g4rdx

My first post here. After researching SUVs for the past few months, I've selected the RDX! I went to the dealer yesterday to test drive both the first gen and second gen models but he said they were all "put away" because of the impending snow storm. Darn!

Anyway, I would like to know real-world thoughts of those who test-drove Turbo with SH-AWD versus V6 with "normal" AWD. The 0-60 for the V6 is tested at 6.2-6.3 versus the Turbo at 6.5, but the turbo has more mid level torque.

I'm 99% for the Turbo after reading and reading about it, but of course I will make a final decision after my test drives. I don't care much for gas mileage, as I don't have a long commute to work.

The one thing I have to admit is that the interior of the 2nd gen is much better than that of the 1st gen, especially if you add the "wood trim" kit to the 2013 models. The wood trim package for the 1st gen RDX isn't that nice. Of course, this is my opinion!

I'm also on the fence about the tech package. If the audio system in the non-tech package is "good", I won't pay $3800 for the tech package.

All I require is a good audio system with aux input and bluetooth. I don't really need a rear-view camera or power lift gate, etc..

Thoughts? Either way, I am excited about this car without even driving it lol.

Thanks for any input! Oh, and I live in NY, so I'm hoping the SH-AWD kicks you know what.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

are you going to mod the vehicle in anyway?
the turbo will be easier to extract power from.

the v6 is pretty much all you're going to get from it.

and that the 2nd gen RDX trumps the 1st gen RDX interior.

g4rdx

actually, no I probably will keep it stock..i have been reading about this hondata flash stuff, but I doubt I would go ahead with it..

i wish the nterior of the 1st gen was a bit better!

Jdrum1

What's not to like about it?


Sure, the 2nd gen is "better", but isn't that part of the evolution of any vehicle?

Compared to other used SUV's in it's price range, a 1st gen RDX has one of the best dollar/interior quality price ratios (I got mine for less than a comparably equipped used CR-V).



As far as performance, the 1st gen is the fun one. It's power is delivered in big chunks, and as mentioned, has the capability of being tuned and toyed around with. I got a first gen for this reason (wanted a fun daily driver to compliment my Honda s2000).

Sounds like a 2nd gen is your best bet.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

agreed with Jdrum, if you're making a fuss over a fine interior, get the one that least bothers you.

get the 2nd gen

mrgold35

The extra TQ from the 2.3L turbo is real addictive and you will be looking for excuses to feel it. I just added Hondata+ETS intercooler and that made my RDX easier to drive and zero issues after +75,000 miles. The extra HP/TQ really help me out since I live +5000 feet and sometimes travel 6,000-11,000 feet for trips in the west/southwest. The big advantage with the turbo in more TQ down low and a wider TQ band compared to the V-6. I don't think the 2nd Gen V-6 gets that much better mpgs in straight city driving compared to the 1st Gen (I average 18-19 mpgs).

If the 2nd Gen RDX came with sh-awd, that would be tough decision. The 1st Gen can really hug some corners with the extra traction.

My RDX is mostly seeing commuter duty. Tech wise, I usually listen to XM radio, get good use from bluetooth Handsfree, use the Navi maybe 4 times a year, and still love the HIDs. I think the 07 RDX base doesn't have bluetooth handsfree, all other models/years after that are good with handsfree. Some of the base models of the +13 RDX don't have HIDs.

GSJake

Yes the interior is "updated". I would not say its night and day.

IF you get the turbo IMHO the Hondata flash is a MUST! The RDX is a different vehicle after.
I had my stock RDX for 4 years and 50K, so I know how it was when it was un-flashed.
I would say the RDX with the flash will be just as fast as the V6, with the ability to blow the doors off it with more mods later.. yea I talking to you Ken!

You cant loose with either one.
Edit: The 2nd gen DOES not come with SH-AWD. For me that would be a deal breaker!!
AWD is great.. The SH system is one of the BEST!!

g4rdx

Lol..i'm not making a "fuss" about the interior..it was just an observation..and yes it's not night and day between the 2 generations..my original post said I'm 99% for the turbo..so that's what I'll probably get..sorry if it came out that way!! i guess "updated interior" is the right way to put it..

I wish i could find white exterior black interior but that's not looking good! there aren't any of those around!

the v6 is only .2 seconds quicker than the turbo according to my research..so does the flash still really make a difference?

how's the sound system quality on the 1st gen base (non-tech) modelS?

bluetooth hands-free would be a must for me..right now im aiming for a 2011-2012 model RDX ..

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

In stock form, the 1st gen RDX has noticeably turbo lag. You will feel it every time you accelerate away from the stop light. It's even more noticeable if it's a hot day in the summer, with A/C one.

The Hondata reflash/flashpro eliminates the turbo lag issue by about 50-70% based on my experience. the reflash makes the engine feels more like a V6 engine.

I test drove the 2G RDX before too. Its engine is smoother than the one in the 1st gen. The V6 also sounds more high class if you know what I mean.

The 1G is quite entertaining to drive. If you drive aggressively, and on corner exit, you actually step on the gas pedal hard, you can definitely feel the SH-AWD working. The 2G RDX is softer and feels more like a SUV. The 1st gen RDX feels like a car.

g4rdx

iforyou, that pretty much sums up the thoughts between 1g and 2g..although I am still a bit confused between flash and flashpro..what's the diff between the 2?

I can't wait to test drive both..as some on other threads have said..if i'm looking for a sophisticated SUV feel, I'd go Lexus..

mrgold35

I don't think there is much a difference at all in sound quality of base -vs- tech if you listen to the radio, XM, AUX connector, streaming bluetooth audio or CDs. I don't know; but, the model year your looking at might have streaming bluetooth audio (+10 RDX?). Playing DVD-A music is when you can get full sound from the ELS 5.1 system. Good luck trying to find two DVD-A disks worth buying now days. I don't know if the +10 RDXs have USB port; but, that is pretty good quality compared to streaming. AUX or XM.

The V-6 is quicker off the line at a dead stop; but, the Turbo is faster from 20-60 mph once the turbo spools up. I need turbo power usually +35 mph and 1 or 2 taps on paddle to downshift to get the rpms up and the turbo is ready to go. I don't think the V-6 would be any quicker compared to the turbo for real world driving like high altitude driving, +75 hwy cruising, or quick passing (especially up hills). My MDX is a different vehicle; but, it downshifts a lot to tap the HP/TQ compared to my RDX in the same driving situations.

My RDX feels like my TSX;but, with more power and more room. My MDX feels and drives like a (sporty) SUV; but, still a SUV (probably the same for the 2nd Gen RDX).

GET THE REFLASH!!! Best bang for the buck $300 you will spend for any mod.

g4rdx

Yes, I wouldn't be using DVD-A!

So, here's a question..if the reflash ($300) turns the turbo into a smoother vehicle, why not buy a 2nd gen v6? Or, does the turbo still feel like a turbo after the reflash but with less lag? I guess what I am hinting at is that I wouldn't want the reflash to reduce the turbo "kick" for lack of a better word..

g4rdx

so..

reflashed turbo vs v6 2nd gen..what's the difference in ride/performance??

Kaputnik

Personally I think the all black interior of the 1st gen is slick.

2nd gen is a totally different beast for a different purpose. No wow factor IMO, but major mom factor. Not even any tailpipes for pete's sake.

After test driving a 2013 at the dealer, I thought it was nice, but the 2008 was just too much fun.

g4rdx

kaputnik, is there anything "missing" in the non-tech package that you wish you would have had? how's the audio system? is there a sub?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

EVERYTHING.


people hated the sporty ride of the 1st gen RDX.
So, acura changed it up.

its now a sedated more refined CUV.

the first gen is more sport while the 2nd gen is more luxury.


this will be evident when you test drive.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the reason why the 2nd gen is a bit faster is because they changed the gearing.

you're all over the place....
you need to figure out your priorities.

do you want a more refined CUV?
or a more sporty CUV?

you said you dont want to mod, yet you're concerned about performance.

the two RDX's suspensions are different.
one is very jarring and sporty

and the other is more soft and refined..

are you a boy racer?
or are you a soccer mom?

g4rdx

ha ha..i'm a soccer mom trapped in a boy racer's body..kidding

i am aiming for a sporty ride, so I know I will like the less refined 1st gen better..turbO!

i'll post back once the dealer gets back to me for the test drives

Jdrum1

Wow man, you just need to spend some time behind the wheel of each!



The 2nd gen has no appeal to me (I'd rather have an MDX). The 1st gen is an SUV for people that don't want to drive an SUV.

Is it the same as my s2000? No, but it's a ton of fun compared to the average SUV.

I just got back from an 800 mile weekend road trip. The twistie mountain roads were a blast.

Sounds like it's time for me to Reflash!

g4rdx

Agreed! I'm just waiting a call back from the dealer! 800 miles in a weekend? Nice triP!

My initial choice was the MDX, but it's not worth the extra cost to me.

Jdrum1

Big Bend National Park

g4rdx

Good choice and beats the freaking cold here in NY.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

nice, I'm in Houston.

Tomtwtwtw

Regarding the harshness of the 1st gen...it's all relative. To the dude with the S2k, and me coming from a Cobalt SS, this 1st gen rides pretty damn smooth. If your previous car was a Camry or something, well the 1st gen might be a little rough by comparison.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

just comparing the two generation and Acura did change the suspension between the two.

Jdrum1

80° in the canyons! We even broke a decent sweat on our hikes......I love Texas!

Outdoor party called Valentine's in Valentine TX (ghost town of 100 people invites 2,000 over to eat, drink, and listen to live music).

Ever been?

Yep, the RDX is much gentler than the s2000! The s2000 on a bad road will rearrange your internal organs.

mrgold35

The common (minor) issues with the RDX to check for are:
- door speaker rattle
- door and/or trunk lock actuator
- A/C clutch failure (100,000 miles Acura extended warranty on this)
- torn center arm rest cover
- broken sun visor(s)
- Acura 100 month OEM battery can fail in 3-5 yrs at anytime without warning, happen on my TSX and RDX under 4 years.

More than likely, if you are looking at a +11 model you won't find these minor problems. You don't need an extended warranty; but, take it if there is one already there from a previous owner that can be transferred over.

Here is a link for a 2011 RDX owner's manual pdf if you wanted to get a heads up on tech/features before heading to the dealership. Acura sales folks on average don't know anything about the cars they are selling: Owner's Manuals | 2011 Acura RDX | Acura Owners Site

bluecarbonfiber

things i noticed that i didnt like on the 2nd gen vs my 1st gen ( i have a 2010) the 2nd doesnt get hids unless you get a tech package, the interior feels alittle more plasticy like they skipped out more on the pleather we already have, the ride is a smidge softer in comparison ( i like to feel the road) also i didnt like how small the back window is in comparison i like to beable to see all around =)

g4rdx

good info all, this would also be my first AWD vehicle, and I've been in NY for all my life..go figure! I'm liking the idea of SH-AWD.

GSJake

From Wisconsin. If you get snow you will LOVE it.
Add some dedicated snow's and you are virtually unstoppable.
Some info on it..

SH-AWD - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

g4rdx

Sounds good! I currently drive a Nissan Altima which is TERRIBLE in the snow. My wife's Accord is much better.

Kaputnik

It's fine for me. My cell phone is better NAV than anything in a car, and the stereo is quite nice IMO. Yes there is a sub. But I'm past the point in life where I need to thump the neighborhood or damage my ear drums.

The base model 1st Gen has HID headlights too!

Kaputnik

Entirely. I've just retired my 4x4 Tacoma to utility duty from daily driver, and drive an S2000 as a weekend fun car. The 1st gen RDX feels like smooth luxury to me.

red00tl

Once you feel that quiet and smooth surge of power at your cruising speed without any rise in RPM, you'll know why turbo-addicts like turbo so much.

Well, take the above statement with a grain of salt until you test it yourself though.

g4rdx

Hey, I thought HID headlights come with the tech package only?

g4rdx

I can't wait to test drive it!

Tomtwtwtw

I think only on the 2nd gen (2013+)...should be standard on all 1st gen models.

KenB350z

Boost!

g4rdx

So, now I even get HIDs with the base, which is even more reason for me not to pay the extra 3800 (est) for the tech package. Hey, I'm all for saving money when possible. I'm looking at 2011-2012 model years. Nice!

mrgold35

You might find with those model years the price is more determined by mileage than tech level. I started with color combo, tech level, mileage and then price. Just make sure they are sh-awd models, there at a lot of 10-12 fwd RDXs out there.