2014 LTD, 2014 Acura MDX or 2014 Inf QX60

[Bionicpeon]

I am interested in all three vehicles and have the following criteria in order:
1) Cargo room
2) 4WD/AWD ability
3) Reliability
4) Luxury/Tech
5) Money - All about the same with the options I want, but have a Toyota connection making it about $5K less.

I have thoroughly researched the LTD and am planning on buying it but wanted to double check vs the MDX/QX60 prior to pulling the trigger.
LTD: I am not getting the 3rd row or cargo deck as neither seem to be removable and I need maximum cargo space - I haul bulky music gear, not 7 people. I do however take the family of 4 to Colorado to ski and occasionally do light offroading when hunting. Obviously its reliable (I've owned 2 prior Toyotas). Luxury leaves some to be desired, but the new gen LTD seems pretty decent.
MDX: It appears smaller cargo, SHAWD appears fairly potent for snow/ice mountain passes, Acura has good reliability and appears to have outstanding luxury.
JX60: I currently drive a 08 G35 (try hauling PA's and Amps around in that!) and have been very please, plus there's a dealer just down the street. Cargo seems slightly smaller, AWD system can't find much about it online, reliability is above average but not on par with Toy/Acura, Luxury is better than the T4R and close to Acura.

That's why I'm probably going to go with the LTD. Do you agree with the assessment or have other thoughts?

PS: what tires do you suggest for M/S - I've seen 2014's on the lot with Yokohama and Bridgestone Duelers. I have to order my 4Runner due to options and color choices and wonder if I have any say over tires or should just assume I'm buying a new set before heading to Colorado. (or tire chains/cables?)

Thanks,

 

[jfon]

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!