I recently traded my 2011 MDX Nav for 2014 MDX Tech. (My fifth Acura, still have an 08 TL-S which I will never trade.)
Since Acura went from three trim levels to four, they obviously spread the “goodies” around a bit. I would have been happy with the 2014 MDX Nav but they had the lower grade (non-perforated) leather seats, which I didn’t want. The rear heated seats and 9” entertainment system were also “moved up” to the Tech trim and since I had them in the 11 MDX that is a bonus… (Some items appear to be different in Canada compared to the US trim levels – the heated steering wheel for example is awesome and heats instantly.)
Other miscellaneous observations:
Styling – always subjective and I consider it a toss-up. The 11 MDX looked sportier and the 14 MDX looks more refined. I thought I would miss the twin exhaust on the old MDX but the lowliest Kia has them now so it’s a good time to move on.
Headlights – wow! The 14 headlights are easily the brightest and longest throw that I have ever seen. On a dark road at night my daughter thought I was driving with the high beams on.
Seats – still very comfortable but the 11 MDX seats could be adjusted to be perfectly flat (i.e. more forward tilt).
Controls – obviously a less cluttered look but you will not just throw the keys to a buddy and say “take it for a spin” … a short tutorial will be required. I think they should have left the seat heater buttons where they were. The new MID and some of the options (I.e. compass) are neat and the temperature display is separate, which is nice.
Ride and NVH – this is where the 14 MDX really shines compared to the 11 MDX. Much smoother and quieter ride – one of the reasons it feels “less sporty” even though the numbers tell a different tale. This will be much appreciated on longer road trips. I should mention that I kept the all-season tires on the 11 MDX all year round, whereas I am now using winter tires (Michelin X-Ice 2 on 18” Acura OEM wheels) – I suspect that when I go to the all-seasons the ride difference may be even more noticeable.
Brakes – initial impression is that the 14 MDX brakes are softer and require more travel before they bite but it is very early in the break-in period so this may change. (Less than 300 km or 200 miles.)
Fit and finish – I don’t miss the acres of shiny fake wood on the 11 MDX. My 14 MDX has a poorly installed trim piece above the glove compartment but that is an easy fix. Otherwise the finish is excellent. The 11 MDX back seat center arm rest with the pull-out cup holders is nicer than the 14 MDX version – although the new one is easier for small kids to use. The sun visor on the driver’s side can’t be extended like on the 11 MDX – not sure why we lost that since all they had to do was not glue the visor to the metal arm.
Since Acura went from three trim levels to four, they obviously spread the “goodies” around a bit. I would have been happy with the 2014 MDX Nav but they had the lower grade (non-perforated) leather seats, which I didn’t want. The rear heated seats and 9” entertainment system were also “moved up” to the Tech trim and since I had them in the 11 MDX that is a bonus… (Some items appear to be different in Canada compared to the US trim levels – the heated steering wheel for example is awesome and heats instantly.)
Other miscellaneous observations:
Styling – always subjective and I consider it a toss-up. The 11 MDX looked sportier and the 14 MDX looks more refined. I thought I would miss the twin exhaust on the old MDX but the lowliest Kia has them now so it’s a good time to move on.
Headlights – wow! The 14 headlights are easily the brightest and longest throw that I have ever seen. On a dark road at night my daughter thought I was driving with the high beams on.
Seats – still very comfortable but the 11 MDX seats could be adjusted to be perfectly flat (i.e. more forward tilt).
Controls – obviously a less cluttered look but you will not just throw the keys to a buddy and say “take it for a spin” … a short tutorial will be required. I think they should have left the seat heater buttons where they were. The new MID and some of the options (I.e. compass) are neat and the temperature display is separate, which is nice.
Ride and NVH – this is where the 14 MDX really shines compared to the 11 MDX. Much smoother and quieter ride – one of the reasons it feels “less sporty” even though the numbers tell a different tale. This will be much appreciated on longer road trips. I should mention that I kept the all-season tires on the 11 MDX all year round, whereas I am now using winter tires (Michelin X-Ice 2 on 18” Acura OEM wheels) – I suspect that when I go to the all-seasons the ride difference may be even more noticeable.
Brakes – initial impression is that the 14 MDX brakes are softer and require more travel before they bite but it is very early in the break-in period so this may change. (Less than 300 km or 200 miles.)
Fit and finish – I don’t miss the acres of shiny fake wood on the 11 MDX. My 14 MDX has a poorly installed trim piece above the glove compartment but that is an easy fix. Otherwise the finish is excellent. The 11 MDX back seat center arm rest with the pull-out cup holders is nicer than the 14 MDX version – although the new one is easier for small kids to use. The sun visor on the driver’s side can’t be extended like on the 11 MDX – not sure why we lost that since all they had to do was not glue the visor to the metal arm.