I have a problem with a 2015 outback that i have under 2,000 miles on. It is in the shop for the fix but I do not believe it will work. Here is the issue and many have it.. wind noise coming in from the side windows in some cars (mine) is severe, very loud, sounds like pounding. I had a '13 that I traded, it was still at the dealer yesterday, drove it, the wind noise was dramatically less. Also I can hear cars passing me or coming in the other direction as if they are inside the car with me, not good. I also have road noise from the front. now on my old '13 the passing car noise is like a whisper and the front road noise is close to non existent.. So if when I pick up the car there is still an issue it is gone, either by the dealer working with me to get my old car back and my money or a trade in. And at this point in my life I want a quite vehicle. I chose the OB as it is a cross, it is easier for me to get into with a bad back an drives very nice but this noise is anything but tolerable for me.

So I have looked at the infinity QX50, drove it and it seemed nice but would have to drive it again, I did not like the price

Looked at the new Murano, do not love the new style but the interior is very nice, did not drive it yet

Want to try the Acura RDX, have no idea how this will be regarding noise.

I may consider a nice sedan if I feel comfortable in one but sitting up had it's advantages.

Any input on the '15 RDX would be appreciated.. any issues to be aware of, etc.

Thanks
JRS

 

Is the "pounding" sound you hear/feel when the rear windows are down? I can tell you that my 2013 does make that kind of noise when the rear windows are down. It is like a "harmonic distortion" kind of noise. My RX-350 did the same thing. Maybe it is a characteristic of SUV's.

 

Thanks Rosen, not pounding, just like heavy wind is crashing into the windows. They are replacing the small window (where they moved the mirrors from) and putting in all new Rubber around that window and the front windows as well. I pick it up tomorrow. If this is an SUV thing I have to think what I will do, the infinity was much quieter, but I did not have it on the highway but the OB is noisy even at 20mph. I will see, thanks for the reply.

 

I can't compare it to your Outback, but I have been generally disappointed in this vehicle - especially with road noise/wind noise. Immediately after I picked it up, it went back to the dealer where it spent 2+ weeks, and several trips by me with no progress. They finally sent it to the body shop to check the fitment of the doors and replaced all the rubber door seals. That has helped reduce the sound somewhat. However it is still more noise that I expect in a $40K vehicle. This is my 3rd Acura. but my first SUV/CUV, and my general impression is that Acura has cut back on sound deadening material in order to reduce the weight of the car.

My suggestion would be to take one for a test drive, and make sure you get it up to freeway speeds when you do, and make your own decision.

BTW, I was reading Dan Neill's review of the new Camry in the Wall Street Journal this weekend and it was interesting to read where they have increased the number of spot welds on the body to strengthen it and added insulation to reduce noise. I am thinking that Honda/Acura has done exactly the opposite with the RDX.

 

I test drove the RDX and the TLX yesterday, different vehicles I know. The RDX was not as quite as I would have hoped and would not illicit me to jump from the Subaru. The TLX is much better, problem is that with my back it is not a practical sitting position for me. I will look at the Infiniti, don't really want to look at any european vehicles due to maintain it further down the road. thanks for your reply, very helpful.