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SUVs Acura MDX Acura MDX Sport vs Tech. Opinions on Handling
37 messages, Last post on Nov 01, 2009 at 11:04 PM
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I have been doing a bit of mid-size SUV shopping lately and have been surprised by how reality differed from my expectations about vehicles and features based on what I read in reviews. Definitely need to check things out for yourself, back to back and at length if possible before buying vehicles like this. MDX Tech vs Sport package was one of the areas I was looking into--after seeing for myself I would side with those who think the Tech is the way to go and that the Sport package is not worth the extra money. I took them both on lengthy back to back test drives, in several types of roads and driving conditions after reading everything I could find on the web about them. I appreciate the info folks have posted, but am hoping to offer a little more in some areas here for those who have the same questions I did. Sport package. I do not understand this package's appeal at all--to each his/her own. Impressions of the Sport were that it rode rougher, seemed jittery, was noisier, and seemed to be artifical and like it needs more development perhaps. The perforated leather seemed to grip your clothes in an annoying manner (not a luxury type feel) and I would suggest that the auto-leveling feature of the headlights would not really do much (I thought I would prefer the low-beam headlights to aim up a little more than they do already. I wanted to like this model, but everything that distinguishes it as the Sport package seemed to be a detractor. Also, the sport wheels look just OK, but they basically look too small for what they are designed to accomplish--they'd need to be bigger like the optional 19" wheels to look sportier--the current 18" Sport wheel size seems cheesy to me (like a Kia--the Hyundai SUV wheels look better to me). Tech package, seemed better for several reasons. One, because of the non-perforated leather, luxurious as we expected. I think the tech wheels match the MDX best out of the "package-equipped" wheels, but the 19" optional ones would be best of all. The ride seemed more supple, more natural for an SUV, and more connected to the road than the sport--not like something was in the way of a good ride. The MDX overall seems well planted and comfortable, well balanced perhaps--not on rails or anything, of course it is an SUV. My style of driving is more basic transportation, so I am usually focused on a decent ride, good utility, visibility of the other traffic around me and not thowing my passengers and cargo around... this seemed to match the Tech package for me. Situationally I have been driving a 2005 Nissan Xterra, which rides a little rough regardless of road/terrain--it's ironic how similar smooth or rough road feel in this thing, nearly the same. Although it's decent transportation, especially when you need to haul stuff or go on rougher road or terrain, The ride basically jiggles, bumps and vibrates on any road--I'd never be comfortable trying to sleep as a passenger in it, it seems to gallop over undulating bumps (depending on speed), but to its credit does corner and maneuver pretty well, which is one big difference from it's slightly larger Pathfinder brand-mate. I like the Xterra handling better than the sport model MDX, but the Tech package is way better (perfect perhaps) to me. If I want to do the sports car driving thing, I borrow the wife's Audi TT, so not trying to find a truck that drives like a car. Also we rented an FX35 while on a recent vacation to start our car search--not enough utility for an SUV, but it had some highlights that helped us look at other brands and models. For reference we today looked at a ML500, which seems to favor a "sturdy" feel that I'd probably tire of over a short time (like it's trying too hard...or should be more refined in some areas, the things that make you start looking for your next vehicle). Also, someone above mentioned seams on concrete pounding through to the cabin--the ML500 seemed to have substantially (annoyingly) more of that characteristic than either MDX Package. Toyota Highlander seemed to behave more like a mini-van than the type of SUV I seek. I perceive overall engine power in these vehicles (FX35, Xterra, ML500 and the MDX, Highlander) to be about the same, each with a unique personality, but overall similar--I'm not swayed by the differences in pedal tip-in. I can imagine the MDX Tech as a long term "feels just right, does everything I want it to" choice. Everything else I've come across had a shortfall that kept me from pulling the trigger. Go see for yourself--no opinion or argument here should steer anyone's decision--but hopefully all the things folks mention give you food for thought and items to look into for your own evaluation--maybe point out the things you'll notice over time, so you can consider them up front. I believe I'll go for a Tech with Entertainment MDX, probably with the Acura 19" upgrade wheels, roof rack and footboards, which I think should all be stock in some form of package. Without them, I see more wagon and less SUV in the MDX, which may have been Acura's intent to appeal to buyers in some niche or demographic. Considering everything, I think Acura has done well with the MDX Tech package. |
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I have a 2007 MDX Sport and recently crossed the 50K mile mark. I love the car and could not imagine not having the sport suspension. The real difference comes when driving on 2-lane roads and in inclement weather. The car in the sport mode will respond much more quickly and tightly. If you are test-driving and want to feel the difference, just make a few quick side to side turns at speed both in comfort and sport... you can easily feel the difference in the way the car responds. I feel that on the much small road driving that I do, I have much more control over the car and less overcorrection while driving on unfamiliar roads. Keep in mind though that the sport model has a downside. The vehicle is sensitive to the lateral slope of the roadway. Thus, the car will pull a bit on the highway to both directions, depending on the slope of the roadway. This is most bothersome on new highways designed with substantial lateral drainage slopes. Still, I find the model to be superior.
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Replying to: ssminton (Dec 27, 2008 9:23 pm)
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Replying to: brahda808 (Dec 29, 2008 4:46 am)
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I just wanted to revive this discussion a bit. I've decided on buy a 2009 MDX Tech or the Sport version. I'm trying to get any thoughts on the differences between the two. As far as I know, Sport has perforated seats, different wheels, and different suspension. Is there anything else? What about thoughts on it driving? Trying to decide if the 1500 premium is worth it or not. Look forward to hearing the responses!
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I can't imagine anyone getting sport ent over tech ent. with sport ent you get no nav, which is one of the most important features. even if you get a good aftermarket one its not going to be integrated with the mdx and the voice activation etc. if you dont need the ent (which you kind of really dont unless you have a kid or whatever cus if you are driving you aren't getting to sit in the back and watch a dvd unless you get the front screen working and really want the handy 9 volt or whatever plug in the center console with the ent) so id got sport tech or tech ent. i have a young child and last suv had the res dvd screen so it was a must for the new as she gets older and that keeps her happy on longer trips to watch something. tech and ent were neccesity. sport really isn't and just jacks up the price. i mean if you can get all 3 great but wasn't worth it for me and i even like all featurs and accessories and i like a sporty ride but even i didn't even go for the sport. but again if you dont need ent. then sure sport and tech, but all 3 is kind of over kill.
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Replying to: x5killer (May 06, 2009 12:37 am) All Sport models come with Nav. |
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Oh wools, stupid me. Maybe I should have got a sport + ent then. Tech + ent was cheaper though and I change the wheels to larger aftermarket ones anyway. What else does the sport even giveyou. Nothing I've seen mentionedseems worth the extra price. But I think there is more sports in stock so that could help one get a better deal to help cncel out some of the extracost of the sport. So sport + ent would haveeverything? Hm I should have know that before searching for tech+ ent. Either way sport + ent. Would be more though and none of the tho be the sport adds seems worth it. I'm moreconcerbed with what the 2010 is adding on the inside as I heard it may have a higher red and larger nav screen plus hard drive like the tl. I heard that though after I bought th 09 which I went ahead with because all ppl though the 2010 was the ugly new plenium grill so I didn't wantto wait for it only to hate the grip and see nothing new was added or changed for the betters but then it to be too late cus no 09's left. In the color and options I wanted since inventory is already so low. The spy photos only showed the grill and headlights covered so most thought it was mostly just getting the plenium grill and maybe slight headlight change which I wasn't worried about because I like the 09 Mex head and fog lights. But now ppl said that the tail lights may get changed and just wasn't done yet on the one in spy photos. But the Honda blog page which tells you the changes for each model doesn't say anything about the 2010 Mdx getting any nav screen change or hdd etc so I think it's just speculation by someone in another thread. And of course dealerships either don't know or claim it's not getting any major changes cus they want to sell the 09. I took the chance that I'm not going to like the 2010 and that I could get a better price on the 09 now |
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Replying to: x5killer (May 06, 2009 12:37 am)  They make me smile each time.
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lol thanks. I tend to be a bit long winded and repetitive in trying to make a clear point. and i wrote that from my phone so always some typos. some ppl sometimes get annoyed by posts like that and try to attack me so i'm glad you could actually get a laugh or a smile. I just try to be honest and realistic and type like i'm talking with real feelings. anyway back on topic, its kind of asilly one then if sport has the nav of the tech and talking strictly on handling of course the sport is better then the tech in that dept and apparently has everything the tech has. just a matter if you think the better handling and whatever other minor features the sport adds is worth the extra cost. for some it will, others not so much. i'm sure its real but the fact that some ppl can't even tell the difference in the ride would make me think its not super worth it and the ones that say they can tell may be all pyschological. like if you let them test drive a sport and a non sport without telling them which was which, would they know?
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