Acura MDX Advance | A Lesson in Technology & Elegance

[@Phil-fw2ib]

I wish the wheel-well body molding from the A-Spec technology package had been painted. Over time, the plastic has started to fade.

[@Drive_Culture]

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, it definitely looks premium when it’s painted the body color! You can get stuff from Chemical Guys or wherever that will bring that plastic back to its original shine though! Hope you subscribe to come back for more!

[@Chiroman527]

First off, this was an excellent review of the new 25 MDX Advance that I've seen. More through info about the "upgrades". I have a 22 MDX Advance - on a lease extension for 6 months since August 2024. I leased it in August 2021 (The Type S was not out yet for 2022.....If it had I probably would have opted for it). Mine has been totally Trouble Free - Fathom Blue Pearl with Greystone interior. This Canyon River Blue pearl is not quiet the same look to my eye. I have been wrestling with buying my MDX with a Buyout from Acura Financial at $38,500 as of July, dropping to $35,400 by February. The lease extension payments are the same and do reduce the Buyout along the course . I was toying with a new 25 A-Spec Advance (the Dealer pushing toward a new 25 MDX Advance since June!). I do like some of the A-Spec's Sport look features, but all. It is also over $4k more!. You have described the interior upgrades far better than others! The Touchscreen is very much desired being Google all The Time Based. The existing Touchpad called TTIP, is just downright awful especially when connected to AA or CP - becoming a God awful SLOW Mouse pad requiring me to take my eyes off the road to see where the cursor is on the selection. One thing I don't think you emphasize is that the new MDX has eliminated Sirius/XM Radio Receiver - requiring you to stream Sirius Radio via a Google App. That's a Zonk! The added Massaging Seats, the new Touchscreen, and other little touches are enticing. Last comment, I'm sure the new B& O sound system is going t be excellent, but the ELS system in mine was terrific . IMHO, Not really necessary to change and Bump up the price. FWIW, I will on occasion set the driving Mode to INDIVIDUAL set to virtually equal the SPORT dynamic mode. In that mode, the engine on /Off is turned off ! If you select Sport mode and then make the tranny in S mode, the car becomes a "Beast". The SH-AWD is one of, if not the Best in the Business.

[@Drive_Culture]

Wow! Thanks for the nice comment & feedback! Lots to digest here, but here’s my simple reply. Yes, Canyon River Blue looks different than Fathom Blue, it’s lighter for sure! If you don’t need the sporty looks of A-Spec then the advanced trim will suit you well. Yes you’re correct about SiriusXM radio! The touchscreen and new audio, may be worth the upgrade though! Let us know if you pull the trigger on one! Hope you subbed to come back for more!

[@CaryBani]

I just wanted to respond to you b/c, up until about one month ago, I was in the VERY SAME situation as you -- 22 MDX Advance, Fathom Blue Pearl/Greystone, 3-year lease in Aug. '21 which (originally) was to expire in August of this year. I had already decided on turning it in (w/ very low mileage... around 24K) and getting a '25; however, they were very SLOW in arriving at the dealers. And so, I had to extend my lease a couple of months until the '25 came in. I waited a bit longer b/c, although I thought I wanted a white or silver exterior, when I saw the new Canyon River Blue, I decided to wait on it. I've had it about a month, and here's the pros/cons for me... Pros: the color is beautiful -- kinda like a navy-ish and I personally love it more than the Fathom... the touchscreen is awesome!... I HATED the touchpad, although I got used to it over 3 years, but NOW would NEVER go back... massaging seats are nice (although haven't used as much)... I think it's quieter than my '22... I think the sound system is about the same (for me anyway).... the charging pad ACTUALLY WORKS!!... it NEVER worked on the '22. Cons: no Sirius/XM... I think this is a "miss" for Acura... I live out in the rural area and I've had satellite radio in my last 3 cars. HOWEVER, I just use the Sirius app on my iPhone (Google doesn't seem to have a Sirius app for the car yet... maybe I'm wrong?) and that works pretty well - except you can't change the channels with the left steering wheel toggle -- BUT you CAN just TOUCH the screen to change channels!... the price ... for me, my monthly lease note is now THREE TIMES what it was with my '22 -- this is more of a function of today's interest rates compared to that in '21. SO... hope this helps... I had also considered a silver Type S (and am still considering it... although I have to say I don't love the front end of a Type S as much) In my opinion, the Advance is the BEST LOOKING of all of this year's trims!

[@Chiroman527]

@@CaryBani WOW Cary. Being in the exact same situation!! I did extend my Lease via Acura Financial for 6 months to Feb 2025 at tge same pay rate of $610 per month. I truy love the Fathom Blue Pearl color with the Greystone Interior. It looks almost Black , Black and Blue , and Blue in different light... Like the Fathoms of the sea. I have not seen a Canyon River Blue Metallic on the road , but I have seen it on Hondas. Honda uses the same color - they did NOT with the Fathom blue. per my original post, I continue to wrestle with leasing a new 25 MDX (either an Advance or a A-Spec Advance). The argument centers on : Do I layout $40K (whih includes the taxes) to Buy mine with 22.5K miles on it either all cash (not likely) or some combo of Cash and Auto Loan (Best rates I found for a Used car is 5.85% , 4 years at my Credit Union with excellent Credit), or lease an entire different vehicle. FWIW, I test drove a 2025 KIA Sorento which has excellent Graphics, a 2.5L Turbo but less luxurious. I was Toying with a Mazda CX-70 (have NOT driven one ) but checking their forums I'm finding numerous folks not too happy - coming up with a number of issues especially in the PHEV model. I too have NOT loved the TTIP but I have become a bit used to it - using the HUD and Steering wheel controls and really didn't play with the Shortcuts Icon which is quick way to get to prviously used functions. My MDX has been totally Trouble Free for over 3 years!! I am tending toward just the Advance becuase the A-Spec has the same Type S front fascia with those big Black Cutouts? It is truly Uncanny that we are in the same circumstances including the Mileage !! FWIW, Originally I thought I had at least $4K Equity based on what the Low Mileage 22 MDX's dealer lot asking prices - But that has been rendered as a NO> No Equity. a Nissan dealer told me the same- No Equity. Good Luck with your new 25 MDX Advance. Furthermore, The massaging seats added is very welcome addition together with the new Touchscreen - Bummer on the SAT Radio (What the Hell is Acura Thinking??)

[@geocape7060]

Excellent review on an excellent vehicle.

[@Drive_Culture]

Wow! Thanks for the nice comment & feedback! Hope you subbed to come back for more!

[@BPD245]

Awesome review! I just got the 25 Advanced a month ago…my 5th MDX!! I will never drive anything but an Acura for the rest of my life! (I’m 52 😂)

[@Drive_Culture]

Wow! Thanks a lot for the comment & feedback! What color combo did you get? Just dropped the MDX A-Spec Advance review today if you’re curious of the changes to that! Hope you subscribed to come back for more!

[@gtyunltd]

Thanks!

[@Drive_Culture]

Wow! Thanks for the amazing support! 🙌🏾

[@LT33190]

Fantastic review! You gained another subscriber

[@Drive_Culture]

Thanks for the comment & sub! Really appreciate the support! 🙌🏾 Let us know what other trims or cars you want to see on the channel! 👍🏾

[@charo2583]

綺麗な色の車ですね！

[@Drive_Culture]

いつもありがとう！そうだね！紺色って素敵！

[@patrickj.tchidimbo2349]

Excellent review!

[@Drive_Culture]

Wow! Thanks for the comment & feedback! Let us know if you want to see other trims or vehicles on the channel! Hope you subbed to come back for more!

[@TheRasta4ri]

Driven From Ohio to North Carolina smooth operator New Jersey to Chicago no maintenance concerns bullet proof last vehicle that I've driven performed like the Acura mdx was the toyota sienna with the 3.5 liter V6 4 slot toaster & hot water kettle worked well also for tea & toast while driving

[@Drive_Culture]

Thanks for the comment! What do you drive now? Hope you subbed to come back for more!

[@andyhuang2270]

Thanks for the thorough review. I have this exact vehicle and have been driving it for two months. Various things to mention is that (a) the a-pillars have this sticky residue which is also seen on your demo vehicle (b) doesn’t come with wheel locks - i chose advance wheel locks, (c) it’s a heavy car, and so the RDX is going to be more fun for spirited driving, (d) gas mileage is going to be crappy - i get 10 mpg in slow city driving and up to 24-25 mpg in no traffic highway, 21 mpg in rush hour traffic.

[@Drive_Culture]

Thanks for the comment & feedback! So you have the same color combo too? It’s a classy combo and trim! I think you can use interior cleaner for the a-pillars! Yeah wheel locks are usually extra. RDX is definitely more sporty, and this isn’t the Type S, which would fix that. I hear you on the MPG too! Hope you subbed to come back for more!

[@Chiroman527]

andy, I have a 22 MDX Advance . Lots of Pros = leased for over 3 years - totally Trouble free. Agreed on the MPGs... almost exactly the same.

[@Retro_Analog]

JR, I've been waiting for this review! I'm trying to decide if I need to go with the top of the line Type-S

[@Drive_Culture]

Thanks for the comment & feedback! Unless you really want the extra performance (& worse MPGs) of the Type S, I think the Advance or A-Spec Advance would be great options! 👍🏾

[@mat13174]

I’m liking the new color. Had a 20 in lunar silver and now a 23 Aspec in Liquid carbon gray. Every one I see on the lots are either gray white, silver or black so I’m happy to see there is a new option this year, al though I wouldn’t be surprised if it would need to be a special order or dealer swap. Only thing I’d like to see is more interior color options

[@Drive_Culture]

Thanks for the comment & feedback! A-Spec in Liquid Carbon looks great! Yeah I’m sure the variety on the ground may mostly be those 3 most popular colors! There are several different interior options, what other colors would you like to see? Hope you subbed to come back for more!

[@mat13174]

@ I did, thanks! I just wish you could combine more interior colors with different exterior ones. Like the blue, you can only get the gray interior. Would be nice if they allowed for a black, beige or even the espresso option with that exterior combo.

[@Chiroman527]

mat, I have a 22 MDX Advance in Fathom Blue Pearl with the gray Leather Interior. I personally love the Fathom Blue over the Canyon River Blue (which is the same used on Hondas) The Fathom Blue Pearl looks different in different lighting almost Blue/Black at times , then more Blue ... Like the Fathoms of the sea. Wish they kept that for 25. When I saw my MDX in that Color in August 2021 (after seeing pics that were posted by a Forum member) - that was it !!

[@pjawidzik]

If I heard you correctly, love the fact that you can add engine start/stop preferences to your individual drive mode settings. I don’t know of another automaker that allows you to do that.

[@Drive_Culture]

Thanks for the comment & feedback! Yes, you heard correctly! It’s an option for the Acuras with the individual drive mode! Hope you subbed to come back for more!

[@Chiroman527]

That is correct BUT you have to select Individual Mode each time you start the car. It does NOT default to that setting. It goes back to NORMAL on each start requiring you to hit that Auto Engine On /Off button. However, the Dynamic Ride. Drive selector knob allows you to Pick the features you want engaged when you set an Individual setting , I have mine setup to be in Sport Mode which makes the throttle more responsive , same for the steering. In essence it is like selecting Sport and then yu can customize what you want engaged or not. So, when I feel like it, I start it up, and select Individual setting before driving or just stay in Normal mode but turning that Friggin Auto On /Off to Off. That kills your battery and charging system putting more strain on it - no one tells you that except On Line Research.

[@damionjordan6616]

I own a 2021 TLX Advance with the 2.0 liter turbo engine in which I must put PREMIUM gasoline👎🏾…if I get the naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6 MDX can I put the REGULAR UNLEADED gasoline in it??? PLEASE HONESTLY REPLY…thanks!

[@Drive_Culture]

Thanks for the comment & feedback! If it says “required” for premium, then you can’t put anything less than 91 octane in without causing engine issues. If it says “recommended”, then you can put in regular unleaded, but you may experience less performance & slightly worse fuel economy. So you might as well follow the recommended fuel rating! Hope you subbed to come back for more!

[@user1989fopfrs7]

Ohio made not sold in Japan, Buick.

[@Drive_Culture]

Thanks for the comment & feedback! What type of vehicle do you drive? Let us know what would make the MDX better? Hope you subbed to come back for more!

[@danielmelendez9943]

Last time it was made in Japan was in 2011. I own a 2011 base MDX with Sh-AWD, great car, i am currently at 120k miles and engine is running smoothly.

[@user1989fopfrs7]

@@danielmelendez9943 no mdx was made in Japan. Your second generation is as made in Ontario, Canada.

[@danielmelendez9943]

@@user1989fopfrs7 well, any Vin number that has the Letter J on the Vin number, means prts were manufa and made in Japan, yes they can be shipped to Ohio for assembly but they origin is Japan.

[@user1989fopfrs7]

@@danielmelendez9943 none were made in Japan. The MDX was made for the USA market. They tried to sell the first generation as a honda mdx in japan and it sold like crap. So it’s not exported there. It’s been made in Canada, Alabama or Ohio. Never in Japan.

[@Retro_Analog]

Thanks!

[@Drive_Culture]

Wow! You didn’t have to do this! 🥹 Thank you so much for the amazing support! 🙌🏾