lmacmil

My wife has a 2004 Highlander which is just about the perfect size for us. The later Highlanders and MDX are too large, IMO. I am lobbying for a 2nd generation RDX but am a little concerned about the cargo space. The advertised volume is only 26 cu. ft. which is substantially smaller than our Highlander. We go to Florida in the winter for several weeks and take a lot of stuff. We have no local Acura dealer which is why I am asking for assistance.

I found an old thread but it only gave the width and the depth dimension to the back of the front seat. I am looking for the dimensions from the back of the rear seat (in its rear-most position if it's adjustable) to the hatch along the floor and from the top of the seat back (not the headrest) to the hatch. For reference, it the Highlander, these dims are 41" and 34".

Thanks to anyone who can help.

rosen39

Rear seat does not slide (It's not a Lexus). With the rear seat up, you have 33" to the hatch at the middle of the floor. The top of the rear seat , going straight back, you have 19" to the hatch. The tallest item you can put in would be 31 1/2". It is not as good as a Lexus RX350, but better than an Infinity QX-70.

lmacmil

My Highlander has a sliding rear seat and it's not a Lexus either!

Thanks. That's quite small, probably not going to cut it for us.

rosen39

If I put two 30 gallon trash barrels in the back, I have to remove the roll up cargo cover. There is not a lot of room with the rear seats up. If you go on Edmunds.com they have a "compare" feature where you can compare up to 4 or 5 cars at once. After making your selections, go to "measurements" and compare cargo capacity with seats up and seats down. The Kia Sorrento will beat the RDX for cargo capacity.

giovane

If you don't mind getting a Lexus, they are doing huge discounts on the 2015 RX (new model coming up soon).
It's not a huge car but has 30% more cargo than the RDX and it's a rock solid ride.

rosen39

Giovane, I am keeping my eye out on the 2016 RX350 due out later this year. I had one before, and it was the performance of the RDX the made me switch. The 2016 Lexus is supposed to have a 300hp V6. From the spy photos, what I don't like is the "iPad" type screen sticking out of the dashboard (similar to new Mercedes). Looks like it was just stuck on, but many manufacturers are going that route to give the owner a larger screen. The Lexus came with roof rails, power steering column (with memory), cargo cover, adjustable passenger seat height, rain sensing wipers, and sliding and reclining rear seats. In any event, my 2013 RDX will be history.

lmacmil

IMO, the Lexus is too expensive for what you get. If/when the Highlander gets replaced, we'll probably move to something like a CRV or a CX-5. They've got decent cargo space behind the rear seat, unlike the RDX. My only qualms about those two (or the Rav4) are the 4 cylinder engines since we have a V6 in the Highlander.

Comfy

Now I'm confused. You seem to want cargo space but are looking at smaller CUVs and want a V6 engine !!!
My opinion, why don't you stick with a newer model highlander. It seems to have everything you want except it's larger but you were apparently comfortable with what it offers in terms of value for money, space and engine performance.

rosen39

I know I'll get "dumped on" for saying this, but the Cadillac SRX you can get loaded, MSRP $48K and they discount $5K around here. All scheduled maintenance is covered for four years, and the warranty is 4yr/50,000 miles and powertrain is 6yr/70,000 miles. And you get a rear hatch that you can adjust the opening height. It has a V6 although it is not neck snapping on acceleration. Big question is re-sale, but a lot of bang for the buck.

lmacmil

As the Rolling Stones say "You can't always get what you want." The CRV has as much cargo space as our current Highlander. Regarding the engine, I expressed concern about the 4 cylinder engines after driving a V6 for 11 years. I think I (and my wife, the primary driver) could probably adjust to the 4 cylinder a lot easier than to the much larger size of the current Highlander or MDX or Murano.

Of course, we don't have to do anything since our Highlander is low miles and runs great. It would be nice to have some of the features of the newer models though (e.g., backup camera, MP3 capability, better mileage, etc.)

MetalMan55

I looked at the 2015 CR-V before purchasing my '15 AWD Tech. The 2015 CR-V has a 4 cylinder engine and a CVT; two of the automotive trends from which I personally tend to steer clear and which pushed me over to the RDX. Depending on which resource you believe, the difference in measured cargo volumes between the 2 vehicles is virtually the same and this translates into virtually an insignificant difference in real world utility.

There also seems to be a lot of buzz concerning vibration issues with the CR-V based on the number of complaints listed in the forums and with the NHTSA. Glad I purchased the RDX!

lmacmil

We did experience the vibration during our CR-V test drive and that would concern me. Apparently they don't all exhibit that behavior.

Consumer Reports measurements say the CR-V has 36 cu ft of room and the RDX 31.5, not huge as you point out.

CoachRick

Our FIAT has a sliding rear seat...and it reclines!!!

1bythesea

Imacmil - If the new Highlander is too large but the RDX is too small you may want to take a second look at the MDX. If I'm not mistaken, the MDX has less cargo space than the Highlander. While I really enjoyed my 2013 RDX I moved into a 2015 MDX for the space to tote around two large dogs and love it! Taking a 1300 mile trip with a dog crate (24" W x 36" L x 28" H) plus luggage for one was not too large. Also, the back seats of the RDX do not fold flat where they do on the MDX, if that makes any difference to you. On the MDX forum you will want to check out the transmission concerns with the 2016 ZF engine. An Acura tech on the forum is advising people to wait for the 2017 which should come out in March, 2016. Good luck with your decision.

1bythesea

Just measured the MDX. Back of rear seat, farthest from front seat and upright position, (it does slide and recline) to the rear along the floor is 44". Rear seat to the top of the hatch 25-26". This is a straight out measure from the seat not angled. Also, the opening along the top of the hatch is not square but slightly rounded as is the cargo area. The max measurement from the floor to the center of the ceiling in the cargo area is 29" and will be less as you move toward the sides and rear due to the rounding and hatch slant. Hope this helps.