2016 Acura MDX: 9-speed transmission puts the thrill back into SUV driving

Really? I would recommend you take one for a long-term drive and then report back.

Owners have complained about first/second gear shifting issues - and problems with the "new" SH-AWD - around the Web. Not to mention the frustrating navigation/infotainment debacle.

But I think Acura is playing with fire here. The only thing which *hasn't* required unscheduled service on my 2015 MDX is the transmission.

This article looks like a paid advertisement for Acura.

If you drove one 680 miles and didn't experience the "engine braking" phenomenon, 1-2 shift lag, or other related oddities, then either Acura gamed the review or you had a good duck for a car. Also if the touch screen hasn't bothered you, then you must have not used it or had a high tolerance for frustration with slow, antiquated systems.

And it's not about what Acura has done for me (I was just using my car - my seventh Acura - to prove that I've been dealing with this) - it's about impartiality in the press. As a professional writer, I take exception because this looks like a piece written based on press releases.

Also note editing/grammar issues in the first section, which shows little to no editing:
For 2016, ***In steps Acura’s button engaged, 9 speed Sequential SportShift ™*** automatic transmission and (IDS) Integrated Dynamics System.

Hey Josh L. How goes it? Actually Josh L, while I do take exception to the less than seamless operation of voice recognition, I found the touch screen in my unit to work as designed. The article reflects an opinion based on an extended drive and ride review of 2015 and 2016 MDX. Is it perfect? No, but then again, I've yet to discover the perfect vehicle universally accepted by all that drive it. look through the Acura archive, I'm sure you'll discover a critical review of a component or two.

Thanks for the article. I went and test drove this car and loved it. I ended up buying it. I found the transmission to be absolutely fantastic. Very smooth and seamless. The touch screen is a little laggy, but I can live with that. It is a great vehicle! There are a lot of 2016 haters. These people are mostly 2015 owners who are soured on the fact that they have a dated model. I feel the transmission is an improvement over the 6 speed which I had. Faster shifting and the engine is always in the right gear.

Josh L must be a 2014 MDX owner because the 2016 has no 1-2 shift lag. He read this on the internet from another 2014 MDX owner who is upset that his car has been out dated. Does Josh expect us to believe that he bought the 2016 without test driving it? If he test drove it, did he not notice this lag he is is talking about? Would he still buy a car that had this lag that he despises? Or maybe the car worked fine during the test drive and something happened. If that is the case, stop complaining on a blog and go see your dealer.

I have put almost 500 miles on my MDX with sh-awd and absolutely love it! Transmission for me shifts smooth and is always in the right gear. If I need to pass it's as easy as going WOT and she just purrs. I'm coming from a Acura TL type S and I have to say I prefer the M.

Just bought a 2016 MDX with tech. With a recent road trip, I found the initial comfort of the seats to be a royal pain, literally. I am a 6 footer, and had to either stop often or adjust my seat due to fatigue. Not noticeable at all on short trips, but perhaps I am used to my 2013 Volvo xc90 seats? Also, what have you experienced with heavy traffic? The tranny bucks a lot and feels like it should stay in a higher gear for a smoother stop-and-go experience. The "sport" mode (obviously) makes it almost unbearable in heavy traffic. Otherwise, the ride is superb, and the nav with voice is truly exceptional, offering appropriate rerouting to avoid traffic/congestion. Some background info: I have a 2003 TL-S that has been THE most comfortable and fun to drive car I have ever had. I can't seem to part with it. It has been almost flawless (yes, the tranny was replaced at 105,000 miles but my dealer really took care of me).

I LOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEE my 2016 MDX w/tech. I've had three Acura's and love the brand. Have about 3,500 miles with no complaints.

My 2016 MDX has been a great purchase! The 9 speed transmission is so smooth!!! Josh L is a jealous 2015 owner with a 6 speed. Don't believe the hate. Go test drive the 2016 MDX if you are interested in it.

Family took our first 450+ mile round trip in our 2016 SH-AWD MDX. Drive and ride was amazing. Tried out all 3 IDS settings and I am amazed at the difference between each selection. Cabin was super quiet, ride was smooth, transmission and engine worked together harmoniously creating plenty of power when needed or quiet and efficient on those long 100 mile stretches of road. Anyone who knocks the transmission/engine is either never test drove one and is going off what they have read or they don't know how to command their vehicle. I am very picky and my 2016 MDX exceeds all my expectations.

We have had a 2016 MDX with Adv Technology. I am not that tall at all, 6ft, and our family vacation to the beach was uncomfortable with the left foot rest way too close to the seat, you ride with your left knee jammed up too close. We love all other aspects about the car especially with the near 29 MPH on the highway trips. Big issue with the engine downshifting and uneven braking. When you are driving 25-30 MPH and need to brake to turn, the engine will downshift and the car lunges and can almost be unsafe with braking. The inability to smoothly brake is really an issue.

After buying a 2016 MDX Advance in Apr., we left for an extended trip and when I returned, I forgot whether or not you can downshift from the console (as opposed to the paddle shifter on the left side of the steering wheel.) It seems to me that you could downshift from one of the switches on the console. The only place seems to be the reverse switch but for obvious reasons, I'm reluctant to try it at moving speeds.

I'm about 1,200 miles into my new 2016 MDX. In general, I'm extremely happy with it. Driving is fun and sporty when I want it to, and comfortable the rest of the time, depending on how the IDS is set. The transmission has been perfect. No complaints about it, at all. This is my third Acura, and they've all been great cars. The only complaint I've had with the MDX is too much wind noise from the top of the driver's side door. I took it to my dealer for an adjustment, and it's much better now.

If I could change just one thing: Acura, please let us permanently disable Auto-Engine Stop!

Ned B.
I agree with your comments completely. I bought a 2016 MDX and when you are coasting down a hill and then put your foot on the brake the transmission Upshifts and accelerates which is extremely unsafe. The transmission is very jerky when starting from a dead stop. The engine will wind up and after a short lag it will shift with a jerk. Its my second MDX. Last one was a 2010 with no problems.