I currently drive a 07 TSX (non-navi). I will reunion with my wife and my 3-months old baby soon. I am thinking of switching to something larger and want to ask members here about their experience.

I haven't gone for any test drive yet, but only sitting in the new RDX and MDX at dealership. An used 12 RDX appears on my list because it's cheaper and it has SH-AWD. I can live with the fuel consumption. I figure it's similar to my TSX.

For current 12 (or newer) RDX owner, have you ever wished you purchased the MDX instead? How about those with infant? Is the cargo space large enough for daily use?

Thanks in advance.

 

I think the 12 is a better buy. But as far as fuel economy, it will be worse than you're tsx. I was shocked when I went from my civic Si to this beast but its worth it. Love this rig.

 

Thanks, that's good to know. I guess I will try to pump up the tire pressure to save a bit.

 

I have an 06 TSX, 08 RDX and 11 MDX. All three excellent vehicles depending on how you need to use them.

RDX Pros:
- weaponized version of the TSX, if you like to "DRIVE" the TSX, you will not be disappointed in the RDX with the extra power and sh-awd. Add Hondata and/or ETS intercooler for more power and increased MPGs (1/2 -1 1/2 mpg combined increase). The extra power makes the TSX easier to drive than the TSX.
- outstanding visibility, sit higher, lots of glass, larger mirrors, very limited blind spots, back up camera, and shorter hood/hatch.
- More interior space compared to TSX, more leg room, more upright seating position for easy on the back long drives, no hump in the middle for true 5 passenger seating, more room in rear seats/hatch for kid stuff.
- huge center console to store anything from a laptop AND purse at the same time.
- shorter than TSX, easy to park, more space in the garage, and easy to zip around town.
- I added a roof rack and Yakima cargo carrier for added space. I have eibach springs installed and my RDX height is under 7 foot with cargo box. I can park in/out my garage and parking structures when traveling with the box.
- Easier to slide in/out of because of the higher ground clearance compared to climbing in/out of the TSX.

RDX Cons:
- reduced gas mileage. Averaged 17-18 mpgs combined before adding Hondata/ETS intercooler; now I average 20-20.5 combined with the upgrades (+15,000 miles a year).
- Extra tire wear because of the "awd" of the "sh-awd". I have Conti DWS tires on all 3 Acuras and the TSX went 50,000 miles; but, the RDX only got around 38,000 miles before I changed them out before winter.
- I had more warranty issues with my RDX compared to the TSX; but, my RDX is closer to a 1st year model compared to the 12 RDX model.
- Power delivery, could be a pro or a con. Power comes on hard at around +1700 rpms if you have a heavy foot. Not a smooth build-up like the TSX.
- RDX needs a 6th gear. Sometimes you can be stuck in a higher gear and it will not or can't downshift to take advantage of the turbo. Switching to "S" mode will help with down shifts.
- Road noise with OEM tires! Reduces a little bit with the Conti DWS; but, still a little annoying on long drives (ELS with volume +15 helps)
- your can seat 5 folks in a pinch; but, really 4 is best for shorter trips and only 3 for very long trips.

MDX Pros:
- Depending on the model, The MDX is a true luxury vehicle compared to the RDX. I like the +10 MDX tech or advance models the best.
- MDX is very quiet, more refined, very comfortable in all seating positions, smoother on the road, and similar power delivery like the TSX with the V-6 vtec engine.
- Even more interior space all around; but, a small center console about the same as the TSX
- Increased Tech/features (depending on model) like rear AC/heater vents, BSI, ACC, CMBS, IDS, heated rear seats, hotter seat heaters, cooled seats, 3rd row seating, higher tow rating, auto leveling HIDs, entertainment system, 6AT, power hatch, etc...
- Can get the same hwy mpgs as the smaller sh-awd RDX
- Because of the driving dynamics, the MDX drives like a smaller vehicle. You can find yourself accelerating over 90 mph before you realize because of the smooth power delivery and handling.

MDX Cons:
- Higher ground clearance, you have climb into the MDX
- Very long and super WIDE vehicle. Need to pick your parking spots carefully to avoid door dings from others
- Can't drive the MDX as hard as the RDX or TSX. You will find yourself sometimes listening to classical or old school music and yelling at those damn teenagers in the MDX
- straight city mpgs can be 14-15 mpgs
- huge windshield wipers on MDX. They cover my view of the hood compared to being hidden on the TSX/RDX. Two wiper fluid dispenser is on the hood of the MDX instead of being hidden on the TSX/RDX (pet peeve).
- RDX has slight more driver leg room (6'3" and size 14 shoe); not an issue for my 4'11" wife.
- HIDs not as bright as the RDX or TSX for some reason?
- 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.

 

Never driven an MDX and don't have kids, but I can only imagine the '07 - '12 RDX is not a good car to strap a baby in. Suspension is very stiff and anything bigger than a small crack really disturbs the car. Plus, it's also pretty loud in terms of cabin noise, you will hear a lot of wind and tire noise. Even though it's not probably not as agile, the MDX is probably the better baby hauler.

If you really want a RDX, go w/ a '13 or newer version, not the older one.

 

Thanks. I ended up going for a 14' RDX because of what you've mentioned, cabin noise.

Again, I do like the handling in the 12 RDX. If it's only myself in the car then I may pick the 12 RDX .

 

Cabin noise issue can be solved for $200-$350.

 

Very nice, congrats on the purchase. What color?

The 1st gen are great for enthusiasts. Even then, it gets a really old on a longer trip or anything other than new pavement. Recently went on a little road trip; the single lane twisties were fun but the concrete highway portion was borderline torture. Even though you'd like them, you probably made the right choice for your family. Enjoy the new ride.

 

Very true, but not everyone wants to go ripping off all the panels to install some dynamat (or whatever its called). And nothing can fix the stiffness, which is probably not good for an infant.

 

Thats true, the only car that has the same stiffness is BMX X3. Neither one is for cadi-like drive.

 

I'd throw my old DC5 Type S into the hat too. Had a rear-seat passenger get a minor neck sprain when I hit a dip on highway, no joke. The rear suspension threw him up into the hatch glass....