Same is true for the Accord, Fusion or Mazda6. You can even get a top of the line AWD Fusion for under 30k. These are similarly priced, although the Accord is the most expensive of the bunch (and interestingly, the best selling).

How is the transmission? I have heard that the MDX is using the VF 9 speed transmission that is plaguing ever car they put it in. People will probably cross-shop the MDX and XC90, so any other comparisons would be useful.

I don’t disagree with your comments, but the problem is the competition. You can get an Accord, Mazda6 or Fusion, all of which are (subjectively) better cars, for the same price or less. I don’t think the Passat is a bad car, but it certainly lacks when compared to peers once you start cross-shopping.

I agree. The Fusion Titanium has a better interior than this. Steering wheel looks decent though.

The 6 does not outhandle the AWD Fusion/Mondeo. Maybe it outhandles the FWD versions, but no chance against the AWD variant.

You can also get the Fusion in AWD, making it comparable to non-Trailhawk trims in almost any weather condition.

Jalopnik should do an article about what the problems are with the ZF 9-speed transmission. I know that particular transmission has given the V6 Cherokee problems in the past. The same transmission appears to be in other Land Rover, Chrysler and Acura vehicles. Also curious if anyone has experienced problems with the…

I still don’t understand why they removed the SH-AWD system from the old RDX. The older RDXers were more sporty.

Come back when you have a family and need a full size SUV. Acura as a line of cars is pretty horrendous, but the MDX is a damn fine seven-seater for the price.

Dominican is not a race. His comments are certainly problematic, but they aren’t “racist”.

I only have two faults with Subaru - 1) their use of the CVT is annoying, particularly in the higher trim levels; and 2) they need a bigger SUV in their line-up.

I still don’t understand why anyone would buy one of these (even in 4WD) over a comparably equipped Cherokee.

The ZF 8 speed transmission in the GC are not problematic. Only the ZF 9 speed in the smaller Cherokee.

I would stay as far away from the ZF 9 speed transmission as I could. That thing has been a problem in every car its been put into, including non-Jeep brands.

The problems are limited to the ZF 9 Speed, which is odd because ZF typically makes fantastic transmissions. The 9 Speed is probably a unique failure.

According to a quick google search, some transmissions have been replaced altogether.

Ford is finally putting out decent products. Here’s to hoping they stick to their word and just proceed as they have been for the last two years. Who knows what a merger would do to the end product.

Software flashes, similar to what others have done. My understanding is that the flashes minimize the jerkiness because it tweaks the shifting software.

Mostly hard shifting and gear searching. Similar to what has been complained with respect to the Cherokees.

People have been complaining about the ZF 9AT in the TLX on the Acura forums. The only car that I know of withthe transmission that I haven’t read any complaints about is the Evogue.