I have a white 2013 RDX base at $500 below MRSP with no add ons waiting for me to say "Go". I am struggling with the decision of paying the 7k premium above the CRV-EX-L. I will own this vehicle for 7-10 years. Constructive discussion is appreciated.

 

I cannot speak specifically about the CR-V, but I can tell you that for my last car, I thought I would be OK with buying a lesser car and buying all of the luxury options. It was one of the biggest car buying mistakes I have made. It didn't take me long to regret the decision and ended up trading in the vehicle for my RDX in less than two years. I have kept my previous two cars for 10 years each. Everyone has to make their own decisions for their own reasons, but for me, I'll never make that mistake again. If you can afford the extra 7K, I don't think it is a decision you will regret. If you look at it this way, over 7 years, it is $1000 a year, for IMO, a noticeably superior vehicle.

 

Warranty on CRV-3 YEARS/36,000Miles on the RDX-4years/50,000 miles. Battery on the RDX has a 4 year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance for 4yrs./50k and CRV does not.

 

You might find it helpful to create a spreadsheet. Several key considerations in favor of the RDX immediately come to mind:

1. Looks - The RDX is more stylish, less utilitarian. The CR-V sells in much greater numbers, so they're going to be everywhere.
2. Resale - You're paying more upfront, but the RDX will be worth more when you're ready to get rid of it.
3. Power - V6 power alone is enough of a reason for some people.
4. Image - The Acura badge carries more cachet.

And in favor of the CR-V:

1. Price, obviously.
2. Fuel economy - about 10% better with CR-V.
3. Utility - despite a marginally smaller footprint, the CR-V offers far more cargo capacity. RDX owners pay a substantial price for that sleeker styling.
4. Less ostentatious - not everybody wants to stand out. You might still get your wheels stolen, but you'll be less likely to get keyed by disgruntled have-nots trying to make a point.

 

Also CR-V 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty vs RDX 6 year/70,000 miles.

However, I think the best advice you'll get is to drive both and see which one you like better.

 

The CR-V would never be a consideration for me simply because :

1) No V6 power
2) Styling is cartoonish/goofy. Especially towards the rear of the vehicle.

 

Surfer88....All th epoints listed above all should help you make the decision. I had a RAV4 prior to the RDX thinking, Oh the RAV will be good enough. I regretted every day. The RDX is more refined, has better brand appeal than the CR-V, smoother and more power, a 6 speed transmission instead of a 5 speed, fuel efficiency will likely be very similar because of the cylinder deactivation and as well as everything else people have said. Enjoy life, if you can afford the RDX, just go for it

 

Thank you for all your advice. All your points are valid and ring true. I re-drove the CRV EX-L again before picking up the RDX this afternoon. I love the RDX and I know I made the right decision. With the purchase behind me, albeit only a few hours old, the winner is the RDX by a title wave. With Berrl spinning off the coast the RDX is tucked away in the garage its new home.

 

Congratulations on your decision! I also toyed with the idea of a loaded CR-V or RAV4. I dropped the CR-V from consideration because of reviews that said the 4 banger was under powered in the mountains. And after driving a 2001 MDX for 11 years, I just could't see myself in a RAV4.

Let us know the colors and post a few photos.

Regards, Jim

 

Congrats Surfer! I'm jealous

I second that!

 

Congrats! Glad we were able to help you make, in what I think, the best decision you made

I wonder how active the Tropical Season will be this year! It is wise to leave your RDX away from the element....It is nice to see others babying their RDX

 

You made the right choice. My wife and I looked at the CR-V and RDX. The problem is, once you drive both it is no contest. If you don't want to afford the extra, my suggestion is, DO NOT test drive the RDX, because those cars are like night and day in all respects.

 

I am trading a 2010 CR-V EX for a 2013 RDX Base and feel exactly the same way. I started out wanting to upgrade to a 2012 CR-V EX-L and everything looked good on paper. Thought I was going to do it until I sat in one. Pretty much liked it but as I sat in the drivers seat I realized with the new full console it was too restricted for me. I am tall and just manage to fit in the 2010 but that is because it has the open area in front of the console I can tip my right knee out to stretch a bit if needed. That was the deal killer on the 2012. I did not even bother to take it for a test drive. When I got in the RDX the extra room in the drivers seat made all the difference in the world. That and once I drove it compared to the 2010 CR-V the power and drivability along with the much smoother ride sealed the deal. I wasn't even considering all the other goodies the RDX comes with when I made up my mind. That all will be appreciated once I pick up the RDX and get to use it.

 

Honda made my decision for me. The CRV used to be about $25K and maxed out at 27K in 2011 (My sister bought on iin 2011 for 27K out the door prices). But then they raised the price on the CRV by about $3K in 2013 due to its popularity and it is now no longer a reasonable priced car anymore.

The 2013 CRV AWD EX-L $30,500.00 Out the door price. 2013 RDX AWD Base - $35,599.00 Out the door price. With Tech Package $38,999.00. I go for RDX.

The CRV just does not have much juice when you need to get up and go. It's night and day when comparing the perforance between the two cars.

Unless you just can't fork out the extra doughs, go for the RDX.

 

My wife is driving a 2010 CR-V EX-L and I the base RDX. We say no comparison - basic utility v smooth, quiet, & powerful. CR-V is underpowered & fairly noisy by comparison. There are also a lot of little things that are not there on the CR-V that you do not notice until you have both for a time. It is true that the CR-V will haul more if that is a major factor.

 

I also compared the CR-V and the RDX prior to purchase. Key factors for me, in addition to my wife's strong preference for the nicer interior of the RDX, was the V6 engine, 6-spd tranny, and better suspension. The RDX has 8+ inches of ground clearance, while the CR-V has about 6.5; further, the RDX comes with 2-stage shocks, which will handle significantly better on both rough and smooth roads.

I suspect you won't regret buying the RDX, despite a little loss of fuel efficiency.

 

I've owned 3 CRV's. An '07, '09, and '11. Last 2 were EX-L's. I now have a new RDX. The CRV's are great vehicles, quality made, great re-sale value, etc. Bottom line....not much to talk about here other than....the RDX is a way better SUV. Worth the extra money??.....I think so. I will say the newest CRV's are pretty nice SUV's. No doubt. Looks are well....not to my liking. The RDX looks much better. But, I really like the V6 power, the quieter ride.....and on and on. That's why Acura is the "luxury division" of the Honda Motor Corp.

Would I have been doing "OK" with a new loaded CRV?? Sure....but, if you can afford the RDX....then there is only one choice. And that choice gives you a lot more SUV. The RDX is a joy to drive and be in. My wife primarily drove the CRV's, and now the RDX. She LOVES the RDX. I may get to drive it on the weekends. Of course I've had nice cars to drive for myself. But, still......wife...can't I drive it too???

 

Congrats on your choice.

I actually traded my 2012 CRV with only 10k miles for a 2013 RDX. That is how much of an upgrade I think the RDX is. I had a loaded CRV and got the RDX with Tech.

Night and day difference. I liked the CRV but the RDX is just so much more refined. It is one of those things you can just "feel" versus explain. I love the power difference. I don't use the power like a race car but just easy acceleration still feels smooth and luxurious. The leather and surfaces feel more "quality" versus the CRV.

But you know what is one of the nicest things about he RDX? I have only seen a couple of them running around. But I see 15 or more CRV's per day. Being in Alaska the AWD CRV is everywhere. So it is nice to have something different. Also, I see more Audi, BMW and Lexus suv's than I do RDXs.