Hey everyone new here,
I've been lurking the forums a little. I've been looking into two CUVs. The CX5 Signature and Acura RDX (Aspec/Advance). I know they're technically two different classes but these are the two im actually having trouble with. The CX5 is considerably cheaper than the RDX but it has all the bells and whistles. Yet the RDX just looks amazing and has more utility and space. I've test driven both (Im a very casual driver) and for me personally the CX5 seemed to have such a better, smoother, more "1:1" feeling with the car but of course the acura doesnt fall short either. Both cars are comfortable on the interior.

I wanna justify me spending the extra money on an aspec purely on looks and space of the car. I know id be happy with it but Id definitely get the feeling of "i could have gotten so much more with the cx5". What are the other pros of getting an aspec over the cx5?

The reason I don't wanna go with the advance is because I actually don't like the interior/exterior color pairing options. The phantom blue looks great but gray interior kills it. I know this is all cosmetic but can anyone give any personal opinions? Thanks!

Ken

 

How old are you and are you raising a family? If all that is behind you, then go with what gives you more pleasure, presuming the cost is doable.

If you are raising a family, or have other financial obligations, go with the least expensive you can that meets all of your criteria.

 

Sh-awd. Is a biggie between the CX5 and the RDX.

 

I'm 34 and have not started raising a family yet. Lol you got me thinking into so many more aspects of my life. I actually do have a little extra money to spend on a new car right now. I'm usually very practical and conservative with my money. But this time in my life I wanna splurge a little. I dont know much about cars. I guess its a hard comparison and more subjective

Just wanted to see if anyone else had similar dilemma and how they came to choose.

 

I'm not really sure how to explain this but when I test drove these two cars, the rdx seem to have more "give" in terms of steering. And the Mazda seemed to respond more when i tried to whip the car around. I'm don't much about cars but that was my feeling. Also to note that I only test drove the base model of the RDX. I know many have said that the RDX has better handling. Not sure what to make of this.

 

I was in the exact same position as you. My decision to spend the extra money for the aspec were because

1) this was a long term car and I didnt want to have regrets for picking a lower end to "save" money
2) the appearance was important to me and the aspec looks phenomenal
3) the driving performance feels much better with the sh awd and better engine
4) the overall cabin space is bigger in the rdx. A friend has the cx5 and he has complained that it's a bit too small even though it is a 5 seater crossover.
5) brand and reliability. Acura is making a resurgence with their new designs and marketing. This will go a long way in terms of desirability, value and prestige.
6) the cx5 signature is just a new trim. The model will likely get redesigned in 2 or 3 years whereas the rdx just got redesigned.

 

The Mazda offers a lot of bang for the buck, no doubt about it. Loaded with features. And some things are conspicuously absent for the RDX that should be standard in any "luxury" SUV/CUV.

But I'm surprised you don't notice more of a difference in the ride, handling and performance of the RDX. It shouldn't really matter much that you drove a standard trim package. They're all pretty much the same except for FWD vs. SH-AWD, which is optional on any trim level. They only other difference is the Advance package has an Adaptive Damper System, the effects of which remain a mystery to me.

I would do another test drive. But if features, bells and whistles are important to you, the Mazda is an excellent value. For me, it was the way the vehicle drives. I test drove the RDX twice and I couldn't pull myself away. I was willing to compromise on a couple features but couldn't bring myself to compromise on the core platform.

 

You’re 34? I’m 68.

No family yet? Ditch the SUV. Find a car with a 6 speed MT, either a roadster or small sedan with good driving dynamics. Pick up a 2 year old BMW or Audi or Mazda MX5 or some sort, and feel the dynamics. It might be your last chance to go a bit old school.

$30-40K could get you a newish BMW 340 or Audi A4/5 nicely set up. They ain’t coming back, and you won’t regret it. 10K less can get you an Accord coupe with a V6 and a 6 speed MT.

 

There's actually a rather lengthy thread from Nov/Dec about the CX-5 and RDX that's worth a read: https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...-turbo-975270/

Myself, I looked at both in detail and decided to go with the RDX (haven't bought yet) for the extra space, the zestier way it drove and the giant pano sunroof. Financially it was fine so it made the decision straightforward.

 

All that should matter is WHAT YOU LIKE.....If you feel the Mazda drive/feels better....than it does..doesn't matter what people on these forums or experts say!! Take the extra money and buy a motorcycle,lol

 

Anytime these RDX vs X threads come up. I always first ask people to go and drive both. The test drive alone usually shows most people why the RDX costs more. But if you're saying you couldn't notice the difference, then take the Mazda and don't look back.

The CX5 is hands down the nicest mainstream CUV on the market. So it's a win win both ways IMO.

 

This has crossed my brain as well lol

 

My bro keeps telling me the same thing lol

 

Great advice.

If you have a good career going, and really want something fun to drive for 1-2 years, getting a nicely set up BMW/Audi/Alfa/Jaguar/Benz.

Get a decent payment, and trade it in 2 years. A friend did this with an M5, drove if for a year, sold it for $2k less than he paid for it. Turned that around into his first 'family' car.

Personally, I missed my 'pimp' ride period. Between med school, working at inner city hospitals, wedding, house and vacations: my fanciest ride was my '11 Pilot Touring!

The RDX will always be there if you change your mind

 

If you really preferred the CX-5 in your test drive, then go with the Mazda and be happy with the money you save. I thought for sure I was gonna get the CX-5 over the RDX until I test drove them both. The Acura was a step above performance wise, but I wouldn't characterize myself as a casual driver.

 

my coworker just bought a new Mazda cx5. Great value. Great bang for your buck.

I just cant ever see myself buying a Mazda =/

 

Those are words of wisdom from Madd.

I too was considering CX-5 and you will see my opinions on the other thread linked above.

In short, if you cant tell the difference then it really doesn't matter about the drive dynamics.... No need to pay attention to what others are saying.

I don't think you can go wrong with either car to be honest. I took CX-5 out of equation based on interior size, less modern interior design and it's driving dynamics.

Regardless, heed Madd's suggestions carefully. Depending on your outlook in life, you may have plenty of chances to drive a SUV or *gasp* a minivan later on in life.... So enjoy while you can

 

plenty of good advice you are getting here. After getting hooked up with a girl / family, you will NOT be able to buy a sedan even if you wanted to. Trust us on that. LoL.

 

I had the same dilemma.

RDX had more comfortable seats and looked better. That was it. Every time I see a CX-5 compared to the RDX, I'm still happy with my decision.

 

The CX-5 wasn't even a consideration for me. I am not saying the CX-5 seems to offer a lot for the money, but it is not the kind of vehicle I was looking for. In moving up from an 18 CR-V Touring, I compared the RDX with the Lexus RX and NX, Lincoln Nautilus (formerly known as MKX), Volvo XC60 and XC40, and quickly eliminated the Infinity QX50. EVERY time I drove the RDX, I knew it was going to be my next vehicle, and it was, and at 3,000 miles I have no regrets. Waiting on Android Auto, however.

 

Ken, I’m 34 and was in the exact same position as you not long ago

You have to break the decision down to what works for you. What do you place the most value in when it comes to features in a car. Sounds like you’ve narrowed down the main differences to aesthetics and utility. Are those worth spending the extra x amount of dollars? Will you still feel that way in 1 months, 1 year, 4 years? Is your car something you look forward to looking at, getting into, learning about, messing around with or is it just a way of getting from point A to point B.

I’m a healthcare professional working long hours, and (almost) nothing makes me feel more relaxed after a 12+ hour shift than sitting inside a comfortable car with a nice interior. It also had the right combination of features for me at the right price (vs. German options). I love the exterior of the A-Spec, and feel like it’s a design that won’t dull after a couple years. I can’t say the same after trying out the CX-5.

I traded in a 2015 Mercedes C300 sedan that still appealed to me after 4 years, inside and out. I think the RDX is going to be the same.

Also consider a lease, which gives you the option to buy out or return the car after a set period of time, if you’re still not 100% certain on how you will feel down the road.

Hope that helps

 

Me too man. I'm a RN and I love long drives in my car its just so relaxing. I need to test drive these cars again. My bros buddy actually has this car. Im gonna give it a longer test drive.

 

Thanks for all the advice guys really appreciated. I have thought about going with a performance sedan but I just love utility, hiking, long drives, and having company in the car. So for me I actually do love these SUVs.

I know everyone says about getting hitched and starting a family I wouldn't be able to buy a cool car anytime soon. I actually had a wedding called off last year. This car is purely for me and my enjoyment at this time in my life lol.

I'll let you guys know what I end up doing.