e-man22

Assuming price is about the same, is there any reason not to go for the RDX. We were about to pull the trigger on a new 2021 CR-V touring but were thinking of getting a CPO 2019 RDX for essentially the same price. We realize they are two very different cars but it feels like you get a lot more for your money in the RDX at that price point.

Has anyone else made a similar decision?

hans471

I went from a 2017 CR-V Touring to a 2019 RDX Advance. They are two different cars and that is what made my decision. I just had this little discussion today with my daughter-in-law who also has a current generation CR-V which she loves.
As for "getting more for your money" that is a tricky thing to evaluate. Fact is it falls back to the differences between the two vehicles. The CR-V is the master of interior space. It has a lot more usable space inside to put things. It is more economical to drive (fuel efficient) than the RDX. The Touring model has lots of nice features too. So, to answer your question you have to consider what it is that you want from the vehicle: practicality and lower costs of operation (CR-V wins) or performance, a more "sporty" interior look and driving dynamic (RDX). Honda builds both of these and engineers each to meet the desires or needs of two different customers. I have been down this decision path, as have others here, and know the journey. Pick the car that most fits your wants and needs. They are both good at what they do but while they are similar in many regards they are, in the end, two very different cars made for different customers.

fiatlux

I think the RDX will be a better value. The only downsides you'll have to consider:
1. Build and quality issues, especially with the first model year. Pano sunnroof creaking, rear tailgate creaking, and infotainment crashes are the ones that come to mind,
2. Lower MPGs but more power; worth it IMO
3. I prefer the CRV infotainment system. I use Apple CarPlay heavily, and using it in the RDX is just so incredibly clunky and painful thanks to the touchpad.

Madd Dog

If it were for me to drive, it would be the AWD RDX. If it were for my wife to drive, it would be the CR-V.

Do you want an AWD SUV that drives more like a sports sedan and whatever remains on warranty, or do you want a softer ride with more economy and with a full warranty?

Don’t count on getting much more than 20-22 mpg with the AWD RDX, the CRV should get >5mpg better fuel economy.

JB in AZ

I've had both, and until my RDX was rear-ended April 10, 2021, I DID have both in my garage. A 2020 CR-V Touring and a 2019 RDX Advance.

As other has said, they are two different vehicles that share similar DNA, (meaning the Honda way of doing things)

I started a thread here that became very long, CR-V or RDX? with an unexpected ending (I guess I gave away the ending, LOL) on this very subject. I really liked the RDX, but at this point in my life, I don't need the extra acceleration and handling and firmer ride that the RDX provides, but do want the extra "lux" goodies. While I don't need the better fuel economy of he CR-V, I am always aware of the extra consumption of the RDX vs the CR-V. The infotainment is easier to use in the CR-V, but becomes second nature in the RDX after a short while. Most off the interaction can be done via steering wheel or voice controls.

It just comes down to you own priorities.

Good luck on your decision, and please let us know!

tecwerks

Go with the AWD RDX Aspec. The rims alone on the CRV would make me run like hell.

kenRDX2019

If you want to save more money CRV. CRV worth more value longer run. RDX more fun to drive.

swttsx007

I drove both, and would HIGHLY recommend the RDX over the CRV. However, like stated several times above, it's all about what you're looking for. Do you want the sportier handling, or do you want a softer, better fuel mileage vehicle? It all comes down to priorities, and what works BEST for you

Bacchus

I did some reading & research as we just bought a 22 RDX and live in the NE. I havent bothered w any undercoating on recent vehicles but have had underbody rust.
my take aways were dont bother with rubberized coatings they separate and moisture gets trapped under and rust is just hidden.
I opted for an oil coating and my guy used NHOU New Hampshire Oil Undercoating. The benefit as I underdtand is the oil will creep into spaces other coatings never will. Oil is an annual deal but it was only $160 so worth a try.
I plan to reevaluate next summer and decide whether to repeat annually, every other year or forget it. Some have said after a couple applications the hidden areas between unibody sections & spot welds stays protected and with some road dirt and addnl oil it stays longer in exposed areas.
Who knows if it is worth it or snake oil but figured worth a try and real life evaluation.
my ride is kept in unheated garage and read some of the discussion above.
What I know us chemical reactions speed up with increased temps so heated garages not necessarily good if the ride has been driven in salted areas.
Spray washes can do just so much and may actually help wash salt further unto hidden areas so not a fool proof solution unless you do it often and very thoroughly.
interested in other systems and experiences.