Is the 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec a BETTER midsize sport SUV than a Mazda CX-90?

[@lloydcollins]

Joe Long time subscriber here! Next time you review a Toyota SUV or truck, please talk about all their engineering problems and recalls. I feel like you’re one of the only dudes willing to tell the truth as a reviewer.

[@RaitisRides]

I will put something together on that! Thanks for being in this journey with us!

[@drift3rkid66]

Let's give Honda a shout out for still putting naturally aspirated V6s in their suvs. Thank you Honda

[@CryptoRva]

As a finance manager it makes my heart feel really good knowing how many people are having issues. All those people that say nothing ever happens to Toyota 😂

[@anthonykiedis1765]

​@@CryptoRva as a warranty claims specialist, Toyota still has the fewest claims per year by a good margin.

[@CryptoRva]

@@anthonykiedis1765 oh for sure. Doesn’t change the fact that most consumers would still benefit from one not saying you should drop $4k+. Negotiate it down and get it for 10 yr/100K miles from a reputable warranty company

[@anwav-]

NA V6. 👍🏽Natural torque. Long term, I'll roll with the MDX.

[@danielcalderon4075]

Acura still hasn’t addressed the no 3rd row ac vents. What a shame. The Honda pilot has it, cmon Acura you’re fumbling the bag. Families need third row ac.

[@abhisheknauduri7013]

That color is absolutely amazing! Blue with black accents is fire!

[@rayray_x2]

Thanks for helping me move on from my high school GF back from 1999 to 2001

[@CarGeek360]

CX90 if you primarily want driving dynamics but still value comfort, MDX if you primarily want comfort but still value driving dynamics, you can’t go wrong with either

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate your great input!

[@ArthurBenetton]

Knew you were gonna call out those matte black fender openings - I don't always agree with this as a Zonk but on this, absolutely! Those should be painted ASAP, Acura!!!

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

I like the Acura MDX, that one’s a nice SUV

[@RaitisRides]

You have great taste

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

@@RaitisRides Thanks! I sure do, Joe

[@Geez55thSt]

$70k for less than 300hp seems criminal. I feel so disrespected, I'm gonna look up ever vehicle I can get for $70k with 300hp. Hard pass.

[@mariglenqipro9613]

Glc amg43 x3m40i more lux and 120 more hp

[@eugenepark]

I can get a 13k miles 2022 defender for 66k with 400 hp

[@crap8011]

This has the best Raiti monologue yet!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for taking the time to say that!

[@richardtimetorock9340]

At least the photo and ring is out of sight in the storage console, can’t display that out in the open😂. Appreciate the thought provoking segments to your best in class auto reviews!

[@jeremiahcrowley8178]

Give me the Mazda for sure! More HP for a bit less in price. That Apex Blue is beautiful though!

[@icculus]

The Mazda’s straight line performance is lacking relative to its HP. Otherwise, it seems like a good car and good competition for the MDX.

[@curiosityredpill7030]

@@icculusMazda give better mpg and regular fuel so you save more money all around

[@steveb5382]

Thanks for the free therapy Joe, I'll throw all that stuff out. 😂

[@RaitisRides]

You got is Steve! That is what I’m here for!

[@FRITZNEL-v7d]

You're really good at that man.

[@Ahmikariane]

The CX 90 became a very strong frontal value and overall homogeneous design assertion from every point of view. Very refined...I feel like almost nothing got let behind. A very valuable vehicle indeed. Mazda don't have a luxury high end división (brand) But it's just that you don't need that to make a marvel on four wheels. The MDX is a great vehicle. But it is more expensive by a bit over* the CX 90.... and ! For a 3 row SUV car It's a bit like a front face Samurai mask look to me. More likely for a teen front face car... In the end I like it. But I prefer the CX 90 With the inline 6 and 340 HP In the guts.

[@hskrgrad]

Prefer the exterior of the Acura, interior of the Mazda, and certainly the price of the Mazda hands down.

[@chrisstromberg6527]

Acura ride is just so much more comfortable, gladly pay the premium for it.

[@philparker6576]

Joe, we love the videos and the consistency. One thing we would like to request is your evaluation of "quiet ride". You usually compare one brand to another in each video so we'd like to know which one rides quieter.

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Yes of course Joe & I can't wait to drive this.

[@cbrcarterr]

18:33 Rati almost crashed

[@rodneysquire502]

I just bought the 2025 A spec, drives awesome, so comfortable, only knock, expect to pay in the 70's for the fully loaded options.

[@Hollows697]

How does your camera crew not bust out in laughter with the stuff you come up with

[@MegaDrake25]

I’ve had the Acura brand for years but next year I will try a different brand only because the lack of HP and I’ve had so many problems out of my 23’ RDX

[@TacklessNebula3]

Just can't wait for the 2025 RDX review!

[@jerellebullock8792]

Facts of that

[@paulamaral8029]

My wife just got the 2025 pilot elite and def much bigger then the mdx way more room and has a better layout…my only zonk on the pilot is the screen size is 9” should of been 12.3 “ but that’s it

[@RaitisRides]

That’s so wonderful to hear! Congrats to her!

[@EdwardGomez-u8e]

Pilots hold more on value than MDX even on type S

[@EdwardGomez-u8e]

5th yr on MDX value goes down very low and fast

[@icculus]

The Pilot has always been roomier. On the other hand the MDX is way nicer and more refined.

[@b101535941]

SH-AWD make big different

[@pgiles9993]

Once Joe said hdmi port, I can't unsee it.

[@RaitisRides]

LOL! That is hilarious!

[@danielhitzing6137]

You should look at the pipes on the newer Silverado/Sierra line... Talk about HDMI ports

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@RaitisRides]

We can't do it without you!

[@omarcortes5754]

Love these MDX, that blue color looks amazing. I just don't like the red interior.

[@RaitisRides]

Apex blue is one of my all time favs

[@CarsandTechInfo]

You can get a black or white interior in the A-Spec trim with other color options in the other trims like beige or espresso brown

[@Chiroman527]

I do NOT like that red Interior. I just saw a Liquid Carbon with Orchid Interior A-Spec Advance on myy dealer's Floor. Mn, It was "winking" at Me. I have a 22 MDX Advance - just extended the lease for 6 months at $610 per month (that was my monthly for 3 years). The dealer is PUSHING to get me into a new 25 MDX Advance, but after seeing the aforementioned A-Spec Advance it is teasing me. $69K - alotta cabbage!!

[@luiscastillo8416]

The flat black around the fender opening looks good, nice and rugged.

[@icculus]

Gloss would look so much better on this trim. It takes away from the sporty vibe that the Aspec is supposed to have, and seems mismatched with the gloss black trim everywhere else on the car. Flat is fine for the base and Tech trims. At least they gave the Adv body color trim.

[@steveb5382]

Looking forward to the black mag wheel trend to end..

[@chrisstromberg6527]

It's not going anywhere, those rims look good!

[@drkvenger]

The major zonk on both are the third row legroom and seating are ridiculously small. Better to call it a mini third row. Of course they’re not alone with this criticism. The X5, GLE, Q5 and XC90 all have cramped third row seats only suitable for children. In this segment, only the TX has a third row comfortable for adults.

[@davidp2888]

A nice deep green metallic would look great on this!

[@RaitisRides]

I think that would pop nicely!

[@Chiroman527]

@@RaitisRides But certainly NOT with that Red Interior.

[@RickMentore]

The interior of the Mazda CX 70 & 90 are sophisticated with two-tone modern materials, compared to this Acura MDX! Mazda cars rivals Audi and Mercedes and certainly nicer than your "beloved" BMW. While exterior aesthetics are subjective, I would also go for the Mazdas. Na, dont let go of those VHS tapes, who knows, you may run-into that HS girlfriend, then you'll something nostalgic to share with her!

[@eerwig]

Everyday is Raiti day in this household.

[@porfiriato84]

Cringe

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome to hear!

[@RaitisRides]

Don't hate

[@islanddon865]

Benchmark SUV by which I measure all others. All l'd ever need in this genre of vehicle. But not cheap.

[@RaitisRides]

Perfectly said as always!

[@kurtr1870]

Mazda CX 90 has 50 HP and 80lb/ft torque more than MDX for $10K less than MDX. Interior touches are very comparable and yet again Mazda is Ten grand less. MDX is only 2 inches shorter. Thirsty on the MPG. Did you feel like Superman after getting out of the car given the color setup?

[@qnzman578]

Idk why Acura vehicles are so low in hp compared to the competition. Even the type s mdx only really competes with like a base X5. The performance X5 M would destroy it

[@navoo9009]

#Exactly... *it's not worth paying extra* *and not assembled in Japan !!!*

[@Ethanjbo135]

I just wish the CX90/70 had better seats. The seats in the Acura are so damn comfortable and adjustable.

[@Simon-kz4dv]

The MDX’s higher fuel consumption is due to its SH-AWD system, which performs as well as the Torsen Differential Mechanical Four-Wheel Drive System.

[@Simon-kz4dv]

@@qnzman578 X5 has only 5 seats, if MDX remove those third row seats, I am pretty sure that type s is faster than x5.

[@eddieg9060]

Ur the best car reviewer and dont let anyone tell you your not!!! The arm rest about the vhs part got me. Ur the king of corny jokes. But then you give the best most detailed review of the vehicles you show…. Unmatched

[@VishalSharma-b1b]

13:19 I appreciate the life advice you gave with an awesome review of the beauty.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so wonderful to hear! Thank you for letting me share it all with you!

[@djsthemetereman]

It's definitely the blue with the black wheels for me

[@RIPdeebo143]

Thanks to Raiti, I'm going to trade my 22 Aspec for the 25 Aspec 🤑

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! That is serious

[@salimrandall]

This thing is definitely hansome and the blue paint is 🔥

[@TacklessNebula3]

Also, Joe, can you double check if there is any work around getting an infotainment update in the previous models ('23 / '24) just like we have in this one - to be able to maximize the screen size. Please and thank you!!!

[@RaitisRides]

From what I understand there isn’t an update. It is a totally different screen and in a totally different position

[@TacklessNebula3]

Thank you for your instant reply, Joe! Yikes! In that case, I guess I gotta upgrade my RDX '23 to maybe '26 because me no likey the side screen being sitting there with no option to minimize it. I'd really appreciate if they can "somehow" throw an update for that - like pretty please Acura. Other than that it's a solid vehicle with great driving experience. PS - I will lowkey miss the TouchPad tho

[@TacklessNebula3]

​@@RaitisRides And that "working on yourself" talk was quite intense. Thank you for that lesson! 🫡

[@EdwardGomez-u8e]

@@TacklessNebula3 if there is a will there is a way . That why they call it custom upgrade just need the right place that do customization .

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

Amazing review Joe.

[@brucebishop4619]

Joe you are the man!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Bruce for having my back!

[@icculus]

They should have switched the position of the shifter and the charging pad. I have an older Acura where the shift buttons are placed where a traditional shift lever would be next to the cup holders. It looks better, it falls really nicely to hand and is very easy to use. This set up looks a little more awkward and requires a reach.

[@CarGeek360]

As someone who likes/values the MDX, CX90, and TX, I feel like an outliar, people want to take sides without giving the competition a fair chance, my personal choice between the three would be the MDX, but I’d highly recomend all of them, I don’t like the new Infiniti QX60 as I’ve been in two and found both to drive very horribly (poor ride quality, ample body roll)

[@vinsynwolf]

@raitisrides I'm impatiently waiting for your first drive of the 2025 Equinox lol I saw it the other day here in Syracuse and it looked amazing

[@cablebrain9691]

The gloss black dash components are a non-starter for me. Also, the price seems excessive.

[@EdgarJChavez]

At least the exhaust tips are real not like the CX-90 which don't have any!!

[@stefangreene3405]

Thanks Joe Acura/ Honda is steadily improving 👍🏿 Still outta my price range (what ain't these days) but great car!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you Stefan!

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

Can’t wait to get this used 6 years from now for 30k

[@creepingbert]

Best blue in the entire automotive world.

[@RaitisRides]

It just might be for sure!

[@Chiroman527]

I've got a 22 MDX Advance. Lease expired in August. Only 20K miles on the clock. In the 3 years of owning (Leasing) - not a thing has been wrong other than an occasional "Gremlin" affecting the Auto Exit /Entry system - seems to happen in extreme temps. In Fathom Blue Pearl with Grey Leather interior, it still "winks" at me in my driveway. The new 25 MDX shows to have nice enhancements with the B & O sound system (The ELS in mine is outstanding), including Massaging seats and of course the Upgrade to a new Touch Screen. Despite the conflicting opinions about the TTIP, after 3 years I still don't Like it. Fortunately, I have HUD so using HUD and Steering wheel controls I can navigate TTIP pretty well. But it is downright awful in AA or CP mode!! The TTIP pad becomes a very SLOW moving Mouse. And when you are connected wirelessly to AA, the center Console USB port can't PLay Flash Drives !! My Buyout now is $38,500 ! I see low mileage 22 MDX Advances in the marketplace at circa $48K+ asking prices. What I have elected to do since Acura Finance allows for me to extend my Lease for 6 Months at the same pay rate of $610 / month. After 6 months the buyout shrinks to $35,400 ! That's what I just did... Then come January I have the option of buying it for $35,400 (Plus Taxes) or using the "Equity" estimated at $7K +/- toward a new 25 A-Spec Advance lease or also to entertain a new 25 RDX which should be put by then or any other new car model. FWIW, the $610 per month with the Residual value reducing, reflects that the old lease rate of 1.9% is still being applied. As a student of financials, I can invest that $38,500 in a 6 month T Bill at 4.8%.

[@_Val1719]

Love my Mazda CX 90, feels powerful still refined and cannot be happier!!

[@RaitisRides]

That is so wonderful to hear Val!

[@carlitosway01]

Joe you are the best and the reason why I have Twinkies in my car pockets lol I love Acuras but they don't sell them in my country, you have to import them from the US.

[@robertsewell536]

Like I said last video I don't care what you review Joe. I have no interest in these SUV's would never buy one but I love the channel and I want you have all the success you deserve. You could start reviewing Toilet's and Bidet's I'll still watch. 😂😂😂

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Robert for having my back! It is great to have you as part of the Raiti's rides family!

[@stick2dapoint88]

The volume & drive mode button locations should be swapped. Major "zonk" and deal-breaker for me. Thought they were gonna fix that for the mid-cycle update.

[@alanklaus7774]

Nice review Joe. The crazy add stuff has abated so I can watch again. Having owned both a Mazda and a few Acuras the dealer experience, both sales and service, is far in favor of Acura.

[@BUCKINUT]

The black trim looks great. It is a matter of opinion.

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Love your car video

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for tuning in

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

@@RaitisRides Welcome

[@tomdrummy4984]

Wow, those are huge non-functional pieces on front end. 👀 Sharp looking vehicle, and I love San Diego 🐬

[@RaitisRides]

I’m glad that I can share it all with you Tom

[@icculus]

No different than any BMW, Mercedes, or Audi. They made the Aspec styling consistent with the Type-S, and those vents are functional on the Type-S.

[@Enegetickicks]

Mazda all day

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for your vote

[@giezicontreras2552]

Car review AND therapy! 😂

[@TNJT1520]

Hi Joe , big fan of urs …. I was just wondering what kind of car u driving???

[@RaitisRides]

My daily is a Honda Civic Type R

[@MrWonderSoul]

Not sure why car manufacturers getting rid of fog light. It make the car look so much better especially at night.

[@ccyCui]

I really hate black plastic fender wheel arch, please PAINT them manufacturers!

[@ssjrose91]

Nice car, but 70k is a little too much

[@RaitisRides]

What do you think the price should be?

[@ssjrose91]

@@RaitisRides 50 to 55k would be more reasonable

[@dwayne4887]

CX 90 'Turbo S' has more horse power, but not the standard CX 90, which has 280hp. Although I love the CX 90/70 look, and I really do. I'm concerned about an engine that is both turbo and mild hybrid on longevity. As a purchaser (not a leaser) that keeps cars 9 to 10 years, I'd go normally aspirated v6 all day. Maybe in 10 years when I buy my next car, all that they are doing with turbos and hybrids will have proven (or not) if they last without problems. My 2 cents.

[@oppailover5439]

Both are Niiice!!! I’d go with the better deal 💵

[@RaitisRides]

That sounds like a smart move!

[@67judge]

I’d rather have Gloss Black than Overused Chrome for trim on a car.

[@n.j.fromcali2068]

Great content as always !! But, $69K !! hmmm!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank for letting me share it with you!

[@davidm4099]

It’s a good price considering the level of quality you get from these cars

[@longtruong5422]

Acura MDX is a better vehicle in every way bar the fuel efficiency. The drive feel of an Mdx is much more refined than even the 61k highest specc’d CX90.

[@timothycoyne5874]

Acura finally ditched the awful trackpad!! Let’s hope the new touchscreen filters its way through the MDX and TLX!

[@simplicit9737]

You can have navigation on the heads up display

[@gamelauncher9821]

The new MDX Advance and A-spec Advanced trim are the same in spec or feature but the appearance of the A-spec does not justify $70k price point. For the Mazda equivalent which would be CX90 turbo Premium plus which tops at $53k is down 10HP put it has better torque at 332, the main difference between the Advanced and the CX90 turbo PP would be that the Acura might be a little more refine, quiet and more features like massage seats also a better infotainment software as well as 19 B&O Audio System. The A-spec MDX is not worth the up-charge just get the Advanced MDX it’s way more elegant and the save money get the CX90 PP it is just as nice as the MDX or even better. The Type S is not longer special due to the V6 Advanced MDX’s having almost the same features as the Type S only the air suspension, turbo V6 and the 31 speaker B&O system is Type S exclusive. The MDX Advance, MDX Type S, CX90 Premium Plus are the better options. Don’t forget the CX90 Turbo S Premium Plus in my opinion is just as nice as the Type S or better.

[@javy.airlines]

I Love Acura MDX Sport😍❤️🏁🚙💨!!!

[@RaitisRides]

As you should!

[@sfcablecar]

Mazda CX-70 for the win!

[@rtygrest]

You mean 90?

[@icculus]

@@rtygrest CX70 is the same car but without a third row.

[@JeepDEMON170]

Nice car

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you thinks so

[@classiccorvettesmusclecars5846]

This looks good but won’t last like an early MDX.. Too much electronics, 10spd trans & awful annoying stop/start. Nothing today will last like the old days.

[@williampolinchak]

So the system won't bark at you if you don't keep your hands on the wheel?

[@roysmith4953]

How do the lane-keeping assist and cruise work? Have you tried them? Too busy talking about rings? 15:54

[@Fyahking619]

My hometown. Fashion valley in the house. Lol I do love that blue color.

[@RaitisRides]

Heck yeah!

[@roberthoward2610]

Too much money for this MDX should have the twin turbo V6 that's in the Genesis GV70 this is way over priced for this.

[@roberthoward2610]

Way too expensive for this vehicle and it doesn't even have a twin turbo V6 with 370 HP like the Genesis GV70 Nope I won't be buying it all you people that like it go for it not me!

[@leobaldocedenorijo2183]

Awesome ❤

[@supcom1993]

18:33 look at the driver side mirror😂

[@fitness_fanatic585]

Prefect for a family and safe

[@manofsesame3024]

Acura SHAWD is supposed to have better handling in snow or other bad weather conditions.

[@bp736]

Go Steven!!!

[@EdwardGomez-u8e]

Yes at Kurt responded it too expensive might as well invest on real estate like down payment for condo unit in the Caribbean islands . It’s ridiculous, this only refers to the auto industry, we do want to purchase the suv but they need to consider the prices .

[@sk-un5jq]

Id get the Type S for only around $5k more!

[@mdmale80]

I'm sure you spoke a different language to most when you mentioned VHS tapes 😅

[@calimade8136]

If only the MDX had the camera rear view mirror

[@kylem8117]

I’m concerned about the low HP and torque numbers for this size of SUV. Does it feel under powered?

[@michaels7984]

Not really underpowered. I'd say adequate is the best way to describe it. It won't wow you, but it's fine. The vehicle, overall, drives well and is comfortable.

[@rich1958]

Mazda is nice but a roll of the dice on long term reliability. If anything goes wrong it is super expensive. Many repairs will require engine removal AND to take out engine need to remove entire front of car body.

[@firefly9838]

I would think a naturally aspirated V6 would be plenty reliable as far as engines go

[@RJ_331]

Did you just cut off a guy at 18:35 LOL

[@MasaoJPN]

Acura offers real nice visuals for sure. I think Mazda with it's rear wheel setup and straight in-line six w/turbo is a winner between the two.

[@RaitisRides]

Very good things to point out!

[@guillermomagana4885]

Does the regular a spec, not the advance package have the cameras and the massage

[@LuisUrbieta]

Viva acura!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share this one with you Luis!

[@jasmine._s]

Thanks for the advice ☺️ I’ll take it lol

[@RaitisRides]

I am glad to be here for you!

[@MrAsh-cw5cq]

Acura looks way better