Roney05

My my wife and I are expecting our second child in about a month which will give us 2 kids under the age of 2.
My wife drives an 08 RDX Tech with almost 100k miles. It has been a great car and we love it, just aren't sure it will be big enough for two car seats plus double stroller and extra bags/gear.
I found a great deal on a 2010 MDX with 70K miles that is in our price range but is clearly more expensive than the RDX we currently have.
Anybody made the move from RDX to MDX? Worth the extra cash? Recommendations?


Thanks!
Him (2007 TSX AT5, Base, Black)
Her (2008 RDX, Tech, Polished Metal)

rdx158

My wife and I have the RDX and the MDX. the MDX is great for the extra space and the third row when the kids bring their friends along.
kp

mrgold35

I made to move into an used lease return 11 MDX last Feb because of my kid also. He started driving and I past my TSX to him and I got the wife's 08 RDX tech. We always had our eye on a +10 MDX because of the updated looks, extra room, similar sporty driving dynamics of RDX, and Acura reliability. I added the OEM roof rack and OEM trailer hitch to reuse my RDX cargo box and bike rack. I have zero regrets about purchasing the MDX. I really did not consider any other SUV other than the MDX. As far as I can tell, there is no difference in the 10-13 MDX other than price. A tech model sounds like the best bang for the buck and balance of tech/luxury if you can find one.

MDX Pros:
- very smooth V-6 and 6AT, MDX is quicker than it feels
- nice growl from the V-6 when the vtec kicks in
- hwy gas mileage can equal the 08 RDX or just a few mpgs lower (I usually cruise a 80 mph)
- quieter, much less tire/wind road noise, smoother ride
- more aggressive sh-awd to keep it stable in all situations
- BIG, more cabin, head, rear leg space, and rear hatch storage
- can add a full size spare
- Feels like a luxury vehicle with the tech, materials, seats, and styling
- Better tech with better XM traffic, XM weather, music hard-drive, auto lights, power steering wheel works with memory seats, and USB connection
- power lift gate is great for my 4'11" wife
- rear seat can recline a few inches
- rear A/C and heater vents are very nice
- Schedule maint will be the same as the RDX
- 6 month Insurance for my 08 RDX was higher than my 11 MDX ($6 difference)

MDX Cons:
- V-6 power delivery build slower and requires more rpms to get her going
- 100% City Gas mileage can be as low as 13-16 mpgs
- leg room for driver is slightly less compared to the RDX (6'3" size 14 shoe)
- overall combined mpgs is about 2-3 mpgs lower compared to the RDX
- Higher ground clearance, you have climb into the MDX
- updating the Navi is more of a pain, no more used disks on eBay
- Very long and super WIDE vehicle. Need to pick your parking spots carefully to avoid door dings from others. The wife already have curb rash on the rear rim because of not judging the extra length
- 360 degree visibility not at good as the RDX because if being a longer vehicle and higher rear seat head rests. BSI really comes in handy on the MDX.
- 3rd row is a PITA to put up, down, and climb into. Only good for relatives you hate or kids under 8-10 years old.

Roney05

Great Advice mrgold35 and thank you for the extra details. I think we will have to go give it a test drive and maybe take the stroller and everything with us to get a really good feel for it.
We have never been quick to make these types of decisions so my guess is we will see how the RDX does once the baby is here and then decide to switch or not. It may mean missing a good deal but I'm confident I can find another great deal down the road.
Thanks!

BobandCec

It's been a long time since I had infants, but the first few years we did fine in a 86 Civic. Yes, I did get a roof rack for hauling a play pen on vacation, but you're talking two tiny kids. It's actually easier to buckle them both up in a smaller vehicle. There should be more than enough room for strollers and what you need day to day in the cargo area. If you start running out of room for vacation travel get a roof rack and cargo box - something you'll still appreciate later even as you get bigger vehicles (I used one with a Grand Caravan). If you really like driving your RDX like I do my suggestion is to wait another 2-3 years - i couldn't see myself happy with the handling/performance of an MDX compared to my SH-AWD.

stevejojo

The MDX is definitely bigger and the trunk definitely trumps the RDX. But if money were an issue, I'd try to fit an extra car seat and stroller in your RDX's trunk to see if it's doable.

In my experience, the 07-13 MDX' legroom wasn't that different than an RDX. Certainly has a wider backseat though.

SilverJ

We moved from an 07 RDX to a 2011 MDX tech. Night and day. MDX is so much bigger and more comfortable it isn't funny. Love the MDX, but all city driving brings you about 12 MPG. MY TLS only gets 14 so its not too bad.