Check your listings, set your dvr's, let's see what they have to say about it. Mine is on Directv on the Velocity channel, Tue 10/30 at 5pm, can't wait!

 

Do you think they will talk about trading performance for mpg like I have been saying?

 

^
Of course, that's going to be John's opening line

 

I have Motorweek on a series setting on my PVR.

 

Better posting place...
MotorWeek just reviewed the 2013 RDX on 10/21/12. I watched it a couple times to really get a feel for what they thought of it. I watch MotorWeek often and they usually speak in positive terms even when something isn't to their liking. What I took away from the show was that they liked the older model due to it's sporty-ness and SHAWD, and felt that Acura targeted the "been-there-done-that" (their words!) folks with the new RDX. I don't think they liked the intrusion of the CRV AWD or other characteristics, nor were they impressed with the styling and the larger than expected price jump. Overall the 2013 RDX is a great vehicle but they couldn't express that it was a major improvement over the older model. Personally, I liked hearing about the new 6-cylinder and better gas mileage.

 

Mods. Please Move This Second Generation RDX.

 

No need, I started the exact same thread there when I did this one, to get all the bases covered.

 

I have been watching Motor Week for decades and I don't think they EVER said an unkind word about any vehicle they tested. I don't miss an episode because it is the closest I can get to a test drive of all types of vehicles every week without hitting the dealerships. Most other test drive shows may do 1 or 2 cars an episode and it is usually a top end performance based vehicle that I would love to have and can't afford. Even my wife can watch Motor week (like she did when it showed the 13 RDX last Saturday) and enjoy it.

I think Motor Week liked the turbo/sh-awd combo a little better compared to the 13 RDX. I think the 07-12 RDX was a niche vehicle like the ZDX and the economy going bust kinda killed that niche. Acura decided to cater to the masses instead of the niche and you can’t argue with the sales numbers of the 2013 RDX. At the rate they are going, Acura will sell 2-5 times more +2013 RDX’s compared to the 07-12 model run. I'm still holding out for a performance base RDX down the road if the sells stay strong. Even Lexus is starting to offer performance models at almost every level.

 

damn i missed it by about half an hour on pbs saturday.

 

I watched it yesterday and I did some research and I like it lot, much more than I thought I would. When I first saw it when they first released it, I didn't like it because it looked bland and ordinary, plus I thought it was was bigger, like 10 inches longer, I didn't know it was almost the same size as the 07-12 models. Gone is the SHAWD but the current system is adequate, good enough for everyday driving and the occasional bad weather, but I never experienced the SHAWD system so I can't speak for it, I know people report if feels awesome when the outside rear wheel pushes you through a corner. They said cornering ability was still good even though the SHAWD system was gone. They complained about the nav and rear cam being only available with the Tech package, so what? at least there's only one package that adds all the good stuff, not like other cars where you need to select 5 options just to get the good stuff. they also complained about the pass seat being only 4 way, seriously?!?!, who cares!, I'm never gonna sit there, plus as long as the pass seat is nice and comfy, 4 way pwr is just fine.
They said it didn't have the sparkling personality of the old RDX, but if the refinements outweigh the old rdx flaws (turbo lag, firm ride, less rear seat room...) then the new RDX might be better overall, the interior is real nice, I plan on going to an Acura dealership this weekend and check out one with the Tech package and test drive it, even though there is no way I can afford it now.
They got 0-60mph in 7 secs, when Edmunds gets 6.5, but the good thing is they got 26.1 mpg when the combined rating is supposed to be 22 mpg. that's nice.
After I did some research I noticed the ground clearance is much better, 8.1 vs. 6.3, I like the power tailgate, the VCM engine, and the sport mode is much better than the old one, not to mention the 6 speed auto, which is needed, too much to talk about, but check out the engine and trans specs and modes HERE.

 

I also watched it out of curiosity. It just confirmed my disappionted in the 2G RDX.

 

the 6 speed auto is actually worst than the 5 speed performance wise. why? because on the 07 rdx the gear ratios are different from any other Acura. They are 5 close ratio gears (07-09 models). i think on 10' models the 5AT has wider gears now. I always find that on WOT transmission is always at peak power rpm (5000-5500rpm). On the new RDX which has the same 6 speed from the accord, it's really geared towards fuel economy. it's designed to keep the RPMS low. so if MPG is important the 6AT is better. Oh and the new 6 speed has slower downshift times and handles less torque meaning it's easier to break and we know honda's reputation on transmission quality in the past aka. earlier TL models.

 

According to the link I posted, the first 5 gears are short and the 6th is tall. They have a chart showing the changes in gear ratio from the old 5 speed trans.

The V-6 engine teams with a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission along with a special multi-clutch lock-up torque converter. With comparatively "short" gearing in the first five forward gears, acceleration is enhanced while relaxed cruising is optimized thanks to a tall Sixth gear ratio. The new 6-speed transmission offers two automatic shift modes, or can be operated manually via racing-inspired paddle shifters mounted on the backside of the steering wheel. Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control and Cornering G Shift Control help make the 6-speed the most advanced automatic transmission ever offered by Acura.
The new 6-speed has lower gear ratios (higher numerically) in First through Fifth gears and in Reverse compared to the previous 5-speed. The lower gear ratios improve acceleration and pulling power. The Sixth gear ratio is tall (just as with the top gear in the previous 5-speed automatic transmission) which generates a more relaxed cruising rpm and enhanced highway fuel economy.

Sport mode kicks ass:
In Sport mode the transmission typically operates in the four lowest gears, and won't shift to Fifth gear unless the vehicle reaches a higher speed. In Sport mode, the economy-oriented Sixth gear is locked out.