Cx-7
#241
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Originally Posted by mark_12345
Wife and I just got back from our test drives of the CX-7, X3 3.0si and RDX.
Her choices are as follows in terms of performance, comfort and overall appeal:
1) X3 - so so exterior styling. By far the best handling of the bunch. Felt solid and powerful. Interior design is purposeful. Very thoughtful touches. Heated seats were the best of the 3. Must have panoramic moonroof is awesome.
2) CX-7 - Loved the overall exterior and interior design. Power was so so. Handled well. Lots of interior room. Thought it was more sure footed then the RDX - go figure.
3) RDX - Nice 19" wheels. Front end looks looks waaaaaaaaaaay to long. Interior dash reminded her of the new Honda Civic. She said she couldn't see me/guy driving it because it looks too "cute". Didn't like the idea that it was assembled/built in Ohio
We're going back to the BMW dealership as the salesman said he can get us a fully loaded X3 for $44.5K. I know it cost more then the CX-7 and RDX but you get what you pay for![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
We didn't look or wait for the new X5 or MDX because we don't need the size. However, we did consider the Audi S4 Avant Wagon but there wasn't one on the dealer lot to test drive.
Her choices are as follows in terms of performance, comfort and overall appeal:
1) X3 - so so exterior styling. By far the best handling of the bunch. Felt solid and powerful. Interior design is purposeful. Very thoughtful touches. Heated seats were the best of the 3. Must have panoramic moonroof is awesome.
2) CX-7 - Loved the overall exterior and interior design. Power was so so. Handled well. Lots of interior room. Thought it was more sure footed then the RDX - go figure.
3) RDX - Nice 19" wheels. Front end looks looks waaaaaaaaaaay to long. Interior dash reminded her of the new Honda Civic. She said she couldn't see me/guy driving it because it looks too "cute". Didn't like the idea that it was assembled/built in Ohio
We're going back to the BMW dealership as the salesman said he can get us a fully loaded X3 for $44.5K. I know it cost more then the CX-7 and RDX but you get what you pay for
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
We didn't look or wait for the new X5 or MDX because we don't need the size. However, we did consider the Audi S4 Avant Wagon but there wasn't one on the dealer lot to test drive.
#242
Originally Posted by CJW
Motor Trend seems to have changed their view on RDX vs. CX-7. Long term driving is the true test..
#244
Someone brought up the motor trend article and now I feel a little down , no way should my RDX look like a Zoom , Zoom, Zoom car. But if you look quick the front end and side views of the car are very similar, who ripped off who. The main difference is the interior, in my opinion the Mazda product has always had a thrown together look to it, while Acura has done an excellent job in creating a comfortable interior.
But as mentioned time will tell as to which model will succeed.
JD
But as mentioned time will tell as to which model will succeed.
JD
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Originally Posted by CJW
I agree with Motor Trend, which gave the RDX 3 stars and the CX-7 4 stars.
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Originally Posted by CJW
I agree with Motor Trend, which gave the RDX 3 stars and the CX-7 4 stars.
#249
Originally Posted by CJW
I agree with Motor Trend, which gave the RDX 3 stars and the CX-7 4 stars.
#250
2016 MDX Adv/SHAWD
Umm more info just released...the RDX is on the IIHS top 13 safest cars for 07 while the CX-7 is not.....and would u really put a price on saftey?
http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/11/20/...ars/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/11/20/...ars/index.html
#251
Originally Posted by dennarda
I am not sure where you are getting your stars from, but in the Dec 06 Motortrend the RDX beat the CX-7 in the categories of Engineering, Performance, and Safety. The CX-7 won on design, interior, and value.
Kid bros were over and saw the wheels on the weekend and said they like it way better than my dad's '03 MDX. Sleek futuristic interior, with the blue lights and all, and the exterior looks like a proper modern car, rather than trying to be all space age like the CX-7.
As for value, if by value they mean cheaper then I would agree. Otherwise, I certainly wouldn't. By themselves, racing stripes on the seats would destroy thousands of dollar of value IMO.
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yea, design wise, both exterior and interior, IMO, are really based on personal preference. But the quality of the interior, you can feel it, but may still be subjective. On the other hand, engineering, technology, performane, and safety, these can be quantified and rated without much problem. As for as value goes, I really think both represent great value. The CX7 might seem more "valuable" because of its lower price tag. But then the RDX offers you so many features for just US$33000, to me, just the SH-AWD is worth the extra $$ already.
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Originally Posted by neo1738
Umm more info just released...the RDX is on the IIHS top 13 safest cars for 07 while the CX-7 is not.....and would u really put a price on saftey?
http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/11/20/...ars/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/11/20/...ars/index.html
It's easy to win when the CX-7 wasn't even tested (yet). I suspect it will get a similar top rating as it has in other tests.
#254
The RDX gets the edge when it comes to material, refinement and tech package, though I'd say the CX-7 isn't far behind. The CX-7 handles and performs more like a sports car which is what won me over -- that and it was seven thousand dollars less.
Do you want a luxury SUV or a sporty SUV?
Do you want a luxury SUV or a sporty SUV?
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As I've mentioned many times already, the RDX is even more sporty when it comes to handling due to its SH-AWD which can virtually eliminate most (I won't say all, that's too dangerous to say) understeering and oversteering. And as you've seen already in those comparison tests by MT and C&D, the RDX outhandled every one in handling tests. So I would call the RDX a sports luxury CUV.
As for the price, it's $7000 more if you are talking about the tech package, but if you are only talking about the one without it, then the price difference is around 10%. And even so, the RDX still has more standard features than the CX7.
As for the price, it's $7000 more if you are talking about the tech package, but if you are only talking about the one without it, then the price difference is around 10%. And even so, the RDX still has more standard features than the CX7.
#256
Originally Posted by CJW
The RDX gets the edge when it comes to material, refinement and tech package, though I'd say the CX-7 isn't far behind. The CX-7 handles and performs more like a sports car which is what won me over -- that and it was seven thousand dollars less.
Do you want a luxury SUV or a sporty SUV?
Do you want a luxury SUV or a sporty SUV?
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#257
I don't agree. The turbo on the CX-7 is tuned to deliver power from get-go. Test the two back to back and I think you'll see the Mazda was designed for sport. The RDX has a big car ride, very similar to a luxury car.
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Originally Posted by CJW
The RDX has a big car ride, very similar to a luxury car.
I have to think you have not driven an RDX. It has an extremely stiff ride, in fact it's too stiff for many people. To the point where it bobs over some road irregularities rather than soaking them up. It's about as far from a big luxury car ride as you can go.
#259
Originally Posted by c_hunter
I have to think you have not driven an RDX. It has an extremely stiff ride, in fact it's too stiff for many people. To the point where it bobs over some road irregularities rather than soaking them up. It's about as far from a big luxury car ride as you can go.
Which vehicle is quieter at highway speeds?
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Originally Posted by CJW
I don't agree. The turbo on the CX-7 is tuned to deliver power from get-go. Test the two back to back and I think you'll see the Mazda was designed for sport. The RDX has a big car ride, very similar to a luxury car.
As for being sporty, many people here have already discussed about that based on their own experience, the reviews and rankings from various car magazines, as well as its technical specifications. Once again, let me emphasize the following point (which I think is my 2nd or 3rd time saying this): The CX7 AWD system is borrowed from the mazda 6 mps. That sounds very nice indeed. But one must realize that the system in the 6 mps comes straight from the Volvo S40. The MPS doesn't transfer any torque to the rear wheels at all during normal driving. The system only intervenes by engaging the clutches when slippage is detected. On the other hand, the RDX's SH-AWD transfers 10% to the rear wheels under normal condition. And just like the CX7, when slippage is detected, more torque is transferred to the rear wheels. But the SH-AWD goes one more step, it can vary torque between the rear wheels, and this simply enhances the handling of the car. So which is more sporty, I have a clear answer myself. But I guess sporty doesn't have the same meaning to everyone.
#261
Who cares that the Mazda CX-7 AWD comes the 6? The Acura RDX SH-AWD comes from the RL. So what? Honda and Acura share technology, as do all other carmakers.
When you push the CX-7 you are literally thrown back against your seat. That doesn't happen with the RDX which I would say delivers smooth acceleration. Its all in the test drive. Push the two and I think you'll feel the difference.
When you push the CX-7 you are literally thrown back against your seat. That doesn't happen with the RDX which I would say delivers smooth acceleration. Its all in the test drive. Push the two and I think you'll feel the difference.
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Originally Posted by CJW
When you push the CX-7 you are literally thrown back against your seat. That doesn't happen with the RDX which I would say delivers smooth acceleration. Its all in the test drive. Push the two and I think you'll feel the difference.
The RDX, at least to me, has a much more "sportier" feel than the CX-7... It is a luxury, sport-SUV
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Originally Posted by CJW
Who cares that the Mazda CX-7 AWD comes the 6? The Acura RDX SH-AWD comes from the RL. So what? Honda and Acura share technology, as do all other carmakers.
When you push the CX-7 you are literally thrown back against your seat. That doesn't happen with the RDX which I would say delivers smooth acceleration. Its all in the test drive. Push the two and I think you'll feel the difference.
When you push the CX-7 you are literally thrown back against your seat. That doesn't happen with the RDX which I would say delivers smooth acceleration. Its all in the test drive. Push the two and I think you'll feel the difference.
And many people have already talked about their test drive experience already, and I would say most people feel the RDX is more sporty.
#264
Originally Posted by CJW
Who cares that the Mazda CX-7 AWD comes the 6? The Acura RDX SH-AWD comes from the RL. So what? Honda and Acura share technology, as do all other carmakers.
When you push the CX-7 you are literally thrown back against your seat. That doesn't happen with the RDX which I would say delivers smooth acceleration. Its all in the test drive. Push the two and I think you'll feel the difference.
When you push the CX-7 you are literally thrown back against your seat. That doesn't happen with the RDX which I would say delivers smooth acceleration. Its all in the test drive. Push the two and I think you'll feel the difference.
Mike
#265
The RDX is slightly faster but handles more like a luxury car. That's not just my opinion, Motor Trend has come to the same conclusion. It is not a crossover SUV but rather a luxury wagon.
The CX-7 looks, drives and performs more like a sports car. I find it fun to drive which to me is more important than satisfying to drive.
You are right about the turbo lag on the CX-7, however, it is greatly diminished if you drive the CX-7 in manual mode. It doesn't bother me but I agree it is a drawback.
The CX-7 looks, drives and performs more like a sports car. I find it fun to drive which to me is more important than satisfying to drive.
You are right about the turbo lag on the CX-7, however, it is greatly diminished if you drive the CX-7 in manual mode. It doesn't bother me but I agree it is a drawback.
#266
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Originally Posted by CJW
The RDX is slightly faster but handles more like a luxury car. That's not just my opinion, Motor Trend has come to the same conclusion. It is not a crossover SUV but rather a luxury wagon.
The CX-7 looks, drives and performs more like a sports car. I find it fun to drive which to me is more important than satisfying to drive.
You are right about the turbo lag on the CX-7, however, it is greatly diminished if you drive the CX-7 in manual mode. It doesn't bother me but I agree it is a drawback.
The CX-7 looks, drives and performs more like a sports car. I find it fun to drive which to me is more important than satisfying to drive.
You are right about the turbo lag on the CX-7, however, it is greatly diminished if you drive the CX-7 in manual mode. It doesn't bother me but I agree it is a drawback.
I really have a hard time classifying the handling/ride of the RDX with luxury in any way. It is most definitley sporting in the BMW sense. The Lexus RX-350 has a luxury ride -- it is a lot more comfortable and smooth than the RDX or CX-7.
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Originally Posted by CJW
The RDX is slightly faster but handles more like a luxury car. That's not just my opinion, Motor Trend has come to the same conclusion. It is not a crossover SUV but rather a luxury wagon.
The CX-7 looks, drives and performs more like a sports car. I find it fun to drive which to me is more important than satisfying to drive.
The CX-7 looks, drives and performs more like a sports car. I find it fun to drive which to me is more important than satisfying to drive.
Last para, page3:
The RDX easily establishes itself King of the Twisties, thanks in large part to its nifty SH-AWD package.
2nd para, page 4:
Despite a sporty feel and Mazda's Active Torque Split AWD--also borrowed from the MazdaSpeed6--the CX-7 just didn't have the same level of dynamic composure as the Acura.
Page 4:
Ultimately, however, the Mazda's head-turning style and the Toyota's superiority in addressing the sensible side of life were simply outpaced by the RDX's more compelling mix of personality, practicality, and driving exhilaration.
1st Place: 2007 Acura RDX The point-and-shoot reflexes ofa [sic] purebred sport sedan matched withthe [sic] practicality of an SUV.
2nd Place: 2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited V-6 Slightly short on sport, it's thepick of this pack when it comes toquickness, comfort, and versatility.
3rd Place: 2007 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring AWD An impressive package in its own right, which looks great but is just a bitless fulfilling.
2nd Place: 2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited V-6 Slightly short on sport, it's thepick of this pack when it comes toquickness, comfort, and versatility.
3rd Place: 2007 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring AWD An impressive package in its own right, which looks great but is just a bitless fulfilling.
#268
Originally Posted by CJW
Who cares that the Mazda CX-7 AWD comes the 6? The Acura RDX SH-AWD comes from the RL. So what? Honda and Acura share technology, as do all other carmakers.
When you push the CX-7 you are literally thrown back against your seat. That doesn't happen with the RDX which I would say delivers smooth acceleration. Its all in the test drive. Push the two and I think you'll feel the difference.
When you push the CX-7 you are literally thrown back against your seat. That doesn't happen with the RDX which I would say delivers smooth acceleration. Its all in the test drive. Push the two and I think you'll feel the difference.
Don't just look at the 0-60 speeds. From 0-30, the CX-7 is 0.2 seconds quicker, so it will feel faster right off the line and that's important. It's a dead tie at 0-50, but beyond that, the Acura is faster. But that's at the test track. The number that would be more important in everyday driving is 45-65 passing time and there the Acura is a full second faster.
The fact that the CX-7 is quicker slightly faster in the 0-30 range doesn't surprise me because that agrees with my subjective feel of the cars. To me, the only performance disappointment in the RDX is its softness off the line. This may be a matter of the VTEC engine as much as the turbo -- any VTEC I've ever driven needs revs to really get going.
While this is important, to my personal driving style, the acceleration at higher speeds is more important. The RDX is 0.7 mph quicker in the 50-60 range, 0.5 seconds in the 60-70 range and 1.0 seconds in 45-65.
Anyone else's style and tastes may differ from mine, but if I had to choose between 0-30 time and 45-65 time, I'd go with the 45-65 passing speed.
#269
Again... Fact RDX handles better and is faster than the CX-7. Looks are subjective, and while the RDX is a tiny bit on the bland side, it doesn't look like a turd complete with skid marks on the two interior seats.
Mike
Mike
#270
Originally Posted by crazymjb
Again... Fact RDX handles better and is faster than the CX-7. Looks are subjective, and while the RDX is a tiny bit on the bland side, it doesn't look like a turd complete with skid marks on the two interior seats.
Mike
Mike
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Originally Posted by Skeandhu
Maybe I missed that part of the Motor Trend comparo (found HERE ), but a couple of quotes from that article that seem to favour the RDX as "more sporty":
Last para, page3:
Can't be "King of the Twisties" without excellent feedback and sports-car like response...
2nd para, page 4:
They indicate that the Mazda has a "sporty feel", yet are saying that the Acura appears to have better feel and handling. Someone can correct me if I've misinterpreted the quote above.
Page 4:
I respect your belief the CX-7 to be "sportier" in handling and in looks, my opinion differs in that I find the RDX to have sportier handling and looks. Motor Trend seems to split as they find the Mazda to be sportier looking, while the Acura has a more sport-sedan feel...
Last para, page3:
Can't be "King of the Twisties" without excellent feedback and sports-car like response...
2nd para, page 4:
They indicate that the Mazda has a "sporty feel", yet are saying that the Acura appears to have better feel and handling. Someone can correct me if I've misinterpreted the quote above.
Page 4:
I respect your belief the CX-7 to be "sportier" in handling and in looks, my opinion differs in that I find the RDX to have sportier handling and looks. Motor Trend seems to split as they find the Mazda to be sportier looking, while the Acura has a more sport-sedan feel...
#272
Alreay tired of the CX7 looks
When I first purchased an RDX, I would have defintely given the CX7 props for its exterior looks. In fact, in my opinion at the time, that was the one place where the CX7 had the edge. However, I have already grown tired of the CX7's "dramatic" looks and the RDX lines have grown on me. I have noticed this with a few Honda/Acura products. Another example is the Honda Ridgeline which I found downright offensive when it first came out but now find it to be one of the better looking trucks on the road. Anther vehicle that shared the quick aging character of the CX7 was the Taurus of the 80's and 90's (one example http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/ov...d&model=Taurus ). When these first came out they were particularly sleek, but in less than a years time seemed more awkward than cool.
#273
On page 102 of the December issue, Motor Trend says this in their sum up about the RDX...
"Mimics BMX too closely, resulting in a harsh-riding tall sports sedan."
On page 132 they say this in their sum up about the CX-7...
"Consider the CX-7 if the "sport" side of the SUV equation is what's most important to you."
"Mimics BMX too closely, resulting in a harsh-riding tall sports sedan."
On page 132 they say this in their sum up about the CX-7...
"Consider the CX-7 if the "sport" side of the SUV equation is what's most important to you."
#275
Originally Posted by CJW
On page 102 of the December issue, Motor Trend says this in their sum up about the RDX...
"Mimics BMX too closely, resulting in a harsh-riding tall sports sedan."
On page 132 they say this in their sum up about the CX-7...
"Consider the CX-7 if the "sport" side of the SUV equation is what's most important to you."
"Mimics BMX too closely, resulting in a harsh-riding tall sports sedan."
On page 132 they say this in their sum up about the CX-7...
"Consider the CX-7 if the "sport" side of the SUV equation is what's most important to you."
I don't even think the same person wrote all these little buying guide blurbs, so it's not really a good comparison as I think these are just comments based on whoever wrote them.
#276
Originally Posted by jhwu
Aren't these the little 2 sentence blurbs from the SUV buying guide edition of MT's magazine? I'm pretty sure I read it. That's how you are basing the 3 star versus 4 star argument, eh??? Again, it just sounds like you are having some fun w/ everyone here. IT's pretty obvious even based on these comments, that being closely compared to the BMW X3 is pretty telling proof on the sporting nature of the RDX.
I don't even think the same person wrote all these little buying guide blurbs, so it's not really a good comparison as I think these are just comments based on whoever wrote them.
I don't even think the same person wrote all these little buying guide blurbs, so it's not really a good comparison as I think these are just comments based on whoever wrote them.
#277
Originally Posted by dennarda
I agree with you, I think CJW knows that his comments are out of context and inaccurate (I still don't know where he got his "3 stars" from).
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Originally Posted by dennarda
I agree with you, I think CJW knows that his comments are out of context and inaccurate (I still don't know where he got his "3 stars" from). I thought perhaps he had gone away as of Skeandhu's excellent post. Notice how CJW never rebuts any of the comments made by others in reference to the MotorTrend article but just keeps posting random bits and pieces without context/reference/or accuracy? No doubt you could find reviewers that liked the CX-7 more than the RDX (for instance Ann Jobs over at msn.com) however the MotorTrend article does not assert that the CX-7 is better.
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Originally Posted by jhwu
The 3 stars were the ratings directly from these little blurbs in the SUV buying guide. They gave the RDX 3 stars and the CX-7 4 stars, but again, who knows who wrote the blurbs and how they determine the stars from (comfort, handling, price, mileage, bang for the buck, and etc....).
#280
I read the posts about MT comparing the RDX with the RAV & CX-7. My response is that MT has changed their view on the RDX. This is quite common. First impressions often change after you've put some real miles on the car.
That was then, this is now.
That was then, this is now.