDX obviously is a better choice.

[@fergumasonm00]

Ya they surprised me with an MDX tech we love it witch is awsome because it made me nervous when you said we should test drive it first. Its a huge step up from their old 2011 Honda CR-V SE

[@alexgdaq8146]

Look up Robert breaker n Gene Kim on KZbin

[@importcarenthusiast]

I would love to drive one of these just to see how it compares to the first gen. MDX.

[@Dish0803]

The blue is nice!

[@kevinigweh8076]

my dad got a new 2011 mdx and that video help my dad

[@ranmas2004]

Any transmission issues? I have an 03 MDX and this the 2nd time trans crapped out on me. 1st time was under warranty replaced by dealer free. Now I got to foot the bill. Did they fix the trans issue on these MDXs? If not might look elsewhere.....

[@Omar12831]

This suv in the snow is a monster

[@mrcarpet4u]

does this have smart key access. can you lock and unlock doors by touching the handle?

[@brorowcarwiz]

Sweet ride! And oh yeah haha this one isn't a bad navi at all.

[@BigAych]

Crazy I have most of these features on my 04 tsx

[@brorowcarwiz]

I'd have to disagree. We replaced the MDX with a Tahoe and I find the materials used to be roughly about the same interms of the plastics. Obviously the MDX had more soft touch.

[@brorowcarwiz]

Its ok! Common mistake :p Thanks for watching!

[@Morraless21]

One of the best reviews I've seen bud...good job

[@brorowcarwiz]

Thanks so much!!!! :)

[@Linglut]

How do you get the cabin light to automatically on when I open the car?

[@Jimothy408]

Dang man 20k miles a year, you're mom is a beast!

[@brorowcarwiz]

The JX is a superb crossover; unfortunately, we do not have an Infiniti dealer within a three hour radius.

[@LiamRF]

what was that funky bassline???

[@eggeorge]

We are replacing our 2007 with the 2014 MDX Advanced. Hope it works out! Our 2007 was first year, and we have never had a problem. I just think the Tahoe is way behind on tech, and the material inside is hard and cheap. Good for offroad though. And going from SH-AWD to 2WD must stink. How old are you?

[@cmxvirunit9468]

did u have problems with the moonroff

[@brorowcarwiz]

Thanks! I appreciate it! And wow that much already?!?

[@robertthomas7944]

What does it mean check engine system on the back

[@brorowcarwiz]

That's disputable. The MDX does have a far better navigation system but the MDX was just never what mom wanted. The seats in our unit were horribly uncomfortable and the whole family missed the additional ride height from a truck platform and the additional room. We only sacrificed 1 MPG (and the dealer experience as well as interior quality) but gained what we wanted. The room in the Tahoe is unbelievable and we actually gained features. &Huge incentives on 2013s

[@brorowcarwiz]

Yep, sure do! We don't use it often but there are times when its necessary. Thanks!

[@brorowcarwiz]

A comparo would be awesome!

[@wyattsinkler4372]

do the back windows not go down all the way?

[@eggeorge]

We have a 2007 MDX Tech and Ent! Why didn't you drive this one around??

[@midnightmystery544]

We need sporty SUV's! My 2007 RDX turbo is a hoot with it's SH-AWD! :)

[@ammomeister]

Gas mileage on the outgoing model is terrible for a V-6, the new 2014 MDX fuel consumption is a big improvement as well as the driving dynamics.

[@TheK24Kyle]

actually i found from 3 of my aunts, two owning volkswagens and one owning a 3 series, the 3 seires is still in the family with over 100K on it and not one single mechanical problem. and its 13 years old. my other aunt had an old 2001 jetta that crapped and she got a CC, and my OTHER aunt (lol) had a 2002 jetta, she traded for a forrester and then for a 2008 cr-v.

[@alme2951]

the seat thing is true my lower back always hurts in these chairs

[@hilow4125]

bout the middle seat rattling.. my 08 doesnt rattle... and in the back in the 3rd row, my panels and stuff are actually well put, its not cheap.. idk y urs is like that

[@brorowcarwiz]

Reliability is excellent, though there are some cosmetic quibbles. Comparably equipped, the JX is about the same as the MDX, but, yes, offers a lot less power and sport. I feel that Infiniti has done a better job making the comfort and luxury where you want it. I'd trade a soft touch dash for comfortable seats.this is a really really good car, but there is some room for improvement. There isn't really a perfect car in this class at this price. The X5 is almost perfect but its $70k comparably

[@efrainlopez5167]

You washed the seats once ??

[@brorowcarwiz]

Its both!

[@brorowcarwiz]

I see your point. I guess their intent was to really up their ante with the interior and tech, and focus less on the mechanicals. And, besides VWs, what German cars really are reliable? haha

[@anaglanton2482]

I just bought one I can’t figure the Bluetooth audio out

[@mikewangg]

You might want to check your description... it says CUV instead of SUV.

[@dave11686]

Very nice! 2011 was a good year to make cars haha.

[@hilow4125]

and as for door panels. yeah the plastics are hard, but i dont find them scratchy. like i wish they were better but there not bad imo. better then gm plastics.

[@vanished3306]

Acura premium audio is actually Panasonic, which is not what I would expect from a luxury SUV. Bose would have been more appropriate. There many details, that are easily overlooked, contributing to the overall luxury classification; like padding in storage compartments is removable for cleaning, covered shifter boot, substantial sound insulated.

[@shawnhammock8032]

I just got a 2011 Mdx i love it drives like a drive

[@brorowcarwiz]

Thanks! And yes... too hot!

[@mrgold3591]

How long did you keep the 11 MDX after making the video? What vehicle did y'all upgrade into? I purchased my 11 MDX Adv+Ent back in 2014 with 30,000 miles. It is still going strong today with +150,000 miles. Very comfy hwy cruiser and I found all four seats to be equally comfortable (big guy at 6'3" 300lbs). The city mpgs of 15-17, magnetic shock/struts failures (all replaced under warranty), and oil consumption of 1.5qts per 9000 mile oil change intervals are the biggest issues I've have with my 11 MDX Adv.

[@royfinnel]

Congrats on your MDX lasting so long... Question?? Do you think it is normal for the oil consumption have you brought this up to your service department? I have a 2010 with 125,000 miles and burn around the same amount of oil. How often do you add oil?

[@mrgold3591]

@@royfinnel I only add oil around the 50% oil life mark (under a quart). I'm a little low around a 1/2 to 2/3 of a quart; but, still on the hash marks when my oil change is due at the 15% oil life. I don't add any more and just do the oil change at the dealership instead. My MDX wouldn't qualify for the engine rebuild. The oil consumption needed to be around 1 quart per 1000 miles compared to 1 quart per 5000-6000 mile like in my 11 MDX. I did switch to 100% syn Mobil 1 oil at my first oil change when I purchased used back in 2014 with 30,000 miles. My oil consumption hasn't changed with Mobil 1 oil.

[@bucklagrim]

9000 miles between oil changes is asking for trouble despite factory recommendations

[@mrgold3591]

@@bucklagrim I switch to full syn oil on first oil change and zero issues with vehicle recommended +/- 9000 mile oil change intervals with my 11 MDX (155,000 miles), 18 RLX Sport Hybrid (29,300 miles), or 19 MDX Sport Hybrid (46,400 miles). You might need to change to different vehicle or oil type if the factory oil change interval isn't enough?

[@cchinaka]

very informational. good source of info. thanks man

[@brorowcarwiz]

Thanks!

[@Saidoromo2024]

How's this car.

[@brorowcarwiz]

Haha yeah. Sorry for going off on you like that, I was just a little annoyed by someone else bashing our car. I appreciate you watching/commenting etc. :)

[@brorowcarwiz]

I would HIGHLY suggest taking a long test drive first...

[@TheMIkenet]

Every car has some of that plastic try doing a review on a chevy trailblazer and tell me about those materials. Leather needs to be maintained especially the color you chose. What a nice suv though i really wish i could get one.

[@brorowcarwiz]

A Trailblazer isn't market as luxury. The MDX is.

[@patrickmeaney6743]

Very good video-p

[@ialy9]

I like the floor mats. love to get for my MDX too. where?

[@brorowcarwiz]

They're WeatherTechs!

[@TheAlexv6]

Gotta make one on my 2000 acura rl it has the original acura/Honda nav and when ya see that then let's see what crunchy lol

[@hondajohn6948]

Job well done

[@Travelingcarguy1]

This is an excellent video and so are the rest of them on your channel, that's why I am a subscriber. I see some negative comments here, its best to avoid them and block them because they have no life and they like to harass the popular and great channels like yours. I get my share of these "youtube scumbags" on my videos too I just block them. Keep on making your excellent videos!

[@brorowcarwiz]

Thank you so much! It's good to know sane people are still left on KZbin. I won't stop making these videos!

[@jahwise007]

"We purchased it" LMAO

[@Ecuador006]

Lol wuts so funny about it ?

[@eggeorge]

No way...the MDX is so much better! Why wouldn't you wait for the redesigned 2014 Tahoe?

[@TheK24Kyle]

its a luxury midsize SUV. its supposed to have power, speed, and come cornering balls. consittering this things base price is below everything else i think they did a great job differentiating this car from its brother (pilot) (this is like its hot sister) with the bigger engine. not to mention the JX is a 3.5 CVT and is actually larger and has more hard touch materials inside. its basically almost the same as its brother the pathfinder. id have to say the MDX because the reliability and price

[@kapkap2342]

2011 Acura MDX, 41,289 miles

[@brorowcarwiz]

Hahaha wow. The loaner key has that traditional Honda solidity and that unique feeling when it slides into the ignition cylinder. This just feels cheap. The smart key they use on the TL, RDX, ILX etc is much nicer haha

[@brorowcarwiz]

an active family needed more than a sporty CUV that compromised space and comfort. I find the Tahoe to be enjoyable to drive but in a different sense. You literally own the road. And I am sixteen though I don't know why that's relevant

[@subarulover5037]

are they good with High Mileage? I'm getting a MDX with 105K MILES. Is Acura Reliable

[@robroper3080]

I bought my 2003 at 189K. Six years and 64K more miles later, it ran like the day I bought it! Many MDX owners get well over 300K without major repairs. I replaced my 2003 with a 2011 with Tech Package. I'm confident it also will perform perfectly to at least 300-350K. Your 105K is just an ante to get into the MDX game!

[@juliusjones1154]

Subaru Lover I think you should go ahead and buy it my MDX have 373 Thousand Miles my MDX is a 2007 and this thing will run it will run all day and a run all night it's the best car ever made in Automotive History

[@ericmanso7355]

An Acuras lol those things will last on till ur first great grand child

[@robbrown3941]

Rob Roper so no transmission problems guys?

[@nobodyspecial00]

Eric Manso now thats funny

[@stephenfrancis5045]

I really wonna drive this accura if you can help me

[@brorowcarwiz]

Thanks! I'd have to agree

[@fullclip171]

6-disk in dash changer

[@Cylie312]

Those must be some cheap jeans

[@nobodyspecial00]

QueenCylie most mens jeans are darker. So i can see where he would have that issue. Seat covers are an alternative

[@MrDgosal]

By far the best youtube review of this vehicle. Would you also happen to know the difference between this and the 2011 elite version?

[@brorowcarwiz]

+Ravi Gosal The Advanced Model came with standard Rear Entertainment, Cooled Seats, Adaptive Cruise, etc.

[@rogerspw]

Just finished. Are you ok dude? You seem all jacked up and twitchy, and out of breath. Slow down man, you're gonna live longer! Too much coffee?

[@brorowcarwiz]

Thanks man!

[@brorowcarwiz]

I find the 2014 MDX to be an improvement but it doesn't have the character that makes the 1st and 2nd so desirable. And I meant 1st year american products lol. I've already conceded to the fact that the Tahoe has a subpar navi and cheaper materials. BUT, the tahoe has comfier seats and a heck of a lot more space, wich frankly is what we needed. It's our fourth Tahoe/Yukon (though our fav car was our 06 GX). SH-AWD was nice but it was never ever used. The MDX was a fun to drive CUV but (contd)

[@varunm2927]

brorowcarwiz did you sell the MDX yet ?

[@brorowcarwiz]

Four years ago

[@brorowcarwiz]

Glad you all like it because we didn't like ours too much...

[@NearestGalaxy]

Haha terrible seats???? I prefer to take the MDX over other vehicles we have for the long trip. Seats are so comfort.

[@brorowcarwiz]

Thats quite rude and offensive. This is actually the updated navi that I think works quite well. As soon as you spend $50k on an suv like this, I'll take your comments into credibility. The gas mileage is actually quite good, too.

[@TheK24Kyle]

the X5 also isnt really as reliable and is pretty pricy to maintain. also offers less standard tech that of course any german forces you to cough up extra cash for the fact the MDX has been on the market since 2007 in this bodystyle and the refresh in 2010 is still keeping it acuras bread&butter vehicle is pretty good. i dont think something 50k should have a 3.5 liter v6 and a CVT DIRECTLY out of its cheaper mainstream family hauler

[@rkr894able]

@13:12 I died out lauging 😂😂😂😂😂

[@itzmando]

I just bought a 2011 MDX w/tech in December CPO. Grigio Metallic/ Taupe Interior. Your interior is way lighter than mine, yours has the parchment not taupe. My 2005 Acura TL had the parchment interior and that was a paint to keep clean. No blue jean transfer issues with my TL or my MDX. I'm curious how did your mom or your family scratch the cup cover? and mine had gap issues on the third row side panels. BUT dealer fixed them because they needed new clips, I guess they broke them when it was getting certified. But fit and finish is great for the area, no gaps or panels falling, so your blanket statement where Honda cheap'd out and they all fall off is wrong. The MDX is a fantastic crossover, and we have taken it on family road trips a few times already and seats are very comfortable. I don't find myself uncomfortable at all in mine and we do 3 hrs road trips to visit family in CA. My parents would drive my MDX as well with no complaints, but I wish I had found an Advance model just to get a certain color combo. But I am happy with my Tech model one as it is all I ever need.

[@brorowcarwiz]

itzmando Congrats on the new purchase. Believe it or not, our MDX did have the Taupe Interior- It is the only interior you can get on the Bali Blue models. Feel free to double check that. My blanket statement was referring to personal experiences with a brand new $50k CUV. I don't appreciate your degrading comments when I've had a different experience from yourself. Ours was new, not certified. Our dealer would not replace any of the quality issues, and the car was under warranty. Comfort is all in personal taste. My family found the seats to be downright painful- we aren't the only ones with this opinion. This product left us with a dissatisfied taste, but that's not to say it's an awful car. It was not designed for our family, but I'm sure it serves others just fine. The MDX still has the best Nav I've ever used.

[@itzmando]

brorowcarwiz I did not mean to 'degrade' your experience, but if you took it that way then that's on you. I was questioning why you would say that about the panels falling off or seats, and your response answered that, it was your dealer's fault not your own which lead to your family being upset that they would not fix the minor quality issues. And the seats themselves, I have not read many opinions feeling uncomfortable to drive from automotive magazine website or Acurazine and MDXers forums on ownership comments. I understand every car will have their shortcomings, but the MDX was and is still a great SUV there is no disputing that, but I can see how some owners were just not satisfied with it because of experiences with their dealers alone. I double checked the color combination, and you are correct on interior for the Bali Blue. For some reason when I watched it, the color looks really bright like the parchment. When I look at my MDX it looks gray not tan in color. My intention was not to start anything, since that is pointless, but a constructive comment questioning why you would made such statements left me curious. As those areas of dissatisfaction is something I would watch out for in my MDX. And I do agree the updated navigation is what drew me to the refreshed second generation MDX. I have always wanted one, and now that I was able to own one myself I am very happy. --------------- On a side note, how did the silver roof rails hold up over the first two years of ownership. I plan to get roof rails, but cannot decide on the black or silver ones. But I know the black plastic ones tend to fade quickly and require more detail attention to stay nice and black.

[@brorowcarwiz]

The silver roof rails held up quite well, but if I'm honest they were purchased for looks rather thank use haha. Again, congrats on the purchase! I'm a fan of any Toyota/Honda (especially their luxury counterparts). Hope the MDX provides you years of happy and trouble-free miles!

[@itzmando]

brorowcarwiz It seems you and the other owners I asked get them for looks. I plant to add a cargo carrier up top for more space on road trips. I love Lexus and Acuras, along with Hondas. But this would be my third Acura I've owned and will keep this one for the next 7-8 years. and then maybe save up for an RLX, NSX or another MDX. The latest generation MDX has improved immensely on the 2G shortcomings. I had a loaner for a few days and man I was ready to just trade in and get a new one, but I like the 2G more rugged, SUV appearance.

[@brorowcarwiz]

Guilty as charged! Our MDX came from the showroom and thus had many of the accessories, like the (useless) running boards. I have not driven a 3G MDX, but I completely agree that the 2G looks much better. I've even heard the 3G called "an Odyssey without sliding doors and some LEDs" which isn't far from the truth. This was our second Acura (after a 2005 TSX--LOVED that car), but we currently maintain an all Toyota fleet. I've got a 2008 IS250. As a side note-- have you driven a TLX? That car with the 2.4 really intrigues me.

[@logannelson1]

What does the S below drive mean on the shifter?

[@rkr894able]

Logan Nelson Sports

[@nobodyspecial00]

Really?? Ha

[@brorowcarwiz]

That's because this is a Crossover Utility Vehicle instead of a true SUV like our new Tahoe

[@brorowcarwiz]

I was kinda crunched for time. Our MDX was always on the road... But, we have since traded it for a 2013 Tahoe Z71.

[@6824096]

Which car do you like better now, the Tahoe or the MDX?

[@brorowcarwiz]

Neither, our 2006 GX470.

[@6824096]

brorowcarwiz good answer. I hate GM quality that the Tahoes, Yukons, better but still horrible Escalades from 2007-2014 have, I love the Acura, I do not care much for the Lexus however, I will not deny the great quality and solidity that the GX470 has. Those and the Sequioas from 2001-2007 were solid and hold excellent value. But I still like my Honda/Acuras more.

[@brorowcarwiz]

We kick ourselves on a daily basis for getting rid of that car while we had it. It was just a great truck, even with the terrible fuel economy.

[@6824096]

Yea they were great and still very expensive as used too. If I was to buy any toyota/lexus product, I will have to say for sure the Tundra with the 5.7. That one is so refined lexus like and tows great. I drive my uncle's and cousin's tundra and like those the best out of the trucks, however, toyota just can not get good fuel economy out of there trucks and plus I have no need.

[@brorowcarwiz]

I agree. Of course I'm a little biased to the IS too LOL