I guess it may be foolish to ask you folks if you would (again) buy the 2013 RDX. I am considering buying my first Honda product having owned Toyota, Jeep and Ford products. It the seems the 2013 RDX problems noted on this site are fairly minor (but annoying) but I'm kind of surprised there are problems right out of the gate given the Acura hype. I wonder about the reliability of the RDX. We are also looking at a Toyota Venza, Ford Edge and Buick Enclave. Thoughts? Thanks for your comments.

 

it's a 1st yr run of a redesign...there are bound to be a few bugs needing to be worked out.

as far as reliability is concerned, acura/honda have been pretty good about it. since the new RDX has only been out for a few months now, it is difficult to determine whether there will be issues. given the track record of the rdx's engine (same as in some of the v6 hondas) i doubt there will be major issues.

evey manufacturer has it's issues. when the new explorer came out, they had all kinds of electrical and navi issues.

i don't own an RDX, but i do own TWO acura's. if i had the option of buying another one...i'd do it in a heart beat.

 

Overall Honda/Acura reliability is rated higher than any of the brands you mentioned. Take one for a test drive and if you like the way it drives, fits, and it has the features you are looking for you really can't go wrong.

 

Me personally, I probably would not buy the RDX again, but if I did, I would wait until the next refresh when it would hopefully offer things such as rear vents, adjustable passenger seat height and standard HIDs. I expect reliability to be great compared to at least the Edge and Enclave and on par with the Venza.

 

Samanthajane.....I do not regret the RDX at all so far. As other have said, I think when you compare to the Edge and the Enclave, you will still be ahead as far as reliability although the Enclave may offer a few extra goodies but at the expense of resale value and hit or miss reliability.

As TLtrigirl has said, the RDX is in its first year of a full redesign which means there will be a few minor glitches but I doubt that there will be any major problems. Acura/Honda is one of the better company out there when it comes to long term reliability. Having owned Toyota's, I am sure you are used to their reliability and should really decide between the Venza and the RDX. I test drove a Venza a couple of years ago and was quite impressed with it but not enough to pull the trigger on one. They do have some similar styling in the rear (viewed sideways) but you will find the RDX a bit higher off the ground. Also, the Venza tends to ride on 19 or 20 inches tires compared to the 18 for the RDX and that may also be a bit cheaper to replace in the long run.

Best of luck and keep us posted....

 

I keep reaading about AWD versus FWD......are there some issues with the AWD? How does the FWD differ/feel from 2 wheel rear drive?

 

I think that AWD is hyped unless you are serious off road ?? or inclement weather enthusiast. Besides its more money to maintain an extra set of transmission.
As far as your comps the VENZA was something we too drove and the wife almost bought it but it was not to be. The car we were planning to pick up had a catastrophic battery failure on our final test drive. Apparently they had forgot to charge the batt properly and it drained. Other than that I would say that the fit of the moldings and insulation inside the RDX is much more snug than Venza which seemed to be hastily QC'd and rushed...not Toyota finish at all. Good luck.

 

Samantha....You need to provide more information about whether you live in an area where you are encountering alot of snow or not. The AWD on the 2013 RDX is not as dynamic as the one in the 2008-2012 model where it was equipped with the SH-AWD. The AWD in the RDX is similar (not exactly the same) as that found in the CR-V. It is not horrible but it will not be as fun to drive and give you incredible corning capability as the SH-AWD would but will still provide you with some increased security in wet road surfaces and snow covered roads. If you don't need the AWD, you are likely better staying away from it and invest the money in the tech package instead which will give you the HID, the fog lights, the ELS stereo, navigation package, powered lift gate etc.

Hope this helps....

 

Off roading won't be an issue for me. I live in eastern NC where we rarely get snow/ice and most of the time I have the good sense not to drive in it. So it seems the FWD is the way to go.

 

^^^ That is what I would do if I lived there as well. Don't get me wrong, the AWD will still help you with wet surfaces but there are also extra maintenance costs associated with the AWD.

 

You have a 2013 RDX w/the technology package?

 

Samantha....Yep. A white with black interior (combo is available in Canada) with AWD (which are standard in Canada) and Tech package.

 

I read a professional review by someone who was loaned the RDX that was used in "Mudfest" which is a competition in the Pacific Northwest for SUVs. He said that they beat the crap out of the RDX (as they do with all entries). He was amazed that there wasn't a single rattle.

 

^^^ I saw that article and viewed the video....It was amazing to watch although I nearly had a heart attack seeing a beautiful RDX driving so hard and under such dirty conditions!! I would not have wanted to clean the under carriage of the RDX after that event *lol*

 

That is one RDX I would not buy.

 

Weather, the closest Acura dealer is about 75 miles from me so that is why I'm so interested in the performance thus far from the 2013 RDX. I saw a 2013 CRV yesterday and it looked very nice.....a little small, but nice.

 

Samantha.....I can appreciate the distance from Acura dealers...the closest to me is about 95 miles and the distance to the dealership where I bought mine and will have all major service is 265 miles away. The oil changes and tire rotations will be done at the Honda dealership in town but now you understand why it is so important for me to have a vehicle that is reliable and why I keep choosing Acura's over the less reliable vehicles....Not that a Venza wouldn't be.

Now with respect to the 2013 Honda CR-V, while beauty is such a subjective thing, I do love the interior of the new redesigned CR-V but I am lukewarm to the exterior styling, mostly with the back pointy window when seen from the side. While I doubt the size of the CR-V is significantly different from that of the RDX (both share the same under pinning), where the RDX really shines its the power available when you need it and the fuel efficiency when you need it. I am not trying to take away from some of the luxury features available in the RDX that is not available in the CR-V such as HID, ELS system, power lift gate.

Good luck with your choice.

 

Samanta, my wife and I actually wanted to get the new CR-V. We are a loyal Honda/Acura family. We test drove the CR-V and it was very good. I actually like the new redesign. I am sure Honda will update the bumpers in the next two years to almost match the concept one.

But then, the RDX came out and we test drove that car. It is a big difference. When you drive it you will know. I suggest that you test drive both cars in the same day so you can really tell the difference. RDX is just more luxurious and the power is much better.

Either way, if you get a CR-V or RDX, both will be great reliable cars. Another thing to note is that the CR-V does not have a timing belt (it has timing chain) so it should be cheaper for major service.

Good luck with this!

 

Samantha,

I agree with mykey06 - you should drive both the CR-V and RDX prior to deciding on your purchase. Having been a long-time CR-V owner myself, I too seriously considered purchasing the new CR-V.

I test drove both cars on the same day. Since I wanted Navigation, leather and premium wheels, I test drove the 2012 Honda EX-L w/Navigation. The Honda was nice, however the Acura RDX was far a far superior drive.
- Engine: The CR-V lagged when accelerating compared to the RDX. (V4 compared to V6) Pressing on the "eco-button" also made the car feel even more sluggish.
- Interior: Although nice, the CR-V's interior did not feel luxurious to me, even with leather seats. I was shocked to find that the CR-V did not come equipped with a built-in garage-door opener. (nor does it offer side-mirror direction flashers)

The CR-V is still a great car; however I think the RDX offers a much more enjoyable ride. Good luck!

 

I too test drove both the CRV and the RDX on the same day. The tech in the RDX blew away the CRV EX-L and the ride in the RDX was much more refined and sporty. In the end, my girlfriend just couldn't miss out on the Tech in the RDX, so we chose the RDX. Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.

 

I purchased a 2012 Honda CRV with AWD and Nav in Feb. Had problem with hesitation. Dealer could not find cause. After owning 4 Acuras (2 Integras and 2 RLs) was not satisfied with Honda. Traded for RDX AWD with Nav two weeks ago. Amazing car!

 

I also test drove the CRV and RDX on the same day (within an hour of each other). I was really hoping the CRV would be nice, especially because of the lower price and potential to save money. I was NOT impressed one bit. Actually a bit disappointed. Seats were not comfortable, the ride was average at best, and the power was weak. The dealer actually told me to "floor it" to feel the power of the engine. I did, but I felt no such power. Funny that people call the RDX a "more expensive CRV" because the cars look and drive nothing alike in any sense.

 

i believe the OP bought an MDX.

 

Say what? Do you have a PM? I have not seen a post by OP that indicates purchase of an MDX.

Regards, Jim

 

Jim....TLtrigirl also has an MDX and is often in that forum too which is why she likely knows

 

samanthajane posted in the 2012 MDX pricing thread...they bought an MDX with tech i believe in late august. i even asked them about the RDX...no response as to the change of heart. at least it's still in the acura family.

 

Thanks for the clarification. You sure get around gal.

Jim

 

i check the new posts threads...so sometimes i'm in the TL forums, TSX, MDX, RDX...the topic just needs to be interesting enough for me to want to respond.

 

Yeah I have to agree that she probably made the right decision for something larger and more family friendly.

 

I purchased a white 2013 RDX with Technology package in Sept. after much research: Audi, BMW, Suburu, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai. The 2013 Venza seemed cheap and plastic - like a styrofoam cup lid. The CR-V is a fine vehicle. However, I was shocked at its high sticker price. The RDX is more luxurious than both with an unbelievable ride. I don't think anyone can fully appreciate this car without driving it for several weeks. The level of techno sophistication is simply amazing. If you can afford it, buy it. I think that, for the money, it's the best SUV on the planet.

 

I purchased the 2013 RDX after a few months of looking at and driving the competition. I have been very happy with the RDX and have not had any problems at all. The interior is very roomy for vehicles in this class. Good power, Acura fit and finish, I would do it again.

 

******
I came from a 2010 Venza AWD V6 version. You are right about the interior is so cheaply made and poorly put together that Toyota ought to be ashamed of themselves for selling a $38K with interior that looks and feels like a Yugo .

I must say that the Venza V6 is very smooth and vibration free but I cannot stand the cheapo interior (since I spent 99% of the time inside looking and feeling it) - I sold it only after two years...but, I must admit, I do miss the silky smooth of the Venza's V6 engine in idle and the Toyota bluetooth calling feature which use your phone book entries without limitation (no voice tag required).

Now, I am in the 2013 RDX...much more refined interior.

 

I test drove the Buick, Ford, BMW, Volvo, Acura and Lexus suvs. If you do the same you might find yourself in the RDX. I was just blown away by the form and performance. It handles so sweet, just the right amount of power and a superior tech package that makes the Acura such a good buy. The real sell for me was adding the variable cylinder 6. I get 27 on I5 and 21 in town, just as advertised. Ease up and you might push 30 mpg on long trips. This is a sweet ride, and that includes the feelings of the folks in the back seat. Like Tunes? Maybe the best stereo I have have ever heard.

 

^^um, guys...the OP hasn't been back to this thread...and they purchased an MDX as mentioned in post #23 back in September.

 

If you are shocked by the CR-V pricing you should be really shocked at the RDX, since it costs $9k more, comparing the top of the line models on both. LOL!

 

Given all the help and advice people gave her here, it would have been nice for her to come in and tell us about her MDX purchase instead of disappearing with no explanation. Luckily for us, you were kind enough to tell us where she went and how she decided to move forward with her vehicle....

 

^^yeah, i know...it's a forum...some people never follow up.