Junior Member
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Colorado and Kansas
Posts: 29
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Colorado and Kansas
Posts: 29
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We own two of the three vehicles you're considering, a 2013 LTD and a 2013 JX35 (same as the QX60). Am also pretty familiar with the Acura, but mostly the pre-2014.
For cargo, the JX is better than the 4R. About the same behind the 2nd seat, but with all seats folded the JX is much roomier. This is mostly due to the way the second seats fold: the 4R has the seat bottom hinge forward to allow the seat back to fold, while the JX seat bottoms stay fixed. This give the JX a longer cargo area, plus the second row foot space is available to put a lot of stuff... hidden from view as well. The JX also has a small but useful underfloor compartment in the very rear. The MDX has a wider cargo but shorter cargo area than the JX.
Off road: no contest. The JX and MDX are low slung cars, while the 4R has clearance and true 4WD capability. If this is important, stop now and order the 4R. On snowy Colorado roads last winter the JX was wonderful, and I'm sure the MDX would be as well.
Comfort/Luxury: No contest here, either. The 4R loses if you are looking for quiet, a smooth ride, and luxo-feel. Take your pick between the other two, it becomes a matter of taste. Seats in both are fine, but the JX ones are more comfortable in front. JX had more space in second row but no advantage in seat comfort.
On-road handling/driving: I think the last generation MDX was much better than the JX in this regard... tighter handling, more power, better feeling and more accurate steering. We bought the JX for better people and luggage room, plus knew the MDX was near the end of its life cycle. Haven't driven the new version but think this all remains true. 4R falls short of the JX in general, except that I think it has better straight-line highway steering/stability.
Reliability: We've had no issues with either car, and I know Acura is excellent as well. I have to believe the 4R will be better over the long haul, however.
Some asides: the JX roof rack is nearly worthless, with no way to adjust the crossbar spacing and no tie downs; the 4R's is excellent. JX fuel economy is averaging 21.8 over about 25,000 miles; 4R is averaging 18.9 over 5,000. JX takes premium, 4R takes regular. If you get the JX, skip the nanny-packages that try to drive the car for you. I put about 600 miles on our friend's JX heading for a quail hunt last week and had to turn off the stupid lane beepers and adaptive cruise every time I started the car. Also skip the 20" wheels... no better handling, rougher ride, and more $ when you replace them.
Am sure I've failed to address some of your questions and also added unneeded comment. Good luck with your choice, whatever it is!
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