Hi all. I sold my 2G RDX 3 yrs ago and had some fun with a Jeep, but plan to get another RDX next. Problem is I am trying to wait for the next generation as I hate to buy the last year of a generation model. I would think the next generation would be out as a 2026. Any thoughts on this?

 

The real question is, is it better to buy the last model year of a generation or the first model year of a new generation?

With no official news, if you want back in the RDX, why wait? Lots of nice CPO 2023s and even 2024s out there with low miles, better than new warranty and already took the “drive off the lot” depreciation. Most of the minor kinks have been worked out of the early 3G models by now.

If the 4G comes out and you can’t resist a 23/24 3G will still have plenty of value in it for a trade/private sell.

 

Per the typical 6 year schedule, the 4th gen would have been expected for 2025, but Acura just announced the 2025 rdx as a midmodel refresh. so a new gen will probably be a few more years.

 

If that is true - Acura will lose a lot of sales to the competition who have newer models out. 6 years for a ICE vehicle (besides the 4runner) is way too long, especially if you want to convert some gen 3 RDX owners to get a new one. I most likely will be in the market for a new/newer vehicle in the fall once mine turns 4 years old. Wouldn't even consider the same model with a slight refresh. However, given the used car market is tanking and will be flooded with more inventory in the next 12 months - may just buy a 2-year Acura-Care extended warranty - as mine at 24K miles has been issue free. Plus - the 3rd gen RDX is the best rain and snow tractor with the SHAWD - thats a superior system (even with the so-so Goodyear Eagle RS-A all season tires on).

However, for someone that wants a 3rd gen RDX - 2022+ model years are the best (super reliable and full features), as Acura worked out most of the typical new model kinks (that every mfg has) in the first 3 years. But that is just my opinion - less than 2-cents worth.

 

Ugh. I hate that we are in the dark. I have been holding off on the RDX as I don’t want to buy the last year body design. Hoping for a 26 redo. Looking at the MDX too but it seems big for what I need (zero kids) but would like a hybrid version a the simple 6cyl seems old hat.

had a 2014 RDX and would still have it if not for the headlight issue.

 

No headlight issues with the 16+ RDX. As others have mentioned lots on nice CPO 3G RDXs to be had but no hybrid options.

 

just tough ‘“looks wise’ to buy a 7 year old design.. but I may get out there and see what’s around. There really isn’t anything else I like on the market.

 

Kinda in the same boat waiting to see what the 4th Gen RDX has to offer. I had an 08 RDX for the wife we upgraded for an 18 RLX Sport Hybrid. She is wanting to get back into a CUV/SUV because of the extra utility it can offer and be a back-up to my 19 MDX sport hybrid for hiking/biking and all weather X-country road-trips. The Sport Hybrid powertrain spoiled us with the extra power, improved performance/handling, reduced maint cost, and the same city/combined/hwy mpgs. We are willing to go for an 5th Gen MDX if they offer a sport hybrid option if the 4th Gen RDX sticks with 4 cylinder turbo only I.C.E.

 

what are your thoughts on the big difference between the RDX and MDX? Just me and my wife. No kids. Biking, Paddleboarding, fishing are what we do. Didn’t know if the utility of the MDX is worth it over the RDX. Torn.

 

The wife and I travel a lot with our MDX. The extra space with the capability of using our roof box, swing out cargo carrier, or add our hitch bike rack for our ebikes give us a lot of flexibility. No grandkids yet; but, our adult kids+spouses do ride with us and it comes in handy with the extra 2nd row adjustable and reclining seats+hatch space when needed (I take up a lot space being 6'3" when someone sit behind me). I also like having a full size spare option and used it several times with my 11 MDX and 19 MDX. The MDX does have a more aggressive sh-awd with the ability for more rear bias and can make it handle like a much smaller sportier vehicle. Doesn't seem to be much of a mpg hit going with the larger MDX with one of few 6-7 passenger SUVs in its class to keep the V-6 engine. The MDX does have less road and wind noise over all types of road surfaces compared to the RDX. We ended up skipping the +19 RDX because the road noise was similar to my 08 RDX and had similar 18-21 combined mpgs having to turbo boost all the time living/driving 5000-7200ft in NM at 65-80 mph hwy speeds.

Game plan is to see if the 4th Gen RDX has a hybrid option and trade-in the 18 RLX Sport Hybrid. No 4th Gen RDX Sport Hybrid; then, see if the 5th Gen MDX comes out with a sport hybrid option. If not, jump ship to Lexus RX hybrid or Mazda CX-70/90 hybrids (don't want to do that after +40 years with Honda/Acura).

 

thanks. Yeah. Excited to get back into a Honda. It’s all I’ve owned other than a ford ranger back in the day. We are in Tampa and bought a loaded wrangler in 2021. Fun and useful vehicle but never bought it for the long term. Wife has a 2015 IS350 with 35k miles. Literally like new and she WFH. Looking to get back into to quality again. Probably wait to see what the new RDX brings and go from there. Can always fall back on the MDX A-Spec. I know what will happen, I’ll go drive it and dive in, so for now I wait. Haha.

 

The issue is there is no news about the 4th Gen RDX. It's clear that RDX is delayed due to X, Y and Z reasons but we won't see the new RDX this year. I believe by summer or fall, Acura should be revealing the new RDX as 2026 model. If not, then probably we won't see the 4th Gen RDX as ICE.

This year we have the roadmap:
1. ADX
2. RSX
3. Integra mid-cycle refresh

No news about TLX, RDX and MDX!

 

You sound like an ideal candidate for the new Passport ... sized between the RDX and MDX with Honda's version of SH-AWD, NA V6, massive cargo capacity and no useless third row. I'd give it at least a year to get past any teething issues, of course.

 

I would also be a candidate for it except it has no hybrid (deal killer for my wife) and no on-road focused trim (I have zero need for off road capabilities and don't want the compromise for on road performance).

 

Sounds like what you want is an RX350h, or RX450h+, or RX500h. Or a Crown Signia. Sad that Toyota has so many options while Honda has zilch for hybrids

 

Yeah, the Crown Signia is my top choice right now to replace the RDX. I finally saw one on the road today and it looks pretty nice - got a very wagon roofline which appeals a lot to me. It does look quite big (194") which is as big I want to go.

 

The Crown Signia good to me, too, but I'm disappointed it isn't available with the Hybrid Max powertrain. I'm also disappointed in the mediocre cargo capacity. It's as large as the A6 Allroad with a trunk the size of the A4 Allroad.

 

Let's put it this way...Is there any perfect car that meets everyone's need under $60-70K? I personally think no...We have to comprise and get the "best' car that fits our needs. The only well rounded car that I call it the King is Lexus RX! #1 seller for years...no matter what others offer, RX sells well and keeps growing! The second car that comes to mind is MDX. It's bigger, offers more space and cargo. Not perfect but nearly perfect for those who need a bigger vehicle.

 

I wonder how much of that is a matter of how it's measured versus the reality. The V90 Cross Country is listed as having only 19 cubic feet and the V60 is at 18 cubic feet and I have trouble believing either of those is accurate from just looking at the pictures when the A6 all road is at 30 cubic feet and the A4 all road is at 24. I doubt the A6 is 50% bigger in the back than the V90 and I doubt the Crown Signia is as small as they say. FWIW, the Lexus RX (the closest sibling) is listed at 29 cubes and only 46 with the seats folded (the crown is listed as 24 cubes and 66-68 with the seats folder.

 

While automakers don't all measure trunks the same way, you would still expect an automaker to measure each of their own models consistently, right? So it's telling then that the Crown Signia's published cargo capacity is 24.8, and despite being more than a foot shorter the Rav4 has a cargo capacity of 37.5. The Venza, more than 7" shorter than the Crown Signia (and frequently criticized for it's disappointing cargo capacity) offers 28.8. Having said that, the Hybrid Max powertrain might put the Crown Signia on my short list, but it's too compromised as-is for my wants/needs.

 

You can't blindly trust the AI generated results from Google. The V90 actually has 34 cu ft of cargo space (https://volvo.custhelp.com/app/answe...a-measurements), and the V60 has 24.6 cu ft (https://volvo.custhelp.com/app/answe...a-measurements).

 

I'm not surprised about the Crown Signia's cargo capacity. That's the tradeoff you get for a wagon-esque body style. The lower roofline significantly impacts the cargo capacity. Losing an inch from the height has a much greater impact than losing one inch from the length. My V60 has the same issue; it's got a nice and long cargo area, but the height is so low.

 

I own an RDX and have received the MDX as a loaner quite a few times. The RDX is plenty big for what you describe. Only reason to get the MDX is if you really prefer driving bigger cars. I personally prefer the light and nimble nature of the RDX. I find the MDX kinda cumbersome to drive. The interior of the MDX is also less refined -- excessive use of piano black on A-spec, unapologetically plastic-looking speaker grills, etc.

 

1.5/2.0L for next-gen e:HEV. Bodes well for application on 4G RDX.

https://global.honda/en/tech/Honda_e.../?from=techtop

 

I don't know the specs of the new Honda hybrid EV system; but, previous Honda hybrids were a little different compared to Acura Sport Hybrid system.

Honda: I.C.E. provides power to the electric generator only and then the generator powers the EV motor(s). Any extra I.C.E. hp/tq power or regen braking captured is used to recharge the battery pack for extended EV mode situations. The I.C.E. isn't directly powering the wheels at city speeds. Only the electric generator is powering the wheels and gets its power from the battery pack and/or I.C.E. You don't get to use I.C.E. power directly until hwy speeds and the clutch system swaps gas engine from generator to wheels (pretty much engaging a 1 speed transmission at hwy speeds). Some Honda hybrid owners don't like how the I.C.E. revs up/down when driving and don't realize it is ramping up power for the generator for the EV motor (like steep inclines). The most you get at city speeds in a 204hp CR-V hybrid is 181hp/247tq and the swap over at hwy speeds is the reason why the hwy mpgs for 190hp gas 1.5T CR-V and 145hp 2.0L NA hybrid CR-V are very close to the same. You have to drive CR-V hybrid +100 mph to get close to the 204hp with I.C.E and EV system working together.

Acura Sport Hybrid: This system is used similar to adding a Turbo, supercharger, or larger displacement for an I.C.E. engine. The Acura EV components are extremely similar with the +17 NSX, 14-20 RLX SH, and 17-20 MDX SH with different EV engagement programming and I.C.E powerplants (NSX has 9DCT also). It doesn't replace I.C.E.; but, adds EV hp/tq on top of the I.C.E. hp/tq. It is always I.C.E + EV generators working together at speeds up to 84 mph for MDX or RLX. Not sure about the NSX max EV mph drop off? Any extra I.C.E hp/tq or regen braking is captured into the battery pack like the Honda system to be used later. You also get the added bonus of improved handling with 1wd, 2wd, 3wd, or 4wd tq vectoring/regen braking in any combination that can work with or without I.C.E. hp/tq (you can drive mountain switchbacks up with I.C.E. or down with no I.C.E. with full sh-awd available). The Acura Sport Hybrid system is 100% a performance hybrid system that happens to get improved city mpgs and and sporty handling as a positive byproduct.

The 4th Gen RDX hybrid would just be a fancy up sporty trim level of the CR-V if they use the same type of hybrid system.

 

In a perfect world, they could offer both an ICE and hybrid like Lexus does with the RX. But given Acura's much more limited resources, they are going to have to pick a lane.

I think hybrids have changed people's perception of overall HP. Most buyers aren't driving enthusiasts. They aren't worried about 0-60 or quarter-mile times. It's more do I have enough power to feel like I can easily merge into highway traffic or execute a pass. Is there enough 'on demand' power to feel like I can step on it when I need to quickly accelerate. Modern hybrids excel at providing power quickly at low speeds, which most people equate to horsepower. I love the RDX/TLX engine, but the shortcomings are the turbo lag and mileage.

Personally, I'd give up the conventional transmission for a good hybrid. But I may be in the minority. Especially if it costs the SH-AWD and other things people love about the currrent model.

 

You got all that with the Acura Sport Hybrid system with 7DCT and the most advance sh-awd system for $1500 MSRP.

 

I drove a new MDX ASpec this weekend. Not going to lie, it felt heavy and sluggish. More of a family ride. Heading back to drive the RDX again to compare but was a bit surprised. Beautiful car but…

 

The 4th Gen MDX gained 200-500lbs compared to the 3rd Gen MDX depending on fwd/sh-awd and base, tech, Aspec, or Advance. Even a 4th Gen MDX sh-awd base weighs more than the 321hp 3rd Gen MDX Sport Hybrid with 400lbs of EV tech. I like the 3.5L V-6; but, the 4th Gen engine is working a bit harder at the same 290hp hauling more weight around. Not sure why Acura didn't use the 3rd Gen RLX 3.5L with 310hp/272tq as an option for Aspec and Adv models?

A little worried the 4th Gen RDX will still have the 2.0T with the same hp/tq; but, they will increase the size/weight like they did with the 4th Gen MDX.

 

it just didn’t feel nimble. Felt like a good driver to a kids soccer game haha. But then again, that’s the role it’s built to fit.

id love to see the 4G RDX with a hybrid but hoping just to get a 4G RDX in the lineup at all.

 

I hope the next Gen 4 follows the interior styling theme that the new ADX has. I like the cleaner, more horz. layout while keeping physical HVAC buttons. He says the cameras have very good resolution with is welcome. Plus, even the A-Spec gets a spare tire.

 

Sitting at my Acura dealer for regular service of my 2020 RDX A-Spec. Finally need to air my grievance: Acura really has dropped the ball. The RDX (and us loyal owners) have been treated like the Acura stepchildren. A true redesign is way overdue. And it should have received the Type S variant a long time ago. Instead, from my perspective, they did a great job renewing the whole brand with the RDX redesign 7 years ago; and then they sat on their laurels and focused their resources elsewhere. I'm glad they finally redesigned the MDX and re-released the Integra, and I was excited to see the Type S renewal across the line... ALMOST! I think a huge factor was all of their plans/resources toward the EV work... the ZDX is basically the same class-size as the RDX and they didn't want to compete. They just released the ADX, announced the RSX... etc. Folks, I don't know where you stand, but the entire EV industry is a fake paradigm shift. There's NO infrastructure to speak of... NO feasible plans to develop such an infrastructure that have ever been presented... NO significant widespread interest from actual human beings who drive cars; and yet, so many car manufacturers chose [were pressured] to put all of their development toward this false idea of a supposed EV revolution. EVs have a place, and that is evident by some demand. Fine... supply THAT demand (Economics 101). Quit trying to force this false replacement. Besides, we've seen how plenty of manufacturers keep going back on their specific EV model plans anyway as sales flounder. Hopefully they have been putting decent enough resources toward an RDX redesign (ICE!) and will announce soon. I'd be fine with Hybrid... there's plenty of PROVEN usability with that approach. And it better have a Type S! Rant over!

 

Get a tune and some mods for your 3G RDX
Build your own custom Type-S variant
???
Profit

 

Yeah, looked at that early on... but was putting high mileage and didn't want to open up any possibilities of reliability or warranty issues (98.5K miles since Aug 2020). Don't get me wrong... as I said, they did a great job on the redesign. I've enjoyed the vehicle for what it is and what I paid for it. But given the overall picture, it I think my criticism of Acura stands regarding their failure to continue to develop the RDX since the success 7 years ago.

 

Unfortunately, Acura just doesn't get the investment that it needs from the mothership. They just don't have the resources necessary to really maximize their potential. As far as Honda is concerned, Acura is a just marketing exercise that only exists for American sensibilities.

 

Yeah, that makes sense... such potential, and yet a long history of frustrating lack of realization. And Honda in general seems have struggled to keep up in the last 10-15 years. This attempted merger with Nissan (we shall see..) reads to me less of a power play (third largest maker in the world) than an attempt to make up for lost ground. It could get them ahead, if successful; but it could also present plenty of its own challenges in the foreseeable future that we'll all have to ride out (if we stay on board).

Ironically, my frustration is because Honda has a history of producing products of that rare combination: quality-value-performance. Thus, I've been life-long customer (except for one ill-discerned affair with a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk ). Toyota is the best comparison... similar results; but never appealed to me. And Lexus competes directly with Euro-Luxury, which I'm not in the market for. The philosophy of Acura (premium; but just shy of luxury) has been great... when they produce. But I would have to tip my hat to Toyota in the end for what they are producing! I will eventually have to start seriously looking at crossing over.

 

My theory is there isn't going to be another RDX and why the ADX was added to the lineup and why they are bringing back the RSX name, as it makes an easy transition from RDX > RSX.

 

That's been my belief as well. There is simply no evidence that Acura was working on an all-new ICE RDX. Even now I'm not convinced Acura knows what they're doing with the RDX.

 

I'd like to think that Acura has some sort of hybrid update for the next gen RDX but who knows. I'm not interested in an ADX and at this point am not all that interested in a full EV. Toyota had done it right and has hybrid options up and down their line up. Perhaps someone at Honda has woken up and taken notice. But again - who knows. We have been driving Honda/Acura for 35+ years and not sure what we will do when it comes time to replace one of the cars in our garage.

 

Honda doesn’t have a hybrid option for their 2.0T/V6 lineup. Therefore, it is highly highly highly unlikely that Acura managed to drum up one themselves. According to someone in the know, Honda had been working on a hybrid powertrain for their large models (Pilot/Ridgeline) for about 5 years but axed it in order to focus on an all electric platform.