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I've been waiting for my MDX for 2 months now but test drove a Sequoia last week. Even though this is a much larger vehicle than the MDX it feels incredibly peppy and nimble. I wasn't expecting it to feel so smooth. Has anyone else tried the Sequoia yet? Here's my take on the Sequoia vs. MDX:
What I like about TS over MDX:
1. comfort in *all* seats - even 3rd row.
2. engine - kick the pedal and you really take off!
3. more room (cargo and passenger)
4. better towing (even though I don't expect to tow much). Limited comes with tow package.
5. Less of a wait! I can get one I like tomorrow.
What I don't like about the TS:
1. Worse MPG (14/18)
2. Interior dash weird... almost Ford like?
3. No navi option :-(
4. a few grand more for the Limited over MDX/Tour/Navi and still no moon roof. (extra option)
I'm really concerned what I'm reading on these forums about the MDX having uncomfortable seats and the off-center position of the steering wheel. I'd love to see some more opinions from existing MDX owners on this.
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| my 2 cents... I find the seats comfortable and my wife in the passenger seat and 2 kids in the back have not complained. Longest trip has been 90 miles. As far as the steering wheel off center position, it is VERY minimal and I did not notice it until it was mentioned on the edmunds posts. As a matter of fact, when I went to look for it I took me a few minutes to figure out what the offset was. |
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Ditto to rlm32. I remembered the complaints while driving so when I checked it myself, at first I saw nothing wrong with the alignment. After second check in the garage I did notice the offset but it is like an inch or less.
My opinion about the Sequoia, or Toyota in general, I think they tend to be overpriced. |
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| I've had my GG Touring/Nav for about a month, have since logged 1,500+ miles and have tried my damndest to determine what is meant by an offset steering wheel ever since someone alluded to it in Edmund's Town Hall 6-8 weeks ago. The very top of the wheel in *my* MDX is centered perfectly with the very center of the dash cutout, and as far as I can see, it also is centered perfectly in front of my body. If someone would like to elaborate on what is meant by an "offset steering wheel," I'd like to read about it. That's not to say the seating position is absolutely perfect insofar as I am concerned. Although I have no problem whatsoever finding a very comfortable seating position for an extended (4-6 hour) drive, if I had my druthers I'd like to see the steering wheel have the capability of tilting down an additional inch or two. But then, I'd also like to be able to push a button and have two robotic hands extend from the driver's head rest and give me a neck massage! Alas, perhaps next year, after Acura fixes the problem with the "offset steering wheel." |
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I tried to drive a Sequoia before I bought the MDX, but I couldn't find one. I still have not seen one. How is it that there is no waiting. I imagine the steering is still "Toyota" like the RX300 and my wife's Sienna, which I just can't accept. I like to have control of the vehicle.
Did it really have more room? I can believe that the seats are more comfortable, since Toyota's seats are some of the best. Tell us a little more. Is there a Sequoia site?
J Wilson |
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| Toyota's web site has a nicely done section on the Sequoia. It can be found here. Yes, the Sequoia is much more roomier than the MDX. To me the steering is fine. In fact this SUV drives like a dream. Its been a while since I've driven the MDX. I've been trying to drive both on the same day but without success. Today the MDX dealer told me that one of the salesmen went to lunch with their test MDX's keys in his pocket. |
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dana:
This is a tough comparison since the 2 vehicles are basically different from the get go. If you want to drive around in a full-sized >5,000lb truck get the Sequoia. If you want something mid-sized <4,500lbs get the MDX.
You can argue all day about details but I don't understand how any comparison between 2 such differently sized and constructed vehicles can be valid. It comes down to what you want to drive and that's a decision only you can make.
I had the same exact choice and didn't finalize my MDX purchase until the Sequoia came out. One look at the Sequoia and I was back to the my Acura dealer. After 1 month of MDX ownership I can tell you that having the MDX means "never having to say your're sorry"!
Happy decision making. I'm sure you will be satisfied which ever choice you make. |
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Bobp:
If I never drove the Sequoia, I would have agreed with you 100%. However, I'm now a believer that technical classification of a vehicle shouldn't stop you from test-driving the vehicle.
To me (and to my surprise), the Sequoia doesn't feel like a full-sized truck (like a pickup or Tahoe or Suburban). Only a test-drive can explain this.
My primary objective was to get the best SUV that 40K could buy me. My wife is shocked that I decided with something other than the MDX. I've tested the MDX, Sequoia, ML320, Montero Sport, the full-size Montero, the Pathfinder (QX4), 4Runner, Explorer, Durango, Tribute, Yukon and the JGC. The Yukon is a hands-down a truck. The Seq is nowhere near a Yukon in trucky feel.
I completely agree with you in that "It comes down to what you want to drive and that's a decision only you can make." The key point to all the folks out there is that you will feel better with your decision by test-driving all the vehicles you can in your price range... don't discount the vehicle merely on its technical classification.
The things that made me go with the Sequoia are:
1. Seat comfort. front, middle *and third* rows. Adults won't have a problem in the 3rd row. Although I don't cart around 5 adults that much there is always the occasional need (ex. office lunches, weddings, in-laws/parents, etc..)
2. engine power. Although the Motor Trend numbers show the MDX as being fractions faster, the Sequoia feels incredibly faster on the highway. Perhaps it is the 315lb.-ft. of torque. The torque is what makes driving fun for me.
3. I love the handling. Can the MDX do the zig-zag thing around the cones faster? Probably. Does it matter? Probably not.
4. 128 cubic feet of cargo space. I'll probably never need this space but I won't find myself duck-taping anything to my roof anymore! (yes, I'm embarrassed to say that I had to do this on my Corolla once).
5. power rear window.
6. the steering wheel feels right. It tilts right.
7. captain's chairs.
One note on the Sequoia: most of the advertising you see on the Sequoia shows the Limited model with that rear spoiler/visor thing. In my opinion this looks stupid and messes up the look of the SUV. This spoiler is standard on the Limited... not on the SR5.
If everything goes right tomorrow, I'll be picking up my SR5 with moonroof, alloy wheel package and convenience package for $39k.
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Dana:
I wish you the best of luck with your Sequoia. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. However I'm not sure I agree with your comment about not excluding a vehicle based on class. For me that was a determining factor.
The Sequoia was more metal than I wanted. My wife was against anything the size of an Expedition or larger. It is, after all, almost 20 inches longer than the MDX. Where my family lives, drives and garages, that makes a difference!
I was also a previous Toyota owner (Supra in the 80's) and have very positive memories of my Toyota experience. That's what made me wait to check out the Sequoia before making my final decision.
Here's to many happy miles for all of us in whatever we choose to drive!
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I think the Sequoia is a handsome vehicle; and the Tundra, on which it is based, generally receives superlative reviews from the auto rags. My wife and I discussed it, but we ultimately vetoed it because of gas mileage and exterior dimensions. Our MDX is the family (of 5) mobile, and more leg room at the third seat would be nice, as would more cargo space. As for mileage, around town we are averaging about 14.8 mpg accoring to the trip computer I don't know how much worse the Sequoia would have been. If you have room in the garage, the Toyota seems like a good option.
Johnnie |
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I was surprised and happy to find out that the Seq actually fits in my garage! I just need to clean up some junk along the side wall so I can open the door. The Seq is one inch wider than the MDX. I don't know if this includes the side mirrors or not... I'm going on the Edmunds "width" specs. So far I only have 200 miles on the Seq and the trip computer reports 15mpg average. I can't tell how accurate this is yet. I've been *trying* to be gentle with it during break-in. The way I usually drive, I'll probably get 10mpg average.
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Dana,
Read the "MDX driver's seat ergonomics" thread in the general disscusions forum.
Merry Christmas! |
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| Stuart |
I have to say that I also have been comparing the Toyota Sequoia and the Acura MDX. My basic requirements that started this comparison are that I wanted something with 4WD/AWD and my wife wanted something that seats 6 or more. This narrows the playing field quite a bit and since I wanted something reliable, I feel like the Sequoia and MDX would be the best choices for my money. Since I don't have to have a new car right away, I'm hoping that by waiting (maybe a year), I can get a better deal. I'm leaning towards the Sequoia and my wife is leaning towards the MDX. She loves both cars, and actually would rather have a Toyota since we have had such good luck with my Celica, but she says that she cannot buy a car that gets 14 MPG.
I agree with Dana on many of here likes/dislikes:
Sequoia over MDX:
1. Should seat 6 adults comfortably and easier to get to 3rd row.
2. Roomier
3. Hate the fake wood dash on the MDX. (Is there an aftermarket replacement to match the rest of the dash or in real wood?)
4. Local Toyota dealer will give free oil changes as long as I own the vehicle.
5. Better towing (even though I don't expect to tow much).
6. Better Powertrain warranty (5yr/60k vs. 4yr/50k)
7. Full size spare
MDX over Sequoia:
1. Gas mileage(17/21 vs. 14/18)
2. Navigation (Can install aftermarket Alpine in Sequoia, but will add to cost ($2k-3K).
3. Back seats easier to handle (fold flat in MDX; have to remove the 3rd row in the Sequoia, 2nd row tumble forward).
4. Smaller vehicle. MDX would probably be easier to drive in everyday use, although the Sequoia would probably be nicer on trips (other than gas mileage).
5. Better overall warranty (4yr/50k vs. 3yr/36k)
6. Better price (Touring w/Navigation vs. Limited 4x4). Wondering if I will really get a better price since I'm thinking that I will probably be able to get a Sequoia for less than MSRP in the future and doubt that it will happen soon if ever for the MDX. |
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I have shopped and driven both vehicles at least 4 times each.
I agree they are very different.
My opinion is this. The MDX is a superior value and it is definitley a smaller vehicle in every dimension. Whether you want mid size or full size is really the question.
Priced feature to feature the MDX is at least $5,000 less(touring versus 4x4 limited)
The MDX rides like a car, the Seqouia rides almost like a car.
If you can live with the smaller size get the MDX, if not get the Sequoia. |
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stuart
3. Hate the fake wood dash on the MDX. (Is there an aftermarket replacement to match the rest of the dash or in real wood?)
:D
Yes there is at http://www.exoticwooddash.com !
It is an 18 piece set sold at $233
http://www.exoticwooddash.com/wd382.htm
I've seen pics, of it installed already, that people have posted on other forums and the kit looks AWESOME ! Worth the money.
Hate the fake wood? You must be nuts !?!?!?
I love the wood trim & I am definitely going to get the dash kit from exoticwooddash.
Matter of opinion.
:D
Good luck.
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I liked the fake wood in the MDX.
Back to the Sequoia comparison...
I put about 1000 miles on my new Sequoia this past week. I love this vehicle but my only gripe is with the traction control.
This morning when trying to pull onto a road with fast traffic (with no visible snow or ice), the traction control kicked in and brought the vehicle to a stop. The oncoming traffic had to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting me. If I had it in 4wd mode this probably would not have happened but with the Sequoia you have to hit a button to put it in 4wd mode. As you probably know, the MDX is AWD all the time so you don't have to worry about this. From what I've read, the MDX handles this particular situation very well compared to the competition. Originally, it wasn't very high on my list when coming down to the final decision about what to buy. Now that I've witnessed it in person, however, I see the potential dangers of this power-down "feature" of many SUVs.
Another annoying thing about the Sequoia is that there is a delay before the vehicle transitions to 4wd mode after hitting the button. I counted up to 10 seconds. It probably has something to do with whether the vehicle is in motion or not.
Oh well. Hope this helps future buyers.
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quote:
Originally posted by Acura4Life
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stuart
3. Hate the fake wood dash on the MDX. (Is there an aftermarket replacement to match the rest of the dash or in real wood?)
:D
Yes there is at http://www.exoticwooddash.com !
It is an 18 piece set sold at $233
http://www.exoticwooddash.com/wd382.htm
I've seen pics, of it installed already, that people have posted on other forums and the kit looks AWESOME ! Worth the money.
Hate the fake wood? You must be nuts !?!?!?
I love the wood trim & I am definitely going to get the dash kit from exoticwooddash.
Matter of opinion.
:D
Good luck.
I am afraid that the kit above is SIMULATED wood, not real wood. Go to:
http://www.exoticwooddash.com/acura.htm
And scroll down to MDX trim kits; they only have one available in simulated wood, not rosewood or burlwood/carbon fiber. Too bad.
I think the fake wood on the MDX looks pretty good, IMHO. |
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I like the wood dash link. How hard is that to install?
Anybody know where I can get an MDX gold package cheap? |
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Test drove the MDX today and the Sequioa (SQ)Saturday.
I have been looking for a new vehicle that will fit my family of 6 while the Caravan is in the shop. I was attracted by the Dodge Durango's third row seat(I was stuck at the Dodge dealership while the Caravan was being fixed). I couldn't see spending that much money on another Dodge so I went over to the Toyota dealership and took in the Sequoia. First, it's enormous. I brought it home and parked it in the garage next to the Caravan and it simply dwarfed it. Second, for such a large vehicle, it drove and handled like a dream. The seats were so comfortable, every single one; even the third row (which was easy to get into.) The SQ accelerated like a racecar, braked wonderfully and handled on the road w/o problems. BUT, it is so big and the mpg is simply awful. My wife thought it was a neat vehicle but couldn't see paying the sticker for such an environmental nightmare.
The MDX was far more manageable in size, mpg and price. The ride was far stiffer compared to the SQ. My wife felt the seats were less comfortable. I didn't note the steering wheel to be off center. It accelerated well, braked well and cornered well. The third row was quite difficult for the kids to get into but was plenty of room (our 4 are all < 8 y/o.) The shifter was ackward. The view over the hood was better and there were fewer blind spots.
I could have left the lot with the SQ ($1250 off MSRP.)After a $1000 deposit, I may see an MDX in March.
For my needs, the MDX wins hands down.
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Personally, I have always hated plood (plastic wood). Kindof reminds me of the "family truckster" in the Vacation movie. I'm not too crazy about the metallic stuff in the Sequoia, either, but it sure beats plood.
But, in spite of the plood and even after careful consideration of the Sequoia, I choose the MDX. I can't believe I bought a vehicle with plood in it, but I did. I would have easily paid $5,000 more for the MDX if it was available with wood, or even vinyl. I'm even considering going to a shop near here who says they can vinyl-coat the plood for a few thousand $. My concern is whether they can match the grain correctly. I cannot imagine why anyone would buy from exoticwooddash and put even MORE plood in the car, but I guess people have different tastes.
If anyone could tell me where I can get the plood replaced with wood, I would be indebted to you for life... or at least as long as I own the MDX. :) |
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Totally disagree with you. IN EVERY WAY !!!!
I think the wood adds a touch of luxary. Everyone who has sat inside my MDX LOVED IT. They even went as far as saying that it needs a little more to make it complete.
I WILL DEFINITELY buy the kit from http://www.exoticwooddash.com and the Wood Steering Wheel & it WILL make the MDX look amazing & complete.
Just a matter of opinion, but there are MORE people on this website that agree with me on this on.
If the wood is so bad looking why do some many other luxary car & SUV makers include it ?!?!? God knows, I test drove them all...and they ALL had it. Acura's is the nicest looking.
Good luck, enjoy & Happy-MDXing !!!
:D
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rbuck:
I agree that the plood is not as pleasing as real wood but the MDX's was well done on the dash and console. I think the only place it looks really poor is on the doors by the window switches...the way it curves around makes it look just like what it is; plastic. Despite this I accepted an option that added more plood around the radio/nav, a/c vents, sunroof switch, sunglass holder, cup holders inside the console and rear armrest as well as all the door lock units. I also went for the wheel and shift knob. Overall I think it classes up the interior expect for the afore mentioned window switch area.
My only complaint is that no matter how good it looks it still FEELS LIKE PLASTIC. Kind of makes my wonder if I should have stuck with the leather wheel and shift knob... |
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When I first heard about the plastic, I didn't believe it. Plood belongs on some other cars but not on
an Acura. We bought ours anyway.
Johnnie |
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BobP has got it workin' hard !
That's what I'm talking about.
I might get the shift knob too, we'll see.
Wood...wood...& more wood !
Bring it on !
:D
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I actually traded in a car I liked in all other respects, 1997 Chrylser Sebring Convertible JXI, because the driving position was so offset it annoyed me everytime I drove the car. Having said that, I don't actually notice the offset in the MDX even though I can see it if I try. I think the difference is that because the JXI was a much lower seating position, I was pretty much staring at the dashboard all the time where with the MDX I am looking down to see the full dashboard - if that makes sense to you. Anyway, I am conscience of it and it doesn't bother me in the MDX.
On seating. We pack me, my wife, a 14 yr old, 12 yr old, 9 yr old and 6 yr old in the MDX and it has become their favorite vehicle over the Chrysler Town and Country Minivan. I also was considering the Sequioa but the overall size of the thing is HUGE! The MDX works. It's shorter, same height and a little wider than our Minivan and the seating positions are higher than the minivan. It fits confortably in the garage and in parking spaces. Oh and it has a really small turning radius.
Hands down - MDX over Sequioa for me!
Keep on truckin! |
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quote:
Originally posted by Acura4Life
Wood...wood...& more wood !
Sounds like a mantra... keep saying it and maybe it'll come true. :) |
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WOOD rules!
My opinion, straight up, if you didn't like it THAT much you shouldn't have purchased the MDX in the first place!!
Have a nice day !
:) |
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I have been researching the MDX since early summer. I knew that when my 1998 Jimmy lease ends, this is the truck I will get. But then I spotted the Sequioa. I did tons of research on the Sequioa as well. But I figured that with one child and myself, it was not worth all the space just for the two of us. Although the TS is a V8 and the MDX is a V6 they are price(somewhat) moderately the same, I felt I would be spending way too much money on gas with the V8. I took a test drive of the Sequoia and I wasnt really impressed. A negative factor of the Sequoia was that I felt that the dashboard was too far away from the driver's seat. It may sound petty but its important if Im going to spend 35,000. I did like the V8 effect, but I wasnt feeling it. I finally was able to test drive the MDX, and let me tell you, I was definitely impressed. The fact that you can have the luxury of a SUV and not pay extra for it like you would have to do if you bought a TS. Althought the wait time in Westchester is by early April, I think I will wait it out.
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Good choice KayM !!!
Well worth the wait !
:D |
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| First of all, I had bought an MDX before even looking at the Seq and was agnoizing over wether I should have gone for the Seq. Even though I can't go back, I had to satisfy my curiosity. But after finally test driving the Seq I have no regrets. In car terms, comparing MDX to the Sequoia is like comparing a BMW 3series to let's say a Avalon. MDX is simply sportier(inside and out) and handles better. I did not notice a big difference in the V8 of the Sequoia as some posts indicate. People have to realize the V6 on the MDX is VTEC which means you will get that extra oomph at higher RPMs. In my opinion, the interior on the MDX and the Seq is no comparision. You get a true luxurious/sporty feel on the MDX while the Seq interior is truck-like and just doesn't come off as fit for a $40k+ vehicle. In the MDX, I feel as if I'm driving a luxo/sports 'car/suv' while in the Seq it feels like I'm driving a luxury truck. Also, the steering column mounted shifter has to go and the center console seems like an afterhought. However, the seats on the Seq are more cushy and there's bit more leg room on the 3rd row seat. Seq would be a great people/cargo hauler if you don't mind about the interior but a MDX is in my opinion, is a class above the Seq(hence Acura vs. Toyota). |
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Sidewinder, I agree with your comments. Did you look at the overhead console on the Seq.? I wonder what are those FIVE sunglass holders in the row for? Are they for 5 passengers who regularly ride in the same car? They looked silly when all of them are open, though it will be silly to open them all. |
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Dana,
I just drove the Sequoia this past weekend and was impressed with its handling but not with its acceleration and engine chattering. Also the vehicle is overpriced compared to either the MDX or my 1999 Yukon SLE which lease expires this May. The Sequoia has more room but not that much more. The Sequoia seats are more comfortable than those in the MDX but should be for $6K to $8K more. I chose the MDX for cargo space and handling. Cargo space is important since our SUVs are essentially dog buses for our 110 lb Great Pyrenees pooch. If one needs the extra space of the Sequoia seriously consider either a GMC Yukon or believe it or not a Chrysler Town and Country LXi AWD Minivan which handles almost as well as the MDX and is several thousand dollars less for comparable equipment. I know I might get excommunicated from this forum for even suggesting a Minivan but remember, the MDX is based upon the Honda Odyssey Minivan which is why it has so much interior space compared with other truck-based SUVs. MDXs and Odysseys are also made in the same plant in Ontario, so there are bound to be similarities. |
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Dana,
Before ordering my MDX I was seriously considering a Toyota Sequoia. I had my heart set on a Sequoia for months before they came out. When I went to test drive the Sequoia when it came out I knew more about it than the dealer. I loved it. But then the price and options became an issue. The MDX has side air bags, sun roof, leather seat (which doesn't mean that much to me, except they're more expensive) it just has alot more to offer. I still love everything about the Sequoia, but the MDX has more to offer without the price. I think I'll be happy with my decision once I receive my MDX in April. I've only seen 2 Sequoia's driving around where I live and only 1 MDX. Is that a good or bad thing? Also someone asked about a Sequoia sight there is one just like this called Tundrasolutions.com. I was joined to that one before I found this one. I'm glad that I finally found this this forum.
lmeans
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| More important than anything mentioned here IMHO is RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY and RELIABILITY. The Toyota Sequoia has been rated "exceptional" by consumer reports just like all other Toyotas. Hondas are generally also as reliable as Toyotas and that is why I would also include them on my "shopping list." However, the Honda Odyssey has been an exception (Very bad reliability for a Honda Product - Amazing for a company for whom one of the main selling points is QUALITY and RELIABILITY. Since the MDX is loosely based on the Odyssey it worries me what the long-term reliability will be like - and that is why I've decided to wait until the 2002 model year (besides maybe then it will be AVAILABLE to buy too ;) ). I've also seen posts on this website that indicate some reliability issues. |
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