Volvo XC90... Acura MDX... What do you know? OR..... X5 3.0?

[MR 325]

A family member is looking for a small AWD SUV.

Does anyone have personal experience with either the XC90 or MDX?

#r3vlifedecisios

Edit: What about a X5 3.0?

[tttoon]

I rented an XC90 for 3 days in July. It was nice inside, really good leather. Automatic was pretty good for an automatic. Drove like a heavy SUV. It had a straight 6 transverse engine with atrocious gas mileage.

[myinfernalbmw]

Acura can't seem to build a transmission worth a damn. My buddies parents ended up buying a Lexus GX and Toyota Sequoia to replace their MDX and TL, both of which had transmissions go out under 100k miles

[Brezzi]

get the XC90

I've worked on them they are quite the family hauler. I'd op for the v8 for fun factor but yea they kind of are like the the BMW X line in that they are good looking SUVs that are better at being cars than off roaders.

I've worked on the MDX too Its pretty quick for an SUV as well it just feels a little too Jappy for my taste. Never heard of tranny problems though.

Tires aren't cheap for either of them and Both seemed to run through their front pads quite quickly.

[Stanley Rockafella]

get the XC90.... I'd op for the v8 for fun factor but yea they kind of are like the the BMW X line in that they are good looking SUVs that are better at being cars than off roaders.

Do they even make a V8 model anymore?


I'm usually very anti-Volvo, but for a "small AWD SUV" I'd go XC60.

Simply because of the reviews:

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/browse/volvo/

[Tamataz]

Jeremy Clarkson approves of the XC90, and drives it.

[eur04lif3]

Acura can't seem to build a transmission worth a damn. My buddies parents ended up buying a Lexus GX and Toyota Sequoia to replace their MDX and TL, both of which had transmissions go out under 100k miles

yup. they are notorious for transmission fails. my buddy had to change his TL trans at aprox 100k.
I wouldn't get an acura.

[shameson]

From what I know of either, the Volvo seems to be the more solid choice.

Are they deciding just between those two? My dad who is a e30/really only ever owned euros too actually is looking into the new AWD Ford escapes to replace his Mercedes wagon as the utility trailer hauler. The sports look pretty good, aren't oversized and they are decently priced especially for a one year old model

[Mlarsen]

As someone who owns a Honda and Acura repair shop transmission failure isn't as common as everyone is making it out to be. Most of the people with transmission failure follow manufacturer recommendations and they don't change their fluid for like 60k which ruins those trannies. MDX's get shit mpgs if they're looking for a smaller SUV I'd be looking at the CR-V's.

[bmwm42]

Ive owned an xc90 v8 loved it great power mpg no issues whatsoever

[e30rapidic]

My sister has a new MDX...one step sister, 2 neighbors and my sister-in-law all have XC90's and love them. Do they have young kids? XC90 is probably more kid friendly than the MDX.

They are both boring but solid drives.

[ajhostetter]

I'm a crazy Volvo lover/owner. The XC90 is the way to go. Just don't get a first year T6. Awful moneypits. The V8's are really good. And get service history!! They all cost a good chunk of dough every 100K or so. If all the little stuff wasn't dealt with, it's worse than a poorly maintained E34. My .02

[s14pwd]

Have an MDX since new, never had a major issue. Regular maintenance and the thing has never let me down. Plus parts are nice and cheap!

[Holland]

Isn't the XC90 notorious for having the most recalls for any single vehicle?

[einhander]

MDX so you can put Type R badges on it.