Originally Posted by OtherBarry
Ooooh I can answer this one!

In November 2017 I bought a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring. I promptly traded it in for a 2019 RDX SH-AWD Advance in June after a myriad of problems, barely 7 months later. The Outback had been my third Subaru and will be my last. The problems I had experienced with the Outback include:
1. Key fob would not function while the hazard lights were on (that required a complete vehicle software reinstall just so I could unlock my car reliably).
2. Speakers were wired improperly and created electrical interference noise.
3. The power window buttons would not function, then started functioning again only when the window lock button was ENGAGED.
4. Every 5 days or so, the head unit and speakers would not turn on at all. They would continue to not work until I left the car off and out of range of my key fob for a day. That means no radio, no apple car play, no navigation display or audio, no accessing the settings, no backup camera.
5. The seats, while beautiful in that lovely shade of Java Brown, were stiff as hell and hard on my back and legs. The seat bottom is way too short.
6. Subaru Starlink emergency services sent me an e-mail stating that the system could no longer connect to the Starlink service.
7. Subaru Eyesight safety features would intermittently not work... this was the big one. Last thing I need is a malfunctioning emergency braking system.

There are just a few cons to consider if you're choosing the RDX over the Outback:
1. The rear seats of the RDX are still firmly in the "compact" class in terms of legroom. They're not ideal, but definitely usable. As professional reviews have stated, the back seats of the RDX are very low to accommodate that sloping roof line and panoramic moon roof. This seems to be the one con that almost all of the RDX's glowing reviews have touched on. I'm 5'7" and I find them too short and uncomfortable. My wife is 5"2' and finds them perfectly comfortable, however. They're still more padded than the Outback's terrible seats, however.
2. The touchpad interface, infotainment system, HUD, and system software are all brand new on the RDX. As such, anyone who buys a 2019 is essentially beta testing for Acura. There are tons of problems and bugs with it, but coming from a Subaru whose infotainment system would shut down for hours on end have tempered my expectations. The touchpad is incredible for the most part however. It is so much easier and safer to change stations and tracks while driving. I've actually reached the point where I don't even have to look at the screen at all when switching SXM stations. I feel like I would be disappointed in the lack of true touch pad interface if I ever upgraded to a more luxurious offering from Lexus, Volvo or the like.
3. Coming from the Outback, the RDX ride is BUMPY. A Lincoln or a Lexus this is not. I live in a major city and dealing with potholes, speed bumps and poorly maintained parking lots is uncomfortable in the RDX. Even in comfort mode, it feels like you're driving a car that is very sporty, but just short of luxury. There is significant body roll and nose dive. The RDX is a shorter wheel base than the Outback, and rides on 19" wheels instead of the Outback's 18". This is for sure a car better suited for the suburbs, where it glides over smooth roads with ease. When you test drive the RDX or ANY car nowadays, make sure you find somewhere to drive over that isn't a flawlessly maintained suburban road right outside the dealership. It seems to be an industry standard that all luxury car brands are putting larger wheels on their cars. The current luxury market values sportiness, handling and bold looks over comfort. I am considering talking to my dealer about the possibility of putting the Gray A-Spec or Black Berlina 18" accessory wheels from the 2019 ILX onto my RDX, and getting some nice thick tires.
4. Not a con, but the larger Outback obviously has more cargo space than the RDX. The RDX's cargo space is every so slightly above average for the segment, and has suited all of my needs for home and business so far. It is almost the same amount of space as my old Forester. A long road trip or a big supply run at the office supply store could tax the RDX's available cargo space. It still handily beats the anemic cargo space offerings in Lexus's crossovers!

That all being said, the RDX has a ton of positives that I did not expect to love in this car. The many glowing reviews have covered all of the great things about the RDX, but here are some things that really stood out for me coming from the Outback:
1. Acura's new seats may be the most comfortable in the industry. Advance package 16 way seats or bust.
2. The SH-AWD on the RDX feels confident and grounded, and just CUTS through rain better than my Subarus ever did. I have yet to try it in the snow, but I'm pretty sure no one here has been able to do that yet!
3. The sound system!
4. The moonroof!
5. The attention to detail in this car is far beyond anything I've ever seen from Acura. People do not believe they're sitting in an Acura when they sit in the 2019 RDX for the first time. The high end materials and varoius features really help redefine Acura. The wine compartment in the cargo area is infinitely useful. It's those little superfluous things that really help it stand out.

On the whole, the 2019 Acura RDX Advance is a huge improvement and was worth not only the 10k higher price tag, but the additional 10k I lost trading in a brand new Outback. I hope this text wall helps!