We’re currently in the market for a new vehicle and the 2020 RDX A-spec SH-AWD is at the top of our list. However, I have a few questions I’d like to ask current owners.

1. The dealer we went to said all their cars have Lojack installed. Is that something that can be removed or would we need to special order one without or go to a dealer that doesn’t install it?

2. We were kinda surprised to hear that the car doesn’t have a spare tie, just an emergency repair kit. Does this kit need to be replaced if used and if so how much is it?

3. I read some posts about people being required to by an extended warranty. Is this a standard practice for the Acura? I have no intention of buying an extended warranty and would not purchase the RDX if it is a requirement.

4. I’ve seen a lot of complaints about the infotainment system yet I’m having a hard time finding what the specific issues are. Perhaps it’s just bad all around, I don’t know but would like to know what the shortcomings are before purchasing.

 

1. BS. The dealer is no doubt getting kickbacks from Lojack. Don't buy the snake oil. If they won't sell you one without it (or without the charge for it) find a different dealer.

2. Don't know, but I believe you can add a spare tire (under the car, like the other trims) but you'll have to buy the hardware and have it installed.

3. Again, don't buy the snake oil. Our dealer's finance/snake oil guy managed to sell us a $2,800 E.W. We canceled it and purchased Acura Care from Hyannis Honda.

4. There are issues. Lots of threads in this forum for you to read.

 

They can’t fit the spare tire of the 20” wheel with the ASPEC trim in the spare tire compartment (hence the repair kit instead). It’s actually one of the reasons I went with the Advance instead. Sure the 20” wheels look better than the 19” ones, but the peace of mind was worth it for me.

 

Two things you hear mostly about the infotainment system:

Some people have criticized the design and usability of the true-touch controller as opposed to a direct touch screen. Most of those early criticisms have been put to rest. The true-touch pad takes some getting used to but It's not an issue and I think most (not all) come to prefer it. I do, personally. The only downside of it, IMO, is the space it takes on the console. With a touch screen, it could have been used for something else. Still, I like it better and it seems to be where Acura is going with all their next generation vehicles.

Other issues, is that the system is "glitchy". Most of the glitches are extremely minor but some have been more serious. The nature of them vary. Many threads about them here. But it's mostly a software issue and hopefully future updates will be more robust and bug-free. I've had no problems worth mentioning and most other new cars have finicky infotainment systems too.

DO NOT get railroaded into buying a LoJack system or extended warranty if you don't want them. The Acura Link phone app has a car locator feature. It's part of their remote package which is free for 6 months. I'm planning to keep it after the trial runs out. You can decide for yourself later if you buy the car. You can also shop around for an extended warranty, if that's what you want.