2016 Acura MDX Review and Road Test - DETAILED in 4K UHD!

Acura's 3-row crossover gets a refresh for 2016 to improve acceleration and emissions.
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[@ThatWasherNerd]

Four years in a row you'll have to do a review of this car. The 2017 MDX is awesome!!!!

[@ThatWasherNerd]

THANK YOU SO MUCH DOING THIS REQUEST!

[@BeeeHonest]

Great review! You literally answer ALL my questions! Thanks!

[@hokinizeu]

We love your reviews. Thank you. When will you have the review on 2017 model?

[@MrNewAmerican]

Alex - amazing review. I am going to watch your XC90 review as well.

[@zhaoguanyugary]

Your reviews are always great and fun to watch. Hope you could review the all new Audi Q7 soon, I heard they are now available for test drive.

[@huaningwang1606]

We love your reviews! When will you have the review on 2017 model?

[@TheKangaroo2088]

I watch all car reviews , Alex is top three.

[@santoshkarthedath3876]

Great technical reviews

[@hansdoreen]

Liked first, watch later tonight! Thanks Alex!

[@jimmacmurdo355]

Just test drove an RDX and the MDX about 4 weeks ago. I agree 100% with your assessment in regard to handling with the MDX. With power on, the vehicle feels much lighter on it's feet and responds very willingly to steering inputs, similar to a RWD vehicle. With power off, it tends to plow. The RDX, with it's less adaptive/aggressive AWD system, simply plows regardless of whether the power is on or off. I was really hoping the RDX would handle and respond in the corners better than it did. I didn't care for it at all; when I then tried the MDX, it brought back memories of one I drove 2 years ago. I just don't need a 3-row vehicle, so I'm still looking.

[@victoriamlogan8983]

I Love my Acura just got it a few months ago so your video was a great help. Could you go through how to use the navigation system and the phone and address book in detail. Thanks for sharing..

[@Kaiju007]

Alex, you forgot to mention that the SH-AWD is different in the 2016 as well. It's a cheaper hydraulic version compared to the electromagnetic version on the ZDX, RL, TL and 07-15 MDX.

[@jlsnfl81]

Elisha Jesudason maybe you should start making your own videos and a channel

[@monash4250]

Profound and exceptional review as always Alex. keep it up. Any possibility of a Lexus IS 200t review??

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Mohammed Nasir Yousuf Yes! I have one scheduled for mid-December.

[@bad8018]

Another great review Alex. Thank you! Would you consider your highly rated 2016 Kia Sorento a reasonable alternative to the MDX? They both can be comparably equipped; minus the SHAWD. It appeared the Sorento may have a bit more 3rd row leg and head room. Thanks again!

[@narangs1234]

when are you coming with MDX 2017 review.... would specially like to see a comparison with Q7 vs Volvo QC90 and MDX

[@mgp-bct7723]

Nice explaining

[@dygardion9130]

the exterior of this suv is almost perfect except at night when the tail lights are on and the brake lights are on... you have to see it to know what I mean, it isn't symmetrical

[@ldawson103]

This seems to give you a lot for your money. $57 grand fully loaded is pretty amazing in this segment.

[@stacya2316]

Great videos. I appreciate all your comparisons within the video and at the summary. You seem to forget that the Audi Q7 is also a direct competitor to your often compared BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 - even the Lexus RX, which you almost always omit. Those looking at the Volvo, BMW, and MDX - cars which you always do wonderful comparisons - will surely look at the Q7 as well and would appreciate your comparison analysis.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Q7 was excluded for two main reasons. First, the 2017 Q7 wasn't available for testing so it wouldn't have been possible to compare the Q7 that most shoppers are looking at today. Second, the Q7 for some reason doesn't fall very high on the cross shop list in market research so for brevity I usually compare to just the top 3-4 most cross-shopped models. The RX is different, the RX is a 2-row crossover, the MDX is a 3-row. The RDX is the Acura that competes with the RX and the MDX has no current Lexus cross, but it will soon as Lexus is expected to release a 3-row crossover shortly.

[@swanblake]

Im all about the XC90 but would wait to see how the turbo/suoercharged 4 cylinder holds up over time. Thats my biggest concern.

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

Alex did you see the new CX-9 debut? I think it looks great with a monster turbo !

[@sarcasmtraderable]

great review. How does this compare to the new Kia Sorento? I thought Kia moved upmarket slightly to make it a viable alternative to the MDX?

[@IKhanNot]

I've driven a 2011 Acura MDX and the ride/handling is great. Not too impressed with the herky jerky transmission and if those characteristics carry over to the 9 speed then there will be a serious issue. The 8 speed ZF in the BMWs shift very good so hopefully those characteristics are found in this 9 speed.

[@Tully3674]

Like the video. Disappointed in what the MDX has to offer for 2016 when compared to the competition. Acura was often ahead of the competition buy a year or two. Seems like the people on the MDX team took a siesta and now lags the competition in many expected features/comfort for that class.

[@ttgnam81]

hi Alex I love your reviews and I currently drive 2015 wrx with etune. I need more space and more compliant ride. my wife complaints everytime she ride with me in my car because my 2015 wrx is really stiff on fwy and loud exhaust due to sti exhaust option. I recently test drove honda Pilot ex and I loved it. I almost trades in my wrx. I liked how smother the Pilot was but my question to you is that would you recommend Kia Sorento se vs honda pilot ex? I want more space and comfort. let me know n what you think.

[@troyklassen1473]

Hey Alex how would you compare the 2016 lincoln mkx as they are roughly the same size less 3rd row? Great thorough review as always, are you going to get a chance to review the new mkx?

[@Jbiglin]

Troy Klassen I'd love to know Alex's feedback on your question, as I'm considering both and am leaning towards the MKX based on his prior review, which is very well done.

[@joebullwinkle5099]

Hey Alex, Another fantastic very thorough review. Very much appreciate your depth and no nonsense approach. I have one question for you in regards to towing. What would you feel the Volvo XC90 would be like on towing duty vs the 2016 MDX or even BMW X5 35i? I do some towing, not very heavy loads, say up to 4000 lbs. Would love to hear your views on this. Thank you.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Joe Bullwinkle The XC90, and really every entry in this segment, will have no troubles with 4,000lbs gross trailer weight. The X5 is likely to be more robust in the long term because the transmission is rated for higher loads than the transaxles that Volvo and Acura use.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Hi Alex. My wife loves her new 2017 MDX Advance. Will you be reviewing the 2017 refresh? :)

[@Ecuador006]

No

[@koolkan86]

Reading the comments here it seems not all of the 2016 owners are experiencing the transmission issues? Could it be only that it takes time to adjust to this type of transmission or is it really a problem?. Have heard that Acura has provided software update (TSB 15-054 12/22/15) for its trasmission issue and that has mitigated this issue. Can 2016 MDX owners please give some idea if the software update worked for them and that no more transmission issues? Was interested in buying MDX 2017, but transmission problem is the only issue holding me back. Not sure if it will exist in 2017 or not. A 20-30 mins test drive on 2016 last year and didn't experience any trasmission issues.

[@madelynschmidt5166]

I live in Houston, TX, and it is really hot here in the summers. I would like to see a review on the AC and how quickly the third row cools. Wish you would compare this to the Ford Explore Platinum. Not that much difference in price.

[@mizzloyalty6682]

The AC IS PRETTY GOOD I HAVE ONE ☝🏾

[@TheDfarfan]

Alex. Why should I buy this MDX and not the Pilot Elite or Touring?

[@723lion]

agreed with the tire width on the mdx... they look so small compared with x5

[@catalinmarin3]

Hi Alex - thank you for all your exquisite videos. I have a question, if you will be so kind. I noticed you marked MDX's braking performance with a C+ while the Honda Pilot's with A-. Is really Acura's worse? You thought it was because of the tires being narrow - but the Pilot has the same kind of tires, doesn't it? And it is heavier. Were the marks based on the braking distance or based on expectancies (higher class Acura expected to have a better performance, etc...). Much appreciated!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Catalin Marin Comparisons are against other vehicles in the same class. So the Pilot does well compared against the Pathfinder, Traverse, Acadia, Explorer, etc. Byt the Acura MDX is up against things like the X5, GLE, XC90, Q7, etc,. Stopping distances are not very far apart but the competition for teh Acura is tougher.

[@catalinmarin3]

+Alex on Autos thank you

[@sellbuyllc3545]

can i know the model the seats 3 passengers in both 2nd and 3rd Row ?

[@Ken-vl4wk]

Alex, it's time for a Santa Fe 2016 review. (Can't wait for the 2017 model with JBL speakers and all the technology....)

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Thanks, Alex. Do you think it's wise to have all those electronic gear select switches adjacent to the cup holders? Liquids and electrics.... Cheers!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Mario Dalla Riva I thought the same thing but was assured they have been tested, so.....

[@MarioDallaRiva]

+Alex on Autos Ha! They haven't met my friend's wife 😝 she fried the heated seat controls in her Chrysler and blamed the designers for putting switches next to her Starbucks venti ☕️🙀 No liquids permitted in my car. Drives my wife bonkers. Thanks!

[@andrewyi6215]

+Mario Dalla Riva Haha, well, it was a Chrysler.

[@bill7481]

I can't remember the last time Honda/Acura designed a beautiful vehicle. To each their own, but do they actually find the front fascia attractive?

[@pharrelist]

alex you forgot to mention the transmission problem in the nine speed downshifting.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Actually there is an entire video devoted to the 9-speed. That said, we did not encounter any issues with it during our week with the MDX.

[@FredysTaveras]

Hi Alex great car I own one. two things about it the infotainment is not that great and it requires premium gas, the rest of the tech is great. I don't know if I can get away with regular gas since is the same engine as in the pilot and it uses regular, what is your opinion?

[@dspringer322]

It doesn't necessarily "require" premium gas. Especially if you do a lot of highway miles (the engine is rotating so fast at hwy speeds, it's not that big of a deal.) All higher octane (premium) gas does is reduce the chance of "knock" (predetonation) and perhaps give you a little more "oomph" - but cost/performance isn't very different especially as gas prices increase. Regular gas is 87-88 octane, mid is 89-90, premium is 91-93. If you're so concerned - maybe alternate tanks, you'll get to about a 90 average.

[@lorettabutler8665]

can you do a 2016 rlx

[@arthurfernandes2402]

#alex on autos hello how are you doing Alex can you please do a 2015/2016 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R Limited with eyesight thank you keep up the good work

[@A_guan]

Hey Alex, how does the xc90 compare to the Mercedes GL or now as GLS?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Tech Defender Certain versions of the GL (550+) will be faster and some versions will offer more luxury features. However the GL 400 is slower than the Volvo and astronomically more expensive.

[@clbernier2]

Hey Alex, The Acura MDX and Volvo XC90 will be bumping heads with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia Denali. These are two luxurious, powerful and attractive 3rd row haulers capable of giving pride to the red, white & blue. The X5 already has it's hands full with the VW Touareg. I did like your ruler...nice idea, but no mention of Lincoln and it's 4 SUVs. The SRX/XT5...a huge seller and making the Lexus RX lose sales, and the athletic looking Volvo XC60. There is more to the luxury SUV and Japanese and German.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Market research indicates that the MDX and XC90 shopper are not considering the Enclave or Denali. In truth that makes sense the Volvo, BMW, and Acura are serval steps ahead of the GM and Lincoln options in terms of luxury features, gadgets, fit and finish, etc

[@stockjonebills]

Acura really needs to completely revise their front grills.

[@cconghhong]

Volvo XC90 the shape look like a Casket.

[@arthurfernandes2402]

+Alex on autos

[@burkrevlin4932]

I've been doing a research for suv if I buy bmw,or Lexus ..after watching this I might have to swing by in Acura dealer.

[@jlsnfl81]

rob revlin I got the 2016 mdx tech pack after falling in love with a few test drives on it and it just keeps getting better. Glad I didn’t go with the Audi

[@xSM0KEYB34R]

8:05 not good u can easily the gaps where the vents are

[@CostcoDog]

Why am I limited to 720p?

[@polksie]

Normally I like your reviews and are using them in researching my next car. But I got confused. Was this a review of the MDX or a rah rah for the Volvo?

[@alliejr]

A 7-seat crossover with fuel economy of nearly 20MPG gets a C? The same MPG in the Volvo got a B. What 7-seater gets better MPG outside of the Toyota Hybrid? I agree that the QX60 is the minivan of the group and not a "drivers" car. The BMW is so expensive (price of real models on lots, few of which are configured as 7 seaters) that I do not see it as really the same class. The Acura is sort of unique- slightly above the Kia or Hyundai but slightly below the BMW or Volvo, and priced that way.

[@RangerAmateur]

+allierogers it uses the new ZF9 which intends to save huge on highway cruise, also it's less powerful than XC90 (about 10%), and it has lower local MPG. Adding up all these tends to disappoint people a little bit, especially it has even lower MPG ratings comparing to last model year. I guess that's why it is a C

[@brianfish7904]

I can't look at this and think of any reason why I'd buy this than the Kia Sorento. Maybe the performance and SH-AWD, but I personally don't look for performance in a crossover. . .

[@dspringer322]

Well, because it's a Kia.

[@yahyasultan1278]

toyota highlander vs acura mdx which one is better

[@andyzhang1998]

+Yahya Sultan Honda Civic VS Lexus LS. Which one is better?

[@westcoastkhmer]

Mdx wins in features and highlander wins in reliability

[@teusports3343]

I from Brazil , so this acura ... I can consider it a car who '' have money ''in u.s.a ?

[@happyisblue]

Sure, it is luxury class. German cars still will cost more.

[@angel_machariel]

Something went wrong with the footage. It's out of focus or something.

[@SlowJoe76]

maybe it's the 4k format and KZbin s ability to make it compatible to non 4k systems

[@angel_machariel]

Jose A Nah, many other 4k formats work fine. It's quite complex sometime.

[@SlowJoe76]

A Freethinker that was a wild guess on my behalf.

[@angel_machariel]

Jose A I know, don't sweat it.

[@jamessisoutham1466]

Not 4 k

[@brucec43]

I doubt this consistently gets to 60mph faster than a 300hp/300 lb ft BMW X5. No turbo, no torque. 245 ft lbs and not till 4500 rpm. That is I4 turbo territory from a relatively old engine design. BMW has rated this engine version at 6.1 sec, and they are traditionally conservative about such things. Car and Driver says 6.2 sec. More importantly, it will feel quicker.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Bruno TaTa It is all about the gearing and the curb weight, the first gear in the MDX is crazy low and it is very light for a 3-row. The X5 is the only BMW I have reviewed recently that was below the MFG spec. The MDX will actually be more consistent since a naturally aspirated engine will suffer less from heat soak or variations in fuel quality. There is also no lag in the MDX's power delivery.

[@EvanderSmart]

Sounds like the Volvo does everything better

[@alliejr]

+Evander Smart I agree, but it's also about $5-10K more expensive, like-for-like.

[@RangerAmateur]

+Evander Smart SH-AWD should be better though.

[@rabayl01]

+What is Bitcoin? Let's see how Volvo's Supercharged AND Turbocharged engine block will handle longevity. I wont be surprised to see cracks on that block after two years of use.

[@rabayl01]

+The Cute Minion You are wrong. The MDX has been best selling 3 row Luxury crossover for several year now.

[@EvanderSmart]

rabayl01 Uhhhhh......what the %$#@ does that have to do with the Volvo doing everything better?

[@matthewfox5771]

Lol @ lady Gaga :)

[@jlsnfl81]

I give his shirt an F

[@donooetomo5213]

HONDA IS THE BEST.....ALWAYS PERFECT....HI-TECH