samx18

Why I love the RDX
- Perfect size for a small family of two adults and one 10 yr old
- Luxury quality interiors and audio
- Performance and agility
- It's a Honda - Always dependable and you know what you are getting

Why I like the outback
- Awesome cargo space
- Advance tech safety options like adaptive cruise control, eyesight
- Better off road capabilities.
- It's a Subaru - always fun to drive

Most of our driving will be in urban SoCal, but we do love to go on that occasional trip to the wilderness and haul around bikes at times(rare).

Any similar buying experiences/pointers will be greatly appreciated!

rosen39

When I was looking at the RDX, one of the cars I test drove several times was the six cylinder Outback Limited (did not like the 4 cylinder with CVT Transmission). It is a very nice car. Handled well, rode smooth, and well appointed. Something about the seats that felt they would not hold up well. The foam padding seemed too soft. They have an ingenious roof rail system that has the cross bars "built in" to them. The cross bars just swing out when you need them, and then fold back when you don't. The Subarus do last forever, and here in New England, the AWD is a must. I only have one friend that has any Subaru ownership "history", so I really don't have any personal knowledge on maintenance costs. The Subaru Tribeca was nice, but had poor gas mileage and a butt-ugly front grill. I'm sure I'll test drive them again when the time comes to replace the RDX.

HotRodW

The Subaru's 3.6 flat six (it's actually the 3.6R) is a little long in the tooth, and it doesn't feel particularly potent. But like the Acura V6, it's a proven engine with a history of reliability. A smaller but more powerful six cylinder is rumored to be in the works for the Outback, but likely won't make an appearance for a few years. The RDX will be the quicker car, but it sounds like that's not a priority for you. I'm not a big fan of CVT's, but Subaru (and Honda) do it better than most. The Outback's infotainment system is vastly improved.

I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I'd go with the Outback for its superior AWD, 35% larger cargo capacity and higher level of content. Plus I actually prefer the styling. Make sure you spend plenty of time in the seat before committing, however. Subaru seats aren't for everybody.

ostrich

I test drove the Outback 3.6R just a couple of months ago. Nice vehicle, lots of space, but I did not like the body roll at all. It was quite obvious and annoying. I would pick the RDX myself. Can you wait though? Maybe the 2016 MMC for the RDX is worth the wait!?

sn0wman72

The Subaru Outback 3.6R limited was one of the vehicles I considered in my recent search for a new CUV. The finalists were the Acura RDX and Audi Q5 (with the Mazda CX5 as an emergency backup).

Outbacks and other Subaru's have been the car of choice for me often in the 25 plus years of living in the mountains of UT. When I test drove the current Outback 3.6R limited, it was Déjà vu...reminded me of the Outback I had back in the early 90's. The same sound from the motor, the same basic control locations, and the same feel while driving. Honestly the Outback is no where close to the RDX in terms of refinement/luxury/performance. The Outback is utilitarian IMO. Either car will work fine for the occasional drive on a graded dirt/gravel road, but I would be more inclined the keep the RDX on the pavement.

In terms of Subaru, I found the Forester 2.0XT Touring to be the car that offered the most competition to the RDX

Rekstrom

I drove the new outback three times for extended test drives, and had it down between it, a Q5, Jeep GC, and RDX.

I was more impressed with the Outback than I thought I would be, but ultimately it is not in the same class as the others. It is utilitarian, and would work well for winter driving and mild off road / camping, and if that is your goal, get it.

But it lacks the refinement of the Audi, and frankly even the Jeep is way nicer inside. The brakes were not confidence inspiring at all, I would look into an upgrade if I got the outback. I think it compares well to Honda and Toyota cuvs, but the RDX blows it away, in my opinion.
Of course, it is completely possible the ones I drove were unusual, but I drove the top two trims several times.

And of course my opinion is worth what you paid for it

CoachRick

The extra 6 inches in overall length is a consideration for us...not much room in the townhouse garage! One reason we left the Volvo xc70...the extra cargo length is great, but it comes at a 'price' We are looking to chop off a few more inches!

CoachRick

Heck, if they put an engine in the XV, we might take a look at THAT! Forester does look better than ever, IMO.

samx18

Thanks everyone, I think we are leaning towards the RDX with the MDX as second option.

It does matter and it's one of the reasons why RDX made it to the list.

I am sure it is, but I don't think I could hold of that long

samx18

OK, finally drove out the 2015 RDX with AWD + Tech today . Graphite Luster Metallic with Ebony interior.

S1LV3R-S4MUR41

Welcome to the dark side

Solid choice...you're going to appreciate your decision more and more as time goes on

CoachRick

Well done! Beautiful vehicle!

YeuEmMaiMai

I would get the outback, it is cheaper and has better AWD and brakes (dual piston front calipers) and 36K gets you a totally loaded Subaru with Eyesight, HID, Leather 18" wheels, etc

Comfy

Each opinion is worth what everyone paid for it . Nothing right or wrong with it. Get the car you like and which fits your needs. FYI the OP already bought the RDX.

samx18

Agreed!I closed the 2015 AWD RDX + Plus tech for $36800 + plus Tax and fees. I think its not a bad deal.Yes the Subaru AWD is probably better than Acura's and the RDX does not have Eyesight but I don't miss either that much here in SoCal.

dweh4

My wife drives a 2011 Subaru Outback and I have a 2013 TL SH AWD.

Subaru...boring, slow BUT does what it supposed to well....off road clearance, snow performance, and great quality...we have only rotated tires and performed oil changes.

Acura...much more fun to drive, more luxury, more get up and go, but 8k more than the Subaru.

Enjoy your new ride...I don't think you would have gone wrong either way.