bzb123

I have been looking for an upgrade replacement for my 2007 CR-V for the better part of a year now. I thought I would just buy the RDX, since I like the size of my CR-V, but just wanted something newer and nicer. However, it didn't take long to realize that the current version is about 5 years behind in terms of safety and technology features. I've looked at other premium CUV's, but didn't find anything that I liked for one reason or another. Actually thought I might go with the 2015 Outback, but was disappointed in the build quality (I know it's not a "premium" car, but it seemed even lesser in quality than my '07 CR-V). Then the 2015 CR-V was announced with a new Touring version. Haven't had a chance to look at it in person, but all the features are there that the RDX lacks. Yet now that it's almost 2015 I'm not sure if I should wait even longer for the 2016 RDX, which I'm guessing will be available mid-2015, and have features at least equal to the CR-V Touring. I guess what I'm asking for anyone with experience with both- outside of engine performance, does Acura offer a better quality build of vehicle to justify waiting another six months and spending $10,000 more over the CR-V touring?

wildeklave

if you can I would suggest to wait unless you have issues with the older vehicle.

By waiting:
- 2016 RDX will be released (probably in March or April)
- 2015 CRV won't be a new release and you may get deals on financing or Honda cash
- allows the manufacturer to work out bugs on the new CRV that come up as the new owners start to drive the vehicles.
- other manufacturers may release updated vehicles you did not consider
- you can buy after the winter to avoid minor dings from winter potholes and road salt
- allows you to save up for a bigger down payment that can help your negotiating power and finance rates

Cars are very much like TVs and computers where the longer you wait the better the deal you can get since there is always newer and better vehicles that hit the market.

I wouldn't worry about residual trade in value on your current 2007 vehicle. An extra 6 months and 10k miles won't reduce it more than $500-$1000 which you will more than save buy not having to pay $500 a month to finance a new vehicle for 6 months.

The reasons to get the new vehicle now:
- you may not qualify for financing in a few months
- you are going through a legal settlement (ie. divorce, bankruptcy, etc...) and need to buy now before that legal event starts
- your current vehicle is falling apart and not reliable
- there are safety concerns with the current vehicle
- you use your vehicle for work to entertain clients where an older vehicle hurts your business dealings
- you are going to do a lot of driving in the next 6 months (over 20k miles) where the savings in gas with better mpg in the new vehicle will make the savings of keeping the older vehicle negligible
- you are leasing the new vehicle so you can switch to another vehicle in 3 years

mrgold35

I would wait for the RDX MMC and by then the all new CR-V should be out. Then you can pick between the 2013-2015 RDX, 2016 MMC RDX, and the all new CR-V. Keep in mind a used 14/15 MDX tech (more room, same mpgs, more tech, extra luxury) might be in the same ball park as a brand new 2016 RDX tech/adv when it hits the road.

bzb123

Thanks guys. Wildeklave, none of your reasons to buy now apply to me, so I guess I probably should wait. I just have an itch to buy a new car that needs to be scratched. What I also was asking is if you think there is a difference in build quality between the CR-V and RDX (Honda vs Acura) as I feel there is between Toyota and Lexus. Or is it more of a case of the RDX being better under the hood and will maybe have few additional luxury features.

trcollins59

I am original owner of 07 CRV AWD (118K) and 2014 RDX FWD (12K).
I agree with your statement that the engine performance and MPG is much better with the RDX (I am getting 4 MPG better with RDX and there's much better acceleration and smooth shifts). As far as build quality, I never had any reason to take my 07 CRV back to dealer except for routine maintenance. I have made trips back to the Acura dealer for the extensively covered rear strut noise, as well as rattles coming from front of vehicle. You are also correct in the 2014 RDX technology not up to what you'd expect paying the premium for an Acura. However, I find that the RDX is much quieter, much smoother riding, and I find the seats much more comfortable, especially on long trips than the 07 CRV. I would wait until the 2016 RDX comes out and then taking the time to drive it, plus the CRV, and others that you might be considering and then making your decision.

bzb123

Yes, one of my few complaints on the CRV is the seats. Not bad for commuting, but nearly unbearable on long trips for my skinny butt (TMI?). Anyways, glad to hear the RDX has better seats!

Comfy

Apart from the better engine, the RDX has better noise insulation, smoother suspension settings and overall nicer interiors. (I'm sure the CRV is pretty competent but RDX is a bit better... whether it is worth the extra premium is entirely up to you). The techno bling advantage which the CRV has now will be negated within the next six months and you'll have a level playing field to compare and decide. If there's nothing to be lost by waiting then why not... and increase your choices. I rode my close friend's CRV extensively for the last few years before I bought my RDX (and he test drove mine afterwards a lot). Within 3 months he also bought an RDX . Good luck.

CoachRick

Is there a pool on the actual release date of the so-called RDX 'refresh' and the contents thereof?

Seems a lot of 'certainty' about it...well, except for the UNcertainty.

dawudih

Outback rocks, but it's the same price as the rdx & not as nice. I just happened to get a killer deal on my acura, but I honestly had no intentions of buying one. Check out the xc60 if rear seat space isn't an issue. Just curious, do you really care if your car is a 2014, 15 or 16 model?

wildeklave

I would not be surprised if the new CRV is much quieter and has similar ride quality as the 2013-2015 RDX. With each generation / refresh of a vehicle they upgrade things that are not upgraded an an annual basis. Any 2015 / 2016 vehicle should be a smoother and quieter ride than any 2007 mainstream vehicle. If you lease and switch vehicles every 3 years then you may not notice much of a difference but waiting 7-8 years and you should see a difference. For some companies they put the latest and greatest tech on the luxury brand and 2-3 years later allow it to flow to the mainstream brand (Lexus and Audi does this). Because Acura is North America only sometimes Honda gets the latest and greatest before Acura.

2007 Specs (per Edmunds):
- Gas mileage of 20/27 mpg
- length of 178 inches
- 166 hp and 161 torque

2015 Specs (per Edmunds):
- Gas mileage of 26/33 mpg - about a 25% improvement
- length of 179 inches - only slightly longer
- 185 hp and 181 torque - about an 11 and 12% improvement

Comfy

Do the RDX / CRV have active noise cancellation technology? I know many Acura cars have it and it accounts for a quiet ride as well.

bzb123

I tested the XC60 with high hopes. The front seats and cockpit were top notch. The joke of a back seat, though was the deal breaker.
The year isn't as importand as features. It seems car technology is evolving rapidly and Acura has some catching up to do where the RDX is concerned. So most likely I will wait...and hopefully be rewarded. Carplay option would make worth it

CoachRick

As I've said before, our back seats are folded down 90% of the time. 3.4 years in the XC60 and we never really had a problem with the back seat. BTW, that would be the back seat that HAS vents...AND a 12v outlet...AND folds flat.

bzb123

Yes, it's a fine ride. Just didn't work for me. Glad you're enjoying it.

CoachRick

Actually, it's been 2.25 years since the '13 RDX replaced the XC60. We will be looking to go a tad smaller when the lease is up next August...unless we buy the RDX out of the lease. With no kids and one small pup, I'm more interested in a flat cargo area for my bicycle(s) than I am people behind the front seat. Heck, the XC60 back seat was huge compared to that in our other vehicle...Volvo C70 convertible

BLEXV6

I understand the 2016 is getting the Jewel Headlights. I wonder if it will get the 2nd screen like the MDX and TLX. It could be quite an improvement. Honda is upping the anty on MME refreshes to compete. It's no longer enough just to have reliable cars.

bzb123

Honda keeps a pretty tight lid on new models, but all you have to do is look at the MDX, TLX, and now the ILX to see what's coming on the next RDX. The wait is killing me though!

dcpc08161992

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I can't say if 2016 RDX with Tech Package would come out with all the features you found on the 2015 CRV Touring but the good new is, the difference in price is not $10K... more like $6K.


However, it does not matter how you look at it, CRV just does not have the V6 as an option (if that matters to you).


So, would say if you can wait until 2016 RDX comes out... by all means, wait. Who knows what they bring to the table .

dcpc08161992

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"Active Noise Canceling Technology"... hmmm, I can't tell the difference if it does anything for me (I have the 2013 RDX AWD with Tech). I drive my sister 2013 Honda CRV many times and I also test drive the 2015 CRV Touring and to me they are not much different in road noise or wind noise in real life experience.


I wish there is a On/Off button to turn it off or on so to see what the effectiveness of the tech is.

hawki77

Perfect thread - exactly the information I was looking for.
We are in similar situation - big Honda fan, like to stay with Honda/Acura offering.
Currently have 2 Acura EL's (acuraized Civic in Canada only) - and love them - cannot believe a car can be so reliable (knock on the wood).

Recently test drove the 2015 CR-V Touring, very nice ride & improvement (compared to the 2012-2014 CR-V) - but there is ideal vibration (when the car is warmed up) - literately shakes the seats and steering.
There is a 10 page thread on this issue (93 post for a cuv sold for only 3 months), titled "2015 Honda CR-V Vibration at idle" in the CR-V owners forum (not sure if I am allowed to post a link from another forum).
Honda still don't have a fix for this yet - but it is due to fuel saving very low rmp during idling.

Also still do not like the back side/design of the CR-V (looks like a hatch back) - our personal taste (other may like it).

So eagerly waiting for what 2016 RDX has to offer.

bzb123

If the TLX/2016 ILX are any indication, the wait will be worth it. Plus, in the meantime, Honda can work out the kinks in CRV Touring if you choose to go that route.