I currently drive a 2013 RDX. I am thinking about upgrading to a newer model. My main goal is to get the latest safety stuff, lane deviation and collision avoidance, etc.
On a visit to a local dealer, I was told that 2019 would not be a big model change. But, I was under the impression that 2019 would be a big change, maybe a Gen 3.
Are there any rumors about what 2019 changes might be? I think the 2017/2018 has everything I want, but I am still wondering if I should wait for 2019?

Thanks for any insight.

Regards, Jim

 

It's rumored to have the 2.0t, based on the newer, lighter, stiffer, modular chassis based on Civic/Accord/CR-V and a year later a 2 motor hybrid. Hope it has SH-AWD or better the eSH-AWD from the MDX. Another rumor is that it might have a version of the new Precision Cockpit. They have to do something since the new Accord debuted today has a much more premium interior and infotainment console with Apple Carplay/Android Auto and better materials, ergonomics, steering wheel design.

 

You can get killer deals on the '17 right now as the '18's are identical. That being said, the dealer was juking you. The styling might might be too overly dramatic in the changes for '19 (see new CRV vs previous gen..a change, indeed, but not too wild); however, the chassis and engine will change and so might the tranny. There will probably be dramatic updates to the driver's cockpit, too, with more and better tech than the current gen. If your '13 can last another year, I'd hold out for what's new, at least to see for yourself. If you don't like the changes, you can always get a killer deal on a leftover '18...

 

This is a blatant lie to try and get you to buy what they have in stock now. 2019 will most certainly be a completely new RDX. If the 17/18's have what you want and you like the current gen there is no reason to wait as you will get a great deal. They need to move them and with a new generation coming out next year sales will be way off.

 

Agree. I would wait for the 2019 model instead if you can want the latest safety and electronic features. I was planning to buy the 2017 CRV touring since it has all new safety and electronics features including apple car play and touchless rear liftgate except cooling front seat compared to my 2017 RDX with Advance package. I finally bought the RDX due to the exceptional price and its quiet cabin which is important for my long road trip.

 

Does anyone know when they will be releasing photos of the 2019? I check online every week, but nothing but spy shots and camo

 

My guess is an auto show in early 2018.

 

oh...thought it would be on sale by early 2018...darn...

 

Spring 2018 was what I read for the launch timeframe. No idea if that's still accurate.

 

Judging by the new gen '18 Accord, I'd say July.
It might depend on how many unsold '18 RDX's are still on dealer lots.

 

I'm deciding on buying a new SUV in 2019 or 2020. I'm gonna keep my 2016 ILX aspec tech plus. I was looking at the 2019 RDX, MDX, or BMW X3 M40i...I might move to Germany for work for a couple years in summer of 2019 so that's another motivator for buying a discounted BMW X3 M40i...

 

well I made up my mind. I was looking at the futuristic 2019 RDX, MDX, and BMW X3 M40i. A fully maxed out options with multiple accessories (even ones I don't think I'll use), still comes out the cheapest out of the three. I just priced out the 2018 RDX on line and with a lot of accessories and advance model with AWD, it still came out to less than $50K. Amazing price for what you get. I think I'm gonna wait for the 2019 RDX and get that instead of the MDX or a BMW X3. It seems like a great and practical choice for my budget because I'm assuming that a BMW X3 M40i with a lot of options will be well over $60K.

 

Just remember the 19 RDX will very likely be a 4 banger only. I suspect there will still be 18's around if the power train isn't what you expected. The German entries are always way more expensive and kill you on nickel and dime options. An RDX Advance has all the bells and whistles at one price. This is what sold it for us. 40,700 was the discounted price we paid back in 2016. You couldn't touch a base 6 cylinder X3 for that price.

 

I'm also waiting for the 3rd Gen RDX to hit the road before deciding on a replacement for one of my current vehicles. I'm not too concerned about the 2.0L turbo since I'm use to 2.3L turbo in my current RDX (turbo is the way to go at +5000 feet). I figure AcuraWatch is going to be standard for every vehicle pretty soon. I'm worried about:

- 3rd Gen being a re-styled 2nd Gen with a smaller engine (6 or 9AT, no sh-awd, no carplay, same interior with no precision concept cockpit until MMC)
OR
- will the 3rd Gen try to split the difference between the 1st and 2nd Gen and offer a little more sport (sport hybrid option, bring back sh-awd, 7/8/9/10 AT or DCT, carplay, precision cockpit)

 

Ya I couldn't care less if they go to a 4 banger turbo - I'm banking on them getting it right if they do. Will it remain soccer mom CUV or will there be some element of sportiness to be had? That's what I'm waiting to see!

 

Well after waiting for the 2018 to come out and to find that it wasn't a redesign, I'm leaning towards getting the 2018. I got sidelined from car buying earlier this year as we had a rental house to sell and just too much other stuff going on. So now I am not finding any 2017 AWD with the Advanced packages near me and the one's I am finding are only going for around 39k. I have a dealer who will sell the 2018 for 41,191 and so I don't see the point in getting the 2017. I've been looking at these cars since last year and am really tired of waiting for the latest and greatest to come out. Then there's the issue of would I really want to buy a redesign the first year it's out? Probably not.. that would mean waiting another year. I think I'm going to just go for it! If the 2019 is all that, I might just cut my losses and trade up, down the road....

 

Yeh, seems like this update is taking forever but I am going to wait it out. I think/hope this new RDX will be much nicer than current gen. I've been driving an ancient 4Runner as needed but want to consolidate down to 1 "nice" AWD vehicle that can do everything I need with a bit of upscale vibe to it. Turbo power does not bother me....prefer the torque down low where it should be in these type of vehicles.

 

The low end torque definitely improves the fun-factor, but I'd be a little surprised if they dump the V6. Hoping for some positive changes aimed at drivers beyond those looking for the premium shlepper for the family & dog. The new TLX update offers some hope - exhaust tips, better wheel options etc.

 

Except the TLX is just a refresh, not an all new car. The RDX will be new from the ground up.

 

Agreed. Just more the idea of a changing mindset by Acura - exhaust tips, sweet engine sound, a nice looking 19" - 245 wheel option. Acura's skinny wheels - ugh!

 

My lease is up in'19 and I'm looking to get a left over '18 Advance at a great lease number.
Especially if the RDX goes to a 2.0T.

 

The problem is - in my experience leases rates get weak at the end of a model cycle as they know the residuals are not going to be good with a new model coming out. The best time to lease is mid cycle (in the RDX's case '16 was likely a great time to lease.) The best lease deals will be on 19's when they come out (or shortly thereafter to allow for the "gotta be the first on the block" folks to pay a premium). As an example I leased a 2006 S2000 at a fantastic rate. When I tried to get a 2009 for the same deal, they laughed at me. The rate was about 50% higher at that point. Now if you wanted to BUY a 2018, it will be an awesome time to do so once the 19's hit the lots.

 

Maybe but that depends on inventory. I'm seeing some great lease deals on the '17 Accord along with great buy deals like I when bought my '17.
Dealers and auto manufacturers would rather see one lease vs buy because it gets that person back to the brand and usually dealer at lease end for at least a look and offer.
Auto manufacturers usually have better lease cash than cash rebates for purchases for that reason.

The V6 is the main reason I went RDX.
No V6 I just may go CR-V Touring.

We'll see.

 

If you are going to end up with an FI 4 banger anyway why not go with the 2.0T which will likely be in the RDX and get the extra hp?

 

I like the new design CR-V. with Touring pkg.Quicker too now with the turbo.
$10K list wise cheaper Touring vs Advance.

I probably still would go RDX if the V6 stays.I haven't driven or been in any 4 cyl 2.0t or 2.5t that as smooth and quiet as the V6.
If I have to go 4 cyl turbo, it most likely will be the CR-V Touring for $10K less.
I'm going to check the numbers on an '18 Advance leftover and CR-V Touring.


The RDX is actually my wife's vehicle but we use it for all our trips and most errands to use up the lease miles.

 

just imagine the current model rdx with the new grille

 

I was close to picking up CR-V touring....but just can't do that CVT transmission.

 

Honda's CVT is the best out there.
My son has a '16 EX Accord coupe 4 cyl with CVT and I've driven the Accord a number of times and it's not bad at all.As is the pep the 4 cyl has.

There have been complaints on a Lexus forum on how the Toyota 8 speed trans keeps searching for gears.
I have a feeling Honda's 10 speed may have the same problem.

The 6 speed works fine.

Through the years, Honda has had trans problems.

 

My main concern is longevity.....I keep my cars for a long time...current TL has 246,000 miles. I have driven the CRV and Accord CVT and agree that it "OK" for what it is. If the CRV had a traditional 6 speed auto then I would probably have one. I am waiting to see what the 2019 RDX brings.

 

I can understand your concern.

 

My wife bought a 16 CRV and I have to say - the CVT is actually tuned pretty nicely. I think it works well for 85% of the people who buy it. If you like to drive in a more "sporty" manner then I agree the CVT is not the best option - but for day to day driving I don't think about the fact that it has a CVT.

Regarding longevity - the 19 RDX may get one of the newer Honda transmissions which will be more of a crapshoot than the CVT IMO.

 

My wife would never know the difference with the CVT vs non CVT.

 

I hear you about the newer Honda transmissions (I have had two total transmission failures with Acura previously so I have no interest in trying out a transmission for Honda on my dime). I am hoping that they do the cosmetic update that we are all expecting, do the upscale interior with new audio/navi, and leave the V6 and 6 speed auto. I doubt very much that they do that but hope that they realize why the RDX is one of their best selling autos (although the only real competition is the MDX).
And I agree that the Honda CVT is not that bad, but if I go to an SUV I have to feel like a little sportiness is possible.

It used to be easy with Acura. You just bought the next year model of what you had....worked really well.

 

Yep. That was the Toyota/Lexus model for years as well. They would trot out the same powertrain on new models knowing it had zillions of miles on it and would be rock solid reliable. Seems with the speed that technology is moving in the auto industry now we don't let cars mature anymore because they have to be chasing the next new level of tech. That said - it's still amazing how much better cars are, on the whole, than they were back in the late 70's when I first started to drive!

Someone pointed out in the TLX forum that Honda/Acura has as many different transmissions as they do car models. Pretty crazy and it has to take a toll on the overall reliability of the brand.

 

The 2019 RDX likely will debut in early 2018, probably at the NAIAS. To me this is the most important Acura model in quite some time for a couple of reasons.

1. It's become the top-selling Acura.

2. It's the first vehicle we will see in which the new design language was incorporated from the beginning. So far I am not fully sold on the DPG, though I think it looks better and more cohesive on the TLX than it does on the MDX.

If Acura can nail the design and improve the interior significantly (like the recent Accord but even better) and offer a sports hybrid that gets 30 MPG combined, it will be an even bigger hit. From a size perspective, the current MDX is 196.2" in length, and the current RDX is 184.4". I would really like to see the RDX grow to about 188 to 190" in length, with part of that additional space going to 2nd row room, and the remainder to the cargo/trunk space.