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Since it is understood next year will have a refresh for the RDX, what do you think will be included?
My thoughts:
Most likely-
- Advanced package similar to MDX (features may include Blind spot, Collision warning, backup sensors,
and other safety features)
- Jewel eyes headlights
- rear seat vents
- ventilated seats
- passenger seat height adjustment (a big topic recently on these boards)
- Panoramic Sunroof (while not necessary it is a convenience that is very popular)
- updated Infotainment system (maybe the Google product that Honda is involved with)
The Google product may help sales since Lexus has the Apple product. Those with Android phones may
prefer a vehicle with the Google product for easier syncing within their driving experience.
- other fixes to the driving experience that have been noted on these boards
(ie. if shocks, handling, or other items were upgraded in the MDX or TLX)
maybe-
- new engine (either 3.7L 300 hp version in MDX or the 3.5L 290 hp version in the TLX)
This is tricky since the current engine is very good but Acura may want to keep it simple where they can
eliminate producing an extra engine by using an engine that is in another vehicle. My guess is that they
go with the 3.5L engine since it will probably have better gas mileage and show differentiation from the
MDX so they do not cannibalize sales. I wonder if the 3.5L can earn an EPA rating of 30 mpg or more on
the highway.
- 2 levels of engines (2.4L version in the TLX at the low end and the 3.5 or 3.7 L engines from the TLX or
MDX on the high end)
This will allow Acura to lower the price on the low end engine to compete on the low end of the luxury
market and possibly steal sales from the Rav 4, Escape, Cherokee, Santa Fe Sport, and potentially the
German makers. They may take sales from the Lexus NX but that vehicle is new and supposedly will be
aggressively priced lower than the German makers. The goal with the lower engine (205 hp would be to
get the buyers that want luxury but are not car / engine people. They want more than what a CRV or Rav
4 has but don't need a 260hp + engine. This also gets 1st time buyers into an Acura RDX at around 32k
for the base. Remember most Small SUV buyers are not car enthusiasts that even know about their
engine's performance. You can call them the soccer moms or guys with enough money that just want a
certain luxury vehicle badge. While this is not always true you can see based on the styling that it is less
aggressive in the Acura models than 10 years ago.
not likely -
- Sport Trim package for the SH AWD similar to the F Sport from Lexus.
For the SH AWD version have many of the advanced features as standard. Also, put in the 3.7 L engine
(even if the higher engine is the 3.5L). For trim put in a rear bumper that shows aggressive exhaust tips.
Add in additional sports exterior accent lighting. Offer upgraded premium leather, maybe even 2 tone
leather. Maybe a more sporty premium grille. This should be a premium vehicle that will have a limited
distribution to compete on the high end against the Lexus F Sport, BMW M trim, Mercedes AMG, and Audi
IS.
I do not see LED headlight, Panoramic sun roof or update infotainment coming in MMC.
I do see, vented seats, rear seat vents, maybe BLIS and few other minor things.
Acura has traditionally made only minor changes during the refresh.
To believe that Acura will make any major changes is incredulous. The TLX will not include a height adjustable passenger seat - why should the RDX? There will certainly be no engine choices or different nav devices.
Minor upgrades perhaps but no significant changes.
Acura has traditionally made only minor changes during the refresh.
To believe that Acura will make any major changes is incredulous. The TLX will not include a height adjustable passenger seat - why should the RDX? There will certainly be no engine choices or different nav devices.
Minor upgrades perhaps but no significant changes.
Fully disagree, you will see the Advance package and quite possibly a DI engine and new transmission. Just say NO to the ney sayer CEB
Fully disagree, you will see the Advance package and quite possibly a DI engine and new transmission. Just say NO to the ney sayer CEB
When did Acura last make major changes (adding Advance package, new engine etc.) during a mid model refresh? In 2012, the TL got a long awaited 6 speed tranny. That same tranny was rumored for the TSX but never showed.
The whole point of a MMY refresh is to tweak the existing package, not to make huge changes. Big changes will come when the new model is released.
When Honda "fixed" the issues with the 2012 Civic, they labeled the 2013 as a new model and made sufficient changes to sell it as a "new" model instead of a mmy refresh.
Fully disagree, you will see the Advance package and quite possibly a DI engine and new transmission. Just say NO to the ney sayer CEB
In addition, any significant changes (new engines, advance packages etc) would require crash testing and re-certification. That normally happens with new models - not during a refresh cycle.
I could be proven wrong and I'll be the first to admit it, but people shouldn't raise their expectations for something that is very unlikely to happen.
Again - when did Acura last make any significant changes on a refresh?
I think we might see fog lights being standard, maybe HID on base model, 1 or 2 additional colors (deleting less common colors), auto lift gate standard, update in safety tech, update on front/rear bumpers, and maybe a 2.4L entry level model in a base/tech trim.
A RDX adv model would take away sales from the extremely profitable MDX model. I would have gone for +13 RDX if it had an Adv model instead of +10 MDX Adv because of the RDX's smaller size and better mpgs.
if Acura decides not to add LED lights, an advanced package, or make other updates that the competition (incl not premier competition has) it is like someone buying an Iphone 4 or LCD 720p tv today when the newer models with better features are out.
One of the posters above has a 2014 Escape Titanium that probably has a lot of the features that Acura does not offer and is probably very happy with his / her ride.
As for worrying about taking away sales from the MDX I think that is short sighted business sense. Not all customers are choosing between a RDX and MDX. Many RDX buyers may be looking at the Escape, Cherokee, Forrester, X3, Q5, along with future vehicles like the MKC and NX.
Last edited by wildeklave; 07-22-2014 at 07:39 AM.
I'd actually be surprised if the MMC is 2016 model year. Maybe during calendar year 2016. The 13-15's seem to selling well and they put a huge amount of attention toward the TLX which isn't even finished yet.
A RDX adv model would take away sales from the extremely profitable MDX model. I would have gone for +13 RDX if it had an Adv model instead of +10 MDX Adv because of the RDX's smaller size and better mpgs.
There doesn't necessarily need to be a whole new trim package, but Acura needs to get with the times and offer more content. Sure, they could steal a few sales away from the MDX with a high-featured RDX, but the size difference limits that risk. Bringing more customers in the showroom to look at a $45k RDX also gives Acura dealers an opportunity to up sell to the MDX. All manufacturers have to deal with potential cannibalization issues. As it stands now, somebody looking for MDX-level options in a smaller package have to go elsewhere.
Colors would be great - no offense but white, black, grey, silver, brown, burgandy? was a limited color palette in 2013. We looked at the TSX sport wagon, gorgeous metallic blue, also available on the MDX...inexplicably not on the RDX. To late for me...but...
Two things: an 8 way passenger seat will be available in the TLX but just for V6 only, so there is hope there. Second, I think while the OLD Acura pre-division change had pretty minor MMCs, we do not yet know how quickly the NEW Acura division will move. I am guessing they are hoping to move pretty quick with the Jewel Eyes and will get those to the RDX and ILX ASAP. By that same token, SHAWD might be coming too. Its just hard to predict at this point with all the corporate changes.
Colors would be great - no offense but white, black, grey, silver, brown, burgundy? was a limited color palette in 2013. We looked at the TSX sport wagon, gorgeous metallic blue, also available on the MDX...inexplicably not on the RDX. Too late for me...but...
I certainly agree!!! IMHO, they have a very poor choice of colors. most everything is dark, other than white and silver. Even their red is really burgundy and a dark burgundy, at that. The color choices seem to be designed for funeral home cars.....
Without significant improvements, when my lease is up next year my 2013 RDX may be my 4th and last Acura. I'm so fed up with the tech package being so behind the times - I'm looking at going higher end X3 (lease price very comparable) or lower end Cherokee (better electronics and styling, at a lower price).
Without significant improvements, when my lease is up next year my 2013 RDX may be my 4th and last Acura. I'm so fed up with the tech package being so behind the times - I'm looking at going higher end X3 (lease price very comparable) or lower end Cherokee (better electronics and styling, at a lower price).
cherokee is a turd and you will hate. id lean towards the x3
Without significant improvements, when my lease is up next year my 2013 RDX may be my 4th and last Acura. I'm so fed up with the tech package being so behind the times - I'm looking at going higher end X3 (lease price very comparable) or lower end Cherokee (better electronics and styling, at a lower price).
Good point about 2013 leasees. Many got the RDX when it was redesigned in 2013 and will have expiring leases for the 2016 and 2017 model year. In the 3 years other comparable vehicles have either entered the market (Lexus NX, Jeep Cherokee, Lincoln MKC, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport) or improved (Ford Escape, BMW X3, Audi Q5, MB GLK, Subaru Forrester). For Acura to get these individuals to enter into a new lease they need to offer them some kind of upgraded vehicle. Most avg drivers notice the bells and whistles more than the engine performance so that is where most of the refresh will be needed. Also, these are leasees who only have a vehicle for 3 years so if they opt for a Ford or Jeep it is not long term but if they have good experiences with those vehicles they may opt for another one in 3 years. The person above mentioned the Jeep. It will be in the 2nd year of the model with improvements on issues that were found so it should be pretty good for 26 months.
As mentioned before the engine is good enough for most. The only way I see an upgrade is if they want to be more efficient in the factory by using the new engine in multiple vehicles while retiring the old one so they don't need to produce an extra engine for 1 vehicle.
The 3.5 v6L engine from the RDX is also used in the:
- RDX (as mentioned)
- Odyssey (expected redesign for 2015 yet to be released)
- Pilot (2016 will be a redesign)
If the new Accord 6 cylinder engine is used in the Odyssey and Pilot then the RDX should get it too since it will be the only vehicle using the old engine.
Without significant improvements, when my lease is up next year my 2013 RDX may be my 4th and last Acura. I'm so fed up with the tech package being so behind the times - I'm looking at going higher end X3 (lease price very comparable) or lower end Cherokee (better electronics and styling, at a lower price).
Yeah, same for me. I have a 2008 RDX, still love it, and my plan was to get a new car in 2014. Bought my 2008 in April 2008, just before the 2009s came out, and was planning on keeping it for 6 years; paid it in 4. But I look at the 2014/2015 models, and there's no real reason for me to buy a new RDX. I'd lose the SH-AWD, and gain a backup camera, and what else? An extra mpg or 2? (I have a base model, in Canada it comes with the HIDs). I'm seriously looking at the Lexus NX; I love the interior of the sport model; the performance seems to be a bit less than my RDX, but a test drive will be the deciding factor. I won't make a decision until I get more info on the 2016 RDX. But right now there's nothing attracting me to a new RDX.
I gotta say after seeing a few of the new Cherokees driving around San Diego, they look very sharp - especially the gianormous moon roof.
Obviously I'll need to really spend time with it to see if there is love in the air- hopefully Avis will be getting some and I can do an extended test on my next trip. That's actually how the word "Jeep" ever entered into my vocab - I had a new Grand Cherokee for a 4 day rental and was totally impressed with comfort and the electronics.
X3 is a given for consideration - no secret that there is a certain panache to BMW and I've always enjoyed it when I get upgraded to a 3-series when renting - I'm pretty comfy with their electronics, I just haven't really spend time in the X3 to judge handling and comfort.
I've driven Escapes, Rav4s on rentals in the last year as well - maybe that's part of the reason I'm really growing more angry at Acura - I've been a fanboy for about 12 years now - at lease end, every time it was just "automatic" to stay with Acura. They have just fallen very, very behind the curve in the last few years.
Lexus NX is a slug in terms of acceleration as compared to the RDX.
I am sure Acura will add significant feature upgrades next year based on comments from local Acura dealer who attended a recent Acura seminar.
I have seen the acceleration for the 0-60 in a few articles. I think it is about 1 sec slower than competing vehicles but.... for an average driver will we ever experience that type of acceleration? Most of my acceleration is entering a highway or a highway pass of another vehicle. If i am passing a 180 hp Rav 4 or CRV having 235 hp or 270 hp may not be a noticeable difference.
It does come down to styling, price, and features for many buyers. Acura has been decent with price and styling (for a certain segment). Features are good for the MDX and RLX. There is speculation that the RDX will be brought up to par on these.
Top speed had an article on the NX and said they believe it will be around 5k below the similarly equipped RX. That may put it about 1-3k above the RDX.
There was also an article for the refreshed Outlander. While it is a different class with an engine that is 15% weaker it does have the features many luxury buyers are looking for and is in the low to mid 30s price wise. This would mean that the Outlander, Escape, Cherokee, Santa Fe Sport, and Forrester are the non-luxury models that can be RDX substitutions.
My hope is for panoramic roof, updated infotainment and DRL's. I'd also like a tow package (I'll pay for it but 2000lbs, really?!?)
As it stands currently, my personal opinion having test driven all of them is
1. Grand Cherokee (but gets terrible gas mileage)
2. Santa fe sport/cherokee (both nice, smooth, quiet and tech filled)
3. Ford Escape/RDX
4. Nissan Rogue (Great tech and suspension but loud and weak engine)
Keep in mind 2015 will also bring updated Nissan Murano and Ford Edge. Both will have a ton of available tech and nice interiors (Murano looks great from pics although I dunno about all white).
Hopefully Acura steps up their game and brings a competitive offering.
Hello all. I just joined up since I am starting the long and arduous (but nevertheless enjoyable) task of car shopping. The RDX is high on my list right now and hence my presence here.
As a heads up for those mentioning Ford vehicles as considerations, I would offer this... We have a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited and it has spent more time in the shop (and even then has more quality issues outstanding) than my '08 Subaru. I wouldn't expect Acura reliability from Ford (or any of the domestic manufacturers) and forget about dealer customer service (unless you are among the few to have access to an exceptional dealer). Ford has only stood behind our vehicle as far as we have forcibly pushed them since we took delivery. Never a Ford again for us.
On the contrary, my Subie ownership experience has been fantastic. The car hasn't been perfect, but it runs great and everything works on it like it should. The few problems I have had, I was offered an loaner without asking and the issue taken care of quickly and courteously. That is why the Outback is also on my list, lol.
My friend owned a 2004 TL which he loved until it had the dreaded transmission trouble. Other than that and a power window regulator, that car was rock solid. Fast forward to today, he now drives a Ford Edge Sport and it has been a nightmare. The worst part is trying to get alternate transportation for when his Edge is out of commission. He even has an extended warranty the should provide rentals but they are forever trying to dodge that benefit.
I guess what this now horribly long winded post is trying to say is... Get the vehicle you want, but also consider the customer service aspects and benefits that each manufacturer offers. It can make the difference between a tolerable ownership experience and a fantastic one.
It is my hope that the MMC will provide for a full power passenger seat, rear vents, and ventilated front seats (nice but not as important as the other two for me and my family).
As an aside to the ventilated seats, don't make that actively cool, just blow cabin air through them and run the standard heater wires for seat heat. We have cooled/heated seats and they use a peltier device and it is a pain. They cool so-so, which is okay, but they take so long to heat up that your buns do more than the seat heat function.
As for the electronic goo-gaws, as long as they keep some of the buttons on the dash to control things, I'll be happy. Having lived with a capacitive touch panel for A/C and radio controls in conjunction with the MyFord Touch resistive screen, I'll take buttons and knobs any day!
1.) Rear A/C vents.
2.) Jewel Eye LED headlights (a la the TLX and upcoming ILX).
3.) The Earth Dreams 3.5L V6 motor with 6/3 VCM, and NOT the current 6/4/3 VCM.
If those three are in the MMC, then the RDX will be my wife's next vehicle!
Running navigation software (TeleNav) on my iPhone while connected USB to my 2013 RDX... Kind of says it all, no?
That surprises me. I am an Android guy and see most of the companies are syncing up to Apple products ahead of Android products. If they have an updated version of the Nav / Infotainment system in the TLX they should add it to the RDX and ILX with the MMC.
07-21-2014, 07:35 AM
