kareshi

Went to test drive the 2014 RDX today along with 14 MDX and 12 MDX. My test drive order was 14RDX, 14MDX, 12MDX.

My impression on the 12RDX:

- 12 RDX is noisier in terms of engine and road noise
- power-wise they feel the same to me
- didn't feel the difference between SH-AWD and 14 AWD . I think it's because I get used to slow down while turning. The difference is probably more pronounced on snow or other surfaces.
- The 12 RDX console feels busier
- I like the tacho on 14 RDX more
- 12 RDX side-mirror is relatively smaller
- 12 RDX comes with cargo cover
- 12 RDX steering wheel is heavier and bigger than 14.


14 MDX:

- The demo's interior didn't impress me at all. It feels like 90s and very plastic. The demo was the elite model
- you can feel it's heavier comparing to the RDX
- seat is wider and more wrapping compared to RDX
- the Acuralink features make me think my car will be more vulnerable to steal or broken in just by hacking into the system
- I don't like the lane keeping system as it tries to keep me exactly in where it is. i know i am not drifting away!
- car is taller and have to climb more than on the RDX
- headroom in the 2nd row center is somehow low. I am 5'7 and I hit the top when I moved from the side to the center. It didn't happen on the 14 RDX



14RDX:

- Coming from 07 TSX, the 14 RDX steering wheel feels much lighter. It's also smaller but I think I can live with it.
- No luxury feeling. It feels nice but not wow
- Would be nice if the cargo space is few inches longer. (length is about 32.5" at the bottom. less above due to rear seat recline)
- I like the exterior styling
- plenty of power and very responsive
- relatively quiet cabin
- much nicer audio system compared to my 07 TSX
- the one touch turn-signal is nice. think this will become standard on all new Acura vehicles





Like many others, I am torn among the two. I am also torn between 12 and 14 RDX. The 12 RDX is neat especially being $10K cheaper than the 14. I used to prefer SH-AWD but it doesn't seem to make a different on normal daily driving. The MDX is nice and big, which kinda guarantees driver and passenger comforts, with plenty of cargo space (if you plan to keep the 3rd row down).

Jordster

I haven't driven the first-gen RDX (yet) but there is a huge difference between SH-AWD and the 2013+ front-wheel-biased AWD.

The whole point of SH-AWD is to help you with performance in turns. So, saying "I slow down for turns and found no difference" is not saying anything at all.

The basic AWD setup in the 2013+ model is tuned for two things: traction in poor weather and fuel economy. It is the same AWD found in the CR-V, and like the rest of the car, save for maybe the engine, there is nothing "performance" oriented about it.

SH-AWD, on the other hand, puts extra power to the rear wheels while turning, with a further split among the rear wheels as needed to deliver more power to the outside wheel, to minimize slip and maximize lateral acceleration.

The AWD in the new RDX, combined with the Lexus-light steering, is enough reason for any performance enthusiast to avoid it.

bluecarbonfiber

drove a 14 rdx some things i noted that i didnt like was the plasticy interior feel the small rear window view were my biggest things..

i do like the tailgate lift and a few of the other added options but other then that no wow factor in compaired to my 2010

kareshi

I believe the SH-AWD works only when you're on the gas pedal. When you're slowing down, the SH-AWD doesn't have any effect. Of course, when you're accelerating again like on a ramp, SH-AWD will be effective.

If it's not the cabin noise and gas mileage of the 12 RDX, I would go for it. The 12 RDX provides the handling I like and it's just sweet.

protoRDX

The SH-AWD we have in the 1st gen RDXs is not such sophisticated as in the MDXs or RLs. BUT its still a permanent AWD system.
Yes, thats true, our SH-AWD is working exactly as you said, when you on the gas pedal. You need to push that pedal in order for the ECUto send some of the available torque to the rear end.

Cabin noise is not such a big issue. If you dont feel comfortable with its level just make a noise insulation either with some sound specialist or by yourself.
Buy some Dynomat on the Ebay, 12 pack of beer and spend 1 weekend gluing that stuff to the doors and the floor. And dont forget the trunk door, it makes a lot of noise.
Gas mileage is a pain in da arse for our cars. But exactly as much as for any other turbo car. Get your ECU re-flashed, buy and install RV6 Down Pipe and you can enhance your mileage.