weather

That is a good strategy! Your life will love it and will be grateful to you for it (wink wink). By the way, sorry about my post...it wasn't intended to be boasting my situation.

Rocketsfan

FYI : Here are some fuel tank capacities I've managed to dig up :

2013 Acura RDX : 16 gallons
2012 Acura RDX : 18 gallons
2013 Ford Edge : 18 gallons
2012 Infiniti EX35 : 20 gallons
2012 Nissan Murano : 21.7 gallons
2012 Honda Crosstour : 18.5 gallons
2012 Audi Q5 : 19.8 gallons

DubSilk

Just a brief note to say thank you to everyone for sharing their thoughts.

So many of us are in similar situations - my wife is expecting at the end of August and fitting the car seat in a RSX-S is a no bueno. (yes, I love that car). So we need something for our new pamper-changing, stroller-pushing, overnight-tripping to grandma with gear in tow lifestyle.

We have looked at many of the same cars and our finalists change every couple of days. We ruled out the Edge and Murano early in the process. The Crosstour was considered until we saw the surprisingly laughable cargo space. The Outback, RDX and slightly used MDX (2010) are still in the running. The Acura TSX SW was a thought for minute, but the rear seats were too small, and we prefer AWD.

If only dealers were ready to deal on the RDXs.....

Anyway, I (we) appreciate the insight.

weather

DubSilk...No worries and glad to see that you are getting insightful information here. I think you are on the right path. The MDX may be a bit of an overkill given that this is your first child. The RDX can be had for some discounts, you just have to be a bit insistent and shop around abit. The MDX is a great rig and was one on my list to buy (new) when I looked at the RDX. The fuel consumption was a bit more than I wanted to burn and to be franc, the RDX does provide a more than adequate compromise. Best of luck in your choice and keep us posted

DubSilk

Yes, the MDX mpg is downright scary especially when driving around the city. I agree that it could be overkill, but I have a tendency to keep my vehicles for 8-10 years. I figured that the MDX would get us through two baby seats (if we have another) and the early years for soccer practice. Also, I am intrigued by the SH. Then again, the MDX is being redesigned next year.

decisions...decisions...decisions...

buzzdsm

I own a 2008 Infiniti G35X and up until a couple of months ago my wife drove 2008 Nissan Rogue.

Both car were rock solid, built well, and zero issues.

With that said, we drove a Nissan Murano and just could get past a couple of things. #1 the styling is getting a little long in the tooth and #2 I'm sick of the interior. It's like Nissan has one style of interior design and they use it every car. The inside of the murano was very close to what the inside of my 2008 G35x looks like, which is fine if it was 2008. Maybe we were both just burnt out on Nissan's or maybe it's because I knew a new one is coming out shortly.

As a side note, I was always impressed that her 160hp AWD Rogue got around 25mpg. Now we're getting close to that with a lot bigger AWD 280hp RDX. The downside is that we now have to use premium.

weather

There is no doubt that the SH-AWD is a marvel of engineering! I am not sure how it would work on an SUV but on a TL, OMG, that things is just intoxicating!

lilfeat

Have no fear, I have had 4 Acuras made in USA with easily 350K between them and ZERO problems beyond batteries, wipers and tires. In fact, only the 2001 CLS had a recall, for the 5speed auto, which was the only major component from Japan.

eekflyer

IMHO, after owning both the Murano and RDX, the RDX is very much like a Murano minus the extra bulk. The Murano has a lot going for it, where the interior quality is quite good, even if very broadly Nissan lineup-centric, as implied here earlier.