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Any ideas on when the 2021 model will be released? Assuming it's a mid-model refresh, thoughts on what might get updated? Personally I'm hoping to see new wheels on the advance, power folding mirrors and some additional color combos. I don't understand how they don't have a light and dark interior option for each exterior color.
Any ideas on when the 2021 model will be released? Assuming it's a mid-model refresh, thoughts on what might get updated? Personally I'm hoping to see new wheels on the advance, power folding mirrors and some additional color combos. I don't understand how they don't have a light and dark interior option for each exterior color.
I highly doubt if we will get mid-cycle anytime soon. I assume we might get the mid-cycle in fall 2021 as 2022 model. Fingers crossed this covid is over and economy shapes up. Otherwise, forget mid cycle lol
If I remember correctly, the RDX debuted at the New York Auto Show and subsequent RDX details have been revealed around the same timeline. New York Auto Show would be happening now if it weren't for the Covid. The cars then usually hit the dealer showrooms around June.
I'm sure the 2021 RDX is ready to be built, but when that is going to happen is anyone's guess. They've got to get all the suppliers and factory restarted before anything can happen, and I imagine there's quite a few 2020's still on the lot or in storage that they're going to want to sell before introducing the 2021.
If past experience is of any indication, we can expect minor changes (cosmetics) updates in a mid year cycle. However, with global auto sales expected to go south, Acura might choose to maintain the model as is to reduce cost associated with updates.
If past experience is of any indication, we can expect minor changes (cosmetics) updates in a mid year cycle. However, with global auto sales expected to go south, Acura might choose to maintain the model as is to reduce cost associated with updates.
Normally Acura keeps the same car for 3 years and does the update in the 4th year. The 2nd Gen 2013 -2015 were the same and the 2016 -2018 had the changes.
Perhaps so. But they can definitely work on the trim lines, so for example include HUD to A-spec. Also 360 view camera even if the price goes up a bit.
Any ideas on when the 2021 model will be released? Assuming it's a mid-model refresh, thoughts on what might get updated? Personally I'm hoping to see new wheels on the advance, power folding mirrors and some additional color combos. I don't understand how they don't have a light and dark interior option for each exterior color.
You are optimistic to think anyone is working on the 2021 models. I agree that car manufacturers will likely skip '21 and go to '22 when they can work again.
I think they will ship lots of replacement window stickers for the 2020's that are already on the dealer lots or on storage lots. Shhhh no one saw that...
BS aside, I believe there is precedent for skipped model years, but usually before a major model change. OTOH I think we can agree these are unusual times.
I would like to see a PMC lite model (minus the fancy paint job) ... something that is generally available (not a special edition with limited numbers being built) ... where the Advanced and A-Spec packages are combined.
It is rumored that Acura will be soon doing an online reveal of the new 2021 TLX or MDX. I am interested to see their Infotainment Systems, ideally it will be Touchpad + touchscreen. Almost very car review that I have seen trashes the RDX's Touchpad including the Consumer Reports. I know Acura says that they will never give up on the Touchpad-Only scheme (no touchscreen) but I can't see many moms paying 45-60K for a new 2021 MDX without a touchscreen. I would hope some of the part in the new 2021 TLX or MDX will make their way into the 2021 RDX. I think currently Acura has two versions of the Infotainment Systems (old: ilx, tlx, mdx, rlx, & new: rdx), I would think it would be difficult for a small company like Acura to maintain three different versions ... having source parts during COVID-19 and maintain software for three different versions. Even Lexus gave up on their RX 300 Touchpad-only attitude and added touchscheen this year; not to mention that Honda SUVs have touchscreen options.
Based on Acura's past behavior ... no way would there be any new changes this year but their has been new competition added since 3rd RDX generation was released. I think most would agree that in the USA that the compact SUV is the auto class with most extreme competition ... followed by mid size SUV. I think most would classify RDX as entry-level compact Luxury SUV ... RDX is on the larger side of 2-row compact SUV. I think the 2021 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Sante Fe (277 HP) are going to rock the entry-level luxury SUV market.. they mid-size but on the smaller side... while not considered luxury ... you can't tell me their interiors don't match or are better than other entry-level luxury SUVs. Even the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime (302 HP) will add competition... some will give a little on the luxury features for performance and the reputation of Toyota reliability.
There have been a lot of articles written on Ford's manufacturing retooling for the new Explorer ... yes they had problems and people were fired. The sales for Explore are good but not what was expected. For 2021 (only after a year) Ford is making minor changes and adding new trims to match competition
and what their customers expect. My point here is that if Ford can make small changes to a new model to adjust to the market then I would hope a smaller company like Acura would have similar agility to adapt.
The new RDX has reinvigorated the Acura brand and it's their most important model based on sales... lets hope that after COVID that they maintain the momentum.
I think the 2021 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Sante Fe (277 HP) are going to rock the entry-level luxury SUV market.. they mid-size but on the smaller side... while not considered luxury ... you can't tell me their interiors don't match or are better than other entry-level luxury SUVs. Even the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime (302 HP) will add competition... some will give a little on the luxury features for performance and the reputation of Toyota reliability.
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Acura does not consider RAV4 Prime to be a competitor. The market segment isn't divided in such way. Their benchmark is Infiniti, Lexus, BMW, Audi and Benz.... I agree with your sentiments but unfortunately Sales and Marketing doesn't quite work that way.
I posted this in another thread. Many think it wont happen. I posted that for 2021 they are making a longer dash and moving the screen closer and adding a touch screen. I also have read there will be a Type-S with a twin turbo V6 just like what will be in the 2021 TLX.
Changes can be major or minor, the former being engine, transmission, exterior body and interior instrumentation. Highly unlikely, at least at this point in time. However, minor are very possible. Some may call this tweaking. For example for 2010 Acura improved the overall braking system for the RDX. So this was after 3 model years. In addition we have items like sensors, solenoids, cameras...etc all minor but important. If we look at all the complaints from 3rd gen owners On this site they could easily keep themselves busy solving existing issues. Yes I understand some were resolved, but there other like turbo lag and transmission hesitation.
Anyway, as someone who is seriously looking into purchasing a 2021 Oct or Nov this year I would love to see the Aspec get some of the options available on the Advance model. Need to wait and see..
I highly doubt if we will get mid-cycle anytime soon. I assume we might get the mid-cycle in fall 2021 as 2022 model. Fingers crossed this covid is over and economy shapes up. Otherwise, forget mid cycle lol
2019 was year one for the 3G RDX. Honda/Acura usually do a Mid-Cycle on a 3 year basis. In that case 2022 would be the first year to be eligible for a mid-cycle.
I posted this in another thread. Many think it wont happen. I posted that for 2021 they are making a longer dash and moving the screen closer and adding a touch screen. I also have read there will be a Type-S with a twin turbo V6 just like what will be in the 2021 TLX.
I posted this in another thread. Many think it wont happen. I posted that for 2021 they are making a longer dash and moving the screen closer and adding a touch screen. I also have read there will be a Type-S with a twin turbo V6 just like what will be in the 2021 TLX.
I'm mostly with you on that JB. I've always thought that power folding mirrors weren't particularly useful... that is, until I found myself trying to squeeze past a double-parked truck in that first week I owned my RDX. But that's the only time I've felt it would be helpful. On the other hand, an electrically adjusted steering wheel is helpful any time I swap drivers. In such a high-tech and lux cabin, manually adjusting the steering wheel feels archaic.
Me! I need them. And probably other people who live in big cities where cars get dinged a lot.
The point in my opinion is not weather we need them or one over the other but how inexpensive they are for the manufacturer to include as standard equipment.
Acura wants you to think that you are getting gold plated parts so they reserve it for for top tier trim lines. Absolutely ridiculous in this day. No doubt that Korean manufacturers are breathing down their necks and will catch up soon with their luxury lines ie....Genesis. Wake up Acura.....
For that rare occasion when I would want to fold the mirrors, they fold manually. Yeah it's inconvenient, but not as bad as the manually locking 4WD hubs on my first SUV. ( Get out of the truck, walk to the front, turn the big chrome knobs sticking out from the front hubs ). Feature creep is driving current new car costs to completely unrealistic levels.
Acura MDX has electrically adjusted steering wheel. It might even have folding mirrors on current top trim(s). It's still Acura's real halo vehicle. ( NSX is a ghost, and RLX is a lost cause ).
All that stuff adds weight as well as cost. RDX is relatively nimble. I like that. MDX is nice, but it's ponderous in comparison. We have both.
And as for reliability, what's usually the first thing to break? All those electric gizmos they keep making cheaper.
there is a whole list of things that I don't understand why people want so much.
Rain sensing wipers is the big one....OMG, it raining, what do I do?
Auto high beam (rarely work correctly) and are you that inattentive when you drive?
Folding mirrors: I would not even think of such a thing.....but my new Lexus has them so I guess that they are OK. Nice for tight parking spaces and no one banging one off.
Power adjusting steering wheel. I am the only one who drives my car, so I just set it and leave it. I don't think that I ever reset this in 13 years with my TL. I fit without moving it every time I get in and out.
Sorry for sounding snarky....mostly tongue in cheek, but I guess everyone has their own must haves for their own reason.
Some of this stuff I just see as something else to break that Acura can say was designed that way.
Did the base rdx always have leatherette material as opposed to real leather? Was a bit surprised about this one. It still looks and feels nice, though
Leatherette ( AKA "Naugahyde" or "Corinthian Leather" ) has improved over the years, but IMO it still isn't quite as absorbent as natural leather, even the plastic coated natural leather you will find in most Acuras. Otherwise, hard to tell the difference. But only the seating surface is ( plastic coated ) natural leather in any of these vehicles. The rest of the seat covers and trim is vinyl. Perforated leather seating surfaces and/or ventilated seats are next-level mitigation for the dreaded "I'm glued to my seat" feeling. But the pelt of the native "Cotton Towel" is a suitable interface between vinyl seating surfaces and bare skin, as needed.
I believe "Base" 2nd-gen RDX had vinyl seats; Tech added leather, and Advance added ventilated leather, just like 3rd-gen.
there is a whole list of things that I don't understand why people want so much.
Rain sensing wipers is the big one....OMG, it raining, what do I do?
Auto high beam (rarely work correctly) and are you that inattentive when you drive?
Folding mirrors: I would not even think of such a thing.....but my new Lexus has them so I guess that they are OK. Nice for tight parking spaces and no one banging one off.
Power adjusting steering wheel. I am the only one who drives my car, so I just set it and leave it. I don't think that I ever reset this in 13 years with my TL. I fit without moving it every time I get in and out.
Sorry for sounding snarky....mostly tongue in cheek, but I guess everyone has their own must haves for their own reason.
Some of this stuff I just see as something else to break that Acura can say was designed that way.
I agree 100%!!!
I never cared for rain sensing wipers and now that I work at a drive through carwash I hate them. No one knows how to turn them off. I have to reach in and do it for them sometimes.
I never use my auto headlights (when I had them) still manually cotrolled the switch.
Memory seats are cool but I find they get wonky with age. Both my 2008 TL and 2011 Optima EX would frequently screw up or not work completely.
Auto folding mirrors are pretty cool though... I do want things like cameras and parking sensors, but auto lights, auto wipers, auto start/stop, auto parking brake IMO cause more problems than they prevent. Not worth it, IMO.
The last few posts illustrate the cons of using bundled packages vs. al la carte options; and why German car buyers, in particular, are willing to pay more for a long option list. Buyers' personal preferences are a real juggling act for product developers focused on "value".
I would obviously love a la carte vs bundle, but I understand why they bundle. On one build (forget the vehicle) if I wanted Blind spot or heated seats, I had to get like $5000 upgrade package. I really don't like having a sunroof (I rarely open the cover much less the roof). On the rare occasions that I open the cover the Sun blasts me in the eyes. Very difficult to find a car without a sunroof, and often bundled with stuff that I do want.
Sometimes I also think that it is a status thing. Honestly a base or Tech with a couple of a la carte (with Aspec as an option not a model) would probably be more than enough for me.
Those long a la carte option lists are partially satisfied at port-of-entry installation facilities. And apparently those facilities have iron-clad contracts with major automakers. And they are quite lucrative. Meaning, for consumers it's a royal screw.
Honda figured out they could bypass all that and streamline their overall assembly process by only offering discrete trim levels, or packages, or whatever you want to call them. And a very limited set of dealer or DIY installed optional "accessories". It's a big part of the value equation.
As with everything, if ya want it done just the way you like it, ya gotta pay for the privilege.
Many years ago Ford offered its first domestically built FWD car, the Escort, to replace the turdish Ford Pinto. While designing the car Ford calculate the cost of offering options. Shockingly they found it would be cheaper to just build one model with every option on it then to build a base, mid and high end model. But, in typical car fashion the marketing guys stopped this from happening. They said you must have various trim levels or you will not sell cars. I say the same thing happen at Chrysler when the second generation new minivan was introduced. ( I did the regional new model training on that vehicle and spent time with the design team that put it together. At that time you could get either a base model with a three speed automatic transmission or pay extra to get the four speed. The engineers humorously informed us that it was actually cheaper to build the four speed trans but the marketing people made it clear that the four speed would be an extra cost items. As they said, "Four gears have to cost more than three!: Marketing people and engineering types are not always on the same page as to the cost to buy a vehicle.
But, the point I am thinking of is simply that options do add cost and the more options you make the more you drive up production costs. As the Ford study showed, on that car it would have been cheaper and from a production sense, less work, to just put all the options on every vehicle as it went down the line. Lower engineering costs, lower production costs. Most Japanese companies have done something like this over the years having a low number of models to chose from and a more conservative outlook on offering too many accessories.
...but the marketing people made it clear that the four speed would be an extra cost items. As they said, "Four gears have to cost more than three!: ...
Marketing people know, as we all do, that something that costs more MUST be better. It's a universal law in marketing -- or it should be.
European car brands have been proving this concept for years.
A la carte options? Yea I dont want the RDX price to balloon another 15k in options like a BMW. Give me every single luxury and tech upgrade to the tits for one price so I dont stay one minute longer in the stealership.
Power folding mirrors is standard on my aspec in canada and I cant live with out it. Downtown condo spots are tight and I use it everyday pulling into my shitty parking spot.
2021 they should offer the advance trim level with an A-spec body.
There was a time years ago that GM (then the biggest car company in the world) bragged they could build over 22,000 unique Chevy's due to all the RPO's (regular production options) combinations you could put together. Problem is it costs a LOT to engineer the vehicle to accept all those options, things like mounting points and wiring harnesses and it cost a lot to engineer and build all the different parts. There is where that Ford study done years ago figured out that it would be cheaper to just build the most deluxe version with all the options to streamline the process. Of course the marketing people killed that idea! This building a car a la cart really drives up the price of the vehicle and its how the Germans kill you with all the little add-ons. Go price a BMW or MB and start adding all the things that came standard on my Advance and you see what I mean. My wife had seen one of the little MB SUV's (GLB 250 I think it was) and liked the looks of it. She looked it up and told me how it was "cheaper" than the RDX. Well, base price it was lower than the Advance. Problem was when I went to price one out everything was extra! All the things that were standard equipment on my Advance were options on the MB. The HUD was over $1,000, the heated and cooled seats were like $750, the safety equipment that is standard on the RDX was part of a $2,200 package on the MB. Heated steering wheel...$250, panoramic roof...$1,500, etc. When I added it all up the MB was thousands of dollars more and the RDX had more power, a better resale value and I liked the style more. We are all different with different tastes but having a German car just wasn't worth that much more to me.
04-21-2020, 02:47 PM
