Hello were upgrading our 2000 sienna and are looking at the 12' crv's but recently started looking into the RDX as well 10' and up.
We no longer need the space of the sienna and it gets shitty gas mileage. So the AWD CRV looks like a great upgrade especially on the gas mileage part. I really like the RDX with its SH-AWD and the turbo but the fact that it basically gets the same or worser gas mileage than the sienna is a big negative. The primary driver will be my mom (50yr) So is the RDX too much for her? She likes it and thinks it looks great. Will it all come down to when she test drives both?

 

Don't believe me, go to the dealer and drive one.

"Hello, Again. You Should Have Brought a Friend. Maybe a Turbo.
The spec-sheet familiarity begins with the only available engine. It’s the same dual-overhead-cam 2.4-liter inline-four, but it now boasts a 5.4-percent reduction in internal friction and a more efficient alternator. These slight changes increase output to 185 hp and 163 lb-ft, bumps of five and two. It’s worth noting that the power peak occurs at 7000 rpm, and the automatic transmission shifts about 300 or so rpm before that. Unless you’re going to lock your CR-V in first around town, don’t expect to feel those extra fillies." -C&D

 

I think your mother might find the CR-V easier to live with. IMO the RDX looks better, but I think it has a harsher ride, and I'm guessing it's more complicated to use. My mom's 55 and she likes things very easy and simple. I may be in your situation in a few years, and I would probably buy my mother the CR-V, for the simple fact that it's easier to use.

Let her drive both cars for an extended period of time, and make sure she fiddles around with both cars' controls: navigaton, radio, HVAC, etc. Then let her decide.

 

^Sounds like you need a Lexus...

 

Yeah i guess a test drive will decide it..
I kinda really wanna go for the rdx but really the CRV will work great for her and I'm only going to be in it whenever the dogs need to go somewhere or something..
With a light foot you really can't get better than 17mpg????

 

2012 CRV vs used RDX?
Price, performance, saftey, comfort, reliabily are my order of deciding.
Total up your score and decide.
Mine would go RDX over CRV - your results may differ ..

 

I'm at 21mpg right now. But I just filled up. I will prob be around 18 by the time I make the rush hour drive home.

 

If MPG is a big factor, your mom should get the crv coz RDX requires premium gas plus your ave mpg on RDX will be 18

 

Wow, my apologies. I skimmed over the part about your mom being the primary driver. Yep, she'll be better off with a CR-V. Those 185 ponies are more than enough. My mom drives a 2008 Civic that I talked her into buying new. She just told me last week how happy she was with the car and that it was her favorite car to drive.

CR-V EPA Mileage:
5-Speed Automatic (2WD; City/Highway/Combined) 23 / 31 / 26

 

i wouldn't call the ride on the RDX harsh, it's more like busy. the crv definitely gets better mileage no question. The rdx was originally aimed at driving enthusiast and not families with kids. although it works for latter party as well.

 

I definitely go with RDX. My wife (52 yo) loves the power and the handling. She found CRV way under power especially on hi-way where it encounters head and cross winds. The transmission seemed to constantly shifting up and down to maintain speed.

 

Don't buy the RDX if you care about mileage at all. I downsized from a V8 car and saw no improvement on the mileage. CR-V is much better suited to your mom. I'd also look into its competitors like the 2013 Escape, Nissan Rogue, RAV4, etc.

 

OP, I had an 07 RDXturbo (tech), traded in and leased a ZDX, and most recently leased my wife a 2012 CR-V,EX-L w/navi. now with this all said let me give you my . The 2012 fully loaded cr-v is truly an amazing little vehicle (it even has a reverse camera)! The CR-V is slightly smaller and lighter then the RDX and you feel it when you drive. Obviously the RDX is the drivers car and the CR-V is more of a regular commuter. When it comes to technology the Honda has every single thing its Acura counter part has to offer maybe even more, The Nav screen is a little smaller in the Honda version. When it comes to fit and finish the Acura wins again with a nicer quality materials and such but the 12 CR-V is still easy on the eyes interior/exterior wise. As all RDX owners know that sh-awd is the bane of gas mileage (but also king of performance) so CR-V wins that battle easily.

Most importantly I asked my wife if she would have rather kept our 07 RDX tech or have the 12 CR-V she has now. Her answer was the Honda... I would have chosen the RDX but to her performance is not important so having the new car that has even more technology (except the smaller screen) and better gas mileage to boot for her it is a win win. I hope my ramblings were helpful feel free to PM me if you want more detailed analysis...

 

Thanks for the replies.
Yeah the crv is good enough but the SH-AWD and turbo are just drool worthy but my mother doesn't need that. After we test drive them both well see..

 

For a 50yo who cares about mileage go with the CR-V. There's no need for the RDX for someone that's just going to be getting around town for groceries or taking an occasional drive without wanting to drive with a little spirit and use that turbo. It'll be much more practical and only needs regular gas. As for the SH-AWD, the CRV has real-time AWD which will provide your mom plenty of traction and control in snow, rain, etc. She'll be very happy with the CRV. I haven't looked at price difference but have to think you'll save at least $10k (that's if you get the EX-L with Nav)

 

My mother in law is 60, she loves loves loves my RDX. She loves that it has some torque (she complains about her '07 civic being gutless), loves the leather heated seats, loves the ride, loves the HID headlights (important for older people at night), loves the backup camera and navi, etc.

I know the '12 CRV has some of those things too, and she hasn't been in one of those, but I figured I'd just offer that up. To me, the headlights are a big deal, I know that's often overlooked, but seriously it's a safety thing in my mind.

 

My sister has a cr-v and I drove an RDX a few months ago. The cr-v feels spacier and rides better. The turbo in the Acura is useless IMO and it's not even quick. Also it's less reliable than the naturally aspirated cr-v. I mean, why would they put a smaller engine in the Acura and then slap a turbo on it? Isn't that kind of counter-intuitive? The Acura is very rough at idle as is the cr-v but I think the smaller i-4 makes it even rougher. I would get a cr-v.

 

You just don't know how to appreciate the turbo yet, it looks like from your wording that you don't own a rdx but drove a rdx. The RDX's 0-60 MPH is 6.4 in our 08, where as CRV is close to 10sec. Who cares about the speed? Its crucial when in need of passing some stupid headed drivers on the road, the turbo put a big smile on my face where as the slow CRV puts a frown on my face. Even though the engine is only 2.3L RDX is faster than regualr v6 accord camry altima and anything in those line up. Once you get used to the tight suspension, you would not want your ass to be in some other soft car. I drive RDX and Honda Accord I4, They both a are good, and will stick with them as long as they stop cutting the cost on both of them to somewhat trying to maximize their profit margin. But They will never listen to customers until they loose a lot of the customers from doing so.

Well, CRV is good for the money, softer ride, RDX is for the FUN, its not for everyone

 

Gonna go test drive them both tomorrow!
Hopefully she likes the RDX because i secretly want her to pick that one.
lol

 

We have an '11 RDX, our daughter has an '11 CR-V SE.

Both are nice, one is peppy and kind of luxurious,

the other more fuel efficient and cost ~ $10k <

The questions your Mom has to ask herself at the end of the day (and the test rides) is, do you need a car like this...oh wait thats from an old tv show.

1) Budget goals - how much does she want to spend on the car? (including buying, operating, and maintaining it)

2) Soft or firm driving experience?

Answer those and move forward...

 

So what did you wind up getting Iradier..?

 

I just finished reading through all of the discussion about 50yr old....

Give me a break! I am 50yo + and my wife and I love our 2012 RDX Tech, our 2012 TL SH-AWD Tech and our BMW Z4. We aren't ready to slow down. I hope that there are other 50+ couples who feel the same. We owned 2 CRV's for a total of 7 years. They are great cars! But the RDX is so far superior. And if you are going to spend $30,000 + ($40,000 for my RDX) who cars about gas milage. The difference between 20 mpg and 28 mpg over 15000 miles per year at $4.00 per gal is only $71 per month.