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This comparison is very subjective, except a few features.
He doesn't drive the car, so he has no clue about the handling and power. Regardless of the points, RDX is a much better product (value and $) than QX50. That being said, the QX50 does not seem a bad vehicle but won't be able to compete with RDX.
Overall, nice video.
I would love to see a head to head NX vs. RDX vs. QX50!!!
I'm seriously considering a '19 Advance in Modern Steel/Graystone but those wheels.........ugh
Definitely need 20" wheels and idgystinks is right. They definitely want you to buy the upgraded wheels. Here is the Modern Steel with the Diamond Cut wheels for an additional $3200+
I'm probably going to get aftermarket wheels once they confirm the sizing and offsets.
We drove a new $47,800 Acura RDX to see if the crossover SUV lives up to its impressive reputation — here's the verdict
So what's the verdict?
I'd buy one. Seriously, I enjoyed the RDX immensely in the week that I drove it around the Jersey 'burbs and the mean streets of New York City. But I tend to respond quote favorably to Acuras. For whatever reason, I think they combine a high level of luxury and value with legendary reliability and fun motoring that isn't too demanding.If you just love to drive, something from BMW, Mercedes, or Audi might be more your bag. If you want absolutely bulletproof luxury, then look to Lexus (and be a bit less stimulated by exceptional engineering). If beauty is a must, turn to the Jaguar F-Pace.But if you desire an excellent premium crossover SUV that will carry a family of four around in style, you'll be hard-pressed to do better than the new RDX.With my colleague Ben, I agree that the new infotainment system is a work in progress. But it's a big improvement over the previous generation and a step in the right direction.Acura has a way of being all things to all people, without causing that benefit to render its cars bland. Anybody who prefers to go Sport-Plus mode on the Dynamic selector will find that their luxury SUV can delivery more than a splash of snarl and attitude. (And maybe too much, as both Ben and I detected some harshness in the transmission's friskier shifts.)The steering isn't mushy, and neither are the brakes. The torque-vectoring through the AWD drive system made the RDX feel genuinely sure-footed and composed when cornering, and the engine isn't cranking so much power that you feel you have to lay off in the curves, to avoid losing control.Of course, where Acura truly shines is in the quality-to-price ratio. It's hard to obtain a better compact luxury SUV for this kind of scratch. Comparable German brands go for thousands more, similarly equipped. You're buying Acura's commitment to fine engineering and reliability, with just enough zip thrown in to remind you that you aren't driving a Lexus.Bottom line: the 2019 Acura RDX is a purchase I can recommend you consider — without hesitation.
Thanks. Can't take much from this review. They compared the price of the Advance to the base price of all of the competitor models, for some reason -- except that they got the base price for the Q5 Prestige and the Range Rover Velar models very, very wrong. Perhaps others too -- those just stuck out to me. Makes me take everything else he says with several grains of salt, even if the review is mostly positive.
Thanks. Can't take much from this review. They compared the price of the Advance to the base price of all of the competitor models, for some reason -- except that they got the base price for the Q5 Prestige and the Range Rover Velar models very, very wrong. Perhaps others too -- those just stuck out to me. Makes me take everything else he says with several grains of salt, even if the review is mostly positive.
Wow! Thanks for giving feedback. I should have screened it better...you’d think an article from the auto center of the US would have been more accurate.
I agree the center display is kind of wasted on the RDX. I really wish they had a digital tach in he center.
More importantly than where things are located...how’s it performing ( New Precision Cockpit).
There’s a thread where some issues have been discovered in using a usb for music in the new technology. I’m hoping that now that the RDX is in the hands of “real users”, the engineers at Acura are watching, listening and making adjustments. Not only on the center display, but the technology as well.
For those of you who have purchased newly redesigned vehicles in the past...do they make modifications as the issues become known, or wait til the next years model come out? Since I’m hoping to put one of these in my garage in the next year... would love to hear your feedback. Thanks!
Last edited by TxLady; 06-27-2018 at 05:58 PM.
Reason: To address the previous post
My thanks to all of you “brave” Acura “beta-testers”. I would never touch a first year re-design car but I’m glad some others did. Engineers and stylists and marketing groups are good at what they do mostly but until the car is out there and thousands of miles are on the odometer and thousands of drivers have used it in REAL WORLD a first year re-design is, in my opinion, still a test vehicle. Once again thanks to all of the new “beta testers”.
For those of you who have purchased newly redesigned vehicles in the past...do they make modifications as the issues become known, or wait til the next years model come out? Since I’m hoping to put one of these in my garage in the next year... would love to hear your feedback. Thanks!
For better or worse, I was a "beta tester" for 2016 Honda Pilot Touring, and now for 2019 RDX Advance. Mostly because I just couldn't wait to be out of my previous rides, in both cases.
They never got the 9-speed Pilot transmission ironed out to my satisfaction, although there was an update to the control software for the transmission. There was also a recall on the AT related to an improperly manufactured ATF cooler. That was mostly avoided for 2017 ( I think there was one 2017 Pilot affected... no joke ).
Honda did release software updates to address bugs in the infotainment system and dashboard gauges for 2016 Pilot. They got a nudge from NHTSA because one of the bugs delayed display of warning messages, so maybe that helped speed things along. Those updates required a trip to the dealer.
Acura claims to have built in a more robust over-the-air update mechanism for the current infotainment system, but I'll believe it when I see it.
But I guess I'm less strung out about software glitches than mechanical issues, and I'm happy to report I haven't detected any drivability problems with 2019 RDX. With the smartphone update cycle driving consumer expectations, I don't think car companies will be able to get away with the "you bought it, now live with it" attitude toward infotainment software issues anymore. Mechanicals are another matter, but with computerized control of darn near every mechanical system in a modern car, I'm not quite sure how to think about that.
I wonder what kind of discounts are being offered (or will soon be offered) for those. I imagine Acura will need to subsidize remaining 2018 inventory heavily.
Thanks for posting this. I wonder if Alex purchased this or if Acura sent this model, because if its the latter, it looks to me like Acura consistently does whatever it can to NOT show off the default Advance wheels. In this video, Alex has a model with the black accessory wheels. If they aren't willing to show those wheels off, why did they put them on a $47k vehicle, smh.
Alex loves the RDX, especially for value. He loves the X3 and Volvo more but makes the point over and over that you would have to pay a whole lot more. Acura has got to be happy with their product.
Thanks for posting this. I wonder if Alex purchased this or if Acura sent this model, because if its the latter, it looks to me like Acura consistently does whatever it can to NOT show off the default Advance wheels. In this video, Alex has a model with the black accessory wheels. If they aren't willing to show those wheels off, why did they put them on a $47k vehicle, smh.
He confirms in the comments that this was a press fleet vehicle, so my comment stands. He claims Acura was deciding between making the black wheels factory options or dealer options, and decided on the latter. Either way, not eager to show off their default choice.
He confirms in the comments that this was a press fleet vehicle, so my comment stands. He claims Acura was deciding between making the black wheels factory options or dealer options, and decided on the latter. Either way, not eager to show off their default choice.
Right, cause the marketing team didn’t decide on the wheels, probably the product team did. In the case, marketing team agrees with us.
Alex loves the RDX, especially for value. He loves the X3 and Volvo more but makes the point over and over that you would have to pay a whole lot more. Acura has got to be happy with their product.
I pretty much have to agree with him. Having test driven all but 1 of the those and when you match up what you get with what you pay the RDX is pretty much a no-brainer decision. If you're looking at 1 specific area that may not be the case but as a total package it's my first choice. And, IMO, when it comes to interior and exterior styling it's a clear winner - especially the front end, really like the new design.
yeah, similar experiences to mine. I really enjoyed my most recent test drive. Loved everything about how it drove and the back has a ton of room for my bike and for car camping.
How many times we hear abour Acura's weak handlnig in power off or neutral driving? I hope they figure out something for Type S models because those models will be more front heavy. Alex mentions the same with A5 and thinks it handles better (not in absolute performane numbers) compared to S5 due to less weight up front.
Just a consequence of FWD vs SH-AWD....and that most Acura drivers are using as a daily driver for commute. That is the beauty of SH-AWD....you need to push it at the right time to really feel the difference....unless Acura goes RWD which is never going to happen.
I am just happy that Acura seems to be on the road back to what made them great. Very excited to see the Type S return (hopefully soon).
Just a consequence of FWD vs SH-AWD....and that most Acura drivers are using as a daily driver for commute. That is the beauty of SH-AWD....you need to push it at the right time to really feel the difference....unless Acura goes RWD which is never going to happen.
I am just happy that Acura seems to be on the road back to what made them great. Very excited to see the Type S return (hopefully soon).
I am just saying that RDX Type S model will be competing with 340xi, GLC43 etc and it would need more than just hp/torque bump to be considered as an alternative.
I am just saying that RDX Type S model will be competing with 340xi, GLC43 etc and it would need more than just hp/torque bump to be considered as an alternative.
In general, Type S models from Acura will be competing in a different segment and only hp/torque bump will not be sufficient. Even with 60% power going to rear and longitudinal engine layouts, Audi's performance models still get the negative comments (relative to RWD models) about their handling and driving dynamics.
I am just saying that RDX Type S model will be competing with 340xi, GLC43 etc and it would need more than just hp/torque bump to be considered as an alternative.
This is from Acura press release - " During its redesign for 2019, RDX engineers moved the center of gravity 3.1 inches rearward. This resulted in an improved front/rear weight distribution of 57/43-percent compared to the previous generation RDX's 60/40-percent front/rear weight distribution for AWD variants. The improvement helps the RDX dynamically in virtually all driving conditions, especially during spirited cornering and emergency avoidance maneuvers. " So they also accept that better FR weight distribution is important. If they just add heavier engine to the front for Type S, they will lose some of this advantage.
In pikes peak models, they tweaked software for more rear wheel bias while using same SHAWD hardware. I hope they use that for Type S models.
Acura’s New True Touchpad Interface Provides the Least Frustrating Infotainment Experience on the Road
July 6, 2018 Cars By Eric Adams Photo by Acura, Eric Adams
The new Acura RDX crossover has a lot going on: crisp styling, brisk performance that turns surprisingly intense in sport mode, and a revised Super Handling All Wheel Drive system, with 100-percent torque vectoring in the rear, that will make you wish you could take a crack at the old unpaved version of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. It’s an admirable rebirth of the nimble little ride and loads of fun.
But the RDX’s most vital achievement isn’t in comfort, driving dynamics or outward appearance. Rather, it’s in a square little pad right at your fingertips. The new True Touchpad user interface is probably the first infotainment control mechanism that didn’t make me want to bash my head on the steering wheel in frustration. But more broadly, it’s the first that got the touchpad idea really right. Though there’s a learning curve, after many hours of use while driving the car around Whistler, British Columbia, using it became seamless and intuitive — and refreshingly brisk.
The system deploys an industry-first use of a touchpad technique called “absolute positioning.” In most touchpad systems, you steer a cursor around the main display by dragging your finger across the touchpad, which is usually mounted in the center console in front of the armrests or tucked in next to cupholders. It’s essentially a remote control. That’s true, as well, with the True Touchpad setup, but instead of having to place your finger on the pad to “wake up” the cursor and then steer it around to whatever tile or icon or tab you want to hit — a process that tends to draw your eyes away from the road longer than it should — the cursor materializes in a spot that corresponds precisely to where your finger lands on the pad. In short, the small blank pad replicates the screen, and if your finger lands on the center of the pad, the cursor shows up in the center of the screen.
The result is that, once your brain and fingers internalize the pad’s position and dimensions, you instinctively learn to aim your finger right at the function on the screen you wish to activate, without even looking. So you eyeball the 10.2-inch HD display, see the buttons for navigation, entertainment, calls, etc., and then just tap away as if you’re tapping the screen itself. But you’re not, see?The new True Touchpad user interface is probably the first infotainment control mechanism that didn’t make me want to bash my head on the steering wheel in frustration.True, you kind of have to experience it yourself. But while Acura states that the system is immediately intuitive, that’s not necessarily true, especially if you’ve grown accustomed to conventional touchpad interfaces. The absolute positioning thing takes some getting used to, as do the “swiping” movements you can use to quickly flick between screens or functions. But other things — like the crazy-good character recognition that allows you to quickly enter addresses in the navigation system and the natural-language voice recognition — are spot-on. Regardless, the learning curve ends quickly. Messing around with the system in a dealership will give you the gist, but actually taking it on the road is where the magic happens. Everything is quite literally at your fingertips. In fact, the touchpad is even gently parabolic, so your finger is naturally in steady contact with it. Your hand barely has to move at all.
The organization of all the actual stuff in the display is also greatly improved in the new system. The pad includes 2 zones that match 2 separate zones on the display, and you’re able to quickly swap them. (If, for instance, you want to sling the navigation screen to prominence for a moment and then bring the entertainment screen back once you’ve gotten your bearings with the map.) The system offers a mind-boggling degree of customizability, allowing owners to program the information present in both the main display and the smaller instrument cluster display — though people who are easily overwhelmed by tons of options might give up immediately. If you stick with it, though, as owners likely will, you can have this infotainment system dialed in just as you like it, with hand-in-glove precision.
Once I did that and took it out on the road, it became clear that this is easily the most finely-tuned and tunable interface on the road. True, it has its own unique logic and its own quirks, but at the end of the day, no other system really comes close.
06-07-2018, 08:55 AM
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The result is that, once your brain and fingers internalize the pad’s position and dimensions, you instinctively learn to aim your finger right at the function on the screen you wish to activate, without even looking. So you eyeball the 10.2-inch HD display, see the buttons for navigation, entertainment, calls, etc., and then just tap away as if you’re tapping the screen itself. But you’re not, see?The new True Touchpad user interface is probably the first infotainment control mechanism that didn’t make me want to bash my head on the steering wheel in frustration.True, you kind of have to experience it yourself. But while Acura states that the system is immediately intuitive, that’s not necessarily true, especially if you’ve grown accustomed to conventional touchpad interfaces. The absolute positioning thing takes some getting used to, as do the “swiping” movements you can use to quickly flick between screens or functions. But other things — like the crazy-good character recognition that allows you to quickly enter addresses in the navigation system and the natural-language voice recognition — are spot-on. Regardless, the learning curve ends quickly. Messing around with the system in a dealership will give you the gist, but actually taking it on the road is where the magic happens. Everything is quite literally at your fingertips. In fact, the touchpad is even gently parabolic, so your finger is naturally in steady contact with it. Your hand barely has to move at all.
