The True Touchpad Interface is easy to use...so long as you understand how to use it. If you’re trying to select an icon on the bottom left, you tap the bottom left of the pad. Need something on the top right? Tap the top right. The Lexus system was designed to be more like a trackpad on a laptop with a cursor. The True Touchpad eliminates the need for a cursor, which makes it a lot easier to use.
Once you get it, it makes perfect sense. But first you gotta understand how it works. It's not a mousepad but imagine the touchscreen on that pad and it's easy
@@star999nine yeah I found that pretty frustrating as well, since I pretty much always have it in carplay anyways. Nicely enough I only get it when my mom needs my car instead of her RDX so I can manage. Definitely valid criticism if you're driving it every day.
I really like this idea of occasionally going back and comparing newer cars with their predecessors. It gives a great opportunity to see how things have progressed or regressed.
Haven't heard anything from Accord yet been in there for a couple years I believe. If I recall the Type R (older one) had it i could be completely wrong though.
@@J-W.- I think a turbo engine reliability can only be gauged after 4-5 years on the market, at the least. Honda/Acura owners who buy and not lease tend to keep thier cars for many many years, so we will have to wait and see if this 2.0T can actually be at the same level as the V6 in long term ownership.
Neighbors has already hit 220k on there 2018 accord 2.0t touring only normal maintenance hasn't had any issues. Honestly turbos aren't like they use to be and internals of the engine are stronger then a 3.5 even though it's still a great engine today. Now the 1.5 turbo long term I stay away from it's very cheaply made motor.
@Snake Plissken Agreed. Also with a high mileage highway turbo vehicle, any minor oil dilution issues would be taken care of on its own - but in a stop and go driving environment, even minor oil dilution would be a concerning issue for the turbo's longevity.
3rd gen RDX is nice for everyday drivers. 2nd gen is a drivers car. NA, high end vtech hp, you can feel the power, hear the power. If you take care of your 2nd gen. it ages well and doesn't feel over a decade old.
3.5 Liter engine for me. There's no comparison between the two. If you love the effortless and serenety performance of a bigger displacement engine then second generation wins hands down.
Great review. The new RDX is one of my favorite. Honestly, I don't know why you're saying the infotainment is so hard to use. The Lexus pad was horrible because you kind of have to find the mouse and keep scrolling till you find the option you would like to select, but the Acura pad is nothing like that. Wherever you touch on the pad, that's where you select the option on the screen. I have test driven and used both and the RDX is an amazing car and super fast!
WOW.. so many reviewers make such a big fuss about the touch pad, after driving one for like 2 days it was a piece of cake to use and you don't have to take your eyes off the road to see where your touching on the screen, I prefer the touch pad and all you have to is lower the sensitivity
I have a 2018 Honda Accord with same 2.0 turbo and it has never been even close to overheating. The turbo and transmission are flawless. The new RDX will last a very long time.
You shouldn't be complaining about the big Acura badge. The complaints about that detail is why Acura shrunk the badge and put a cheap shield over it on the 2021 TLX
I find the touchpad super easy to use, its a one to one positioning system. Where you touch on the touchpad is the same spot on the screen, just a tip. You're welcome lol
I found the infotainment quiet easy to use after few days. Speaking of style and features there’s no comparison period. If you can’t afford the new one or just need a car then definitely go for the old one you’ll save a lot of money.
I actually own a 2015 RDX and the 2021 RDX... both with tech pack!!! I love both of them!!! I am enjoying learning the newer model, but probably won't use many of the features of the 2021 that my husband totally enjoys!!! If you are considering buying a RDX, just do it... you will love it!!
I just traded in my 2015 base Rdx for 2021 aspec I think the old one is more smooth but the new one is so much better and more technologies and sporty anyway I agreed they’re both good vehicles
@@iaviscorso2566I have a 2013 rdx. I do mostly city driving and get about 20-22 mpg in the city. When I do more freeway driving, I definitely average higher. It would be a great commuter car for gas if you’re driving on the highways/freeways a lot. But I really love driving mine anywhere, especially with sport mode. Super fast, so much get-up-and-go, roomy inside, and an excellent sound system!
💡a simple 3.5L V6 Honda engine will last a lot longer then the 2.0L 4 cyl turbo engine . the fuel economy savings are not worth future maintenance and repairs = stuff automotive journalist's will never tell you
I 1000 percent agree! We had a bmw x1 for a while , it hit 67k and modules died that were connected to these super high compression turbo and in turn injectors systems and they literally called in a 25 year service tech from across the country after 3 weeks of changing parts, to fix the issue. And let me tell you when we left they were not completely sure it was fixed and I would occasionally run the codes and it almost ALWAYS popped a compression issue code and a ignition misfire code. I only barely could perceive it but we just traded it in for a 2015 lexus gs350 fsport and have in about 2 years put 20k miles on that 3.5 liter na motor and its needed an oil change or 2, and we bought it with the same 35k certified prepqmed miles as the bmw x1 and we have had no issues at all. In fact our god parents just turned in a 11 year old rx330 with rhe same engine as rhe gs350, with 360k on the clock and only have having one water pump changed at 285k same radiator and that water pump barely leaked, they were never left stranded and it never overheated! No turbos! (For daily driven cars,just for toys) lol
Not true my 2008 RDX with the K23 turbo has 190000 miles on it and still running strong. The key is maintenance. Even the J35 can die if people don't do their 105k service,replace its timing belt, and other stuff.
Why do Automatically assume there more maintenance or will not last as long there are many people with well over 200k still never had a issue just normal maintenance like a 3.5 engine. Old turbo were built like today's. These are meant to last the actual life of the engine. Believe I love 3.0 and 3.5 v6 honda engines.
My 2013 RDX Tech Package has the best car stereo system I’ve ever heard, especially when playing DVD-Audio discs in surround sound. HDD music hard drive is ok, too. The downside to the 2013-2016 generation RDX is no Honda/Acura safety suite. That package was introduced on the 2017 update. The upside is maintenance expense has been regular oil changes and fluids and brake shoes, and very little else, in 65,000 miles. It still looks and drives like new.
Not crazy about the proliferation of turbo engines; much rather stick with a non-turbo engine especially one that's as supremely reliable as the engine in the old Acura.
Turbo is already proven by Civic 2.0 liter turbo Type R and Accord 2.0 Turbo for reliability and endurance, consumes less fuel, fast acceleration, smoother launch along with its hybrid built-in electric motor in ICE
Wife picked up a 2020 Advance SHAWD. She had a V6 6spd Accord Coupe and wanted to move to a crossover. She was eyeballing the Highlander and I asked her if she was aware of the RDX. She went down the rabbit hole and we ended up testing a model with the tech package and one with the Advance package. The Advance package is the way to go - its a shame they don't offer the A-Spec with the options the Advance package brings to the table. The acoustic glass, cooled seats, the HUD, and the adjustable shocks are really game changers compared to the tech/A-spec package.
I absolutely love my 14 AWD Tech. it really is an amazing vehicle. ride quality, features ( for someone who doesn't like all the fancy new tech ), the damn near bullet proof 3.5 with the just as reliable 6spd auto. gets down the interstate at 80mph all while getting 25 to 28mpg thanks to the VCM, could not ask for a better AWD system...kept me from getting stuck in the sand at the beach last weekend. I do wish it had Android Auto, only flaw. not really big into the 3rd gen, mainly because of the price point. you can get a one or two owner 2nd gen pre-facelift like in this video right now for less than $20k with less than 120k miles. I paid $14k for mine with 117k
And many have hit 400k with original turbo but people are I'll never by a car with a turbo. Yeah if it a chevy I wouldn't. But everyone else has made huge jumps in tech since turbos came into being
I had a 2019 RDX. 215000 miles and running great. Then I was hit from behind. Car was totaled. Now I have a 2019 Aspec. It has come a long way but after driving the same car for 11 years there is an adjustment period. Hope I can keep this one going even longer. Miss my old Acura. It protected me well and I test drove several cars but ultimately knew I would most comfortable in the RDX.
I have never seen someone struggle with the touchpad so much. I’ve had 60 year olds use it better. Have a sales rep explain it to you. Just for the record I love TFL but you really butchered the touchpad system. Also the logo on the front is the radar for the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Automatic Collision Avoidance.
Great comparison. I own the 2013 RDX with Technology Package (top of the line back in 2013). It is NOT one of the most stable SUV to drive, it is on the rocky side of thing if you ask me. The back seat cannot NOT reclined which is a bumper for rear passengers who want to lay back and relax on a long trip (FYI: My 2016 RAV4 SE back seats can recline and that is nice!). The good news is It never let me down yet in the 7 years I own it. All it needs is oil changes so far.
Acura is always offering lease deals on the RDX. Seems like $399 per month is a frequent promotion on the mainstream base model. I see a ton of them as well, but very few A-Spec versions.
Tfl is one of the most contradicting RU-vid pages I have ever seen y’all don’t like the shield on the TLX which makes the logo smaller and y’all don’t like the big logo that holds the shield. Like make it make sense. He said the 2nd gen is more fun to drive than the 3rd gen yikes😬 .
Agree. I like Tommy, but he is all over the place in reviews. He seems like he doesn't take the time to experience the cars for a true review and they are more of initial impressions as he goes.
The only issue with this review is that the second gen was updated in 2016. New LED headlamps, bumpers front and rear. It also be had with the Dual screen infotainment. Its overall a nicer much nicer looking car than the 2013 as shown here.
I have a 2007 RDX, Hondata Reflash, 4 cylinder turbo, upgraded exhaust, Award winning SH-AWD, upgraded intercooler, RV6 Downpipe...etc. 91k on it. I love driving it. Its more powerful than the newer RDX's. Most underrated compact Sport SUV ever! Very reliable. Never had a problem with it. Future collectors car/SUV guaranteed. 1st generation that is.
I own a ‘11 RDX with SH-AWD. It was awesome upgrade from my ‘06 TL. When they did the second gen RDX, I didn’t care that they changed to the V6 but the styling was bland and the AWD was not SH anymore. I’m very excited about the third gen RDX. Great car and great features. Fingers crossed they do a RDX Type S.
Good job. Good review. I heard a friend say once: there's no replacement for displacement. I therefore take the naturally aspirated 6 Cyl engine. I noticed the camera picked up the engine sound when you started the newer RDX (@2:55) but it was dead quiet for the older (@2:37) which is interesting and I wonder why.
I have a 2014 RDX and I love the buttons on the infotainment system. I can change from CD to Sirius XM to FM and any station on any of these modes almost instantly and without taking my eyes off of the road. My wife has a civic that has a touch pad and she hates that she has to take her eyes off the road to make a selection or even just increase to volume on the infotainment system. I also find that system very distracting. From a public safety point of view I think we need to go back to buttons.
Agreed. I prefer the buttons to touchscreen. I’ve driven 3 cars with touchscreens over the years, and I prefer my 2013 rdx with tech package. It’s a pretty intuitive system and you don’t have to deal with the sticking/lagging/sensitivity issues of a touchscreen system.
Hey guys we still love your show,however the last two days have been really tragic we wrecked and destroyed our van life offroad van that our family lived in and it's all that we had"!!!I posted videos on Facebook under keeping up with the woffords"!! You guys always have the best reviews
@@TFLnow yes it does ,but we are trying to figure this out !! God bless you guys!! Your videos keep me sane !! Pray for us because we need another van / vehicle as soon as possible
The touchpad is easy to use. It’s a “ touch pad” it doesn’t have a curser. It’s just like a touch screen however your not touching the screen itself. - it’s very convenient while driving
i test drove a 2019 and bought the 2018. I like he V-6 and 6 speed in 2018. I hated the turbo, 10 speed and the stupid track pad. Acura screwed up by geting rid of the V-6
I have a 2020 RDX Advance and love it. Only 2 issues, it don't come with remote start, well it does but you have to subscribe the the Acura app to use it. I told them to install remote start or no deal and they did. So I have standard remote start from my key fob. It doesn't come with a spare tire, they give you a tire inflator kit. That's okay unless you have a serious tire issue, then what. You have to call Acura (from the onboard system) and they will send out a tow truck to have your tire replaced. I had to pay for a spare tire and jack.
The new RDX A-Spec was my first choice, too bad the damn dealership wasted half of my day going back and forth. Ended up with the new Rav4 XSE instead.
We don't get Acura on our side of the pond but I sure do like the RDX design more than the Honda CR-V. The RDX looks clean a F and the CR-V just look bloated. The second gen HR-V might look cleaner from the spy photos, if it takes cue from the RDX, it would look awesome.
@@deepsubmicron So did my friend's X3. First, break cargo compartent and use the inside crank to lower the spare. Then literally break out the jack and toolkit, nylon clips don't like the cold. Then unfasten the retaining strap under the car (if I'd have a knife that would have been much faster in the cold) all while sitting on the ground. UGH. What a RFPITA they've made it into.
Agreed, I have owned this car for 25 months and everything this guy is spewing is absolute crap. Most likely because he's only been with the car for 25 minutes.
You can see the direct line from the 07-12 1st Gen RDX to the 3rd Gen +19 RDX (I'm skipping the 2nd Gen RDX). The 2nd Gen RDX is a smaller version of the 3 row 14-16 MDX. The 2nd Gen RDX shares the name only compared to the 1st and 3rd Gen RDX. The first gen RDX was a hammer and was perfect if you only saw nails. The 2nd Gen RDX was more of a jack of all trades that was smoothed out to appeal to more buyers. The 3rd Gen RDX has the most capabilities in its tool box; but, it may be too sporty to certain demographics (Lexus/Toyota/Buick/Infinity folks). Acura does need to add a plug-in and/or Sport Hybrid RDX.
The head gasket on my 2018 accord is blown due to using the turbo like you did in that new rdx so be careful. Don’t step on the gas unless you want to blow your head gasket. Honda won’t help out even a pinch either. Will be all on you
We have a 1013 RDX This thing is tighter and drives better than My Than Kia’s I’ve tried out. I do want a SUV with larger And more comfortable seats. “Suggestions Appreciated”
We have both an 11' Sorento SX and a 16' RDX Elite and yeah i agree. The sorento feels like a heavy SUV when it ages (186,000kms) however it handles great & its been my least expensive vehicle to maintain versus my previous vehicles. Our 16' RDX feels light and nimble at 90k kms and hope it stays that way.
You are using the touchpad wrong. You are using it like a computer cursor. It works that way sometimes. But when you have the main screen up you just touch the area that about corresponds with the area on the screen. It's not super intuitive...
1st gen turbo sh-awd and suspension was stiff but with purpose… soccer moms didn’t like it but lucky folks that were able to find aftermarket parts made themselves a “big hot hatch” lol
I had a 08 RDX tech with Hondata reflash, ETS intercooler, heatshield gasket, Eibach lowering springs, and Progress RSB. This thing was the perfect hammer if you only saw nails. It drove better the harder you pushed it. Still on the road today with +200,000 miles when I handed it down to my daughter back in 2019.
To me the driver controls on the old 1 looks more user friendly. To bad they didn't carry over the sifter to the new one. I like the cubby's and some other things about the new. Just not sure about shifting with a button.I work nights so I like the shifter and other controls to be easy,convenient and right at hand.
Stop complaining about the big badge that is not a deal breaker the RDX looks GREAT 👍🏻 I will give you the infotainment is so and so have ALOT of PATIENCE but the resting the car is great
Acura doesn’t design anything.... Honda does. It always makes me laugh to see the Acura lab coats in commercials. Those only exist on TV.... RDX is intended to be an “urban” SUV. And it looks pretty good. I agree the “A” logo on the front grill is ridiculous! And the infotainment SELECTION method sucks it...BIG TIME!
Hey guys I’m a new driver who have family to take care of and I bought a 2017 mdx shawd should I trade it for 2021 rdx shawd advance and pay just a little bit more, monthly.
I own one and I hate the info system. Acura fit and finish is lost, it's not the same as the 90's built quality. Gas mileage is horrible driving in the city in comfort mode and no lead foot. I am getting 14 MPG pure city driving. I had a loaner 2020 MDX APEC with a V6 and it got 17.2. The MDX is about 1200 pounds heaver also.I think Acura cheated customers and lied about the New RDX cit MPG. I had a 90 legend 4 door loved the car. It had gotten better city gas mileage than the new RX also.
BTW, The new 2021 Lexus RC350 F SPORT does have the same lower touch pad to make your selections....The old V6 was bulletproof to at least 200K miles or more...These new 4 cylinder turbos on the other hand, I suspect a longevity of maybe 140K miles or less...Sounds like an expensive turbo replacement.
My 08 RDX has +195,000 miles and still going strong. Turbo failures are not an issue compared to alternators, suspension, 9AT, or A/C compressors issues with Acura.
@@mrgold3591 IMHO ,Cars should not BREAK DOWN , they should WEAR DOWN. If my alternator fails at 50k miles, I would be upset. If it fails at 180k miles, it wore to its service life. Most Suspension Conponants will start falling after 100K miles depending on driving conditions. So many people blame their vehicles for failures even though the primary cause was negligent servicing.
@@stealthg35infiniti94 Sounds the reliability I've experienced with every Honda and Acura I've had since 1991. I had American cars before that and got tired to visiting my dealership service department on a regular basis.
I am going to say it every chance I get. The new RDX sucked on 4 cyl turbo, CVT, and the stupid info pad. Reason I bought a 2018 instead. Bullet proof V6, 6 speed, and knob for every thing.
Wrong. There is no CVT in the new RDX, but a 10-speed automatic. However, I agree with your decision to get the older model - I'm considering a 2018 myself. I had a '16 and have driven the 3rd gen RDX several times, and I'm just not impressed with that engine/transmission combo in the new ones. The 2nd gen's engine/transmission is much smoother and more polished.
