Went to test drive the 2014 RDX today along with 14 MDX and 12 MDX. My test drive order was 14RDX, 14MDX, 12MDX.

My impression on the 14RDX:

- Coming from 07 TSX, the 14 RDX steering wheel feels much lighter. It's also smaller but I think I can live with it.
- No luxury feeling. It feels nice but not wow
- Would be nice if the cargo space is few inches longer. (length is about 32.5" at the bottom. less above due to rear seat recline)
- I like the exterior styling
- plenty of power and very responsive
- relatively quiet cabin
- much nicer audio system compared to my 07 TSX
- the one touch turn-signal is nice. think this will become standard on all new Acura vehicles

Comparing to 12RDX:
- 12 RDX is noisier in terms of engine and road noise
- power-wise they feel the same to me
- didn't feel the difference between SH-AWD and 14 AWD . I think it's because I get used to slow down while turning. The difference is probably more pronounced on snow or other surfaces.
- The 12 RDX console feels busier
- I like the tacho on 14 RDX more
- 12 RDX side-mirror is relatively smaller
- 12 RDX comes with cargo cover
- 12 RDX steering wheel is heavier and bigger than 14.

14 MDX:
- The demo's interior didn't impress me at all. It feels like 90s and very plastic. The demo was the elite model
- you can feel it's heavier comparing to the RDX
- seat is wider and more wrapping compared to RDX
- the Acuralink features make me think my car will be more vulnerable to steal or broken in just by hacking into the system
- I don't like the lane keeping system as it tries to keep me exactly in where it is. i know i am not drifting away!
- car is taller and have to climb more than on the RDX
- headroom in the 2nd row center is somehow low. I am 5'7 and I hit the top when I moved from the side to the center. It didn't happen on the 14 RDX


Like many others, I am torn among the two. I am also torn between 12 and 14 RDX. The 12 RDX is neat especially being $10K cheaper than the 14. I used to prefer SH-AWD but it doesn't seem to make a different on normal daily driving. The MDX is nice and big, which kinda guarantees driver and passenger comforts, with plenty of cargo space (if you plan to keep the 3rd row down).

 

Hey you mentioned 12MDX on the top but then have 12RDX below. Which is it? I'm assuming it is the 12MDX?

For a 2012, is this a used/CPO one?
Do you consider gas mileage between choices?
Depending on the trim you choose, what was the $ difference on the 14RDX vs 14MDX?

 

I actually meant 12RDX, sorry for the confusion.

Forgot to mention that I am in Ontario, Canada. For the MDX, I will be interested in the Navi trim (Tech in US). The difference is $10K between 14RDX and 14MDX on MSRP

 

You can probably find low mileage used 13 RDX which will save you money over a 14 and they are essentially the same. The 2016 RDX is the one you want, it will be more like a small MDX. So maybe a used one can tide you over until the 16 is at a reasonable price point.