Just a thought but does anyone have any input why the towing capacity is so low? (I believe it's 1500 lbs.) I would think since the '13 is no longer a turbo that the more steady powerband would almost match the MDX towing capacity of 5000 lbs.

I mean, the Q5 is rated at 4400 lbs with a 2.0T and the RDX is rated at 3500. These seem to be the closest rivals in terms of overall vehicle.

I wonder if there's just one or two components that could be upgraded (dealer install or aftermarket) that would substantially improve the tow rating - as this post is intended more out of curiousity than as a gripe.

 

The new six speed automatic is smaller and lighter than the previous five speeds. That may partly be the limiting factor.

 

One issue can be the torque factor. Gen 1 RDX had a greater torque band than the Gen 2. I'm sure it's a lot of issues all brought together.

 

It won't affect me much since the most I'd be "towing" is a bike rack with a bike, but I'm kinda curious as well. To put this in perspective, a former co-worker said he thought the towing capacity on his Toyota Corolla was 1500 lbs.

 

Exactly. Based on the responses it seems like anyone who put any thought into their RDX purchase was well aware that they weren't getting a 10,000 lbs-towing SUV so it doesn't seem like it's a problem, just odd that's all.

 

I think it comes down to drive train set up. The RDX/TL/RL (awd or sh-awd platforms) are mostly front drive and the MDX is opposite at 30% front and 70% rear drive on average. Most SUVs with high tow capacities (higher than the RDX) are rear wheel or rear bias if 4wd/AWD.

 

That's an interesting point re: RWD or rear bias. I took it a step further and checked the CR-V which is also rated at 1500 lbs even with the 2.4L engine - but it's the same rating for the FWD and AWD. And actually the Explorer is rated at 5000 pounds with their 3.5L engine (290hp 255lb/ft) for both FWD and AWD.

 

I found this chart at this web site:http://www.onlinetowingguide.com/

I don't think the Acura folks figured the RDX or ZDX typical buyer would not be towing much behind it. Acura may not of engineered those vehicles to towing capabilities much past 1,500 lbs (better tranny, improved oil cooling, stiffer frame, brakes, etc...).

Acura RDX 2.3 I4, 240 hp, 1,500 lbs., FWD 19/24, AWD 17/22
Acura ZDX 3.7 V6, 300 hp, 1,500 lbs., 16/23

Audi Q5
2.0 I4, 211 hp, 4,400 lbs, 20/27
3.2 V6, 270 hp, 4,400 lbs., 18/23

BMW X3 xDrive28i 3.0 I6, 240 hp, 3,500 lbs., 19/25
BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0 I6, 300 hp, 6,000 lbs., 19/26

Cadillac SRX
3.6 V6, 308 hp, 3,500 lbs., FWD 17/24, AWD 16/23

Chevrolet Equinox
2.4 I4, 182 hp, 1,500 lbs., FWD 22/32, AWD, 20/29
3.0 V6, 264 hp, 3,500 lbs., FWD 17/24, AWD 
16/23

Dodge Journey
2.4 I4, 173 hp, 1,000 lbs., 19/26,
3.6 V6, 283 hp, 2,500 lbs. 17/25,

Ford Edge
3.5 V6, 285 hp, 3,500 lbs, FWD 19/27, AWD 18/25

Ford Escape (2013)
2.0 I4 EcoBoost, 237 hp (projected), 3,500 lbs.,
1.6 I4 EcoBoost, 173 hp (projected), 2,000lbs.
2.5 I4, 168 hp, (projected), 1,500 lbs.

GMC Terrain
2.4 I4, 182 hp, 1,500 lbs., FWD 22/32, AWD, 20/29
3.0 V6, 264 hp, 3,500 lbs., FWD 17/24, AWD 
16/23

Honda CR-V
2.4 I4, 185 hp, 1,500 lbs., FWD 23/21, AWD 22/30

Hyundai Santa Fe
2.4 I4, 175 hp, 2,000 lbs., 20/28
3.5 V6, 276 hp, 3,500 lbs., 20/26

Hyundai Tucson
2.0 I4, 165 hp, 1,000 lbs., 23/31
2.4 I4, 176 hp, 2,000 lbs., FWD automatic 22/31, AWD automatic 21/28

Hyundai Veracruz
3.8 V6, 260 hp, 3,500 lbs., FWD 17/22, AWD 16/21

Jeep Liberty
3.7 V6, 210 hp, 5,000 lbs., 2WD 16/22, 4WD 15/21

Kia Sorrento
2.4 I4, 175 hp, 1,650 lbs., FWD 21/29, AWD, 21/27
2.4 I4 GDI, 191 hp, 1,650 lbs., FWD 22/32, AWD, 21/28
3.5 V6, 276 hp, 3,500 lbs., FWD 20/26, AWD, 18/24

Kia Sportage
2.4 I4, 176 hp, 2,000 lbs., FWD automatic 22/31, AWD automatic 21/28
2.0 I4 turbo, 260 hp, 2,000 lbs, FWD auto. 22/29, AWD auto. 21/27

Lincoln MKX
3.7 V6, 305 hp, 3,500 lbs, FWD 19/26, AWD 17/23

Mazda CX5 (2013)
2.0 I4, 155 hp, 2,000 lbs., auto. 25/31

Mazda CX7
2.5 I4, 161 hp, 1,500 lbs., 20/26
2.3 I4 turbo, 244 hp, 2,000 lbs., FWD 18/24, AWD 17/21

Mitsubishi Outlander
2.4 I4, 168 hp, 2,000 lbs., 2WD 23/28, 4WD 22/27
3.0 V6, 230 hp, 3,500 lbs., 2WD 19/26, 4WD 19/25

Nissan Murano
3.5 V6, 260 hp, 3,500 lbs., FWD 18/24, AWD 18/23

Suzuki Grand Vitara
2.4 I4, 166 hp, 3,000 lbs., 2WD automatic 19/25, 4WD automatic 19/23

Toyota RAV4
2.5 I4, 179 hp, 1,500 lbs., FWD 22/28, AWD 21/27
3.5 V6, 269 hp, 3,500 lbs., FWD 19/27, AWD 19/26

Volkswagen Tiguan
2.0 I4, 200 hp, 2,200 lbs., FWD automatic 22/27, AWD automatic 21/27

 

What can't be found on the net??!! Cool chart. It does show the Gen 1 RDX. Gen 2 is not there.
Is that really the tow cap. for the Gen 1 RDX...1,500 lbs??
I don't tow....but, somewhere on here it was stated that the current RDX tows 3,500 lbs. Correct?

Not far off of comparable SUV's. But, what do I know? But, it appears what most are saying....Acura just didn't configure the RDX as a real "tower" and I guess we can at least tow a light fishing boat or a jet ski or two. And it is a FWD primarily. I'm sure that plays heavily in to the equation.

 

I think it has to do with the wimpy OEM hitch isn't heavy duty enough to afford more towing capacity. Take a look at the install instruction for the hitch. It's not very substantial. (good for bike rack just don't accidently open the power tailgate and scratch it up )

Also the engine torque feels weak at low RPMs IMO, even though HP wise it is higher on paper than some competitors.

 

http://acura.bernardiparts.com/Image...h_BII13467.pdf

I think RDXAWD is on to something - it doesn't look like a particularly convincing set-up.

It is sort of odd that the RDX has the least capacity of any V-6 on the list.

 

Yeah unfortunately I didn't get the RDX partly due to the weaker towing capacity.

Even a Toyota Venza V6 can tow 3500 lbs which is not a SUV.

The RDX should be able to tow a jetski though..

The factory hitch is 1.25" and some bike racks wants you to have the 2" hitch. (adapters available)

 

Has anyone happened to speak to their dealer about the tow rating or lack thereof? Not that I expect a salesman to give you much dirt anyway but I'm seriously curious how they totally missed the mark on this one.

 

The OEM is a Class I hitch which limites towing capacity as well. You're better off going for an after market. Much cheaper and you can get a Class III. I've done that. Hitch fits great and it was less than $150!!! Dealer installed it for me.

 

Good question as to how much the hitch itself has to do with towing capacity.

It's possible a stouter hitch would increase the capacity, but then the available attachment points might not be strong enough. That is, capacity might be limited partly by the strength of the metal parts in the undercarriage to which the hitch must be attached.

 

Towing capacity is determined by the weakest component. Engine, transmission, brakes, etc. Since Acura rated the RDX at 1,500 pounds maximum with a Class I hitch which are rated at up to 2,000 pounds using a class II or III will not increase the overall rating.

 

Exactly.

In my case I was simply worried about tongue weight for the cargo carrier I was going to use so I upgraded the hitch so it would exceed 200lbs TW.

 

Wife works at Honda N.A. She says the RDX is developed in Japan and they really don't do any towing testing over there for non-com vehicles. So they just give it a very conservative rating. The American developed Hondas are tested for towing.

 

Anyone knows if Acura has resolved the question, either explaining why it is so low or actually testing it and certifying it!!

Back whn it was a 4 cylinder Turbo, it was a little low rated... But now with the V6 it is insanely low in comparison, and I technically can't see one.

Some days I regret my choice of getting a 2015 RDX....

 

As others have mentioned, there's more to it than just drive train capacity. Brakes, suspension, cooling system, hitch attachment points, etc. The RDX has plenty of power to tow more but who knows about all those other factors? And I imagine there's also some CYA on Honda's part.

I've towed a small trailer with our RDX a couple times, probably less than 1000 lb total, While it worked, I don't think I'd want to go much more, esp for any distance. The braking was not all that great for one thing. I would also be concerned about stress on the transmission. If you want to tow stuff, it's just not the vehicle you want.

 

I would guess its the frame. The honda Odyssey of similar years has the same v6 and transmission. Different body. Honda Pilot fitted with a V6 and 6 speed trans and i would guess brake setup and can tow more. If you look at the frame rails they arnt substancial so i would guess that is the issue.

And i bought the car and was shocked after i got it to learn of the tow rating. (no much you can do when someone totals your car and their insurance pulls the rental without correctly compensating you)