im not gonna get very deep into this cuz its an RL board...but r u denying the performance of the RDX? turbo is horrible? cmon buddy. again, lets not go the "refinement" route...could the RDX execute better? of course, but its #'s and performance is anything but horrible.

it out handles anything in the segment, and is faster than anything in the segment short of the EX, and even then its close. its a better vehicle than those costing over 40k.

im not arguing levels of refinement, but handling nothign special? im pretty sure just about every professional opinion would toss that comment to the birds.

a loaded CRV lol id love to hear you explain that one. in every single area, interior, exterior, handling, power, looks, refinement, you name it the CRV is not even close. im not putting the RDX on any type of pedestal, but seriously. RDX falls way short of the MDX refinement but will still run circles around it. its pretty much obvious that if u are looking for luxury or refinement the RDX is not it, but to toss it overboard because of that is laughable..its arguably THE BEST crossover out TO DATE, all factors considered.

 

The RDX is what it is. It's a SPORT utility vehicle, heavy on the sport. It's not for people who want cushiness. It's not a bad ride at all....just not as luxurious as an RL or MDX. No need to insult the thing.

 

I have an 06 RL, and bought my wife an 08 MDX. Got the RDX as a loaner 4 out of 5 times. If those are the choices at hand, MDX all the way. We just traded the MDX for an ESV however. (Our family grew) - Keep the RL and moddit!

 

The reason is simple the CRV handles as good if not better than the RDX, it has a lot more space, its ergonomics are a lot better, it uses a lot less fuel and if you take the leather option seat comfort is almost as excellent as the RDX and its almost 10K cheaper!!!! The only demerit the CRV has compared to the RDX is that it is a lot slower, that however doesn't make the RDX particularly fast since its not significantly farster than the much heavier MDX, and its handling is actualy more torpid than the MDX sport. To add insult to injury the turbo is particularly bad, it has noticeable lag, and runs out of boost the last 1500 RPMS of the power band. Compared to turbos from subaru and other more expirienced turbocharging brands its at least 2 generations behind. The RDX fails at all its targets, it is not particularly sporty, it is not luxurious (horrible ride, hodgepodge of nice and cheap materials) and its utility is poor (no cargo space, cant tow). The fact that it maybe as good or better than its competitors (like the x3) is no testament to its excellence, but rather a testament of the overall stupidity of the small luxury sport SUV concept. Even worse, Acura has also copied the X6
another SUV concept that defies rational explanation and will languish at dealers till its time is done.
Honda should have spent the money developing those 2 useless vehicles into putting some world class cojones in the RL which would have enhanced the market perception of Acura as a whole and provided a much needed, world class, powerful drivetrain for Acura products.

 

I've driven an older MDX a few thousand miles, at various times, including a rather spectacular police chase... true... a CRV for a few hundred miles, and an RL for several thousand. I've also test-driven the RDX and sat in the new MDX.

The RDX is fast, small and very Honda (and this is a good thing). The MDX has a larger, more planted and better "road car" feel to it than all but the RL in this list. Actually, in the mountains I'd prefer the MDX for the high seating position, and the appointments in the MDX are on par with the RL.

The RDX is a fun little runner, with a lot more go than the CRV. The CRV is just outstanding for the money, however, and the new model is darn nice.

Get what ya like and run what ya brung.