CX-9 vs. MDX

[sbmrinaldi]

I enjoy my CX9, but if I had the money I would own the MDX. I personally feel the gap in prices will be mostly offset upon resale. The MDX will hold value much better and the bulk of your 6k gap will then be regained costing very little difference between cars.

 

[benben01]

The CX-9 is a big CUV with seating for 7 adults. That's the main reason a majority of us chose the CX-9 over the competition. All things being equal, allure of the MDX can't be denied. At the end of the day the little gripes here and there really amounts to nothing. After all, how can you have Zoom Zoom without a stiff suspension?

 

[My09CX-9]

The CX-9 is a big CUV with seating for 7 adults. That's the main reason a majority of us chose the CX-9 over the competition. All things being equal, allure of the MDX can't be denied. At the end of the day the little gripes here and there really amounts to nothing. After all, how can you have Zoom Zoom without a stiff suspension?

Get the MDX with Sport like I did!

 

[Mazda3]

First off, I didn't say you made the wrong choice of tire. Tire choice depends on personal priority's and the range of road conditons where you drive your car. The Pilot Alpins aren't a bad tire, they just aren't one of the new "ice" gripping tires. They aren't even Michelins top rated ice gripper.

My point is simply this, tires like the Blizzak WS-60, Michelin X-Ice2, and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R provide superior ice stopping and turning than anything you have experienced. They are truly amazing and until you actually try these tires in extreme winter conditions you won't understand what I'm talking about. It's not about the deep snow driving I'm talking about, its the special ice gripping compounds. They stop quicker and corner better on ice.

Whether someone should actually buy these tires depends where they live. If you only get extreme icy conditions 2 days a year then they would be a waste of money. Where I live at least 50% of cars have these tires on them come winter time and it really takes all the stress out of winter driving.

 

[Mazda3]

When I sat in the CX-9, it feels much better driving it, but the ride is very jarring. Even more so than the MDX. I knew it before buying, but can't justify spending like $6k more for the MDX. Hopefully with new tires in the future and having a toddler (from an infant now), we won't mind too much.

I haven't driven the new MDX to speak from personal experience, but the critics disagree with this statement. If I remember the last Motortrend comparo with these two in it, they said the CX-9 had almost as good of handling with a lot more comfortable ride. They said the ride was to firm in the MDX for it's target audience. People like my dad would buy the lexus over the Acura because the ride is more comfortable. This is why Acura is in big trouble right now and losing money hand over fist.

Who has driven both 09 models? Do you agree with this statement or not? I'm curious.

 

[harryhood]

I haven't driven the new MDX to speak from personal experience, but the critics disagree with this statement. If I remember the last Motortrend comparo with these two in it, they said the CX-9 had almost as good of handling with a lot more comfortable ride. They said the ride was to firm in the MDX for it's target audience. People like my dad would buy the lexus over the Acura because the ride is more comfortable. This is why Acura is in big trouble right now and losing money hand over fist.

Who has driven both 09 models? Do you agree with this statement or not? I'm curious.

I'm not relying ona Motor Trend article. I drove them both extensively before buying the CX9. I found the MDX to have a much better ride, more comfortable yet plenty sporty, and the closest to BMW's perfect ride/handling tradeoff.

The CX9's ride is mostly undone by the 20" rims on the GT. With 18" rims, you get a less jarring ride (albeit at a minor expense of less crisp handling). but for me, the ride wasn't a problem -- I have heard plenty of others complain about he CX9's stiff ride, especially in GT trim.

 

[Mx5+Cx9]

I love how everybody complains about the "stiff ride" of the GT w/ the 20" rims. I may be one of the few who loves the way it rides! It's responsive, and it's got great feedback. I don't think it feels "jarring" at all. Now my lowered miata... That's jarring!

 

[hamproof]

It's all relative obviously. Metro Detroit roads are at their worst right now for many reasons. Even slightly imperfect roads are causing the CX-9 to bounce up and down. It could be the tires or suspension, but it ain't plush. On relatively new (paved) highways, it is pretty good. Provides nice steering feel and you know what the tires are doing, as opposed to say the typical Toyota (Camry) or Lexus (ES, RX).

If I'm driving this by myself, it won't be a problem coz' I used to harsher rides. But when you have a wife and newborn in the vehicle .. you know what I mean.

 

[wontonjon]

I love how everybody complains about the "stiff ride" of the GT w/ the 20" rims. I may be one of the few who loves the way it rides! It's responsive, and it's got great feedback. I don't think it feels "jarring" at all. Now my lowered miata... That's jarring!

ditto here...i think the "stiff ride" gives me some solace or at least a false sense that i'm still driving my bmw...

i've gotten so used to the ride on my bmw that i think my gt on 20"s is actually a bit softer

to eacth their own i suppose!

 

[arcateq]

I think our GT with the 20" rims rides like its on air compared to my Ford F-250 Super Duty FX-4. Talk about getting beat to death!

 

[benben01]

Talking about stiff.. Getting ready to do an upgrade and run 295/40 on some new light weight 20 inchers. The stock 20s are HEAVY.

 

[harryhood]

ditto here...i think the "stiff ride" gives me some solace or at least a false sense that i'm still driving my bmw...

i've gotten so used to the ride on my bmw that i think my gt on 20"s is actually a bit softer

to eacth their own i suppose!

I'm totally fine with the ride. My other car is a stock 2004 Volvo V70R -- even in the softest suspension setting, that car is jarring on less-then-perfect roads. But I can see why someone might not like the CX9's ride -- handling is spectacular but with the 20" rims/tires., you do feel more of the bumps in the road than you would in an 18" wheel/tire setup.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

I'm totally happy with the 18s. Even if I got a GT I would probably switch to 18" wheels.