I am looking at a new vehicle, and even considering "new" unsold 2019 RDX's at my local dealers' lots.
Can anyone say if there are any major changes from 2019 through 2021 for the RDX?
I hear about the deceleration issues and infotainment woes. Can't seem to find info if these are fixed on the 2020 model (and too soon to know for 2021 I'm guessing).
(Sorry if this information is already in the forums).
Thanks.

 

There's no new features or significant changes. Only change might be new paint colors. Presumably the 2021s will be more reliable and better put together than the 2019s, but whether that's significant or affects the infotainment system is hard to say. Plenty of 2020 owners are still reporting infotainment issues, so I wouldn't expect things to be much better for the 2021 cars.

 

FYI, I have a middle of the year build FWD Advance. I've had a couple of issues, all minor, that have been resolved under TSBs, or through OTA updates. No sudden deceleration, a few infotainment issues (using Android Auto) seem to have been the fault of a bad cable. over 22,000 miles and 19 months. Best car I have ever owned.

 

FYI - I took delivery of a 2021 RDX SH-AWD Advance model on 31 July 2020 (with an indicated manufacturing date of “7/20”) and I see no differences that are obvious from the 2019 and 2020 models.
However, the 2021 models no longer include real time traffic monitoring, which exists on the earlier two model years.
So far, after 2 weeks of ownership, I am very pleased with my new RDX, and have found no issues, either production related/fit & finish, or electronic.
Coming from my 2015 TLX SH-AWD Advance (which has been flawless for me), the RDX has a bit more road noise, a bit rougher ride, and about 20% worse fuel economy, all of which I expected.

 

Thanks fiatlux!

 

And Thanks JB and pmartone!

 

Hold up...why they take real time traffic away and does that mean everyone else will lose it soon as well?

 

Use WAZE for route information, it is real time from real drivers.

 

How about sudden hesitation during acceleration? Did they do anything about it in 2021?

 

I cannot answer your question about the massive hesitation being fixed, because I have not experienced it.
My guess is that due to COVID and the associated production issues, the 2021 models which began production in July, have no changes or improvements.
I simply waited for a 2021 because, in the month of July, I didn’t want a car that was sitting outside in the lot since Jan/Feb, in the sun, cold, and snow, before production ended due to COVID in March. But I missed out on the $3k savings they were offering by not getting a 2020 model. Since I trade my car in about every 3 years, I’m hoping I made the right choice in paying a bit more and getting the 2021.

 

Best decision I made getting the 2021. Prefer getting exactly the color and interior I like. Produced 08/20 delivered 08/29.

 

What is that pole coming out of your panoramic moonroof? Is that a 2021 feature?

 

That's the enhanced AcuraLink antenna. It's only available on the Platinum Executive Elite package, with an option to purchase unlimited Terabit satelite ethernet access for a mere $999 per month.

 

Hey folks: That is a new style aerodynamic wing to increase 1/4 mile times.

Thanks for noticing and your compliments on my detailing my 2021 RDX Advance.

I will make sure my future Photo venues do not give up my secrets. (LOL)

 

I think I read somewhere that the 2021 Advance trim no longer has the "adaptive headlights". I do not find it discussed in the OM for the 2021, it is still written about in the 2019 & 2020 manuals.

 

I noticed they went with a cheaper type of TPMS on the 2021 models like standard equipped ones seen on Honda’s

 

Probably for most of you, but I have a plan with limited data and I prefer not having to connect my phone every time I jump in the car. I'd be very unhappy and if acura took away real time traffic, even as inconsistent and spotty as it sometimes is.

 

Are you saying the the 2021 RDX no longer displays each individual tire's pressure on the instrument panel? My 2020 Honda CR-V does not, but that was expected, as it uses a totally different system without individual wheel sensors.

 

My 2021 RDX Advance shows pressure for each tire although the valve stems are not the same as pictured. Real time traffic monitoring indicates congested routes

 

Yeah Acura changed the cap to black ones for whatever reason. There was an Acura document mentioning this change for 2021.

 

lol y'all complain about the silliest shit.

 

I checked mine, I have a 2021 RDX Aspec (CDN edition lol) and the caps are silver and looks to be metal. Probably varies between trims and possibly country.

 

Now that you mention it, I DO remember reading this. Mine came with the stupid green caps, which I quickly changed to chrome..(which others will consider stupid)

 

Green caps means that it's filled with nitrogen rather than regular air: https://www.cars.com/articles/should...1420682864256/. It's not just a random color for no reason.

 

The green caps mean the dealer wants you to think it is filled with Nitrogen. Yes, OF COURSE I knew that. I guess I should have mentioned it. The nitrogen was a NON issue. It was the GREEN caps that I despised. It is a cheap trick by dealers to get buyers to pay a ridiculous amount more money for Nitrogen in their tires. How do we know if they really put Nitrogen in the tires? What a scam!

So, yes, I knew.

 

I think most of you miss what I’m trying to say, I’m not talking about the cap...you can change the caps to whatever color/style you choose. I’m saying they went from a metal TMPS valve stem to a rubber stem as seen on the current Honda models with TPMS.

I have a 2013 Honda Accord that uses indirect TPMS with the regular rubber valve stems, so when I swap wheels from summer to winter wheels, I didn’t have to worry about having sensors on both sets of wheels, I would just recalibrate the system. Not sure if the 2021 RDX model went the same route as Honda to cut cost.

 

I have a hard time believing the person who was vehemently questioning why people would change incandescent taillight bulbs to LED for aesthetic purposes would change out his valve stem caps because of the color. The valve stem caps that Acura put on my RDX work just fine for me.

 

Many years ago my 2004 MDX was recalled because the valve stem caps were metal and would corrode in place. They were first replaced, by the dealer, with regular black plastic caps and later with grey plastic caps. Valve stems and caps are not overlooked by the high and mighty at Acura/Honda.

 

I admit you have a good point, but GREEN valve stem caps?

Resides the fact that the benefits of Nitrogen fill in the tires is debatable....

ANYBODY that knows me, knows that I will not knowingly buy, wear or use anything that is green (other than cash, and I rarely use that anymore)
So I have a DOUBLE reason for not liking the green valve stem caps.

With that said, there is a big difference between changing valve stem caps and turn signal bulbs. What is the benefit of these LED turn signal bulbs? Aesthetic purposes? The reports that I have seen indicate the color of the latest discussed ones are not the proper amber, and the previously discussed ones are too bright.

But your point is taken. Everyone has different triggers.

Thank you for the discussion. One of my favorite things is the discussion of all things related to cars.

 

The reason for the LED bulb swap is purely aesthetic, the same reason owners change wheels, valve stem covers or anything else on their vehicles that serves no purpose other than subjectively improving looks.

The LASFIT bulbs I installed serve this purpose, as I believe the immediate on/off capability of LEDs is far superior to that of incandescent. In addition, I believe the OE bulbs look out of place on a vehicle with otherwise full LED lighting. I made a minor modification to the bulbs, as I agree they were a touch too bright. I applied a light coat of high heat silver spray paint, which in addition to cutting down on the brightness to a level on par with the OE bulbs, improved the aesthetics of the bulb as seen through the clear lens. I'd be happy to show you the final result or share with you the process I followed to achieve this. I'm fully satisfied with the result.

 

Totally get it! I didn't realize you were a poster who had installed the LEDs are found them too bright, and modified them...etc... Are you planning on trying the LEDs that were recently posted? (edit: I see you mentioned you are satisfied with what you now have) My concern is the color. Are there are other vehicles that use LED turn bulbs that might work here, rather than aftermarket?

If I could justify the cost of changing the Advance wheels, I would! I just can't. As has been mentioned many times here, the Tech wheels even look better. I certainly have changed stock wheels on new cars before. Granted LED bulbs are a much more affordable project. I just don't feel the need. BUT if there was an easy and close to perfect replacement bulb, I would seriously consider changing mine. I do think it is odd that Acura didn't use LEDs for the turn signals, just as I think it is odd they didn't include remote start from the FOB. My 2020 CR-V has it. Or power folding mirrors like our friends to the North have. FWIW, I have had remote start on all my vehicles (except the RDX) since about 2012, only used it a couple of times! I occasionally see the mirrors on much lesser vehicles folded-in in parking lots and I just wonder.

I used to enjoy making changes to my cars, to individualize, improve. In days of old, I have added cruise control and even Factory A/C to cars. LOL ...but now that I am able to enjoy cars that have virtually everything I could want and use, I don't have much interest in doing that anymore. (Plus age has played a trick on my body)

Shrug...(spent way too long unsuccessfully looking for shrug emoticon)

 

That would be great! I might even consider it, now that I have been discussing it. Thanks!

 

Cheers. Check out the Rear Turn Signals LED Replacements thread in the DIY section. I just added an update with photos and a video (which I'm not sure was done properly. Never was sure how to upload a video)

 

Found the popping in the sunroof glass.

 

The 2021 also makes the popping noise around the sunroof area as well?

 

I have a 2019 (late production) and it has no popping noise or body noises that I have ever heard...and I hear everything in a car.

As for making changes to a new car: I am fine with YOU doing whatever you want. Its your baby and you want to make it your own...go for it! Personally I am with fellow Auto Professional "JB" in that I am past the point in life where I care to spend the money and effort to start changing things on a brand new car. Like JB I got the Advance and never looked back. Its a nice car. I am not a big fan of the stock wheels that come with the Advance but I refused to spend a ton of money to switch them to the optional ones. (My Honda Fit EX-L has better looking factory wheels on it!) You do know car companies do that stuff so that the dealer can milk a little more profit. (Look at any car company and there are always factory supplied dealer installed options available).

As for Nitrogen in the tires...Yes, your tires all have Nitrogen in them, well at least 78% as that is normal for our atmosphere. I have to tell you that over the past 50 years I have pulled a lot of tires off cars, some that had been mounted for ten years or longer. I have never seen the inside of a tire that deteriorated due to having regular "air" in them. The inside of the tire does not get pounded by UV light, salt and other chemicals in the environment. As for other claims like reduced pressure change....well, you can research that but look for actual tests, not the information from dealers wanting to sell you on paying extra for the "benefits" of Nitrogen. Yes there are some "advantages" but they are very small and on a normal passenger vehicle its more hype from salesmen than cost effective advantage. Research it...

 

So as someone who is interested in the 2021 RDX. Are there quality improvements over the 2020? Like road noise, popping sounds, etc ?

 

2019-2020 TSB will be applied, so less dealer visits. Did they improve something without anyone knowing? Its possible, but unlikely IMHO.

 

As I've mentioned earlier, I've got a 2021 RDX Advance SH-AWD, and in general, I am very pleased with the car.

I'm not aware of any specific improvements over the 2020 model, although I expect the latest TSBs have been loaded onto my car.

I've also heard that for 2021, the real-time traffic feature has been removed.

I have not yet experienced roof "popping" noises, but I only have 1100 miles so far on the car.

Now that the cooler weather is here, I have noticed that the RDX doesn't seem to put out the quantity of heat in the heater mode setting, compared to what I got with my 2015 TLS Advance SH-AWD.

I also have to add however, that while I know the RDX is performance car and not an economy car, it would have been nice to achieve the EPA estimated fuel economy; I'm not getting that.

This is my 7th Acura and the first where despite my non-aggressive driving habits, I cannot achieve the EPA mileage estimates.

I love my RDX, but wonder why this vehicle cannot achieve EPA estimates for city or highway or combined.
(With my 2015 TLX, I routinely beat the EPA estimates.)

Again, I am happy with the performance of the car, and would buy it again if something happened to it (stolen or wrecked or ???).