I don't know why the RDX is not featured in magazine articles. The only thing I can remember was a comparison between the RX and LR2/freelander that was made when the RDX was new to the market. I know that one of the magazines had one for a "long term test" (reason for which I subscribed to the magazine) car, but even that was disapointing.

I don't like that the RDX gets discriminated by magazines, but by it's own parents?

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/18/a...-in-minnesota/

Acura took their SH-AWD cars to cold testing and guess who didn't get invited? and yes, I know that the RL didn't make it either, but what the hell???

Now, if you get past that, the article is quite nice, apparently the SH-AWD is the sht, (not that we didn't know that) and they performed a test on an icy ramp (similar to the roller test of the Subaru).....Now, if we could get the video o that...

 

I THINK this is the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YidkaqlW9ns

 

ok, where do you think our vehicles (rdx) would perform here? as good as the mdx?

 

it was sik the way the had the MDX roll up and had the wide angle on it - evil

it just said SUCK IT - first video ive ever seen of the awd actually doing some work/showing the system other than cars driving in circles

 

btw - that facility IS REDICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC!!!!!

 

Nice video....I would have like to see the MDX starting up from the side (like the other cars) instead of from behind.
Pretty good system if the Audi doesn't make it up, when the quattro is supposed to be (one of) the benchmark(s) out there.

 

Finally!!!!!! Proof that the SH-AWD is as good as it’s been boasted about! And remember, the MDX was on OEM rubber as well. Put some serious snow/ice tires on our SH-AWD vehicles and there would be no stopping them! I think our RDXs would do equally as well as the MDX.

I was told by a friend not to long ago that has worked in the auto industry for many years that the Lexus AWD is basically a complete POS and the Audi is just an antiquated system. This video proves that hands down!! He felt the SH-AWD is pretty much the best “all-round” AWD system to date with the Subaru system maybe just a touch better on steep inclines but lacks in going around bends/corners, etc.

Go Acura! Go SH-AWD!!!

 

on a side note, i got my rdx for the snow indeed... however, for a 2nd car, what would one recommend? i prolly want a smaller more efficient car... in canada we have the tsx and csx as choices for acura and of course, the accord and civic for honda (i am so impressed by the rdx that i wanna stick with honda/acura... ive owned toyotas, mitsubishis, and hondas in asia -- the corollas, gsr's, and the civics and accords in asia -- nothing compares to the rdx... maybe the gsr was the closest -- loved that vehicle but too bad mitsu isnt great here in NA)... unfortunately all these vehicles wont have sh-awd... i wonder how these would hold up in terms of traction and handling... still a long ways to go but am curious to find out since we're on this topic here...

 

It's a PROVEN fact that your tires matter more than having AWD or not.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/p...l-wheel-drive/
If I understand your question correctly, you are looking for a sedan, cheaper than the RDX, probably Japanese car, but the RDX will remain as your primary car? I think that you can get any of the vehicles you listed as options, and then get a good set of snow tires (you will be surprised), but if you still want the performance (power) and AWD, the answer is pretty easy, go for a Subaru (and still get the snows)

 

im waiting on acura to give us some drivability options w/the SHAWD

 

you mean without, right?

 

well yes & no - some RWD would be good, but with the awd system - give us some alt settings for it - when i read that article - i was like well - how bout you give the driver the ability to select a power distribution, it obviously can be done

 

I gotcha, but that would go against the first commandment of car design "thou shall not let the driver make decisions"

 

i thought that was Acuras MO. TECH OR NON TECH? anything else go f yourself lol

 

Thing is most people just want AWD for its convenience and ability to automatically add traction when driving conditions are adverse. There would only be a small niche of folks wanting to control the drive-train in an AWD. And, actually, with the "S" mode and paddle shifters I feel that's plenty of control of the RDX AWD drive-train.

 

I think that most people just want to "say" I have AWD, or at least have the comfort in the back of their minds they do. In my opinion, it works like a placebo.

 

Copied from the article "and that, to quote the esteemed Mr. Klaus, "The driver is the most intelligent part of the vehicle."

 

Id much rather have some driver selective options for the AWD - why wouldnt you want that? conditions change, all the time, we have the capability - let me access it when i need to - ie lock the rear, apportion more power to the rear for spirited driving etc. whatever the case may be

S mode & paddles just equates to shifting and nothing to do with real world situations of being on a steep incline/decline, or somewhat off road conditions or being stuck somewhere etc...the paddles make it quicker to shift & sport, but essentially you can do the same with an automatic stick just pushing up from 2, 3 etc