I'm looking to buy a 3rd gen RDX. I'm not rich enough to get the latest and greatest, but I am struggling with whether I can settle for a 2019 A Spec or something similar.... or get the 2022. My logic is that the infotainment is apparently improved, by adding 24-pin connections vs 20-pin in the first 3 years.

But, I'm not an infotainment power-user. So i'm having an internal debate over cost vs benefit. So talk sense into me one way or the other. Do I stay in budget and just get a nice 2019? Or is the infotainment system so frustrating that it's best to go to a 2022?

And - are there other improvements I'm unaware of that make the 2020 or 2021 better than 2019. I understand later years might be more reliable, but if it's a vehicle that's had all service bulletins resolved, does it even matter? There seems to be no real difference, but maybe there are other 'hidden' things like the infotainment 24-pin update.

 

2019 infotainment system is manageable if TSBs are applied to it. It also depends how important for you infotainment vs saving money getting older car.

 

The only real change is on the 2025+ where I believe you can do full screen Android Auto / Apple Car Play. Otherwise in terms of features and functionality I think it's basically the same across all the model years. The 2022 refresh did get some extra sound insulation and other minor improvements, so in general I think that's a good model year to target if you're looking at the used market. But it all depends on what the budget allows. Whatever you go for, just make sure the maintenance is recorded and up to date - doesn't matter how reliable a car is, it will eventually leave you stranded if you don't take care of it.

 

The 2022 is going to be noticeably quieter than the 2019. 2022 also adds wireless CarPlay so you don't have to plug your phone in to use it. One other aspect to consider is that the A-Spec of any model year is going to ride a bit rougher than the non-a-spec models due to them having low profile 20" tires. I've owned a 2019 advance and a 2022 aspec w/advance and can easily notice that the 22 is quieter but has a rougher ride.

You'll have to decide how much more it's worth for a '22