Alex’s reviews are unbiased and fair as they rarely come, he’s just a fan of automobile art. It doesn’t matter what the brand is, he is detailed, thorough and precise with a plethora of important information on every vehicle he reviews. Great job Alex!
Isnt the RX more like the MDX? Because its midsized? Maybe without the third row of the MDX. Heck even lexus basically installed a third row to the the RX, so really it is midsized. While yes the RDX is huge for its segement, the segment above it still is far more spacious. Like are we really gonna cross shop it with the BMW X5, Lincoln aviator, Cadillac XT5? No because theyre bigger two row vehicles that start 10-15k more with a whole lot more features. Again the RX great, for the midsize two row luxury CUV segment. But the design definitely lends its self to the least amount of usuable space in that segment compared to its competitors. Heck the BMW X3 and audi Q5 have similar room to the RX. But thats because the RX and NX are super striking designs that seem to cut space especial in the back.
But, my 2019 BMW X4 hit 32-33 mpg on the highway while my 22 RDX struggles to get 23! BTW, never had a mechanical problem with my 35,000 mile X4 or my 65,000 mile 428 xi.
At least they finally added the ability to see your current speed digitally in the gauge cluster! Couldn’t believe the 2021 I drove required you to look at the old school speedometer. The “true touch” touchpad is something I’m sure you get used to but is not at all enjoyable or intuitive during a test drive. I think that alone might deter people from purchasing.
@@rl6210 Finally someone with common sense! Touch screen= take your eyes off the road. Plus fingerprint issues. Learn the better technology like you do everywhere else in life!
Hi Alex, if you could include the fuel consumption in L/100km alongside the MPG it would save a lot of headscratching, pausing, (235.21 / MPG) calculating. Other than that, keep up the great reviews!
The acceleration is really good. I think people overlook just how light this is. It weighs less than most sedans out there. I'm not crying over a Type S/R uber mode, but I would like tunes/performance upgrades you can get from the dealership like BMW or Ford. Maybe just give us the option to bump it up 20hp if they won't do a Type S model.
You can get a tuner from hondata to complete the experience. I'm having 2019 model and without the tuner, the car is so nimble that you don't feel like driving an SUV. I tend to drive above speed limit if I don't look at the speedometer. A small price bump on the refresh is understandable since they addressed most of complaints and added features from consumers' wishlist, also inflation 🤢
@@CKPHH no, they actually don't. It's only speculation. Like the video says, maybe when they do the next generation RDX. But it might be electric by then.
Just got the RDX PMC version. Traded in my Alfa Romeo Stelvio. I’d definitely say the Stelvio was more sporty, but also more quirky. The availability of dealers and reliability of the Acura was certainly a consideration for me. Ultimately, I am amazed and all that I get from the Acura and, even though I feel the Italian car was sportier, the Acura has plenty of power and good handling. Really looking forward to my time with this vehicle. Thanks for your review, Alex!
The RDX is a fantastic package. The only major issues I have: 1: Piano black 2: touch screen. Don't ever use piano black. Acura, Lexus and Mazda and now BMW seem to have a war on touch screen. I have a feeling once they get feedback on how people dislike the touch pad, they'll eventually move back to touch screen.
Overall .. Pretty good.. I do disagree on the dashboard .. I love the physical guages for the speedo and tacho.. Nice move Acura.. I just wish they would have went with a traditional shifter instead of the push button shifter..
@@howlingwolf125y Agreed, but 98% of my trips I shift when leaving and once again at my destination...not a major factor... OTOH the touchpad infotainment is something used all through the drive 😊
I would agree on the PHEV ideal for the RDX . . . a great combo for this vehicle! And for the GV70 as well . . . and I must say that I'd love to see a RDX vs GV70 4 cyl. comparison.
I have a 2020 RDX advance..40k miles. I get a kick out of driving it. Even with just half throttle the 10 speed shifts like your in a race car...quick and positive. I'm putting miles as quick as possible to buy another one. Don't care about more power.
Luxury car makes like Acura have more profit built into their sticker than standard makes like Honda. Plus now Acura dealers are not adding markups above sticker like Honda dealers. So you can get a RDX for the same or less than a higher trim CRV if you know how to negotiate.
I was interested in this and waiting for the refresh but came away very disappointed. -front looked better on pre-refresh -rear turn signal still incandescent -Still no digital gauge cluster -backup camera is still terrible -still no hybrid powertrain option -price increased
Agreed on the turn signal that is cheap of them. The front looking better or worse is subjective. My only disappointment is the lack of a touch screen for the infotainment. The analog gauge Cluster doesn’t bother me, as the 7 inch display is handy enough. I don’t care about hybrid power trains either. Finally we have a 12 volt on the back and a wireless charger. An improvement over the older one.
@@sammyg4806 The non-touch infotainment is legitimately what keeps me away from this or the TLX Type-S. Id also like a Type-S RDX option. But - as far as ive seen from Acura 'leaked' roadmaps theres no mention of a Type-S RDX.
Most reviews don't find the bonus underfloor storage space, makes me CRAZY when I see them fold only part way. Guess that's a good place to hide your... things.
Decent looking overall but not having a touch screen is a killer, and the rest of the control stack looks really really odd plus the "shifter" being 3 buttons and a knob is just stupid.
Ace, spend a little time learning the newer technology, and you’ll realize it is better than the, take your eyes off the road touch screens. Why have a space robbing gear shifter, when you don’t need one? Quit looking at these things superficially…..
Great review. Alex, when are you going to be able to do a full review of the new NX? I'm very interested in the Hybrids, but also the new 2.4T. Just as it was with the last NX, and is the case with so many Mazdas, the non-touchscreen is a dealbreaker in the RDX.
You’ll be happy that you didn’t choose an nx. The new nx is a disappointment this generation. It didn’t manage to leapfrog any of its competitors. If anything the Acura RDX still outclasses it. May not have a touchscreen or hybrid but those are minor knocks
@@naveenthemachine - I like the new NX. I'm interested to hear Alex's opinion when he does a full test. In particular, I'm excited about the PHEV model, which Acura doesn't offer. I also prefer the styling to the Acura. Touchscreen may be a "minor knock" for you, but it isnt for me, and I've dismissed prior Lexus and Mazda models for it. I don't know why you feel the need to troll every comment I post, offering your unsolicited Toyota haterade, but here we are. I kindly ask you ignore my posts.
Well I’m grateful they hid the radar behind the badge on the grill but could we talk about mixing chrome and flat back and gloss black on that same grill? Look, I know it’s a special badge but you’re going to have to change the chrome in it for those special grill packages. It would appear smaller with a matte finish ring as well. Shouldn’t take too much. The vent right in front of your right hand as you drive should keep it pretty cold and hopefully that doesn’t affect the use of the trackpad anymore than having a non-touchscreen already has.🤦🏻 GV70 🤲🏻⬇️ for me for the styling and infotainment that works like most are custom to using screens. We are cruising at highway speeds and we’re interfacing with the infotainment so let’s keep interactions brief and simple. 🤷🏻
Yeah but you give up way too much to get that mpg For one it feels cheap inside. The interior is honestly worse imo than even the current gen Camry XSE and XLE If you care about the hybrid and mpg, why wouldn’t you just get a Toyota Venza that’s cheaper but more luxurious inside and gets the same mpg?
@@theMLBfan but the interior compared to the last gen nx is a downgrade tbh. The venza has a nicer interior than the old and new nx The interior of the nx gives me Camry and Mirai vibes. The Rdx is still faster handles better and the engine and transmission are far superior to any nx. Yes the 450h+ exists but it only has 300 and you’re shelling out 60-70K to get Rdx level of performance
Says premium is recommended, but more like required. This is the same 2.0L in the Accord, but tuned for 91+ octane to increase power output. Keep that in mind when you hit the pump, and it smacks you back with a $1.35/gal price hike over regular unleaded, just to keep it from knocking. Also, on the showroom floor those seats are some of the most comfortable in the market. But keep in mind they go flat quicker than most. In 20,000 miles, my 2019 has lost most of it's comfort and the seats bottom out in the middle. And, the OEM Continentals are some of the noisiest, least grippy tires ever put on a Honda product. Also, unless you put it Sport Mode, you'll rarely have the rear end power up to access the SH-AWD unless you like to keep your foot on the floor. Unless you need the AWD, (not want), don't do it. Then there's the ELS audio system, which, when you use the neural surround features, will drop radio down to just the front speaker behind the infotainment screen. I get that radio isn't for surround sound, but rather than just do stereo left/right, it puts it in Mono and uses literally one speaker. When not in use, and using all of the speakers, the sub is woefully underpowered.
Alex, I enjoy your reviews greatly! Have I missed it, or have you updated your interior dB measurement for the new 2022 Advance RDX? If I may ask, if so, what is it, specifically and at what speed, etc? Also, do you test your vehicles over the same pavement stretch to measure this so that vehicles from a video a year ago can be compared directly to one you did last week, etc? Thank-you!
I love the RDX but the infotainment was a deal killer. I fiddled with it for over half an hour on a test drive and found it to be completely unintuitive.
@@triaxe-mmb The NX is the same small size as the RDX. You don't know that? The Lexus RX is the best selling luxury crossover, selling over 100k a year for the last 15 years.
@@InvestBetter. their sales numbers are irrelevant since my point is that he NEVER said "best selling luxury crossover"- he said "best luxury crossover"... LISTEN to the intro again... The former is a objective statement while the latter (which is what he said) is a subjective one and is his opinion... You are arguing the wrong point IMO
I wish that Acura would offer the option of putting Honda's excellent, naturally aspirated V6 under the hood. The performance and gas mileage numbers are almost identical to the four banger, and I think it would be a better, more reliable powertrain over the long haul without the turbo.
@@naveenthemachine 50k is too much for any of them. These cuteutes are getting ridiculously expensive. What would you rather have a "base" SHAWD MDX or this?
It does go..that pick is meant to be in cars full potential.. like put sport + and select S in D/S n see it take off like a flash.. i have done it much better than 5.7 actually..lol
Great point! I have been an acura user for 15 years but looking at the reliability issues with Acuras these days, I am planning to get a Lexus next. Reliability is the most imp factor for me.
@@raknoknak I had a 2011 RDX which was fun to drive, but it felt like there were nothing but issues once I hit 70k miles. If I didn't buy a Tesla, Lexus would have been my next choice.
I have a ‘21 tech package with awd- it has too many gears and the steering in sport modes fees way too artificial. Great vehicle otherwise - surprisingly practical
Acura focus is on performance and handling. That’s what they have always been. They aren’t going for plush like luxury like a Mercedes and that’s never been their goal.
@@telliesmith9825 yes and you pay for it. If you want Acura to do both they will start being 70k cars and at that point no one would buy one when they could have a Mercedes or Porsche for the same price. Acura isn’t stupid.
I'm disappointed at the size of the RDX. Currently owning a 2020 Passport, I was really hoping to downsize just a little bit while still being able to get the SH-AWD / i-VTM4 awd system that I've been loving so far in the Passport. But as far as I can tell, the RDX is only about 2 inches shorter than the Passport. And that non-touchscreen system is disappointing as well, since most of my navigation use involves pinching/zooming/pointing on the map screen. I am happy that many physical buttons and knobs are still there. My Passport lease isn't up for another 20 months and the RDX is still one of my top options, but I think I'll end up leaning towards another Passport given the lack of much difference in size.
Stop supporting screens for gauge clusters. Physical dials are much better and create less eye fatigue. So for what Honda/Acura got right, the push button gear selector is stupid.
See Alex? You admitted what I had predicted months ago about the Lexus nx being outclassed and uncompetitive before anyones driven it. The Rdx is way better than the nx350 before and after anyones driven it. I seriously can’t even believe you suggested to “gave the nx a chance”…🤦♂️ when after driving the nx, it really disappointed everyone especially that nx350 turbo leaves quite a lot to be desired. The interior in the Rdx is significantly better and nicer and more premium than any nx. And unlike the nx, Acura put in the extra effort to differentiate themselves from Honda. Meanwhile the nx is literally just a rebadged rav4 like literally it IS a rav4 The Rdx drives significantly better and performs significantly better than any nx just as I predicted before anyones driven it. And cmon, Lexus Driving Signature? Really? 🙄 it’s just marketing hype that’s virtually nonexistent The 1 month old nx350 can’t beat a 3 year old dated Rdx. Well done acura. I’d pick the Rdx over any nx pretty any day. Or I’d get a venza and save the cash
@@hondaftw1234 agreed. I knew The nx already got destroyed before anyones driven it The RDX may not be RWD but the rear can swing a bit with sh awd. The nx can’t even do that
Would like to see the cargo area. Does the seat fold flat? Is the opening big? Is there a liftover? Roller bags and a person sitting in the rear isn't a real-world scenario and these things are supposed to be utility vehicles.
Acura suspensions are good. But the power lacks, it’s heavy and there’s no hybrid option to improve mpg and 0-60. The touch pad just sucks and dash needs to be redesigned. The space behind rear seats seems smallish. Waiting since ‘18 for the Type S.
Best selling because its the cheapest new offering, not the best offering. I would go GV70 over this RDX all day. I do like the blue paint color though
It’s not because it’s the cheapest. People always try to say that but Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus sale way more cars per year than Acura does. Acura just does a good job with packaging on their SUVs
How are your 0-60 times always a second or more faster for every vehicle you review compared to other reviewers? You must test them driving down a mountain.
Yeah. I have no idea how he’s able to get an accord 2.0 and v6 Camry to do 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and have identical quarter miles. I thought the accord was a smidge quicker by 0.1 seconds
I agree. I test drove both to compare handling. The RDX felt just as quick although the TLX was ever so slightly more nimble. I also didn’t like the super long hood on the TLX and lack of storage so I chose the RDX.
That center console with all the piano black and big button looks childish and is almost a deal breaker for me. I like the BMW interiors much better. Otherwise this checks a lot of boxes.
The nx is already outclassed and uncompetitive 😆 The Rdx is roomier, sportier. Faster, drives infinitely better, and has a nicer interior. The engine and transmission are far superior to any Lexus nx. The nx does have the hybrid and phev but the phev is way too expensive and it’s as fast as the Rdx.
@@naveenthemachine NX gets $14,000 rebate off the price making it far less expensive than the RDX dinosaur. Gas is no longer needed. Better in every category than this old slug. RDX is for old people who want an ugly gas guzzler. ⛽️
Lexus NX450h plug-in any day of the week. No fuel use for daily commuting and daily errands. 40+ mpg on long road trips and 0-60 in 5s. More importantly, Lexus ownership satisfaction and unparalleled dealership service.
If you’re buying a luxury car fuel economy shouldn’t even be a concern. If you can afford the high cost, then you can certainly afford higher insurance and higher gas costs
alex, this - the rdx - or the volvo xc60 (for some reason i'm actually asking an internet guy his opinion on what i should buy) for a mid 60's retiree looking to visit all the national parks within 500 miles of san francisco
RDX will be more reliable than the Volvo. Of those two choices I’d pick the Acura RDX. Look up consumer reports on both vehicles. Volvo will have more comfortable seats tho.
Lots of those national parks (Yosemite, kings canyon, Eastern Sierra) receive a lot of snow in winter. If you have any plans to visit those in winter, I would get the RDX for the SH-AWD
Why Acura are you skimping on the rear turn signals? The dash board isn't an lcd?, non touch screen infotainment system? This is supposed to be a luxury car, come on? I was actually considering buying it but I hate it when companies penny pinch the brand. 😒
This 2021 Envision looks the part and smokes the Acura RDX in 30-50 mph, 50-70 mph and best the 60-0 mph stopping 15-feet shorter in Car & Driver testing. Such good price too!
The RDX needs a new interior, not a front end refresh. You have FWD driving dynamics and weight distribution without any real benefit, BMW X3 is rated at 2 mpg higher combined and does not plow because super-Haldex AWD does not fix physics.
The turbo is tuned a bit aggressively hence the low reliability compared to other more conservative 2.0L engines which can be tuned up. Rather have that then having it from the factory. The Lexus NX will be a nice competitor to the RDX with its larger 2.4L.
Um no it isn’t. The RDX is way faster than the nx turbo. The nx turbo realistically does 60 in 7.4-7.8 seconds because I think Lexus is overrating the power and torque. I don’t believe it really has 300lbft torque. Alex however got 5.7 seconds for the RDX so performance wise The RDX is as fast as the fastest nx450h+. The RDX has the type R motor
Bought a 22 RDX SH-AWD with Technology package. So far I really like it. The touch pad just takes a few days to get used to before you can appreciate how well it works. Only problem I have with it is the terrible fuel economy. It may be rated at 27 mpg highway, but mine struggles to reach 23 mpg on long 70 mph cruise controlled highway drives. My 19 BMW X4 with a similar 2 liter turbo easily returned 32-33 mpg on the same drive. Pathetic for Honda to give up 10 mpg to the BMW. Heck, my bone stock 9,000 lb Ram 3500 HD diesel truck can get 20 mpg on the highway! What’s wrong at Honda?
Keep in mind the tires. They are something absurd like 180 treadware. I haven't seen this since my Potenza's on my 370Z. It is very possible switching from the heavy, low tread-wear tires to a better tire may help, some.
@@UnobtaniumsQuickReviews no way! I haven’t even looked at the tread wear rating! I know they are an all season Continental, but why on earth would they install a super low tread wear tire on a luxury crossover SUV? Makes no sense.
The Buick Envision 2.0T is putting down a faster 27.5s figure-8 time vs 2019 CX-5 2.5T and 2019 RDX 2.0T at 27.7 in Motor Trend testing. That continues in an Emergency Lane test by Consumer Reports that has the Envision 2.0T doing 55.5 mph while the CX-5(non-turbo) did 54 mph and the RDX 2.0T can only go 52.5 mph. For 2019 Envision 2.0T gets a new 9-speed and 295 lb-ft of torque, 316 lb-ft of torque on overboost. The twin clutch and torque vectoring AWD is something that Mazda cannot match only able to use brakes on a single on a wheel for torque vectoring. The Hiperstrut, as also seen on Honda Civic Type-R as dual axis strut, eliminates any torque steer under accleration. At a discounted $35K the Envision Prem ll offers heads up display, adaptive high beams and articulating HID, adaptive cruise control with full stopping, tri-zone climate control, sliding rear seat, 12-volt outlet, along with Buick's longer warranty than Mazda.
