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Acura RDX

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  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    An inch here or there isn’t going to help much during snow, on unplowed roads anyway. But for most driving needs, an inch lower to the ground may come in quite handy.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'll 2nd the suggestion to test a Subaru Outback XT and an H6 LL Bean model back-to-back. They're rated for the same HP, both 250, and it's funny how people definitely prefer one or the other.

    The turbo has more punch but the H6 is a bit smoother. Tough call.

    As for reliability, I do know that an extended warranty carries a 50% surcharge for the turbo engines, but in practice they've been solid powertrains.

    -juice
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Beg to differ. While the RAV4 (last gen) is supposed to have a better AWD system, I had better luck getting through deep in my 1999 CR-V than several of the RAV4s in my neighborhood.

    If deep snow is a concern, clearance helps.

    That said, I have no idea if that is a concern for the original poster. It may be they need an AWD wagon.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    But how much clearance is enough? Last time I had to deal with reasonable snow on the ground was over a decade ago (now I live in TX, so not a concern at all)... that was 14 inches. With unplowed roads, no SUV would be worth taking out, much less giving up or gaining an inch on 7-8 inches.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The outgoing RAV4 had only 7.1-7.5" depending upon the tires. But with a 4 wheel indy suspension, the vehicle sags and you give up some clearance when it's loaded up. So every little bit extra helps.

    Last big snow, a 626 and a Corolla got stuck in front of my house. My Forester only adds about 2" extra clearance, but I could get around them just fine.

    -juice
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Amusingly enough, the last time I drove my CR-V through deep snow, we had 14 inches fall. Of course, the roads were wind blown and probably had 2-3" less on most of the surface. But there were also occasional drifts I had to slog through.

    Anyway, a vehicle can plow a certain amount of snow out of the way with the front bumper. Some will get pushed to the side. Some will get packed downward. Some will go for a ride on the top of your bumper. As long as you maintain enough momentum to keep plowing, you're good. (This is not always easy as you will likely be slipping, too.)

    That act of moving the snow clears space for the suspension, exhaust, and differentials underneath. If the suspension, diff, and driveshafts are low to the ground, they will cause drag. This will increase slipping, which will prevent you from maintaining momentum, which will prevent you from being able to move the snow, which will result in the front bumper stopping you short.

    I'm not saying that everybody encounters this kind of snowfall and needs good clearance. But IF YOU DO ground clearance is a big help.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The other thing is you are rarely driving on virgin snow. Odds are some other SUVs have driven over it several times and packed it down a bit, usually right around 8" or so.

    -juice
  • nowakj66nowakj66 Member Posts: 709
    I verified today at the Columbus auto show that the RDX has a telescoping wheel. I was allowed to sit in the vehicle and try the wheel which adjusted quite well for me. I am 6' 4" so tall prospective purchasers, do not cross the RDX off your list!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They actually let you get inside? Wow. You're among the first to get to test fit it.

    -juice
  • happyharryhappyharry Member Posts: 22
    Did you get to notice any differenece with the dashboard and seats design comparing to those Concept RDX photos that lots of us have seen? :confuse:
  • nowakj66nowakj66 Member Posts: 709
    I could tell this was a prototype as the fit and finish was not up to the photos released or Acura standards. But it did give a good sense of the vehicle.

    The rear hatch was welded shut. The trim on the dash had some bubbles in it. The door locks had some exposed springs. It did look just like the photos or basically a rough mock up of them.

    Size wise, I would say it is similar to a tall TSX.
  • nowakj66nowakj66 Member Posts: 709
    One of the benefits of attending a second tier auto show is rules can be a bit loose!

    The RDX was on a dais. I asked the Acura rep if the RDX had a telescoping wheel. He said he thought so. I then asked if we could go over to the vehicle and check and I was surprised as anyone when he said, "sure!"

    Imagine my surprise when I asked if I could take a seat to see if I fit and he said "yes"!

    I tried the back and front seat. I did notice when sitting in the passenger side front seat that the glove box was very close to my shins.

    Again, this was a prototype so the actual car may be different. But it was nice enough and big enough for me to keep it on my list.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool. :shades:

    I asked at NAIAS last year, and that was during the Industry Preview days, and the Acura reps didn't let me in. It was on a turntable. Of course that was the concept itself.

    -juice
  • nowakj66nowakj66 Member Posts: 709
    Juice - I also asked to sit in that concept at NAIAS last year. And also was denied! :-)

    I thought I might have a chance because the press was all over the prototype this year, at least in the videos I saw. So it seemed since they were closer to production, they were willing to show more.

    This does have me wondering if the CR-V for 2007 will also have a telescoping wheel. Please - let this be the start of adding such a wheel to ALL Hondas!
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Did you notice where the parking brake is located, in the RDX? Is it cleverly incorporated into the console somehow, or is it a foot-brake?
  • nowakj66nowakj66 Member Posts: 709
    The parking brake on the prototype was a disapointment. It sat right above the dead pedal as it does in the Odyssey, Ridgeline and Pilot. When depressed, it sits right on the dead pedal. At least in the Odyssey its a little bit over the left. Maybe this will change in production.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Oh, I hate that setup for the parking brake. It would be nice if they could use an electronic parking brake --- no awkward or unsightly pedals or levers to deal with. :)
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    "...when depressed, it sits right over the dead pedal..."

    Have I missed something..??

    Of what good is the dead pedal while the e-brake is applied?
  • ralston1ralston1 Member Posts: 28
    I was able to get an up close look at the RDX at the Columbus Auto Show. Also got the full walk-around on the vehicle by the factory rep. A couple of interesting notes; 240 hp and 250 ft/lbs. of torque, nav will most likely be standard, and July will be the dealer arrival. The full specs and pricing should be pr'd by Acura after the NY auto show. I was able to get shots of the interior, engine and second row fold-down. Email me and I'll shoot you the link.

    rm_ralston@yahoo.com
  • la4meadla4mead Member Posts: 347
    Does anyone who has actually seen the RDX know if all the windows have the "auto" one-touch up and down feature (or if it's still only reserved for the honored driver's window in the down direction)?

    I know it sounds like a simple feature the but once you are used to it it grows on you, which makes it important and doubtful it adds much to the cost to manufacture... A little thing you end up using every day that reminds you why you like a particular car.

    What about "privacy window tint"? The photos make it appear so, but I'm interested in what the folks who have seen it up close might know.

    Thanks!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Does the TSX have them? If so I bet it does.

    I'm mixed on this, VW has serious problems with window regulators. I think they need pinch protection if they're automatic and this adds cost and complexity to something that used to be pretty simple.

    I guess as long as they're done right.

    -juice
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    You mean you prefer the old hand-crank manual windows? :surprise: ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No, just plain ol' power ones.

    The only window I ever really open on the Forester is the driver windows, and not even for tolls any more. Just drive through stuff. I would like to have one-touch power up for the driver.

    For the rest is just adds cost and complexity. Some VW guys have had to have window regulators fixed multiple times.

    -juice
  • la4meadla4mead Member Posts: 347
    Well, just because another Acura model has a few extra switches and relays doesn't mean they will automatically find their way to a vehicle marketed as an SUV crossover, but I'm hopeful. I don't think VW's problems with window regulators will indicate a concern for the RDX, because they aren't similar situations. VW has had problems in the past with the reliability of many power regulator components, perhaps they will improve. On the other hand, the Toyota window regulators in my Lexus RX300 have the "all auto" for all windows and a 3 position for the oversize moonroof (Vent, Open, Open really wide-but you need a window cracked or going over 50mph to avoid wind buffeting when the moonroof is open really wide because of it's size). I have to say it's a feature you don't think of when buying a car the first time around, but when you have it, use every day, and even though the rest of the car may not have a lot of pizazz, little things add up to remind you why you like a car. This is one of those features. They have worked flawlessly, and yes a bonehead friend likes to test the "pinch protection" and it does work, even if a stick gets in the way of the moonroof. The window or roof quickly reverses. Also works well from the remote on the key, which was unexpected and is a really helpful feature. To this day, they don't operate slowly, creak, groan, or indicate they have any unusual wear. Never a breakdown to this system, and this was one of the first RX's from May '98, so it did have some weird things Lexus did stand behind and even upgraded. Small nice features, especially like this kept me from replacing with a Legacy GT with a manual transmission; I really like sportier wagons much more than the bland handling of the RX, but have gotten spoiled by simple luxuries, not the stupid flat screen displays and wood and the benign handling.

    I hope the RDX has the cure with sporty handling to back up the marketing. A bit disappointing is that the only transmission is an automatic, and as Acura's sportiest wagon entry to the US, it's still a little dissapointing it needs to be yet another tall utility vehicle. I'm looking forward to seeing if it has a nice mixture of all the other features that make it an Acura, including low cost to own and value (including reliability-no broken window regulators).
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    The auto-up/down feature on my RX300 can get very frustrating. For instance if I am driving and wish to lower one of the windows to a "set" position. Say a rear window slightly open to help exhaust accumulated cabin moisture and help remove or prevent windshield fogging.

    I find it a practical impossibility to stop the window in mid-travel without overly concentrating on the task to the detriment of my attention to driving the car.
  • ralston1ralston1 Member Posts: 28
    The RDX prototype has auto up/down function on front passenger and driver window only (similar to the set-up on the TL). Hopefully the same is true for the moonroof. We'll see if it makes it to production.
  • la4meadla4mead Member Posts: 347
    For the RX the reason you find it troublesome is because you are pushing the button all the way down, instead of just slightly when you want the window to move slightly instead of all the way. It is a two-position button with a "click" in the first position...

    Try pushing (or pulling to roll the window up) the button just slightly to the first click, and it will only go as far as you want. It's also in the owners manual, if you want to go that far for info. ;)

    I hope you find the info helps!
  • la4meadla4mead Member Posts: 347
    Thanks for the direct information. I assume you actually saw the feature on the prototype.

    Perhaps we will be lucky and they will amend it so all four will all be "auto" on the production models like the Lexus, Audis, etc. Maybe mfr.'s don't think anyone notices little things and only notice how a car looks and how fast it goes... But I tend to think sometimes they catch on.

    Why not all "auto" up and down windows and moonroof? Can't be because the mfr is afraid it's relays and switches might break, or folks might not get used to a two-position window switch... I think it just adds a few extra bucks and they want to spend it where the consumer will notice it and buy.

    Rarely does an enthusiast magazine report on the convenience of the window operation when you have a hot car in the sun and can lower and then later raise all the windows with one stroke. Or while driving with one of the rear windows partly open, just strike the key, and without distraction have it closed without holding on to a button.
  • ralston1ralston1 Member Posts: 28
    I'll take some pics today and post them on my site tonight. Email me for the link.

    rm_ralston@yahoo.com
  • ralston1ralston1 Member Posts: 28
    I posted RDX pics including the window control pics at http://www.carspace.com/ralston1 .
  • cleblanccleblanc Member Posts: 45
    Can anybody confirm whether or not the RDX will have the Universal Homelink for the garage door? I have this now on my Murano and it's a feature I've really gotten used to.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    At home depot for ~$30 you can buy a small three button keychain type remote which can be velcroed inside your new car any place of convience.

    The one in my 2001 Porsche is just above the inside rear view mirror.
  • cleblanccleblanc Member Posts: 45
    I already have a garage door opener that can attach to a sun visor. I'm looking for an integrated universal homelink like the Murano has.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    I will be surprised if it didn't.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Thanks for the pics.

    BTW, did Acura down-rate the peak torque? I thought last time it came around with 260 lb-ft (in your post, and the album, you mention 250 lb-ft).
  • la4meadla4mead Member Posts: 347
    Thanks the photos! What a guy... and the car.

    The RDX is really a sharp looking piece which seems to appeal to folks who will enjoy all the technology engineered into it. I'm really looking forward to seeing the real one here when it comes out.

    Thanks for all the info, and looking forward to more.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Talk about being embarrassed.....

    I pride myself in reading the owners manuals cover to cover, most of the time even before I buy a car I will buy or borrow an owners manual.

    Obviously I missed that one "feature".

    Initially I was so cetain you were wrong I went to techinfo.toyota.com to see if each button had two contact sets for each direction.

    They did.

    So I hauled myself out to the garage, turned on the ignition key, and discovered just how easy it can be to precisely position the windows once one knows how to use the switches.

    Insofar as my taking any offense at the way you informed me I am old enough that I have learned to accept new information, or criticism without taking offense.

    So thank you very, VERY much for the information.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Nice pics.

    The back seat looks cozy, about Forester-sized I'd say. You're 5'9" and your knees almost touch the front seat. The CR-V is significantly roomier, but that's OK, it still looks functional.

    The dash is a bit busy, too many buttons IMO.

    I do like the wide center armrest between the two front seats. Seems like it would fit two elbows nicely, and those front seats seem like they'd be a lot more comfy than the CR-V's high-mounted buckets.

    -juice
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Didn't he say his knees clear the front seatback by 2"? Me thinks someone with 2 more inches in the thigh length would probably translate to someone who is at least 5 inches taller. And I'm not sure the back seat of a Forester can accommodate someone 6'2".
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Perhaps, I'm looking more at the pics. The knees seem pretty flush.

    -juice
  • ralston1ralston1 Member Posts: 28
    Keep in mind that the driver's seat is adjusted as far back as it will go. So, unless the driver has extremely long extremities, there will be plenty of leg room.

    The dash is pretty full, but all the systems are operable by voice command. And, as with all honda products, the buttons are pretty intuitive in function and design...unlike some of the euro competition.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Nothing wrong with a cozy back seat, you're talking to a Forester owner.

    -juice
  • ralston1ralston1 Member Posts: 28
    right on
  • la4meadla4mead Member Posts: 347
    Your photos are somehow more real looking than the previous concept and the website. Picture 3 is a nice smiley shot showing off the agressive-techy lines and a nice set of flush roof gutters instead of mandatory wind-grabbing rails. Nice.
  • carquest7601carquest7601 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know if the RDX will have bluetooth technology included as either a standard or optional feature?
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Yes, according to info on the Canadian site.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    It's a standard feature of Acura's navigation system.
  • ralston1ralston1 Member Posts: 28
    Bluetooth will be available on the RDX. Actually not associated with the navigation system. Voice recognition will work independently.
  • la4meadla4mead Member Posts: 347
    Any chance you caught any information about the limits placed on towing?

    Likely with the turbo and AWD, they didn't plan on much towing (in heat) or ability to upgrade cooling systems, etc., but it's sure worth looking at.

    Thanks again!
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    You're right. Looks like they started doing that with the TL in 2004. Thanks.
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