Just got info on the trim levels on all the new 2016 models. here are the RDX details.

-3.5 D/I has been confirmed but still using a 6 speed
-jewel eyes like we figured

they've added what they call a "Acura Watch" trim for the base and tech. it adds ACC, foward collison warning, lane departure warning, and CMBS. so you still get a base or tech with or without "acura watch"

advance model has the same features as the advance mdx minus the entertainment center and roof rails.

 

Yes, a LOT more trim levels, and then features to match.

Base, Base Acura Watch, Tech, Tech Acura Watch, Advance, etc.

 

Presumably FWD and AWD for all variants. That would make ten trims at least. !!!

 

What's the HP on the new engine?, will 0-60 be any faster since the trans will be same?

 

Assuming it will keep the same awd system? Also assuming they will update the interior to the current MDX/TLX standards.

 

Sounds like an all new RDX to me and not a refresh.

 

surprised they are sticking with the 6 speed transmission instead of going to the 8 speed. Not that many would know the difference but it is another example where it seems Acura is placing the RDX behind the TLX, RLX, and MDX in terms of innovation where the new stuff is trickling down to the RDX.

With a refresh it is an opportunity for Acura to make this the best vehicle it can be with possible innovation that has not made it to another vehicle yet but they are not. They are adding LED lights and the new safety features 2 years after the other luxury makers, the Accord, and the MDX have added them. The CRV even got these features a few months before the RDX.

Of course, nothing is in stone until an official announcement which will be in 2 weeks at the Chicago show.

 

I believe they did not use the 9-speed due to re-certification/cost reasons, also capacity for the 9-speed could be a factor as well.

I somewhat disagree though, if the RDX has all the packaging of the MDX (Acura Watch, Advance model) and new headlights/bumpers, and it is only missing the 9-speed, they will have a winner and it is not be slighted at all.

 

I think one of the reason why it is easier to adapt the 9 speeds to the MDX than the RDX is because MDX has SH-AWD vs AWD in the RDX, and since the TLX have the similar set up, less R&D research is necessary (for lack of better word)

With the RDX they will need more time for testing and programming

 

All you said holds true to a large extent, but the question still remains; why only for RDX? The same argument (recertification needed) can be had for all the above mentioned models???

 

Really hoping for heated steering wheel accessory option - gotta think it's coming. Also would appreciate the heated seat switch to continue to be a tactile button versus in an LCD screen menu - think we will be SOL on this one as they've buried it in the LCD screen on newer models. I'm guessing rear seat heaters won't be included but they might be.

 

It really is an identity crisis at Acura, a product like the RDX should have content that should vastly differ from its stable mate, the CRV.

The DI and V6 engine is expected, as all Honda products are transitioning to DI over time. The 6AT is quite good, but Acura should be implementing SH-AWD, while having a FWD available as well. It'll most likely have the 9AT and SHAWD by the next FMC anyway, so those R&D costs have to be spent regardless, might as well get that on the current MMC instead of playing catch up as the industry moves further along in a couple years.

RDX sales volume is decent, but all the premium CUVs will have full FMCs within the next two years (RX, X3, Q5, GLK, QX50) and you can bet they will be stepping up their game. RDX will once again be chasing the group at the back of the pack.

 

The Lexus NX200t will have 6 speed but the RX350 will probably have 8 speed. So it somewhat makes sense to get the 9 speed to the MDX

 

This is exactly what I am alluding to where Acura is chasing the pack.

 

I don't think you can just brush off the costs and time associated with switching the RDX to the 9-speed. I mean it is not like Acura engineers are only working on this model.

The RDX sales are still good, even with outdated tech now. Performance and gas mileage are very competitive on the RDX, so it is not like it is failing against the competition in that area. It is only failing in the electronic "safety" tech and infotainment. You add all the current tech like the MDX and sales should go even higher. I bet most people have no clue how many speeds their transmission has and don't care, as long as the drive is good.

The competitors you mentioned also cost a lot more than the RDX as well ($5-10,000 easily), so if the only thing missing from the RDX is the 9-speed, I would say they have made a very competitive model and I think the sales will show it.

 

I'd say RDX volume is more than decent! It's set sales records two years in a row now and outsells everything that you mentioned expect the RX. The additions being made will only increase the desirabilty of the vehicle - the RDX isn't quite as established as the MDX or RX but it's definitely a player and I just don't see it "chasing the back of the pack" anytime soon.

I also think that with CAFE standards starting to rise every automaker is going to constantly be playing catch up. I'm guessing the RDX will hit 30 mpg in FWD form after the MMC - which none of its competitors do - and that's with a SOHC V6!

 

When I bought my RDX many of the competitors had bells and whistles that the RDX didn't have. Didn't stop me from buyig the RDX did it. I looked at reliability, value, ride, resale, MPG, smooth ride, pep when I want it, comfortable seats and overall styling. RDX hit all marks better than the rest. The fact that it didn't have rear seat ducts or heated steering wheel were not even factors.

 

The one feature that I deeply look into for this 2016 RDX is the cooling seats, not just heated seats. If it doesn't have it, I'll walk away.

 

My guess would be only the Advance trim would have it, if any trim at all.

 

do we know if they are redesigning any of the exterior (outside of what needs to be done for the jewel eyes)?

i.e. every piece of sheetmetal is the same, with tweaked fenders/hood/bumper, like the ILX refresh?

or

new sheetmetal all around

 

In that case you are talking of an entirely new model. Not just a refresh.

 

+1 not sure what sales figures hes going by to justify it being just "decent"

 

The bottom line is that if the RDX gets even half of the features in the rumors then it'll be a new model anyway - bodywork or no bodywork.

 

Haha...... That's true too. Having said that, as mentioned by someone we all bought an RDX even with all the shortcomings and are still pleased with our purchase. That says something about the product.

 

I think if Acura could replace SACH's crappy reactive dampers for something else, I would call that a FMC! Those reactive dampers are just horrible and take away from the enjoyment of the RDX. It is a shame because otherwise, the RDX is a great CUV!

It appears the RDX is more reliable and less prone to problems than the MDX and the TLX but could be associated with the fact it is free of the tech found in both these models. Seeing that these will be found in the 2016+ RDX, I anticipate that some problems may be on the increase...I hope I am wrong though. At least the powertrain will be the same so no lurching, hard shifting, jerking or slipping in neutral