Danny Furr

I actually much prefer the exterior aesthetics of the 2019-2021 model. The 2022 exterior looks more basic to me and too similar to other SUVs. The 2019-2021 looks sportier and more distinctive to me. Anyone else feel the same way?

Texasrdx21

Such a slight change to the bumpers and steering wheel for the 2022+, bet most people would not even notice. Definitely more paint area on the front of the bumper - for chips, compared to the 19-21.

However, I like the 22+ Blue (compared to my silver) with light interior on the Aspec Advanced + those new design wheels - but not enough to take mine for one. Add that to declining values - KBB says mine is worth $34k-$37K and carvana just sent me an offer to buy it for $33.5k (tracked it since it was new, as at one time when I had temporpary insanity to buy a EV - but canceled both of my orders).

SilverJ

Well...looking at the two here in a more comparable picture...
https://www.acuraofjackson.com/compa...-ridgeland-ms/
I prefer the 2022. I love that there was a Aspec WITH Advance made available, I like the new wheels (on the A spec advance specifically) better and also like the larger grill.
I also prefer the version of Grey for 2022 vs 2021.

Texasrdx21

Believe the front grill is the same as 19’-21’.

SilverJ

Its not. You can see the 2022 grill is bigger with more space around the logo.

rmeastma

The black trim piece almost disappears below the emblem in that pic you posted. It makes it look like there is more space but there really isn't. Plus the two cars are at slightly different angle also lending to the appearance of being different. Look at the headlights. They are the same. The grill is equal distance from the lights in both pics. Now look at the lower grill distance from the upper grill. Also the same. So if there is a difference it would seem more likely to be the emblem itself and not the grill.

SilverJ

Interesting....maybe. It does look different, maybe it is the emblem. Well, whatever it is, I prefer it.

rmeastma

We need to get out some tape measures. Who has a 22-23 that will measure?

Texasrdx21

2021 vs 2022+ RDX Aspec differences. Only difference I see is the front surround camera under the from Acura emblem - otherwise that grill looks the same.

Performance

The powertrains available for the 2021 and 2022 Acura RDX are unchanged. However, Acura has returned the adaptive suspension system and the drive modes to elevate the capabilities of the 2022 RDX. In addition, engineering advancements have reduced cabin noise for an improved driving experience. All trims receive 272 horsepower from a turbo 2.0-liter, four-cylinder system for both model years. This is linked to a 10-speed auto transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered with select packages for both years.

Appearance

The style of the 2022 Acura RDX has been fine-tuned as well, but the updates are minor. Both model years show off an aggressive, pentagon-shaped grille with jewel-like LED headlights. For 2022, you will find a black fascia on the front bumper, an angled molding element floating across the side panels, and a flowing profile.

anoop

I prefer the look of the 2019-2021 vs 2022-now. However, the new one has grown on me, both the front and the rear with the rectangular exhaust pipes.

One thing that changed that actually matters -- the parking sensors for the 2022-now have moved out of the lower grill and onto the bumper. This means almost no chance of malfunctioning in wet weather where, with the 2019-2021, drops of rain would get trapped in the grill and set the sensors off beeping for no good reason.

SilverJ

The exhaust pipes on the 2022 Aspec and Aspec advance are still round, not rectangular. I also think 2022 got the flat bottom steering wheel.

cobra611

I feel the same way.

Texasrdx21

Anoop has a Tech RDX - those exhaust were moved to rectangular ones. The Aspec exhaust outlets are still the same.

Sure hope Acura keeps the RDX and move it to a Hybrid form for 2025. Given the demand for pure EV's (besides Tesla) have dropped off significantly - a more economical and powerful power plant would be a welcome change. Pus, the 3rd generation is getting long in the tooth after essentially 5 years with some minor updates in 2022.

Twism86

Since I have a 2021, I like the 2021! It was only until after I bought a 2021 CPO A-Spec I learned of the mid-model refresh in 2022. Had I known I might have held out a little longer for used 2022 prices to drop but in the end I love my "new to me" car and have no ragrets.

rmeastma

Yeah this gen is definitely not made with fuel economy in mind. I mean look at our mode options. Two sport modes and zero eco modes . Fun via mild performance combined with luxury seems to be the theme.

SilverJ

If you could keep the same performance, sure, I would get a Hybrid, MAYBE. Not an EV, not a plug in EV, but a Hybrid.
But honestly, if your paying 45-55K for a car, is a few hundred extra dollars a year THAT big of a deal ? To me it isn't...and I have had this attitude with all of my cars in the past too.
You gotta pay a bit more to play a bit more

Texasrdx21

None of the mode really change performance at all, anything measurable. 21’ Aspec (non adjustable suspension) has 4 drive modes:
1) Snow - Starts in 2nd gear. Helps the SHawd distribute the power to all wheels.
2) Comfort - Less heavy steering, moderate gas pedal and softer shifts.
3) Sport - Heavier steering, more immediate gas pedal and firmer shifts. Goes into top gear.
4) Sport + - Similar to sport mode, but shifts at higher revs, hold gears and does not go into top gear unless you use the paddle steering wheel shifters. IMO a worthless mode for a sort of sporty mid size SUV.

Done 4 big 1500+ mile road trips, most in comfort or sport, both produce the same mpg. MPG is more affected by terrain, wind and speeds over 73mph.

RDX10

I definitely prefer the 2019-2021 Aspec models to all models, however I prefer the 2022+ to the non aspec models of all generations...does that make sense?

SilverJ

I think you are saying you like the 2022+ base, tech, and advance models.
Surprised you wouldnt prefer the 2022 + Aspec Advance over any of the 2019-2022 Aspec models. Its basically the looks of the Aspec with all the additional goodies from the Advance.

RDX10

I love all the advanced package goodies being integrated into the A-Spec model. But I vastly prefer the styling of the older A-Spec models. The aggressive front side swoop thingys are awesome, especially against a lighter color like silver or white. I also really prefer the regular A-Spec wheels to the 10(?) spoke A-Spec advanced wheels.

SilverJ

Interesting. The wheels are personal, I get that. I initially liked the Aspec wheels, but then I slowly shifted over to liking the Aspec-Advance wheels better. Both front ends are nice, I guess its just personal preference.
I think overall, the RDX in Aspec trim + is one of the top 2 or 3 best looking SUV's on the road, bar none.

RDX10

Absolutely a matter of personal taste. In saying the 2019-2021 A-spec are my favorite, I don't mean the 2022+ are ugly. Moreso like the 2019-2021 are a 10/10 and the 2022+ are 9.9. Still beautiful 😍.

anoop

I think the RDX is good but still middle of the pack. My top 3 in looks are Land Rover/Range Rover/Jaguar, Volvo, Porsche. But I like that RDX is in the middle because it doesn’t get any attention. I’m not a fan of racing trims in any of the cars.

SilverJ

I'm not a huge fan of the land rovers, but that Jaguar SUV is sexy AF. I looked at them briefly, but apparently they are very unreliable and wayyyy more expensive than the RDX.

anoop

At the time I bought my RDX local dealer had nothing on the lot for JLR. Anything that came in was snapped up. He suggested I place an order and wait without even getting to test drive. I was interested in the Evoque/E-Pace. It was a generally a difficult environment so going with the RDX felt comfortable since I was already familiar with it. I would have gone with the NX hybrid if there was no markup. At the time they were asking $5K. Didn’t really care for NX looks, though. JLR is notorious for being unreliable, but if I liked the test drive I might still have gone with it.

RDX10

My current sexiest SUV of all time has to be the Aston Martin DBX. Pictures do no justice, in person it's wild. But as a broke uni student that's way out of the question.

My favorite "attainable" SUV is the Jaguar F-pace. I am currently in the market for used and the F-pace can be had for 5-10k less than a comparable RDX but the complete lack of reliability coupled with the insanely high repair costs really ruined any potential for me. I have never driven one but there is no point considering the above mentioned issues.

I consider the RDX to be more attractive than a Q5, X3, GLC, NX (by a million miles), XT4. The XC60 kinda doesn't do it for me based on the weird melted soap bar look the rear end has. But not more attractive than some of the bigger European options like the XC90, Touareg (sadly not available here), and GLE.

SilverJ

Yeah I didn't consider vehicles that cost 20-80 grand more than the RDX. I think in its class its one of if not the best looking...but only in Aspec and above. the base RDX doesn't do it for me. I do love the Jaguar but to get a similarly equipped model, you are paying a lot more. And the reliablity is sus....

anoop

I didn't include unattainable SUVs, but up there in the better than RDX, probably even beating out the JLR ones, would be the Maserati Levante. It's unattainable for me not just in price but also because the nearest dealer is more than 100 miles away. I don't think Stellantis wants to sell them widely. I agree that RDX is better than the Q5, X3, GLC, NX (by a million miles ), XT4. Geely has screwed up the XC60 quality completely -- the seats have lost the legendary Volvo comfort and the car is very unreliable. Spend some time on swedespeed and there are so many complaints. The NX Luxury pack has better seats than the RDX (my main attraction) and mpg is close to double that of RDX for the hybrid. But those two don't justify > $10K over an RDX Tech ($5K for the markup they were asking and around min of $6K in MSRP difference to get to the Luxury trim). They only build loaded cars and the dealer adds on more junk.

Mondo375

iTrader: (3)

Def prefer the '19 - '21, especially with the optional front lip.

RDX10

I agree the base RDX doesn't do it for me either! Aspec all the way! But the reason I mentioned vehicles way more expensive was to make a point that for its' class the RDX is extremely well sorted style wise but not the sexiest SUV I've ever seen. Still very well done IMO.

I really wanted to like the Levante but the interior really ruins it for me (not that the DBX last gen Mercedes interior is any better to be fair) and something about the way the car looks "bent" really bothers me. By that I mean it almost looks like the front and rear come up and the middle is bent down. I am also not a huge fan of the awkward proportions. But from some angles it definitely has a presence!

The proposition of twice the fuel economy is pretty sweet for the NX, not to mention I love that it has a touch screen again. But otherwise way too cramped and over priced for me. Iirc in Canada it's likely 75k for a loaded model now. RDX tops out at ~60k. That and SH-AWD is elite!

Twism86

In your avatar picture, do you something mounted on your grill? Like a logo?

knakane

I agree with you. To add to it, for whatever reason, I feel like the 19-20 front end looks so much more unique and lower/wider, but also more Japanese-y if that makes sense. The 2022, in my opinion, seems like the designers needed to make a change and wanted to keep the front end more "on trend" with the other cars designs. Also, I drive a '19 so im biased lol...

RDX10

IMO this is a very accurate description. The 2019-2021 A-Spec really has that old school Japanese sports car vibe without going over the top like the Civic Type-R whereas the new (and still attractive IMO) models are way more laid back and subdued.

knakane

To add to this, our other car at home is a '21 Honda CR-V Touring and while I think the new CR-V design look nice, the '21 CR-V also has that old school Japanese vibe to the design, where the new CR_V kind of has that toned down, angular look to it. Still look good, but personally looks a bit more cheap for whatever reason

Twism86

I like the brand new CR-Vs. I was almost between a new CR-V or the CPO RDX I ended up with.

SilverJ

I am not saying the RDX is a rocket or anything. But 0-60 for RDX is between 6 and 6.5. The CRV is 8.7 --- if you get Hybrid, that is a second better.
That is SIGNIFICANTLY slower, to me at least. .3 to ,5 seconds slower isnt a big deal...but 2 plus seconds slower 0-60 ? Nah. Not for me. I will pay more for the speed.

Twism86

Exactly! One of the many reasons I chose the RDX was for the engine. 272hp/280ftlb was much more power than many other vehicles in its class from size and price. The A-Spec trim added the lux items that also mean a lot. Cooled seats, 16-speaker sound system, 20" wheels, etc. CR-V cant touch an of that.

SilverJ

Yep.
If I am paying 40 grand for a truck.....I want it to have EVERYTHING I want (within reason).
If it doesn't...stepping up another 7-8000 for me was a no brainer.
It would be one thing if the CRV was 25000....its not.

spinedoc777

I like my 2022 over my wife's 2021, the front looks a bit more aggressive. Although I wish I had kept the 2021 because I HIGHLY miss the Sport+ mode, still baffled why they have taken that away from the 2022.

SilverJ

Is Sport + different than "Sport" ? I have a 2023 aspec advance with sport.