The new 2016 RDX will have almost the same pricing structure as the TLX. Is anyone else cross-shopping these 2 cars? Is it simply a preference if you want a sedan or a crossover SUV?

It was easy to eliminate the MDX simply because the trim I want (SH-AWD + Acurawatch + Tech) puts the MSRP over $50,000 which is over my budget.

Thanks.

 

The RDX is an older design and will likely be a step behind the TLX as far as fit/finish, NVH and materials go. There are also a few features missing between the two (e.g. new transmissions, IDS, brake hold)

 

Thanks, I didn't realize there were so many differences.

 

What would be the reason the RDX is 'behind' in fit and finish?

I can't imagine having only a sedan for transportation; but, I've been a 'utility' guy for many years...either wagons or compact utes going back to college. HOWEVER, for many of those years(and there have been MANY), I've also had a sporty car/convertible as well. For a single vehicle, there is little doubt I would have a ute/hatchback/wagon rather than 'just' a sedan. The fact that I/we also have a convertible takes care of the sporty side of the equation. There is not the performance/mileage gap between cars and SUVs like there once was(albeit an insurance premium penalty in many cases), so it's not like you are choosing a TRUCK over a car.

Ride height has become more important to us as we moved from car-crazy Atlanta to TRUCK/SUV crazy central Texas. Ride height is a big reason we switched from wagons to utes about ten years ago.

 

I guess i was thinking about how quiet and well put together the TLX is (as mentioned in reviews). The RDX is essentially an ILX on stilts whereas the TLX is an entirely new car

 

I think that is a good way to put it. It does have higher trim levels than the ILX, but the steering wheel (for example) looks more ILX than TLX.

What I was hoping is that the RDX would be a smaller MDX but it's not. It is sort of in the odd middle ground between the MDX and ILX.

When the FMC RDX was introduced it is just slightly before Acura when with their new center stack design and the focus on MVH in the TLX. The RDX seems to be the Acura that is 'just a little too late.'

 

^I find the interior of the RDX to be more ILX-like than TLX-like (no woodgrain/real aluminum, they have the same climate controls and center screen, same steering wheel, same gauges, etc). Even the finer details, like the hard plastic glove box lid, soft plastic dash, soft leatherette on the doors, plastic-chrome door interior handles, same design language outside, on and on. Then the MDX and TLX are on the same interior level, and RLX is higher than everything else. That's just my take on it. I think RDX vs. ILX, you're really just paying for the engine upgrade and size increase, interior materials not so much.

TLX vs. RDX, I guess it depends what engine you want. If you compare apples to apples (FWD V6 TLX vs FWD RDX), the TLX is a little more money and a little smaller, again I think because the interior is a bit nicer. If you don't really care about speed, and you don't need a big SUV, then the TLX i-4 would be good IMO since it has the nice DCT, nice interior materials and you'll save on gas, plus it's a bit less expensive anyway. Really depends on exactly what you want to do with the car.

 

Last time I cross-shopped cars, I compared the Unimog to a Trabant.

What kind of question is this? These are two completely different types of vehicles. One is an SUV and the other is a sedan. Different customer demographics. If you don't know which type of vehicle you want then I'd recommend the Trabant - or the Unimog. Either will fit your requirements.

 

Before I got the RDX, I was doing a similar cross-shopping between the RDX and TLX because of the very reasons you discuss. My wife has a TL and I liked the way the sedan drove, so the TLX was a great option price-wise. Problem for me was that my price-range of about $40-41K eliminated the SH-AWD v6 TLX w/Nav - whereas the RDX had the AWD and Nav in that range. But that's just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, because you're comparing vehicles that are very different. Someone in an earlier reply talked being a "utility kind of guy", and that's really something you have to consider. An RDX, while driving nice with great bells/whistles, is less refined than the TLX but also much more versatile. The TLX will give you a better driving experience and maybe more of a fresh design, but good luck putting that cabinet you just bought at Home Depot in the back of your TLX. For me, it boiled down to utility and what I needed. Having two sedans in the family, and no vehicle with even a hatch, was the deciding factor. For you, decide what you need the vehicle to do. If you want it for driving and carrying people and just non-bulky items, you'll likely be happier with the TLX, since even with the 2016 improvements, the RDX won't drive the same and provide the same handling experience as the TLX. Apples and Oranges, IMHO.

Good luck!

andy

 

Depends on if you have another utility vehicle at home, any kids, what purpose you are going to use it for...etc? TLX will be overall nicer, smoother, advanced and sophisticated but a smaller car and RDX will be more useful for carrying bulky objects, better for rear seat passengers / kids, etc. If it's the only vehicle in household, RDX would be better.

 

My wife and I got the TLX base and come next year or the following we'll start shopping for a second car. I've been bent on keeping the 2nd car in the same car family for there are hidden benefits for a DIYer like me, but I must say that if a sedan had to be paired with its equivalent SUV it would be ILX - RDX and RLX - MDX.

The TLX is slotted uncomfortably in the middle imo. If you're familiar with its 8in infotainment you're going to be bothered by the standard 5in screen of the RDX unless you caught up 4k for the tech package. And if at that price you consider the MDX you may find it too large and costly for your purposes.

There's no question that the RDX has a different mission than its sedan siblings with its (non SH) AWD, traditional tranny, and smaller infotainment screen. If anything the 2016 models seems to aim to be the other "middle child" of the Acura lineup. From the parent's pov the TLX then would be the smart one and the RDX would be the practical one.