Hey Scotty, Love your candor and common sense views. I'm an Ole retired guy looking for a new SUV for long road trips and daily driver, just don't want to buy the wrong one. I want the flexibility of a 3 row SUV not so much for Hauling people as the space and size of car it offers. I've driven a 2011 Highlander for 10 yrs and it's been great but not interested in their new model due to their looks and wanted something a little more luxury and exciting. Comparing the new 2022 Acura MDX and the Genesis GV80 V-6T. The 3 row SUV market has tons of options but kinda narrowed down to these. Lots of folks raving over the new GV80 and yes it looks great but which do you think is the better long term car. It's not about money here as it much as best all around car. Is there any other SUVs you'd think i should compare with these? TIA for your opinion.
How long do you plan to keep and how many miles do you hope to put on it? Are you going to lease or buy? Also, AWD or not? Definitely avoid the Genesis as their quality (esp. long term) has not been good and their dealership experience is terrible (when you need service). I also can’t readily recommend the Acura MDX because their last generation (MY2014-2021) had 3.5L V6 (J35Y5) that had direct injection-only (so susceptible to carbon buildup on the back of the intake valve) and also cylinder deactivation (what Honda/Acura calls VCM) which can degrade/damage your engine over time. Also, their ZF 9-speed AT long term it’s not clear how it will hold up. For these reasons I would have stuck with the Toyota Highlander, but if not I would recommend a Toyota Sequoia, Land Cruiser, or a Lexus GX or LX for 3-row SUVs that will last you a long time with minimal issues.
Thanks for your comments.
Buying, maybe 10,000 miles a year, would keep it if it holds up like the Highlander. Yes, Not a fan of VCM on the Acura but thought I'd push the deactivation button at start up. If you run on sport mode it deactivates VCM and cylinder deactivation and one button to push to deactivate both. The new MDX comes with a new Honda 10 speed but new means no real understanding how it will perform. Looked at the Lexus options but just not a fan of their looks and think they need a next generation to get tech competitive. No doubt a Toyota product is hard to beat.
With VCM, even if you deactivate like you say, the hardware is still intact and will always remain a liability. I can’t recommend any engines with that technology.
The Acura hands down. Genesis is just a fancy Hyundai and they do not hold up well over time.
Just get that Genesis GV80 V-6T - or whatever - right out of your mind! Go and get that Acura MDX. Enough said, …
F.S.
… btw, if you care to save a bit of cash, … look at "full zoot" Honda Pilot. Pretty well the same vehicle, built in the same plant, built on the same assembly line as MDX, … just cheaper grill ornament and altered sheet metal.
F.S.
MDX for sure. The new one is nice looking and has all the bells and whistles of a performance luxury brand. The smart choice to get the most out of your money fir the long term.
If money really is no object, try out the Genesis and let us know! It is a Hyundai, and Hyundai usually gets a bad wrap on this forum and elsewhere. I’ve only experienced Hyundai’s as lower mileage rental cars.
But really. Of all the luxury SUVs out there on the market, the brand new MDX is where I’d go at this moment.
