Hi All. I currently own a 2005 TSX that has almost 280K miles, and I would like to get another vehicle. This time I'm strongly considering leasing my next vehicle (never leased before), but I see some pretty good lease deals by going through a broker. A TLX ASPEC AWD is about $483 per month plus taxes/fees at 36 months. An RDX ASPEC Advance is about $601 per month plus taxes/fees at 36 months. Honestly, I'm a bit hesitant in getting this current gen Acura because of the infotainment system. I'm sure Acura is going to change it for 2024 but I don't know if I can wait another year lol. There are other manufacturers that I'm interesting in specifically the new 2023 Mercedes GLC 300 but I can't see myself paying $1000+ per month to lease one with equivalent features. I am looking for sub $800.

I'm torn between the TLX and RDX. Never owned an CUV/SUV before. Would appreciate thoughts of anyone that has been cross shopping between the two or has driven both. The TLX is a big car but relatively smaller inside. It is a longer than the RDX by about 8 inches. The width is the same. Does this make the TLX feel like a boat (SUV like) when driving? How is it driving an RDX? Does it feel like an SUV or more like an sedan? Another variable is the wow factor. Definitely want a vehicle that is more of a head turner. I know I should just test drive both, but I'm dreading the sales pressure experience.

 

How much are you putting down on the TLX vs the RDX? The same?

I had a '21 TLX and it did not feel like an SUV. However, it was difficult to park and if you live in an urban environment, you will seriously have to consider this (you can go up to the Advance for the 360 cameras).
A major reason I gave up the car was because the infotainment interface was pretty bad. I don't expect this to change in '24 or anytime soon!

I'm hoping swttsx007 can chime in since he recently gave up a current gen RDX for the TLX Type S.

 

With all redesigns 2023 and later having touchscreens (Integra and ZDX), I think there is a very good chance a 24 TLX will have it too. The Acura infotainment is awesome once they flip to a touchscreen, the ELS sound systems are far better than any systems within $10K of every model they sell.

That said, I'm always a fan of buying cash so would not trade up unless you could buy in cash. Excluding the need for a head turner, an ILX cpo will be a much lower cost car that will geel like an upgrade in every way over a TSX.

But if you are in a life situation where you really want a head turner then take a look at a TLX. I was in a TLX Aspec loaner for a week and it got a few compliments, I anticipate an RDX to be more common and less of a head turner. A TLX has Acura handling, it won't feel large except when parking in tight spaces, so I wouldn't worry too much. Definitely put up with the sales push and testdrive the car, good Acura dealers won't push you too hard.

I agree that I love the Advance camera. It will be very hard to find TLX Advance models in 2022/2023, they made very few, probably a parts shortage thing. A 2021 Advance CPO would give you everything a 2023 has, and you could extend a CPO warranty for cheap from online dealers and essentially get a new car. And Acura may lease those too but you'll have a much better payment than new.

 

The Integra and ZDX are Honda port-overs with minimal changes. The other Acuras have less in common with their Honda equivalents.

No chance touchscreens come to the TLX/RDX/MDX!

 

You are definitely considering two good vehicles! In fact, I had a 2007 TSX w/Navi back in 2007 (hence my name), lol.

As far as the vehicles go, I don’t think you can really go wrong with either one. I’ve owned quite a few cars in my 41 years on this earth (most being SUV’s) and the RDX was my favorite by far! I owned a 21’ RDX Aspec, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was coming up on my lease and to be honest, I wanted to get into something else because I get tired of vehicles after a few years and wanted something new and exciting However, had there been a totally redesigned RDX or even a Type S version, I probably would have gone that route.

I have really liked the redesigned 21+ TLX. I really think Acura nailed the looks with it. The vehicle has such road presence and there is not mistaking it’s an Acura! However, like ELIN said, it is a big vehicle and it is difficult to park. I am constantly finding myself either backing into spots or getting out to see how close I am to the curb when pulling into spots. It is very hard to judge, and the vehicle is still relatively new to me. The RDX was much easier to park.

I can’t compare the RDX to the standard TLX (only did a short test drive with the Aspec model) and then drove the Type S. I can tell you that the Type S is a whole different animal. It handles like it’s on rails! Even with it being a big and heavy car, I have almost no body roll with it. I push it pretty hard, and all I can say is it wants me to push it even harder than I do!

Ultimately, it comes down to what you are looking for. Will you be transporting a lot of people? Do you have any kids or are expecting to have any in the near future? Which one do you feel more comfortable in? See if you can test drive both of them back-to-back and see which one feels right for you.

So far, I am more than happy with my jump to the Type S, however, had I gone with an Aspec model, I’m not sure if I would have been happy with the move. I’m realizing how much easier getting in and out of a vehicle that sits lower to the ground like the TLX was to get in and out 20 years ago! That is by far my biggest complaint with the Type S!

Honestly, both vehicles are great! I would highly recommend getting the SH-AWD (especially if you live in a snowy weather area).

Let me know what you decide! Good luck!

 

23 TLXS here. The infotainment itself is “fine” - nice UI, plenty of options, I even prefer touchpad instead of touchscreen because I hate fingerprints/smudges… the bad thing is TLXS doesn’t offer wireless connectivity and the initial boot up is slow as fuuuuk compared to the competition. Also can’t use full screen for CarPlay / android

 

I've had the opportunity to the drive the RDX and TLX A-spec multiple times as loaners, in addition to my TLX Type S. The TLX A-spec feels more planted than the RDX around corners, but otherwise the RDX feels almost just as zippy. The TLX Type S is at another level though. The RDX is much roomier and easily the most practical option.
Living in the city, the 360 cam on my Canadian Type S is a must if you're going TLX. The hood is so long and the turning radius is so big on the TLX that the camera lets you use every possible inch to maneuver. The benefit of the RDX is the higher ride height, shorter length, and (slightly) less width makes parking/city driving a lot easier.
So if you can get the 360 cam, I'd go TLX over the RDX. But if no 360 cam available, go RDX.

 

Also, I'm not sure if it's just the 6 vs 4 cylinder engine, but the Type S makes boost much faster! Off the line, I swear the boost didn't really kick in on my RDX until about 3rd gear.

 

360 cam is not avail on TLX typeS in the USA, only in Canada.

It is only avail on the Advance trims in the USA.

The 6th gen TLX has one of the longest hoods acura ever made so benefits more than any other model from the 360/Advance camera.

 

Good question. One that I grappled with prior to deciding on my 21 TLX A-Spec, which I've had for the past two years.

In those past two years, I've a couple of loaner cars here and there while the store serviced my MDX, TLX and AV6. On two seperate occassions, I had an RDX; an A-Spec once and a Tech on another occassion.

Honestly, I think the RDX is the Acura product that like the most, particularly given it's practicality over the TLX as well as good looks and similar performance.

Just as an aside, does anyone else find that the RDX feels quicker than the TLX 2.0T?

 

Yes, the RDX indeed feels quicker, while it should be the opposite. Others have expressed the same opinion.

 

Seriously, everytime I got behind the wheel of the RDX, it felt like when I had a stage 2 tune on my TLX.

My running theory is that the TLX 2.0T is 'detuned' a bit just to create a wider margin in favor of the Type S. (Of course I've no way to prove this.)

 

Thank you all for the feedback. You guys are awesome. I think I'm going to go the RDX route. Separate question... What are your thoughts on the Acura tire, wheel, ding and dent protection for $800 for the duration of the lease? Is it worth getting?

 

Depends on the following (IMHO):

1) Which part of the country do you live in and are the roads well kept (free of potholes, etc.)? I live in one of the worst states for this so I've been adding tire/wheel protection lately.

2) Are you getting a car w/360 cameras? This will help w/curb rash and other similar low-speed impacts. I really wish I had it on my TLX A-Spec but apparently you can't get it on a near $50k car these days!

It really doesn't matter if you own/lease since it'll cost you out of pocket to fix it either way!

 

Isn't it amazing how we drove cars in the 60's, 70's and 80's and I'm sure the 90's without all the help we get now with new technology in the cars today. Parking without power steering and brakes and those cars were big and long. The cars are much safer now than they were, but had many fun days driving them.

 

I've had that on my 15, 17, 20 and now may 22 MDX as well as my A-Spec. We actually had to use this while on two seperate road trips in our 17 and 20 MDXs. So, it did come in quite handy. Just brought them to local Acura dealerships, they contacted my home dealership to confirm coverage and the fix was completed in short order.

 

I have both, and, take the Type S out of the mix, I'd take the RDX over a 2.0 TLX....why? Just more "Fun" to drive and feels faster. But then I got my Type S and there is no comparison! LOL...still the RDX is more "versatile" but the Type S is way more fun now....

 

If I didnt have an MDX already, I would have easily taken the RDX A-Spec route instead.

 

New body MDX? I don't know...that's a sweet SUV! RDX is more FUN to drive, but the MDX is. a fantastic driving vehicle!

 

Fixed.

 

The 2024 MMC TLX may be more compelling depending on the changes they make.

Has anyone heard when Acura is releasing the 2024 TLXs?

 

end of 2023

 

I had the RDX A-Spec Adv. I now have the MDX Type S Adv. And the TLX Type S. The MDX is way more fun overall to drive and be totally comfortable in.
Yes, kinda costly, but, you get more for the $$ than it's competitors...IMHO.
The RDX A-Spec Adv is really nice, but, my TLX Type S is way more fun to drive. But, for it's size category, the top model of the RDX is a great
vehicle.

 

I'm grappling a bit with this question now. My lease is up on the 21 Tech. I extended it while I'm considering options. I got at 24 TLX as a loaner this week and there wasn't a big enough difference to make me want another one. I'd keep my 21 and buy it instead.

90% of the time I'm by myself. But I had family in town last week on a day trip up to a family reunion. Then drove them 5 hours back to their hometown the next week. The TLX really is more like a coupe when it comes to rear room than a sedan. One had a walker and that took up most of the trunk space. As I get older myself (early 50s now), getting out of the TLX on road trips isn't as easy as it used to be. I wonder if an RDX may be a good option at some point for my next car.

It just feels like it's due for a refresh. It really hasn't changed much in the last 5 years. And even little things in the 24 like the digital dash and larger infotainment system would keep it from looking so dated.

 

If the family visits are occasional then you could save by keeping the old TLX, and getting an RDX on Turo whenever family comes in.