In the "Final Chapter" thread, I said ...
Quote:
Originally Posted by UncAl  I'll put a few miles on the MDX, and report back to ya'll. |
I now have over 3k miles on the MDX, including a road trip to Philadelphia 11/15-11/16.
My route was Salisbury to Va Beach, then across the Bay Bridge Tunnel along US 13 to Philly. Rained all day ...
Across the Bay Bridge Tunnel ...
Saw this W164 on US 13 Eastern Shore of VA ...
The return trip was I95/85 the whole way. Traffic was unreal ...
Follwed this ML430 on I-95 for awhile. He set a great pace when traffic permitted.
Badge says M3. I'm not so sure ...
OK, now with the review.
I had to let some time go by to "rewire my brain" to how the MDX reacts and drives. It is very different from the ML, which I drove for 7 years. I'm still getting used to the MDX, but I can share a few observations now.
All in all, I like the MDX. The engine is a 3.7 litre V-6 putting out 300hp, but its power comes at higher RPM. At low revs, the engine is efficient and quiet. Around 4k rpm, the engine changes from Honda Pilot to Formula One, complete with a great induction howl soundtrack as the VTEC kicks in, producing a ruthlessly efficient stream of thrust all the way to redline. Partly because I like the VTEC sound so much, my gas mileage suffers - I averaged 22 for this trip. I also catch myself speeding A LOT. On the Philly trip, I did attract some LEO interest, but thankfully no "performance awards".
Suspension is tight, and with a very light feel for a SUV of this weight. On the open interstate, I think the ML provides a more comfortable ride. Not much, but a little. I think the MDX road feedback is a little higher, while the ML ride is more insulated. Also, I think the ML's seats are a little better. The MDX's steering is quick and agile. Brakes are very good. The SH-AWD works very well behind the scenes, and is well integrated. Cross winds on the Bay Bridge Tunnel were pretty harsh, but the MDX felt planted at all times.
Electronics are first rate. The NAV system is Alpine, like the MCS-based ML NAV. The system uses a I-drive-looking joystick/button, but the rotary dial is used for scrolling, which I like better than the ML version. The system accepts hundreds of voice commands to control the HVAC, NAV, audio and phone. Volume adjustments for NAV and audio are completely seperate. The screen is larger, and has great resolution. Also, the screen is mounted high on the dash, so your eyes don't have to travel as far to see it. Unlike the ML, the MDX will not display location as text at the bottom, nor does it display estimated arrival time - only time remaining. Overall, I like the system. The sound system (Tech package) is very good.
Tactile feel of buttons is good, and controls are well illuminated. The insturmentation is very similar to the W164 layout, but the center stack/console comes further out from the dash than the ML, creating a surround feel for the driver. The interior design is very driver-oriented.
Things I don't like? A few. The low fuel indicator is a glaring yellow in-your-face indication, very Hondaish. "OK OK I'm low on fuel. I get it." Also, the seat heater buttons don't have timers or turn themselves off. I think the MDX interstate ride would benefit from wider tires and Koni coilovers (or Ohlins?). That will come later. The Hands Free Link will only transfer phonebooks for a select few phones, and will not transfer from my Blackberry. Future software update?
Thanks for reading!
