then. I still like the look of the TL better (I like high-tech-looking), but I'm a family guy with a kid, and we regularly do multi-hundred-mile trips for a few days. The trunk on the TL worries me, and I'm afraid we'll run out of space on those trips and have to take my wife's car, defeating the purpose. I have until mid August to decide. The RDX has a smaller engine and smaller brakes, less beefy suspension, but is 100lbs lighter. Not sure how much less powerful it feels, though. I know it's been tuned to be very conservative, which I wish it hadn't. I currently drive an 04 V6 Accord, and I just have to think about the gas pedal and I'm off. Also, I'm near Boston, so I'm thinking the AWD is a good option due to the amount of snow we get. Here's my list of what I think the (meaningful) +/- are with the RDX over the TL. I would appreciate any feedback, additions, or corrections, especially subjective and non-obvious ones I might have missed: * $3000 cheaper * 1MPG better in AWD (vs SH-AWD), and able to run Regular * Better voice control * No Speed Sensing Interval Wipers * Much better nav system * More flexible seating * Better iPod compatiblity * Xenon High Intensity Discharge Headlights vs Low Beam Xenon High Intensity Discharge Headlights * More storage. Duh. * Engine: i-VTEC® 3.5L V6 vs 3.7L V6, * HP: 273@6200 vs 305@6300 * Torque: 251@5000 vs 273@5000 * Compression Ratio 10.5 vs 11.2 * Brakes: Front Power 312-mm Ventilated Disc and Rear Power 305-mm Solid Disc Brakes vs Front Power 320-mm X 28-mm Ventilated Disc and Rear Power 335-mm X 11-mm Solid Disc Brakes * Worse suspension (MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers vs Double Wishbone Front Suspension With Coil Springs, Gas Charged Shock Absorbers). Smaller Front Stabilizer Bar (22mm vs 30mm) * Much roomier, twice the cargo space. Hatchback with rear wiper. 11" shorter but 9" taller, 2" more ground clearance. * Ground Clearance 8.1 vs 5.7 * 100lbs lighter * 2 gal smaller gas tank Thanks in advance.

 

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I was originally attracted to the 2011 TL when I started looking last year. I actually loved the radical look. But now I'm close to buying, and both cars look very different than they did back then. I still like the look of the TL better, but I'm a family guy with a kid, and we regularly do multi-hundred-mile trips for a few days. The trunk on the TL worries me, and I'm afraid we'll run out of space on those trips and have to take my wife's car, defeating the purpose. I have until mid August to decide.

The RDX has a smaller engine and smaller brakes, less beefy suspension, but is 100lbs lighter. Not sure how much less powerful it feels, though. I know it's been tuned to be very conservative, which I wish it hadn't. I currently drive an 04 V6 Accord, and I just have to think about the gas pedal and I'm off. Also, I'm near Boston, so I'm thinking the AWD is a good option due to the amount of snow we get. Here's my list of what I think the (meaningful) +/- are with the RDX over the TL. I would appreciate any feedback, additions, or corrections, especially subjective and non-obvious ones I might have missed:

* $3000 cheaper

* 1MPG better in AWD (vs SH-AWD)

* Better voice control

* No Speed Sensing Interval Wipers

* Much better nav system

* More flexible seating

* Better iPod compatiblity

* Xenon High Intensity Discharge Headlights vs Low Beam Xenon High Intensity Discharge Headlights

* More storage. Duh.

* Engine: i-VTEC® 3.5L V6 vs 3.7L V6,

* HP: 273@6200 vs 305@6300

* Torque: 251@5000 vs 273@5000

* Compression Ratio 10.5 vs 11.2

* Brakes: Front Power 312-mm Ventilated Disc and Rear Power 305-mm Solid Disc Brakes vs Front Power 320-mm X 28-mm Ventilated Disc and Rear Power 335-mm X 11-mm Solid Disc Brakes

* Worse suspension (MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers vs Double Wishbone Front Suspension With Coil Springs, Gas Charged Shock Absorbers). Smaller Front Stabilizer Bar (22mm vs 30mm)

* Much roomier, twice the cargo space. Hatchback with rear wiper. 11" shorter but 9" taller, 2" more ground clearance.

* Ground Clearance 8.1 vs 5.7

* 100lbs lighter

* 2 gal smaller gas tank

Thanks in advance.

 

Wow, that is quite a list...

A few things I like about the RDX are the stop/start, the keyless entry, and the cylinder deactivation technology!

I've driven the TL and although the brakes are smaller, it isn't really size, but how soft/hard they are. The TL's brakes were extremely mushy and had the be stomped on. The RDX is better in terms of stopping power if you ask me, but they are pretty sensitive (you can decide if thats good or bad). HP and torque numbers are a bit trivial because they occur at such a high RPM. Seeing you are a family man and will be driving long distances, I doubt you'd be revving so high and desire comfort/space.

 

really it comes down to preference. sedan vs SUV. your comparing apples to oranges when it should really come down to functionality (at least that's the impression i am getting with your post). the TL will probably out perform the RDX b/c it's a "luxury sports sedan".

do you plan on growing your family? long family hauling trips? lots of snow? from a practical stand point it sounds like the RDX is a better choice for your current needs. you'll lose some of the fun to drive sedan aspects of the TL with the RDX, but it's an SUV. since i own a TL and and MDX (albeit a 3G TL, and a larger SUV)...if you go with the RDX, you won't have regrets as the family travel car. you can never have too much room when you're traveling by car.

if you want the TL...you lose cargo space. so unless the family is willing to pack light, might has well be comfortable without overloading in an SUV. your other option...get the TL, put a roof rack on it with a torpedo cargo box on top and you've increased your cargo space, but lost your MPGs for traveling. just a thought.

 

Actually, the TL's brakes are larger, not smaller. But if your real-world test showed the RDX stopping better, maybe that's because it's lighter and they're fighting a smaller engine.

One of the reasons I'm buying a new car is that I'm commuting about 2 hours a day to get to work and back, so most of the time I'll be on my own in the car trying to get to work or trying to get back home. Having learned to drive in New York, yeah, I tend to "drive aggressively". I've read recently that the RDX has more acceleration than I previously thought, which I was glad to find out.

Thanks for your experience.

 

The RDX has the same v6 engine 3.5L as the Base TL guys. It no longer comes with a 4 cylinder. Nothing smaller about it.

 

According to the website, the TL comes with a 3.7L V6 and the RDX comes with a 3.5 V6.

 

yes this is true for the SHAWD version of the TL...3.7L V6

the base model TL comes with 3.5L V6

the RDX has the 3.5L V6

 

We always have been a coupe or sedan family for many years. I’ve always thought a SUV would be a waste of space with worst mpgs, just a tall station wagon.

The previous Gen RDX started to catch my eye and I took a serious look at it. After a few years of ownership, I don’t think we can do without a SUV in our family. The things I like about the RDX compared to our TSX:

- Better visibility; you can see almost 360 degrees out the windows. I find the RDX easier to drive because of this.
- Taller sitting position; comes in handy with heavy traffic or looking for a parking spot at the mall.
- More upright seating position; my TSX seat is like a recliner sitting upright with foot rest extended. The RDX seat is like a comfortable office chair. I feel much better after a long trip in the RDX compared to the TSX.
- Can carry more people and gear easier in the RDX. No drivetrain hump in the middle so you can sit 3 adults in the back. Purchased a cargo box and it increased my vacation fun factor by 10 because I could carry more stuff. I only lost 1 mpg on the hwy at 80 mph with the cargo carrier (very aerodynamic).
- Wider inside; you can easily share the arm rest
- Shorter; fits in the garage and other parking spots easier
- No more asking in-laws for help to carry bulky items in their SUV/trucks, the RDX can carry a lot of stuff with the seats down.
- When it comes to babies and kids in sports, you need more room for the lawn chairs, coolers, stroller, canopy, sports umbrella, etc…
- I find myself doing more family activities and traveling any time of the year because of the SUV. I’ve gone skiing, to the beach, Disneyland, and Las Vegas more times the last two years compared to the 6 years before owning the RDX.

The SUV/RDX has really worked out for my family. I’m waiting to see if they come out with an advance model RDX (need cooled seats in NM) or make some really good improvements on the 2014 MDX (mainly mpgs) before we upgrade current 08 RDX.

 

i would agree with the observations made here as a sedan and SUV owner as well. dont' get me wrong i still love my TL.

 

What he said. It has the same engine in the base model without SH-AWD.

 

I have an 09 TL and a 013 RDX. The RDX is much quicker off the line, but the cornering on the TL is a bit better. The brakes of the RDX are also more sensative. Always takes a bit when I switch cars to make the adjustment, but like the RDX brakes better. I do find I use the RDX more, as I play alot of sports and it holds more gear. No family, but if I had one, I would say the RDX would be a no-brainer.

 

fixed!

 

Yes, I meant to say the TL's brakes were larger. Although the RDX's brakes were smaller, they were night and day compared to the TL. It could be the weight, but from experience on upgrading my brake pads, not all brakes are created equal! The negative about having harder brake pads is that they dust like crazy and the rims are covered in brake dust after 2 days, so even though there is more stopping power, there are consequences.

 

I have both. I have a 2012 SHAWD Tech Package tl, and 2013 RDX tech package AWD (wife's). I drive both everyday. Love them both. TL looks hotter, for sure. I like how the RDX drives more than the TL, even though the TL is faster and handles better. I prefer to ride in the RDX. Finally, the TL has crappy NHSTA safety ratings (RDX's scores aren't yet out, but they got to be better). The back doors on the TL sound cheap when you close them. I honestly think the stereo in the RDX sounds better, even though the TL's is supposed to be a little better. Overall, the build quality of the RDX just seems head and shoulders above the TL, seems like a much more solidly built vehicle. Also, we're averaging 23.4 mpg in the RDX. 21.5 in the TL, and the RDX has great pickup. Also have two kids and a 2005 CRV. The space in the RDX behind the seat isn't that great (compared to the CRV) and is much less usable - point being, the space issue with two kids is probably a wash. Seriously, buy the RDX.

 

Well, I don't know, but, aren't we comparing apples to oranges here??? I think we are. I have always liked having a coupe or cool sedan AND a cool SUV. We "car nuts" like different vehicles for different reasons. Period. Hard...or impossible to get everything you want in one vehicle.

Of course the sitting positions are different in a SUV vs. a sedan or coupe. And the room, etc, etc.

I have an new RDX that we really like a lot. And, we have a '12 Accord Cpe, with basically the same V6, auto. with paddle shifters. I put some nice wheels on it, and some other dress up goodies....and it gets it's share of looks. I'm running Conti Extreme Contact DWS tires...and they are great!

I like driving both....for different reasons. It's nice having the RDX with the V6. It gets real decent fuel mileage and will get up and move when pushed. Huge improvement over the Gen 1 RDX.

The Cpe. is low to the ground....looks great....handles great...and will really move when pushed using the paddle shifters. Will it out run all the other coupes on the street....No...it won't....but, it's quick and fun to drive. Don't have to have the fastest. Always someone who has something faster. Or stops a little quicker.

 

dj_segfault....Not much I can add that hasn't already been said by most other members. I have the TL and the RDX (12 and 13) and both are GREAT vehicles and both have their pro and cons. As TLtrigirl said, its more based on your own application but either will be great vehicles. For me, if I had to chose one, I would chose the RDX for the following reasons....the things the TL does amazing well at, the RDX does a pretty darn close job at. There are things the RDX does that the TL can't even come close (storage, interior space etc). I feel that bang for the buck, the RDX is a more "well rounded" vehcicle while the TL is certainly an AMAZING car but more oriented towards its driving characteristics while the RDX is more oriented toward its versatility (higher off the ground, more storage, better fuel efficiency). Either way, you will not disapointed.

You may want to wait in case they come out with a BOGO sale (Buy one get one free) (lol)

 

weather,

If you had to take a long roadtrip, say 400 miles each way (~ 640 km for my canucklehead friends. ), which would you choose in terms of comfort and fun to drive?

 

Wow, you've all given me such great advice! I didn't expect to hear from people who had both

My choice is a lot clearer now. While the TL might be a bit more fun to drive, the RDX sounds not that far behind in that regard. But getting the RDX means I'll be able to use that vehicle more for longer trips, etc.

Being newer (nay, nearly completely redesigned), it's got newer tech. The EPS will take getting used to, but I've read that VCM is nearly undetectable.

Thanks again, all. And I love your avatar, mrgold35

 

Well...that is a very good question. Not sure the answer will be as good *lol* I would have to say..it depends. It would have to depend on how many of the friends would be in the vehicle, the amount of stuff they are bringing, the destination and the type of roads along the way.

Let me explain...Nothing worse than driving a sports sedan who is full of people and stuff and unable to appreciate the handling of the vehicle. A full car never handles the same way as when it is more driver only. The TL would be a great vehicle to take on nice surfaced roads but on twisties as well because of the SH-AWD but on uneven and rougher surfaced roads, I would take the RDX in a heartbeat.

Bottom line...if I was faced with that decision, I would take the RDX over the TL.

 

I have a '12 Accord Cpe with almost the exact same V6. I've driven it all kinds of ways, around the city, on the freeway, backroads etc. It is virtually not noticeable when the VCM is operating. The only way I really know is when the "green info. light" is lit on the dash.

The RDX does not have the light....but, again, my RDX's engine feels the same as my Accord's. Can't tell....it's seamless. And, it does help the fuel mileage on both my vehicles.

 

We have both cars the 2013 RDX and a 2012 TL. The TL is faster, corners better and actually and has poorer mileage, not much but it is poorer. The RDX has a much better ride, handles very well and gets better mileage. The acceleration is good the jump when passing is excellent 50 to 70MPH can be done in 4 seconds. The back up camera is much better in the RDX and the RDX will read your test messages through the blue tooth hook up and you can send quick canned replies. The RDX is roomier but does not have rear seat ventilation, nor ventilated seats, nor blind spot ID. The 2012 TL trunk is really small compared to the 2008 TL I traded in.
The brakes are equally good on each firm and not "grabby"

 

dj_segfault :
What does this mean? It looks the same. Do you mean Bi-Xenon?
Xenon High Intensity Discharge Headlights vs Low Beam Xenon High Intensity Discharge Headlights"

 

I typically get around 20 mpg with the TL and close to 22 with the RDX but I guess that is the sacrifice for the quickness of the TL. The air conditioning for the TL is much better than the RDX even factoring in the cabin area difference. I echo the assertion that the ride in the RDX is more comfortable.

 

Again, I can't imagine trying to "compare" the TL to the RDX! It would make more sense if comparing the RDX to the Lexus RX.

Apples to oranges.........apples to apples.

Depends on what your main needs are. Each vehicle is designed for basic different needs.

So, here's an idea....buy both and then take the one you need at a given time!! Like weather does!!

If that's not doable.....again, it's got to be based on your true needs. Many people buy 2 dr coupes with a wife and 2 kids. Not normally a smart move.
Later they are crying and need to sell the cpe. No room, too hard to get car seats in....to get kids in, etc.

I just can't imagine trying to decide between a TL and an RDX. But, that's just me. I'm lucky, like weather...I have a great coupe and the RDX.

If I had to choose between them and have only one of them.....have to go with the RDX. Overall, it would give me most everything I would need. BUT, I would still miss my coupe.

Whew.....how's that for trying to figure this all out?? LOL!!!