Hey there everyone. Long time lurker here. I owned a 2010 Acura RDX, and I recently traded in for a 2013 model. I purchased the tech package both times. I thought I would offer my opinion on the differences of each generation. There are some things I thing potential buyers really need to be aware of in the newer generation.

First, I loved the 2010 RDX. It was my first vehicle purchased in the higher end vehicle market and it was thrilling to drive such a high performer. The turbo and super handling all wheel drive were just simple exhilarating when put to the test, especially when edging the red line in manual mode!

The 2010 had excellent tech software for the time, although the nav system was a bit disappointing, especially in Canada where the data and accuracy was very limited, especially outside major cities. Trying to find a friend's place in cottage country? Forget it!

Overall though, it was a great ride with very convenient features. Voice control worked almost flawlessly for everything from the stereo to climate control.

Fast forward to 2012. My 2013 RDX was delivered in September. It was a BIG change. The ride has softened, just a bit. The super handling AWD is gone, and no more turbo. Having said that, the new V6 is superb. It is incredibly smooth, and offers just as much, or more passing power when needed. The RDX has more than enough get up! The variable cylinder management and 6 speed transmission offer fantastic fuel economy. In my 2012, I averaged 12.5l/100km over the 3 years I had it. In the 2013, I am averaging 10.3l/100km. I'm about 50/50 city/highway. I drive quite a bit, so this is saving me about $75/month in fuel.

Bottom line on performance; I miss the super handling AWD, but it is still a very capable, fun vehicle to drive.

The 2013 is a step backwards in every other way though. The convenience features and software have been ruined with this update.

First, the large centre console in the 2010 pretty much stored anything I would need on the road. Ipod, glasses, sunglasses, camera, iPad. It stored my gas receipts, chewing gum, emergency advil etc. It was very convenient to have something that large to store my stuff. In 2013, it's about 1/4 the size. Why?

Also, in the 2010 there were very convenient storage spots on the doors. One large area at the bottom, and a covered one near the handle that could keep a pair of sunglasses or some change. These have been replaced by just a much smaller spot along the bottom. The only improvement is it is now shaped to hold a bottle.

Next, the back seats. Sure it's nice to have the latch in the back that folds them down with a pull, but I would much rather have the fold flat seats of the old model. You can fit large objects much easier with fold flat seats, and those object are less likely to move around or tip over while driving. I do like the power hatch, but I resented having to pay extra for a cargo cover.

Finally, the tech package. Not a day goes by when I don't have a major WTF! moment when using the car's entertainment/phone/navi system. They have gone back in time when it comes to the technology in this car. In my 2010, I could press the button on the steering wheel, say "Call _____" and it would place the call for me. Now, I press the phone button, say "dial by voice tag", wait for it to ask me to say a name, press the phone button again, say the name, then in confirms that I would like to call ______, press the phone button again, say "yes", and then the call goes through. They've added 3 steps to a one step process. How is this innovative?

Next, the text message feature. This one makes me scratch my head. Acura provides a text message feature that can read your text messages to you so you don't have to take your eyes off the road. For some reason, they lock it while you are moving. Yeah, you have to stop to have the messages read to you. What is the point?! Second, it doesn't work with iPhone. It doesn't work with the most popular phone on the market!

Next, voice commands in the nav - they just don't work. In my 2010, I could press the voice command button and say "find nearest parking" and it would give me a choice of parking lots. In the 2013, it says "sorry, command not found". I can be on the help page with all the commands listed, reading them exactly as they are written on the page, and they still are not recognized by the system. Absolute crap!

There are a handful of improvements in this new model, but for every improvement they have taken something else away. I cannot for the life of me understand the logic behind these decisions.

I like the vehicle, and I will be content for the next 4 years, but I will most likely look at something new next time around.

 

I am kinda wondering why you bought it if you hate all that so bad? Lol

 

I have no problems with voice commands. Every thing works perfectly. You may be doing something wrong. One thing I notice is that if you begin your voice command before the "beep" it will fail.

Good luck, Jim

 

OP, In the 2013, you can say "call ..." as you could with your 2010. Also the "find nearest ..." works fine as well. The read text message also works while driving. You need to stop to have it displayed on the screen, but read aloud works fine while you are moving. I use it daily.

I do agree with the storage aspects you mentioned. I noticed the door storage in the 2012 I recently had on loan and liked that about it.

 

Some things one just does not notice until one has it in possession for a sustained period of time. The few occasional test drives at the dealership does not equate constant daily use, which is when one starts to notice the little things.

 

That's why I like to keep the car over the weekend and some dealers will allow that so you know what you are getting.

 

That's a good idea. I doubt that many dealers here though will allow that. I'll keep this in mind next time when it comes time for another vehicle.

Having said that, I was able to specifically request and bring home overnight a 1G RDX loaner when I brought in my TL for diagnostics of its 3rd gear popping out (which the stealership blames of course on driver error). Kind of kicking myself in the butt for not trying out the RDX when I bought my TL. Now I find myself thinking of the 1G RDX, which seems like a good combo of sport and utility (the utility IMHO is where the TL is sorely lacking).

The OP's comparison of 1G and 2G RDX kind of confirms my suspicion that the 2G RDX, aside from its improved fuel economy, is otherwise a step backwards in many ways to cater to the masses.

 

press the talk button twice and youll she'll be ready for your command.

 

Obviously can't help you with the physical differences between the two gens, but the tech issues you mention (call tags, voice commands receiving texts, etc.) work for me and others in this forum. I just used all of those that you mention yesterday on an extended trip.

As far as the texts go, make sure you have iOS 6 installed on your iPhone. The availability for that particular feature is governed by the phone although you have to adjust the settings in both the phone and the car once you have iOS 6 installed.

 

I don't hate it. I'm just perplexed and annoyed that the changes they implemented did not simplify the system, but rather made it more complex and less user friendly. It could have used some more R&D IMO.

Also, the dealer had only one demo, there was no chance of getting it for the weekend, and the demo was a base package so I could not try out the tech beforehand.

Not to mention, my sales guy did not talk about the car on my test drive. He talked about himself the whole time. It was not a good sales experience.

Main reason for purchase, I was 50k over the KM on my 2010 lease, and they were nice to me in getting me into a new one without penalty.