So, I just came back from test driving a 2012 rdx and a 2013 rdx. So, for all of you who test drove both and chose a 2nd gen, why so? To start off, here were my thoughts:

2012 Turbo - slow to 20-30mph and then the turbo kicks in..the lag is very noticeable ..sportier ride...even..jerky and bouncy at times..interior feels smaller up front than the 2013 models..a fun toyish turbo car..good mid-range power..for passing cars etc..

2013 V6 - good linear acceleration..refined..yes not as "fun" as turbo..but doesn't jerk..is smooth and is actually quicker than the turbo..especially from a stand-still at a stop light.. more upscale looking interior, especially the dash..

I think the V6 would take the turbo at a stoplight just because of the turbo lag..yes i do know the ecu can be flashed by hondata..

i would say 0-60 in the V6 is quicker overall..i think mfg claims only about .2 seconds though..

I also posted this is the 1st gen forum but of course I want to hear both sides of the coin..

his is all my opinion..and i woiuld like yours..thanks!

 

More mature ride and handling, Cushy and comfortable yet powerful and smooth (V6), upscale looking interior and exterior (even though the face could be a better), real value for money compared to the competition. A lot of shortcomings are being addressed in the face lifted model.
Having SHAWD would have been ideal but doesn't make a difference for me.
Hypothetically ...If only the 1st gen was available last year I would probably have passed Acura to something else.

 

My wife has the 11 and I have the 14. They are very different vehicles. The 2nd gen hands down is a better vehicle in almost all aspects save for the SH-AWD. In the snow the 11 is better but not that much better in IMHO.

In every other respect, the powertrain, 6 speed tranny and V6 engine, with way better gas mileage, the stereo, the navigation, the looks, the interior.

If I had the choice, I would buy the 2nd generation hands down.

There is a reason the new RDX's are selling like hotcakes and the old RDX were not selling.

 

I'm not an owner of either, but if I had to take a guess I'd say...EXTERIOR STYLING. The 2nd Gen in my opinion is just gorgeous. The 1st Gen is fugly. Out of all the Acura models that were introduced with the new larger beak, the RDX looked the worst.

 

Aaah the 07-09 were gorgeous too. Only the 10-12 had the beak, and I agree, FUGLY.

At the end of the day OP, the newer ones are just that, newer. Of course they are going to be more refined and improved in many ways. The old and new RDXs are also specifically built for different target audiences, and therefore have very different qualities. Decide why you want an RDX.

The older ones is more performance oriented and a fun, and fairly easy car to work on and mod. It can be border on ferocious with a few bolt on mods. I went with an 08 because I couldn't stand the hideous front end of the 2010-13s.

But If you are looking for a comfy more refined vehicle, and not so interested in playing with your car, go 2013+. As I told you, I drove both but 2nd Gen just ringed soccer mom to me (OK time to me!).

 

First post here. Been lurking. Got a '15 tech RDX in early January. The wife liked the RDX and I was all in to let her test drive it unlike the first Gen. where I did not want a 4 cylinder turbo. We traded in a '10 Q5 that was an outstanding vehicle. This RDX is similar, in that its a V6 6sp AT, same as the Q.
Time will tell if it'll be as reliable as the Q. But given Honda/Acura's reputation for reliability, we certainly hope so.
BTW, wife loved her Q but wanted something different and we tried the Macan, X1, 3rd Gen. Murano, but she chose the RDX.

 

I don't know that I would so far as to say fugly, but otherwise agree with your assessment.

 

It's nice to see some of the comments echo'ing my personal thoughts on the differences between the 2 generations.

So, here's another question. What about a 2013 RDX versus a 2012 MDX? They are priced "about" the same. What would you go for even if you don't use the 3rd row?

I heard the MDX feels "bigger" to drive? Interior? Exterior?

 

Go to your dealer, see for yourself and test drive. You're at the point of just getting endless opinions now.

 

because the MDX is bigger.

 

I'm not sure about the dealers in your area, but mine give you a 3 minute test drive in a busy street that has a traffic light at every corner- lol.

Several heads are usually better than one.

 

What crabman said.......

 

 

you're not doing it right.

a vehicle is a big purchase. you want to be comfortable spending $40k.

please ask for an extended test drive. preferably not during rush hour.

 

OP, then for some reason your dealer is not taking you seriously. Either you are 20 years old and showing up wearing a hoodie, or they sense you are just tire kicking.

Ask for an extended test. I have always been given that opportunity. Making an appointment with the internet sales manager first is always helpful.

 

I will ask for an "extended" test. It's probably because I told him that I will be buying in 1 or 2 months. I guess I need to "lie".

You wouldn't know that Steve Jobs was a billionaire by the way he dresses, would you? If a salesperson is still stereotyping in 2015, they need to get a life.

 

Definitely do what it takes to get the extended test drive . If asked, I usually tell them I am ready to buy as soon as I find the right vehicle, which is usually true.

As far as stereotyping based on how you dress, bottom line is that you make a statement with your clothes, and like or not, right or wrong, you will be judged. So I try to at at least not look like a schlep when I hit the dealership.

 

Yes, I never dress like a schlep anyway, but I still don't like the idea of these guys stereotyping or any 1 for that matter. Anyway, you are right. It is what it is! He did get "excited" when I gave him my email address because he figured out it was in the IT field from it. Then, he said the usual "so you make the big bucks", etc..and I was like whatever..let me know when the cars are available to test drive..he hasn't gotten back to me since..I just think he's a lazy guy who doesn't want to do anything..and he's at the dealer closest to me..I'll go to a different guy or gal the next time!

 

oh believe me, they always want to make a sale.

appearance aside, you told him you werent really serious.
you dont necessarily have to lie, but you do have to play the game.
its like courting the very hot chick.

show him you're interested a bit. then pull back.
let him "court" you


its a good idea to visit more than one dealerships and get a feel for the car you want.
you're all over the place with the 1st gen, the 2nd gen and the MDX.

you need to know what you want and our opinions wont matter because you're the one spending the green and will have to live with your decision

 

p.s. you dont have to rush either.

take your time.

 

I like the reference

Funny but true at the same time.............

 

Since you are looking at used, you might not find the MDX still on the lot when you return...better chance on the RDX, I reckon(especially as leased vehicle are being returned). The difference between the two styles is, not surprisingly, similar to the difference between the Volvo XC90 and 60. If the third row and greater cargo capacity don't matter, then it would be hard for me to choose the larger vehicle. The MDX is a truck compared to the GenII RDX...not necessarily bad; but 'bigger' in all aspects...feel, handling, parking, etc. On the other hand, if something else is 'driving' your decision(features on the MDX, for example), then we can't make that decision for you. Wouldn't hurt to consider possible differences in insurance rates between the two specific vehicles...just in case. Possible warranty remaining or CPO status, also, could be a factor.

 

I just bought my wife a 2013 with 18k miles yesterday. We compared both because they had a low mileage 2012 on the lot. I like it better than the 1st gen mostly because it looks "grown up" vs the 1st gen. We're happy with it, all 14 hrs of ownership and all.

 

The V6 is what did it for me.. A turbo sounds delicate to me. If cars keep going the way they're going (Turbo 4's replacing V6's) it will probably be my last V6.

 

When I was shopping for an 08 or 09, I was shocked by the number of high mileage (150-180K) units for sale. Many still looked great. So I figured that they were rock solid, which seems to be the case spending time on the other side of these forums. But I found a low mileage 2008 just coming off an extended CPO.

The V6 is indeed nice, I enjoyed it when I drove it, and I did like the slightly higher stance of the 2013+. But brutish torque of the turbo, tune readiness and SH-AWD won me over.

Looking forward to seeing what the 2016 looks like or the possible CDX.

 

Congrats! Did they bargain on the price or did they pretty much give you the list price (as listed on internet, etc.)?

 

 

Going by the current trend, in 25 years from now we would have a "0.5 liter one cylinder super-duper-quadruple-turbo charged engine" delivering 500 hp with equal amount of torque and gives 100 miles to the gallon.

 

No, the asking price was fair and they gave us more $ than I was expecting for our trade-in so we were both happy.

 

my reasons

1. More power
2. Slightly lighter
3. Significantly better fuel consumption
4. More usable space

 

I'm going for the 2nd gen!!

 

While I absolutely hated the 1st gen I think I dressed mine up real well when I had it. Turned a lot of heads.

 

I would agree. That looks pretty good -