AcuraGuy2016

The 2019 Acura RDX looks promising with the newer tech, SH-AWD, and 10-speed transmission.

I was thinking of going with SH-AWD Tech. The only feature I really want in the Advance over the Tech is the remote start, which can be added (that really should be standard in Tech as it is in Hondas) and possibly the stereo.

But, the Advance is priced so much higher than the Tech vs the Advance Tech price delta for 2018s. For 2016-2018 the Advance was a great value for the money over the Tech, but not with the 2019s

How does the 2019 Tech ELS stereo compare to the outgoing 2018 ELS? I really liked the ELS in the 2nd gen and don't want to downgrade. If its at least as good its good enough.

I really don't want to pay $5k more for the Advanced. The A-Spec looks OK, but don't like the seats and lack of spare tire.

Is the Advanced really worth it? For the same real world pricing, I can get a well equipped Audi Q5

Curious3GTL

Actually remote start is standard through Acuralink on all models. What costs extra is to get the bottom on your keyfob, which is sold as a $400 accessory.

If the only thing you want in the Advanced over the Tech is the stereo I'd say it's most likely not worth it. While I haven't sat in the current RDX, the ELS stereo has been great and I can't imagine this generation is any different.

Sounds like to me you'll be happiest with the Tech, but I'd suggest if you're serious spend some long test drive in both models and see what you like the best.

idgystinks

I had the same argument with base vs tech and in that case for $3000 you get a lot. For the $5000 not so much. Vent seats is all I wanted.

Anyhow, If an advance is selling for $48k, you are spot on that you can get a $54-55k X3 or Q5 for that money if you have a few of the rebate markers-loyalty, military conquest etc.

Not sure I like the wood. It is high quality just not sure.

AcuraGuy2016

Exactly. The Tech is totally worth it over the Base, and the SH-AWD is worth it, but I'm struggling to see the value in $5k for the Advance.

I don't need fancy wood or true luxury, I just want a smaller SUV nicer and more premium than a mainstream model but still a good value. I would have bought a 2018 if the Tech weren't so outdated.

The ELS stereo was the best I've heard. I want to make sure the 2019 Tech ELS stereo is at least on par with the 2018 ELS stereo.

catbert430

I've never heard the ELS in the 2018 RDX but, to my untrained ear, the ELS in my 2019 Tech sounds considerably better than the version that was in my TLX.

We've been discussing the differences in a thread in the Electronics sub-forum.
The Tech has 550 watt power with 12 speakers.
The A-Spec and Advance have 710 watt power and 16 speakers (addition of 2 roof speakers for the rear seat and 2 midrange speakers back in the D-pillar).

There are also a couple of other threads on the value of the Advance package.

techsteveo360

mattski

For me, Technology package is the better value, but I really, really want the 16-way, ventilated seats on the Advance. Most of the stuff on the Advance trim I can live without. I would get A-Spec for the upgraded seats alone, but don't like interior, and the red instrument lightning is non-starter because I have red-green color deficiency.
So, summary of major +/- for these two trims IMHO

Technology
+ Wheels (so much better)
+ Price
- Seats

Advance
+ Seats
+ Acoustic Side Glass
- Wheels
- Adaptive dampers (not bad, but not needed)
- Price

AcuraGuy2016

I really really, REALLY want key fob based remote start, with the sensors installed at the factory. This feature is critical to me, since I live in a location with unbearably hot summers.

My 2016 Honda Accord includes this feature. Current Honda CRV and Accord EX and up trims include this as standard! So do other Hondas and Advance trims of TLX, MDX, and RLX. I think MDX Tech and up trims include, which is the way it should be.

Regardless of the money, I do not want to fumble using an app requiring one hand to hold the phone and another to use the app, while I still need to use the key fob, and I most certainly don't want a dealer ripping apart a brand new nearly $50k car, potentially causing rattles and poor fit.

This is a tech feature. Dear Acura: raise prices $200-300 and include in all Tech trims and above. It ia foolish to not include this!!

Exremely disappointed!! Please write Acura.

quantum7

yesterday on my test drive the salesperson even said that the 3D with 16 speakers was really only noticeable in the rear seats.

Stew4HD

The seats and HUD are things that made the Advance a must have.. spoiled having the Navdy HUD

guytdt

DWG

I tend to agree with people who say the tech package is the best value. That being said, if I buy I will likely go advance for the features you both mention as well as the acoustic glass and heated rear seats. It's an expensive step up, maybe even overpriced, but if I'm going to be driving the car for many years I want it to have those features.

romer

I just went with the Advance SH-AWD. Too many niceties to pass on it. Tech is a great car for sure. But I had (still have--new RDX isn't here yet) a 2016 Advance AWD. I like the extras.

DWG

Congratulations on the new car you don't have just yet. Were you able to get any discount? I am thinking of waiting a couple of months but I'm not not sure I will.

romer

$1,000 loyalty discount. But an excellent trade, so things come out in the wash as it were. Gunmetal Metallic.

DWG

Thank you for sharing, I'm glad it worked out for you. I won't get a loyalty discount and won't have a trade so it's a tough purchase environment for me at the moment.

burn1010

Just read on edmunds's review that the Advance has thicker carpeting in addition to the acoustic glass to help keep noise down. Lots of little details that are pushing me towards advance...

https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/fir...rst-drive.html

Dave48103

DWG

I will do that, thanks for the suggestion.