Great review. Acura hit a home run with this gen of the RDX. Styling is fantastic, inside and out. Performance is perfect for most. Honda reliability is great. Options are simply combined into 3 packages that make it easy to find the one you want on the lot. Terrific value. Just wish it had a touchscreen and full screen nav.
I was in my local Acura dealer today test driving a CPO 2020 example of the RDX. GREAT vehicle and the salesman was extremely knowledgeable. Generally when I spend a week or two researching a car I go in and end up teaching salesman things. But he was clearly an old pro. I’ll definitely be purchasing one this year sometime
It’s no surprise that it’s the best selling suv for the first quarter of 2020 (with the NX trailing right behind the RDX) 2nd to the Lexus RX. Great review! 🙌🏻
I leased a blue A Spec with red/black leather 2 years ago. I get compliments from people all the time on the car. Initially the compliments were a little shocking being in NJ and accustomed to frequent cut-offs and the inappropriate hand gestures. I thought I was being punked at first by the nice comments. Most of the time I love the car. There are issues that test my patience (Frustrating Track pad interface and turbo/transmission delay) I think overall it is a home-run for Acura. They needed to step it up and the RDX appears to be the first of several statement vehicles from Acura. In the spring I'm going to lease the TLX Type S (my kids will have to suffer in the smallish back seat) - not sorry
Tyler excellent excellent vehicle I live in Texas where there are a lot of off road trips and the rdx a spec series is unbelievable fantastic fantastic excellent excellent turbo over my Mercedes Benz glc
Thank you for the night time shots. Truly don’t know why other reviewers don’t show the car at night ESPECIALLY when they have the car for a full week.
Such a great review! Thumbs up...!!! I just bought my RDX A spec 2 weeks ago and loving every moment driving it. Way better than Lexus NX. Thanks Kirk!! Can't wait to watch your future videos!
Yeah. The RDX drives better than the NX. NX is way to small. However, the RDX isn’t that good compare to the RX. I know they are 2 different types but just want to mention about it.
Nice review Kirk. I got the 2020 RDX ASpec (canadian version - has power folding mirrors, heated seats and steering wheel, spare tire, etc). I just looked up the elevation of Nebraska ~2600 ft, 7s 0-60 makes sense given its about a ~6.5s at sea level.
I bought this exact model and color last week. your review is spot on. coming from an infiniti, i wish the acura had the overhead camera when in reverse. Also, car companies need to stop getting rid of radio presets (or making them 5 steps away from use). I like music when i drive. Acura and Lexus have gone the touchpad route and while it's a nice novelty, i prefer the touch screen in the infiniti for access to everything. Aside from that, this car is stylish, powerful, and overall a great ride.
I have this and actually love how they approached the touch pad. Once you realize how it works, it's way more usable while driving, takes less thinking than moving a cursor around. You just touch to relative to where you'd touch the screen, great design. Still sad that even the Advanced package doesn't have the power side mirrors unless you get the Canadian model for some weird reason.
@@KirkKreifels the previous generation had a normal leather back but i guess it always got scratched up so they changed it. personal preference in the end
@@KirkKreifels I definitely wouldn't mind getting more premium for same price. But as soon as that first kick comes, I would wish I didn't pay extra to worry about that premium material. I appreciate your position though.
It was great to hear you say "the road is not grueling". Pot hole after crater pot hole and endless road construction, I believe I speak for many of your viewers wishing all roads were not grueling. Maybe it's me, but my conspiracy theory is that the road construction contractors and state and local government are waiting for a miracle.
Thank you for another excellent review. You are knowledgeable and informative on the topics you present and I appreciate your honesty and profesionalism. Personally, I'm a fan of Lexus/Toyota and am looking forward to a grill redesign and updates on their vehicles. Thanks again and keep up the excellent work.
Thank you for your excellent review. Love it that you took the time to show us how the transmission behaves under different loads. I am considering this car. as for the 2022 A-spec models, they have folding mirrors, heated mirrors are available but I assume is an option?. I am glad there is no chrome on the wheels, I think long term the matte finish on the wheels is a better option. Heated s- wheel is nice again I believe is an option in the 2022. I am very concern about the maintenance of the turbo. turbos are known to cause a lot of overheating and they breakdown engine components prematurely. I own a MDX 2011 with 110K miles with 3.7 V6 and 300HP- so going from my current to a 4 cylinder turbo is not what I want but it seems that car manufacturers are pushing turbos in all cars now a days. I am questioning long term reliability? how many miles a month do you drive? I can easily do a 1000 miles a month or more.
So this A-spec has a Sport+ mode but the TLX A-spec only has a Sport mode. Confusing Acura smh. Great review and I agree with everything. Not a chrome fan, not even on rims.
Pano-sunroof is standard and the roof rattles are free. 10 speed tranny shifts A-LOT from (0 - 30 mph in city traffic). It's easy to get tired of the rattles, shifts, fake engine noise, fondness for limp mode and poor gas milage...And then there is resale/depreciation which is terrible due to problems since 2019...this coming from a Honda owner and fan-boy since 1990.
Love the looks.. lacks the features I like (360 camera, heated steering wheels, etc). I dont like the wheel option on the higher trims (Advance or Elite here in Canada).
I've test drove it twice ..its fun to drive. I'm going to order one ...after 5 Accords the interior layout is familiar to Honda products. Currently drive an 18 Accord 2.0 touring, is the motor the same ?
Great ride! I wish it had HUD and power folding/auto dimming sideview mirrors. You can get a heated steering wheel as an option, at least. Would be nice to have a Type-S RDX.
Great review of the RDX! I have a 2019 RDX Advance pkg. I chose that trim for the active dampeners that collates with each ride setting, also for the reverse camera washer! lol Not too sure if the A-Spec has those options on it. Oh and, while in sport+ wasn’t sure if you switched from D to S mode. That makes a difference in acceleration response as well. But still a very informative and awesome review 👍🏻
I love this vehicle but I pause at the people complaining about the transmission. I mean is it worse than a CVT? Is it really that bad or are the reviewer so jaded because they get to drive other vehicles that are closer to perfection and this seems like a step down? Thanks for the great content as always
Yeah, ever since the third gen MDX came out in 2013, they started botching the plastic in their vehicles. I was actually shocked beyond belief when I first sat in a 2014 MDX back in 2013. Completely detached from otherwise great materials in the cabin.
Good review with insight. I love the way this SUV looks more than just about any other similar size out there except maybe the Alpha Romeo and the ELS stereo is a big draw. If I can get past the learning curve on the infotainment pad, it's a winner.
I have an '18 TLX 2.4L and it's getting a recall done at the dealer so they loaned me a 2021 RDX A-Spec just like this one and wow it's fast compared to my TLX which of course isn't turbo or V6 but this RDX is so fun to drive especially in Sport+ and with the paddle shifters. I did top it out at 116MPH which I thought was weak, it has a governor at 116MPH, what!!! I haven't gone over 110MPH in my TLX so I'm curious if it has the governor as well.
Funny you mentioned you wish it has power folding mirrior and heated steering wheel ... the Canadian model has both on A-spec ... just buy one from Canada, and it's cheaper :)
@@sprayeddog You are right, my bad. That is even better then. I'm considering bying a used 2019+ RDX A-Spec in the near futur. Heated steering wheel will be nice during winters here in Quebec. How is your satisfaction so far with your RDX?
Not to familiar with Acura since we don't get them, but they more sporty orientated compare to Lexus I'm guessing it's one step behind Lexus in luxury comforts and quality. So more in the likes like how BMW is when compared to Mercedes
It's the RDX critics' fault that Acura shrunk the front emblem and put a plastic shield on the 2021 TLX. These critics should have gotten used to the "dinner plate sized" emblem, especially if Mercedes gets away with it. For those that criticized the TLX for putting a plastic shield on the front instead of enlarging the emblem, I agree that the plastic shield looks ugly, but dont' blame Acura because Acura previously did enlarge the emblem to accomodate the emblem. Blame the RDX critics that bitched about the "dinner plate" on the front grille of the RDX.
agreed, it's the same people that complained about the large emblem that are now complaining about the small emblem on a the radar plate. Acura just can't make everyone happy.
I just bought an A-Spec. I don't know why they don't offer the heated steering wheel or HUD on the A-Spec. Same with heated rear seats. But those are features I can live without.
TD this. It is indeed a great SUV. The wife settled on a ILX A-Spec blue and red. Looks good but honestly when i drive it i get angry. The car is in a middle ground of not having enough power to do what you want, and then its to quick and spritely to drive slow, the chassis can handle so much more power and you want that but dont get it so your left being angry! LOL Should have bought a Civic Type R and ripped that stupid spoiler off. Just saying...
I bought this identical vehicle last month I did a lot of research this rdx is 10000 times better than my Mercedes Benz glc I suggest look no further and get down to your acura dealership immediately and get into this rdx immediately you will never ever ever be disappointed in your decision enjoy this super wonderful wonderful vehicle and ride ride ride
@@benlisi2540 yes it is Ben hands down less expensive Maintance also a high performance suv very very well made I get a lot of comments on my rdx a spec
chrome badges can be replaced with black chrome badges. I think its an option, but not an option that my 2019 had installed when I bought it new, so I had to install them after the fact
I just bought a 21 A~ spec in white ..love it but I really hate it didn’t have folding mirrors that’s big for me. I should’ve asked but I just assumed it would’ve had it 😩😩
I’m looking to finally get out of my 2017 GTI, which I love because it’s just such a blast, but it’s also always such a vehicle to worry about as its aged (67k). I’ve had several things go wrong and I’m over it. Thanks for the review. Is the 2021 that much different than the 2019 and the 2020?
@@KirkKreifels Can report the 2019 Android Auto and Apple Carplay work great. If they ever bring power side mirrors, that will get me to upgrade. Otherwise so far they've all been super minor upgrades since the 19.
I'd MUCH rather have the A-Spec RDX than say the Jag F-Pace, BMW X3, Range Rover EVOQ or Alfa Romeo SUV. First because of the RDX's high quality and next for its rear wheel steering handling and AWD transfer of power where needed. But instead I have a very nice candy apple red MAZDA CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve (next to the top Signature model) and really enjoy driving it. Plus it still has a bit better styling than the RDX - IMHO. BTW, my GT Reserve does have auto folding rear view mirrors and heated steering wheel, mirrors and wipers AND cooled front seats.
Guys this in not so quick as a quick shift transmission with dual clutch technology. It’s still hydro transformator but it is one of the most reliable transmission
how come there is never crash test results mentioned and the technical aspect explained, because the appearance is secondary to the safety of a vehicle. I know the MDX is an amazing car for shock absorbers and the electro magnetic shocks are amazing and give a quicker response. That should be the focus, surviving a crash and being able to react in time, Anything else is irrelevant compared to what i mentioned.
