2018 Technology vs 2019 base
 

All, I have always wanted an Acura and getting ready to take the plunge. For just about the same money I can purchase the following new vehicles at the same dealer 1) 2018 RDX with the technology package 2) 2019 RDX base i like them both. Any input would be appreciated.

2019 and wouldn't even give it a second thought. The 2019's have a MUCH better AWD system (if you're getting AWD), look way better, have better quality, much more modern interior and exterior, drive better....literally does everything better except mayhe the 2018 had a super squishy ride. I vote again 2019.

2019 period.

My wife has the 2013 Tech AWD. The base SH-AWD is a night and day improvement in almost every way. yes th 2018 is newer, but not even close to the 2019.

Facts! Period!

Let me present a different perspective:

I had the opportunity to buy a 2019 RDX and went with a 2nd Generation. I test drove them both, back to back, and it was clear that the 2G shifted smoother. I also prefer the V6 engine vs. 4-cylinder with piped in fake sound that you can't turn off.

During my test drive, the infotainment issues were numerous and obvious, and the harsh shifting was really tough to get over.

We know that the 2nd Generation is extremely reliable, and many have been on the road for over 200k miles. There is no such information available yet for the 3rd Generation.

Have you read the types of complaints people are having? Between the limp mode issue (I would not let my wife drive a vehicle that has this issue), problems with harsh shifting, and the infotainment mess, it is easy to see that this new vehicle still has a lot of bugs to work out before it is really ready for public consumption. Also, future resale value for the first year of a new model that has a lot of problems is always questionable (no one can predict this, until more time passes). Issues like navigation may be fixed over time, and maybe not - but the 2G offers multiple routes, ability to save destinations, and zoom already (something 3G hopes to be able to offer down the line - no promises). The list of issues continues...

You should also be able to get the 2G at roughly 25-30% off MSRP, at this point. That is a huge value proposition.

Food for thought - as there are benefits to going with both options.

They are two different beasts. It should be obvious upon a couple test drives which one you like better. A 2018 model should be really cheap at this point.

Are you looking at FWD or AWD models?

For the same price? 2019 would be my choice. I would expect the 2018 to have very deep discounts at this point.

18's are still on the lot? Really?

You'd be surprised. A friend bought a 2017 Tucson in like august of 2018. It happens.

Deep discounts, I'd expect...


I'd still love to have a 2018 RDX Advanced in blue, that J35 makes such a nice sound!

Got a decent deal but not as good as I would have wanted. Kind of wish she would have shopped around but she wanted the car in one day 🙄🙄🙄

Yup my 2012 TL has the SH-AWD, has saved my life twice this year alone in the snow.

Wife has the Slip grip crap that is in the second gen. Should have done more research before I purchased before, but i know better now.

Thanks for everyone's input. Tough decision but I wound up with a 2019 RDX. I test drove the 2018 RDX with technology at a local dealer (only 1 in stock) and later drove the 2019 at a different location. I liked some things better about the 2018 which had slightly higher price but liked the 2019 a little better. Got what I thought was a good quote from a dealer on the far side of town on the 2019 base. The next day visited the dealer close to my work and asked them if they could match price and color options. They said they could but come to find out they had the white exterior but not the ebony interior. They offered me a white 2019 SH-AWD for the same price as the base model but this one had a lighter color interior. This is the one we got. I live in Florida but do occasional go to the Midwest so this might come in handy, Did not get the added extended warranty, I will need to think on that but they really pushed it. I have just went with factory warranty on all past vehicle purchases.

Agreed. In southern California, 2018 tech are about $5-10k less expensive than 2019 base (after negotiation).

That being said - as much of a fan of the 2G as I am, if they are at the same price, I would also have made the same choice to go with the 2019.

this is funny an accurate ha ha

Congratulations! :woot: You got a WDP/Biege 2019 SH-AWD... Does it have navi, I'm assuming not, but it still sounds so nice! Please post pics!!! WDP is my favorite Acura color although, Performance Red and Apex Blue look totally awesome on the 3G RDX!

Bahahahaha.. Stop it! The whining on this forum is on another level.. I have to agree!

OP, we had a 2016 Gen 2 for 45k miles of ownership and Gen 3 for 3k miles of ownership so far. Gen 2 was solid and a great vehicle, but Gen 3 just has that extra awesome sauce :), so I would say Gen 3 all the way!

Totally agree!!! :thumbsup: I've been active on many, many on-line forums going back to the mid '90's and none of them came close to the ratio of 'whiners' that infest this place. Best thing is just ignore them (hard to to sometimes) and let their own posts demonstrate their level of intelligence and maturity - or lack thereof.