I know people have commented on the relatively low towing capacity but has anyone noticed the 870lb load limit? That's the total for passengers and cargo. I guess they don't expect 5 normal size people to travel together with any kind of cargo. Kinda funny.

 

There are better alternatives out there if you plan on loading the vehicle with 5 200 pound adults and their luggage on a regular basis.

 

I am glad that I am slim/thin *lol* Gives me more room (weight wise) to go get beer at the liquor store.

 

Wow. I had never noticed this.
That has got to be a mistake.
If I were to bring 3 adult friends along with our gear to a triathlon and stay the weekend, I'd hit the max! Easily!!

 

max load is based on what? The max the weakest link can sustain without concern of breakage. So where's the weak link? The transmission? The axles? The tires? No, I bet it's the rear shocks!

 

That is low.. My 2005 GTO's weight load capacity is about the same.. and that only seats 4 with a small trunk.

 

5 people= 174 pound each. I guess my wife has to leave her purse at home

 

I think she'd rather leave you home instead!!

lol

 

A little perspective might help, all from quick google searches.
RDX 870
RX350 825
X3 904
X1 904
RAV4 900
Escape 827
Outback

 

outback 970
Forrester 900
Rogue 953

now for the suprises
Q5 1287
SRX 1243
Evoque 1102

For some three rows
Flex 1327
Enclave 1479
Venza 1200

Q5 can also tow more than it weighs -- 4400 pounds, but also weighs 4100 pounds versus the RDX's 3850 or so. The SRX is worse, tipping the scales at 4277 -- some 425 more than the RDX. Evoque kills that argument in that it's lighter and tows more.

So..seems the RDX is generally in the thick of things -- not sure the 30 or so pounds it's spotting direct competitors is meaningful and it's above the escape and RX which will likely outsell it by huge margins. Not suprising really -- all small SUVs sort of look the same, have the same dimensions and capabilities, same look for aerodynamics, etc.

 

The Q5 is a crazy number -- that averages 257 pounds per person -- bring the O line with you!

 

Perspective is a beautiful thing. Thanks for this. I never thought to compare it with others.