We couldn't wait any longer for the RDX to come out and we weren't too keen on purchasing the first model year, so we caved and bought the top of the line '06 CRV.

Now that the '08 is out, we're back in the market. I've been reading the threads on this site for about a month now and everyone seems pretty happy with their RDX, which is to be expected in a forum like this. But really how do people like it?

Is there anyone here who traded in their CRV (or similar) for the RDX? How have you found the upgrade?

Thanks.

 

I traded my 04 CRV-EX in on the 07 RDX tech. Great decision with no regrets. The only thing I miss a bit is the mileage the CRV got vs. the RDX, but otherwise there's no contest.

 

Heavens yes you should! I did not trade my CR-V in for the RDXturbo, but I Used to own a 2000 Electric blue EX (man I wish they offered that paint on the RDX) and may Father still owns a 1998 CR-V EX with about 170+ miles on as his daily beater. Don't get me wrong mleslie, I loved my CR-V and pound for pound I found it to be one of the best vehicles out there on the roads . They are great on gas and the Real time 4 wheel drive works great I never had a problem in the snow. I always felt it was lacking somthing though, POWER! I used to joke with my friends about Turbocharging my CR-V (we used to laugh) and little would you know Honda went ahead and did it for me in the form of an Acura! If spending a little.. (ok a lot) more for gas isn't a big deal for you, I suggest you take your Honda to Acura and get the best deal for it while its still new. The RDX is like the CR-V on juice, maybe it should tryout for MLB???

 

While I didn't own a CRV, (I did own a Pilot) we considered an '07 CRV for a long time, eventually decideding on a RDX. No regrets at all!

Actually I thought the gas mileage was the only real advantage to the CRV and when I crunched the numbers it was only about $400 a year savings for our particular driving circumstances. Plus maybe $60 a year difference on insurance. When you are spending that much on a vehicle, it's not a deal breaker. Less than buying a starbucks coffee everyday!

I love my new RDX! I kinda wish I would have waited for the '08 but I saved $3k plus by buying at year's end and that will cover a lot of years in the gas expense difference!

 

I have a 05 CRV and an RDX. They look like similar vehicles from the outside but are totally different from center of gravity, driving position, handling, power, etc. Some things that I can do in the RDX make me feel like the CRV is going to flip.

 

Depends on what you want. The 06 is still pretty new, and I am not sure what the depreciation hit is. If that is not really a factor, what do you want in a vehicle. As far as utility goes, a 5 passenger, small CUV, they provide the same utility. As far as the rest of the package, totally different cars. More powerful engine, the turbo is a kick in the pants literally and figuratively, very fun, gas mileage aside. Much better handling, NVH and suspension as far as I am concerned, although others feel the ride is a bit stiff. I think it is sporty and do not mind it. The RDX is rock stable, and the drawback is, if you drive the RDX to near its limits, and try to do the same thing in virtually any other small SUV/CUV, it will be dangerous. The RDX really is very close to a TSX in a CUV clothing. The tech package is great! The leather seats are very comfortable, the stereo (what an anachronistic term) is also first rate.

What I am trying to say is this is sort of an apples and oranges comparison. Utility is the same, but the luxury and fun to drive quotient is unbeatable in the RDX, IMHO, compared to the CRV.

 

Chas2 said it well, as did the others. I sold my '03 Element for my '07 RDX and have been very, very pleased overall. The only thing I miss is the Element's utility...since the seats came out and the floor was totally flat, it was GREAT for camping and road trips (not that the RDX isn't; again, apples and oranges here if we're talking daily driving)...you could fit just about anything and everything in the back of the quirky Element and still carry two large dogs, cool. Also, I could drive it hard and it would take it, no problem. Handling wasn't bad either, though. Ha. But the RDX has it beat hands down.

My other issue was I began seeing Elements EVERYWHERE and that was annoying...just a personal thing with me. Comfort, handling and coolness are the realm of the RDX. I'm sure your CR-V is tricked out nicely and is very comfortable, though. Why not drive a new RDX and listen to what your gut tells you? The gut always has the best answer.