The latest issue of Consumer Reports lists Acura dead last in it's owner satisfaction scores. Driving, comfort and audio are listed as mediocre while value is listed as poor. They don't break it down by model or anything, it's just the brand as a whole. Can anyone explain why this might be?
I've never driven an Acura but I really really liked the 2018 RDX I sat in at the auto show earlier this month, it just seemed to "fit" as soon as I sat in it. Now I'm excited about and looking forward to the 2019 model.
Most reviews I've read online seem to like the ride and comfort and that would be our top priority with 0-60 times and sporty handling at the bottom of the list. So I guess my question to the RDX owners here is how would you score the car as far a quiet, smooth, and comfortable ride goes?

 

I quit Consumer Reports 20 years ago just for this reason.The RDX is a "joy" to drive.Seats are very comfortable.Sound system is very good.2019 audio will be better.
My complaints are:lack of storage,and choppy ride on rough roads. 2019 is fixing storage issue, but stiffening suspension? Roads in Wisconsin heave with freezing,so rough ride with most new car suspensions.
If roads are better in CA,You will love the RDX. Go test drive one and see for Yourself!

 

I'll probably get bashed by the fanboys, but I'll give you an honest answer. After having owned the RDX advance for 2 1/2 years I would tell you that it is a downgraded Honda. My 2016 uses the old accord 6 cyl (Honda quit using that 6 cyl in the accord in 2012) and the drivetrain in general is pretty rough (drive a toyota and you'll see what I mean) and it lacks the technology that Honda puts in the accord and even the civic. Other manufacturers produce a better overall vehicle with more technology for less money. Just my opinion. Others may disagree.

 

Thanks for the replies, when we went to the auto show we were focused on the CRV, the CX-5 and RAV 4 mainly. We didn't like the RAV 4 at all as the model on display looked very bare and plain with hard plastic everywhere. The CRV and CX-5 were higher trim models and we liked both of them with the nod going to the CRV mostly I think because it was powered up and we could adjust the seats to find a comfortable spot. As we were leaving is when we passed by the Acura display and we both thought that the RDX just seemed much nicer and more comfortable for the few minutes we spent in it. We don't have the frost heaves here, just piss poor roads in general due to lack of maintenance.
I know we'll need to take a good test drive before making any decisions but I tend to research things to death before getting that far. We would probably be happy with a CRV/CX-5 type car but whatever we decide on will most likely be our last new vehicle so moving upscale in luxury and comfort seems like the right way to go.

 

I agree!

 

I think you will find the RDX is the only recommended Acura product. IMHO, the RDX is sooo much better than an CRV. Just drive them both and you will understand.

 

Well CS hates Acura and that probably influenced a lot of buyers. They love Mazda and VW, which says it all. Listen I know Acura products aren't perfect and they have some glaring flaws but they offer a huge value proposition and going forward they have a bright future. I bet the ILX probably got the worse scores in owner satisfaction. I had a 2016 RDX Base AWD and traded it in for a 2016 ILX Premium due to space issues and now just switched back to a 2018 RDX AWD Advance and God, going back to a RDX feels like a Cadillac compared to the ILX which was loud, bumpy, and lacked any true punch. I think the RDX and MDX for many years were so beloved due to their 3.5 liter V6 and 6 speed transmission pairing. The downfall of the MDX started with the ZF9 transmission and really sunk the TLX. I think the 10 speed and modern tech features like Android Auto and Apple Carplay will get Acura back on track.

Without a doubt the 2019 RDX will be more advanced, more luxurious, and overall better but the 2018 RDX is still one hell of a car if you don't need Android Auto/Apple Carplay, heated steering wheel, panoramic roof, SH-AWD, ect. Driving my RDX is so pleasurable with its instant power and great quiet and smooth ride. If you don't need the latest and greatest gadgets and just need a compact crossover that is comfortable and fun to drive you can't go wrong with the 2018 RDX, just there is a better one yet to come...

 

I fully agree what he said. I test drove every possible midsize crossovers available to me locally before deciding on the RDX and it felt so "natural and comfy" to me .
The Mazda was fun to drive from a driver perspective, but felt noisy and generally unrefined to me. The CRV while full of features, lacks the "luxury feel", hushed interior and quiet, smooth power of V6 engine. I have absolutely no issues with the 6 speed gearbox, but I understand it is dated and will be superseded by a 10 speed soon. The new 2019 RDX will use button gear selector (which many people hate) and a turbo 4 cylinder engine where as the current one has the smooth V6 and has a traditional floor mounted gear shifter. I love that combo. You should test drive both and decide which one feels "just right" for you.
If you really want the latest and greatest what Acura has to offer, you should wait for the 2019 RDX and take it from there. If you simply want to upgrade from the current crossovers into one with a luxury feel, cushy interior, and don't care about the latest gadgets such as Apple carplay, pano roof, or SHAWD, etc, and want to save some bucks in the process, I would wait till the 2019 model is released but buy the 2018 one for a good discount. Hope this helps.

 

CR rates it 5th out 14 in its category of luxury SUVs of similar size. I always thought of Acura as a value brand. I get a lot of bang for my buck; I can do much of the maintenance and repairs myself to help with ownership cost. I've driven the RDX and the Porsche Macan. You don't have to be an expert driver to realize the Porsche handles much better - but boy are you going to pay for it. I'm sticking with Acura thank you very much.