I currently have a 2019 RDX (Tech). Like some, the quality of the SUV has been disappointing.

• Repaired Pano roof twice. Second time entire frame was replaced. Yet still hear popping noise on large bumps and now the entire roof rattles (sounds like Glass banging against glass)
• Rear Differential is leaking
• Groaning sound from front when going over bumps (I did take advice from this forum to spray any rubber parts in the from suspension and that seemed to help)
• Rattle behind center mirror
• Rear hatch groans when opening (cold weather only) Started this winter.
• Rear seat stitching is coming undone (crazy because no one sits back there (just the wife and I)
• Rear seat belt stopped working (got that fixed under warranty)
• Engine revs when in 2nd gear and taking a turn (SUV seems to stay stuck in 2nd Gear even if I barely accelerate. This only happens when turning. Very odd but consistent. Car is in Sport mode, but tried other modes and same.)
• I feel no difference between Comfort Mode and Sports mode (seems like a programming error. There is an obvious difference between sport and sport+)
• Finally, road noise and wind noise are a bit high for a luxury SUV

The wife and spent the last few weeks test driving other options, including the Lexus NX and RX, Rav4, Camry, GV70, Pilot, etc... But in the end, we like the looks and feel of the Acura RDX better. The only competition was the RX350, but it is $8-10K more. So we are thinking about going from the 2019 Tech to a 2025 A-Spec Advance. And yes, I know a new RDX model is coming in 2026 but looking to move to new car before long road trip in July. Drove 2025 RDX last night. Of course it is new, but it was obviously quieter (road and wind noise).

Open to opinions. I'm curious if anyone feels that some or all of the above issue will simply come back with the 2025 model.

 

I was "kinda" in the same boat back in 2019 when I wanted upgrade my 08 RDX tech to an all new 19 RDX Adv. I'm thinking you might have the same issues down the road with the 4th Gen 2026 RDX if you decide to wait another year for the all new model. Acura tends to become very reliable after the MMC (Mid Model Change) with updates to the styling, better tech, extra luxury touches, and TSB fixes applied. Going for the 25 RDX ASpec Adv would give you a nice upgrade AND provide you with an excellent vehicle until the 4th Gen MMC +2030 (If you wanted to upgrade again). I ended up going for the MMC 3rd Gen 19 MDX Adv Sport Hybrid.

Did you test drive an used/CPO MDX that would be in the same price range as the new 25 RDX A-Spec Adv? I had my heart set on a 19 RDX until I test drove the MDX Sport Hybrid just to compare. The smooth V-6, drove like a smaller vehicle, extra space, I added a full size spare for traveling, and having way less road noise won me over (most MDXs had a +$5000 discount starting point back then).

 

I had zero of those issues with my 2021 Aspec SHAWD (53 months of ownership with 28k miles). First year is typically the worst year for any new model (not refreshed model). 2019 model was the first year for the new 3rd gen RDX

Personally, if I was in the market, I’d be looking for a gently owned 2023 Aspec Advanced. Save a chuck of money off of an expensive new one, and still have all the mid year model updates that came out in 2022. Add in a MFG warranty too.

 

The wife feels the MDX is too large (hard to park). But I agree, I love a V6. I still have my 2011 V6 EXL-Nav Honda Accord Coupe. 180,000 miles but unwilling to give her up because of that V6.
But I will take your advice and at least drive the MDX next time I'm at the dealership.

 

It has been awhile since I test drove the 3rd Gen RDX and I never test drove the 4th Gen MDX. Usually, the MDX has a very aggressive sh-awd tq vectoring system to make it feel/drive like a smaller vehicle. I would drive the RDX and MDX back-to-back on the same routes to see how they perform in normal to sporty driving. Not much of an mpg hits going with sh-awd compared to fwd for either model. I would be really surprised you don't get equal or better hwy mpgs in the MDX compared to the RDX on your road-trip. My spouse favorite (must have) feature is the 360 degree camera with the Adv model if you check our an used/CPO MDX. Zero curb rash on rims and perfect parking around town with our RLX Sport Hybrid or MDX Adv Sport Hybrid.

 

The 2025 RDX has had a second MMC and by now has had the kinks worked out.

I just leased a 2025 Advance (had a 2023 ASpec Advance) and the engine/transmission is smoother in the 2025. I like the 55 series tires better than the 45 series on the ASpec Advance and the more comfortable ride is has.

In my opinion you can't go wrong with the 2025 RDX- we too shifted to the RDX from The MDX which has become too large for our needs.

 

And in 2026 Acura will have complete redesign making it looking old one year after you buy it. You ok with it?

 

I think so... But I will not buy another 1st year Acura. The 2019 was the first year 3rd Gen and quality was disappointing. So will not buy 2026 or 2027 4th Gen. It would be 2028 before I consider the RDX again.

 

The age old question-obtain the last year or two (per my dealer there will be a 2026 RDX current body style) of a tried and true design or become a beta tester. It was an easy answer for me. I remember all of the issues that the early adopters of the 2019 RDX faced-no thanks.

 

The 19 RDX was the very first Acura with the current design language with new tech, redesigned info-tainment, 2.0T+10AT+sh-awd, pano roof, etc... Might be the reason why the +22 MDX that came out a few years later had less 1st year issues compared to the 19 RDX? Fast forward to the 4th Gen RDX in 2026 and it seems it will be the same potential problems being repeated (next Gen MDX probably not due until 2029/2030).

 

I haven't seen any non-fake/clickbait places announce a 2026 new gen RDX. Acura would have been scheduled to do a 4th gen in 2025 but did a second 25 MMR instead.

My guess is that this is all due to the change in EV demand as I remain convinced that the 26 RSX was supposed to be the 4th gen RDX. So anyone's guess on how their product planners are pivoting.

Watching this forum over the years, the complaints have dwindled since the 2019 release. So they have ironed out many of the kinks. A 25 RDX will be familiar, and in 2022 they did widen the comfort vs sport differences, and add substantially more sound deadening in the aspec advance. Our 2022 has been completely trouble free. So based on your preferences it seems you'll be happy in a 2025 RDX. However if I were in your shoes I'd get a 2023 or 2022 CPO and put the savings into a 9yr/150k mile Acuracare warranty. This way you get piece of mind for any of the other types of issues you were comaining about.

 

We would already see hints, test mules, spy shots if there was redesign for 2026 rdx. Earliest would be 2027 in my opinion

 

Agreed, early years of 3rd gen was a disaster for Acura and it hurt their reputation and also rankings on JDPowers and etc

 

maybe, but its due for redesign soon, they cant keep running the same basic shape for so many years.

 

sometimes I think they will just do another refresh in 2027, add touch screen, digital dashboard and some tweaks on the body and call it a day.

 

On the other hand, we never saw any ADX spy shots before it was announced.

Acura could be hiding 4G prototype under CRV clothing, or camouflaged as 3G RDX. If I have to guess, I feel 3G will have a shorter MY26 cycle, and 4G will launch by mid-summer next year.

 

I think 4G will be fine. Its electronics should be the zonal architecture shared with the EV platform, the ASIMO infotainment. By the time 4G arrives, the electronics should be relatively stable thanks to RSX EV spearheading in front.

I am more worried about RSX. New everything, first software-defined vehicle from Honda, a lot of work and very tight schedule. I honestly don't think Honda can pull it off, and fully expect that RSX will be a sequel of 3G RDX.

Let's hope the SW will not be as bad as Polestar 3 at launch.

 

Back to OG topic, I would say why not if the number makes sense, and you don't feel you need the latest and greatest.

It is the same formula going from MY19 to MY25, but mostly bug-free and more refined. Plus, you probably can get the Advance trim at a nice discount these days to further differentiate MY25 from your MY19.

 

I had similar or worse 2019 tech experience. Exploded sunroof. Limp mode 3 times is deadly and Acura now only covers under warranty. I could go on and on. 3 infotainment system replacements. Apply play constantly won’t connect.

so I abandoned Acura forever. Bought 2026 Honda passport trailsport elite ash green. First long road trip underway and I’m loving it.

 

The damage was already done with the first years of 3rd gen, there is a bad taste left before buying another RDX, even if its now better and improved. Some people moved on to other brands. All first year cars have issues, but I feel like this was beyond what is normal and acceptable for Acura brand.
let me tell you this. I bought new 2001 CL, first year. It had some issues, but all taken care under warranty no questions asked, made me want to buy another acura. The 2019 rdx experience is much worse, both in terms of number of issues and horrible dealer support

 

I had the same experience with my 2019 RDX. And my plan was to move to Lexus or some other brand. But after testing driving them, I was disappointed with either Design or Performance.

• NX350: Quick and fun to drive. Interior design was bad and felt cramped. Visibility was bad.
• RX350: Great interior design and space. Quiet ride. But car was too heavy for that 4 inline turbo. Just felt slow. Too expensive for 4 inline Turbo. Should be V6 turbo.

Not a fan of the look of the Genisis or Mazda SUVs. MDX is a bit too large. CRV is under powered. I even looked at RAV4 and Camry, but did not like either. the RDX is the right style, feel, performance that I want. Just hoping the 2025 is better quality and quieter.

 

thats the same issue I have with Lexus, you will likely get better quality and reliability, but will sacrifice on performance and fun of driving.

 

Well, it's official. The dealership I'm working with called and they are getting the exact RDX I want. So by this weekend, I will be in a 2025 RDX.

• Aspec Advance
• Liquid Carbon exterior
• Orchid interior

I will post pics once I have it.

Funny story: The sale rep at Acura looked very familiar to me when I walked in. It took me a while to place it, but he was also the same guy at Best Buy (3 years ago) that sold me my appliances when doing my Kitchen remodel. What are the chances??

 

Without reliability - performance and fun mean nothing - when it's constantly breaking down and in the shop. Been there with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8 Quad drive many moons ago. I hate going to the dealership, even for under warranty work. Just a big waste of time and these days very few have loaner vehicles. Thankfully, my 2021 RDX has been super reliable in my 4+ years - it's staying in my stable for years to come.

 

2019 RDX Tech is Gone.

2025 RDX Aspec Advance is here.
Still learning and reading the manual, but so far happy with the purchase. Some pics...

 

good luck with it. I have the exact same model and exterior color, with the Ebony interior. Had it two months and 5000 miles later, loving it. not one issue or rattle so far.

 

OP and you should have many years of issue free motoring. The 3rd gen RDX is super reliable after they worked out the hiccups of the first couple of years. My 2021 only had two minor issues under warranty, otherwise it's been 4.5 years of stressless motoring.

Dang, 5k miles in 2 months - thats a lot of driving.

 

I agree. Dealer experience leaves a lot to be desired and seems to be getting worse. These days, I have to do all kinds of monkeying around in order to get a loaner even for warranty service. Previously, they'd at least give loaners easily for anything more than an oil service.

 

Agree. Dealers are cutting expenses across the board to stay profitable. Loaner cars are huge expenses and depreciate in their short term at the dealer. My dealer rarely has a loaner, regardless of length of time to fix the vehicle (a full day to days). Thus, once you get a reliable one - keep driving it!

 

Wait a second, I thought A-spec Advance should have 20" black wheels, body-colored door handles, 360 cameras on the rear mirrors?

 

Per website specs aspec advance is the only trim w black mirrors and handles.

 

they changed it for 2025.

 

Ah, I love the wheels on my 2023 Aspec Advance, glad I got it when I did.
Congrats to the OP on the new RDX though, looks great, I am sure you will be happier with this version of the RDX.