I just read the November 2013 issue of MotorTrend and it looks like a Hybrid RDX will be out for 2015.
I wonder how much more weight that would add and if the 0-60 time would be affected positively or negatively, I hope they would redesign the interior and get a new Nav system too.
The new on demand multi-use display like the MDX would be awesome in the RDX too, I hope that will happen in 2015.
Thoughts!

 

don't be surprised if it gets the Accord hybrid engine. The RLX is rumored to have a performance hybrid next year (similar to Infiniti q50 hybrid specs) but don't see the RDX getting the same hybrid around the same time. The RDX needs to add a hybrid since the Audi Q5 has a hybrid and Diesel, the BMW X3 is rumored to be bringing a Diesel, and Lexus has the hybrid RX 450h.

 

Joe Las Vegas, any other news about 2015 RDX in there? Thanks.

 

I would expect it to get the ED version of the V6 too, but I have no info on that, just my hope. Honda's new hybrid tech is pretty impressive, but I'm not sure they would be a 4 cyl hybrid in the RDX. I wonder if they would mate that to a V6?

 

Joe Las Vegas- small world, I also see you on the Santa Fe Sport board. Guess we are researching the same cars

 

Why is Japan so afraid of Diesel? I'd do an RDX with a turbo diesel (V6) all day every day.... I don't want to lug around the weight of, contribute to the production polution of or eventually pay to replace batteries.

 

I agree. I saw the specs for the new Q5 TDI and it has amazing torque with good gas mileage. The Japanese in general have stayed away from diesels. Also interesting is in NJ many of the stations that sell diesel sell it for a price very close to that of the 93 octane fuel.


Edmunds specs lists it with 240 hp and 428 torque. Game Mileage is 24-31 mpg.
The RDX is 273 hp and 251 torque with gas mileage ratings of 20-28.

http://www.edmunds.com/audi/q5/2014/...743&sub=diesel

 

I just saw the same issue with basically just a sentence about it. Unless I'm missing something, it sounded like hybrid will be out before RDX redesign, which from what I read isn't gonna happen until 2017/2018. I don't know, but that doesn't translate to 2015 hybrid to me. Just IMHO.

 

This might answer some of that question. Takes a while for markets to change...

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/03/bu...esel.html?_r=0

"....In 1990, diesel powered 6.4 percent of all new cars sold in Japan. But a law in 1992 lowering the limit on emissions of smog- forming nitrogen oxide - a major byproduct when burning diesel fuel - and tax changes that effectively narrowed the cost advantage of diesel fuel and made diesel cars more expensive, prompted a steady downturn in demand.

The death blow came in 1999 when,in a widely televised stunt, the governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara, waved a bottle containing black particles of carcinogenic soot that were emitted in greater quantity by diesels than gasoline vehicles.

By 2003 there were only 10 diesel models, whereas there had been 24 a year earlier.Now, only Toyota Motor's Landcruiser Prado remains, while buyers can choose from some 200 gasoline models.
...."

 

Nope! all they say is this: "What to look for: A hybrid to join the line up before this gen is retired."

 

I like the SF sport, looks great inside and out and 10/100,000 warranty is awesome.
Don't wanna spend more than $35K MSRP ($35K OTD after negotiating is my goal)
I like the Audi Q3 too, supposed to come out spring 2014, would love to test drive it to feel the dual clutch trans.

 

I'd highly recommend test driving the Santa Fe and RDX back-to-back. I was not impressed with Hyundai's drive.

Hyundai reliability isn't up there enough yet (pay for consumer reports subscription and go check out the car data on there, specifically the reliability data for cars). If you plan on keeping this car past the warranty, this should be a consideration for you.

 

Hyundai makes a good car but they had one with AWD and the turbo on a lot up here with a $40K price tag! Sorry... Too much money for a Hyundai. I got my RDX AWD with Tech for less than that. I've heard similar complaints about its drivability too. When I saw the sticker I didn't even bother with the test drive.

 

Don't count on the Q3 in the spring. It's already been delayed a couple times, and recent reports say we won't get it until the mid-cycle refresh. If that's accurate, the end of 2014 is the best we can hope for, and I'm betting it'll be sometime in 2015.

I'm not against a hybrid RDX, but I probably wouldn't buy one myself unless it incorporates some version of SH-AWD. I just don't yet see the value in hybrids, and I certainly don't long for my neighbors to think I'm a superior being for single-handedly saving the planet. Besides, I too believe diesels are the better solution for fuel economy and the environment.

Have you considered the GLK250? High 30's mpg's and a surprising base price. Watch the options, and if you're a shrewd negotiator you should be able to find one within your budget. And if, as speculated, Mazda offers the Skyactiv-D diesel powertrain in the CX-5 for 2015, that might ultimately be the crossover to have. Affordable, good looking, fun to drive and fantastic fuel economy. Plus, unlike most diesels, no expensive exhaust aftertreatment required. The GLK250 ditches the spare tire storage under the cargo floor in favor of the required Adblue reservoir, so runflats are standard on that model for the US market. No such issues with the Mazda. The CX-5 diesel, if it comes to be, could be a game changer.

 

Edmunds shows Spring 2014.

 

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2013...IEWS/131009832

http://blog.caranddriver.com/the-con...nate-rejected/

 

The United States isn't much different, either. Import manufacturers are getting hell from the US gov for diesel emission.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by that. With modern (since 2008) diesel exhaust filters, etc, diesels may even be cleaner than gassers.