I read many threads but found very little comparisons with the MDX. Since I'm still considering both vehicles, I'd like to get your opinions.

 

Heres a lil somthing if you don't find anything here:
www.acuramdx.org
They have some comparisons with the RX

 

I looked at the MDX before I bought my RX in August. I went with the RX because I liked the RX ride better, the Mrs. liked it more, track record and price.

No one had MDX's on hand at the time and prices were sticker or higher.

Now's probably a good time to get a good deal on either.

Good Luck

 

The RX has TRAC and VSC, and HID as an option.

Both are predominantly FWD, the RX moreso than the MDX.

But of these two, the RX has the decided advantage.

IF you should have a little extra to spend, forget both of these and give the ML320 and maybe the X5 a really good look.

For adverse roadbed conditions these two are likely head and shoulders above the RX and the MDX.

Don't know if you have considered it, but for AWD the Chrysler T&C falls between the RX and the MDX, better than the MDX, but below the RX.

The T&C routes more torque to the rear in "normal" roadbed conditions, whereas the RX only routes about 5%, but the addition of TRAC in the MY2001 maikes up for this difference.

 

Oh, I forgot..

Driving the RX in the wintertime can be extremely HAZARDOUS.

But not for the reasons you would expect!

Be carefull of the RX's automatic climate control, and maybe that of the MDX too. The RX uses a NipponDenso (Denso USA) design, both are of Japanese manufacture so it is likely the MDX does too.

Denso has two shortcomings in their climate control design.

The major one is the fact that they rely solely on the dehumidification capabilities of the A/C system to defog/demist the interior surface of the windshield and keep it defogged or demisted. That capability is non-existent below about 35 degrees F. All DEnso systems automatically shut down the A/C compressor below this temperature and it cannot be manually restarted and would be of little of no use even if it could.

So if your windshield begins to fog over and the outside temperature is below about 47F turn up the temperature setpoint before you switch the system to defog/demist mode.

The second issue is relative minor in comparison. Denso is apparently not aware that well over half of the human body comfort "equation" is due to radient heating/cooling effect. They will change the system to automatically run in cooling mode in the dead of winter if the cabin temperature is reasonably close to the setpoint. DUMB!

You will not find any of these defects in vehicles of European manufacture. Regretably Denso now has established a beach head in the US in that some US manufacturers aer now using that same stupid system.

 

I've had my '01 RX300 for about a year and have never
noticed the symptons you posted... In fact, I like the RX's
climate control system better than my other two vehicles.
('98 MB E320 & '00 C280) The RX always runs quieter and
keep me more comfortable. I always set the temp control at 70 or 72...

I do have the windshield fogging problemw with my '98 MB E320.
Whenever the windwhield starts to fog, I hit the de-fogger button
and it gets worse. The windshield will be all fogged up, but the
condition clears up in about 20 seconds. My solution is to use
the Rain-X Anti-Fog liquid. I've never noticed this
in my RX.

Is the '01 RX's system different than the previous year's RX?

 

If you want to have your truck in the shop alot get a Jeep/Dodge 4x4. If you want to clean brake dust off the front wheels get a Jeep/Dodge BMW. If you want to get an SUV that looks like a minivan get the MDX. If you want the one that all of these would like to be get the RX and just smile Also I have not had this fog problem either on my '01 RX. Almost forgot, If you want the ugly one get the Benz:eek:

 

I have spent quite a lot of time reading the acuramdx.org community board. Most all of them seem to really enjoy their MDX's, but they do generally agree that the RX is more luxurious.
Many of them chose the MDX since it is larger and has a thrid row of seats. They also like the styling better.

I agree with the size/styling comments (favor MDX), but rate RX higher in dependability, comfort, brakes. Tough to decide.

 

If it is that close, then follow your heart. You can always convince your mind

Salim