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JeffX
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 I drove a 2013 RDX for the past week and basically confirmed my initial impressions that were formed out in Scottsdale a few months back
1) Refinement is way up. The new Amplitude Reactive Dampers work really well. The ride is super smooth and frictionless, almost like floating on a maglev, but the dampers are fairly stiff when it counts. There's no floatiness and body roll, squat/dive are nearly nonexistant. I'd say it's nearly as effective as the magneto-rheological system in the MDX, and since it's a passive system, it's much simpler and obviously less costly. Road and wind noise are kept to very commendable levels. Acura has added some extra door seals on the bottom edges of the door panels and I'm sure these help a lot.
2) EPS is still EPS. The thing is, I'm driving more and more EPS equipped cars these days so I'm becoming more accustomed to the feel, or rather, the lack thereof. With that said, the EPS in the RDX is not completely devoid of feel, you just need to amp up your senses a little bit to feel what it's communicating. There is some information being transmitted through the wheel, but it's not the same as what you feel through the hydraulic systems of the past. Acura has engineered the steering to feel very smooth and high quality, and they were successful in this endeavor.
3) Acceleration is very pleasing. The 3.5L VCM-II i-VTEC V6 delivers the goods well here, and it feels much stronger than any VCM V6 I've ever driven. I give a lot of credit to the new 6-speed automatic transmission - it's amazing how lively the engine feels when paired with this trans. The RDX AWD Tech I tested delivered 0-60s in the 6.3-6.4 second range. The SH-AWD 1st generation RDX was around 8.0 seconds (the FWD one I tested later, actually ran 6.2s though). Peak acceleration may not be as quick as the turbo RDX but it's so much more consistent and the torque curve has a pleasing surge towards the top of the rev band, coming on nice and strong at around 4500rpms and pulling all the way through to nearly 7000 rpms (sound familiar?). And it sounds and feels great all the time.
4) Fuel economy. I managed to average right at 20mpg in mostly in-town/suburban driving, driving with a fairly heavy foot for a good portion of the tank. With an easy throttle foot and reasonable traffic patterns I could see people easily averaging 22-23mpg in local driving loops and based upon a few brief trips on teh freeway, I could see people easily getting 28-30mpg on long distance runs. And quite possibly better than 30mpg on flatter roads.
5) Performance vs. Luxury -> I know some people are disappointed that Acura cut some of the performance emphasis out of this RDX, but the truth is that the 2013 RDX is flat out a much better vehicle for it. In traffic, it is much quicker than the previous RDX ever was, plus it's far more refined. The chassis remains extremely athletic, but it rides better. The tires are the biggest let down when it comes to "performance" but they ride very smoothly and quietly and the RDX remains extremely nimble through transitions. They primarily lack in steady state lateral loads - there just isn't a ton of grip and they will squeal like stuck pigs if you take a cloverleaf too fast
6) SH-AWD vs plain-jane AWD. The new AWD system apparently is a lot lighter than the SH-AWD system, and there seems to be much less driveline drag as well. SH-AWD is an amazing system, but it was really sort of wasted on the original RDX, at least in stock form. With a 5AT, a laggy, turbocharged engine, and a chassis tuned for far too much understeer, it was difficult to truly exploit the benefits of the RDX's SH-AWD on normal roads. Even on a track the benefits were few since the RDX's brakes were so weak (the new ones feel MUCH better, but I didn't seriously tax them in a track environment or anything). One place I think the SH-AWD will likely be missed the most for the RDX is on snowy and icy roads.
So I think Acura has a big time winner in the 2013 RDX - there's a great combination of Luxury, Refinement, Technology, Performance and Value. In fact, it reminds me a little bit of the 3rd generation TL in that respect, and with its acceleration and refinement it even sort of reminds me of driving the 3rd generation TL as well.
I shot a bunch of in-car commentary video over the past few days with the RDX. Since I was working alone I managed to screw up some of it unwittingly, so I don't know how much of it I'll end up being able to use or if I'll be able to put together a complete video, but hopefully there will be something of use. I also have a half written "first drive" review which I will turn into a more complete "driving impressions" review as well.
Last edited by JeffX on 06-06-2012 23:59
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according2kev
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Nice write up, thanks for posting.
Glad to hear number 3. This makes me a little more optimistic about the Accord. I think the current generation has plenty of power but if they can make it feel stonger with better mpgs, I won't complain.
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Frogger
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Any thoughts about the cargo box, how it compares with a CR-V. Would love to get out of the Ody into one of these, obviously a big step down in that dept, but if it's useful space, might make it work, used to get by in a Forester.
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JeffX
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Frogger wrote:
Any thoughts about the cargo box, how it compares with a CR-V. Would love to get out of the Ody into one of these, obviously a big step down in that dept, but if it's useful space, might make it work, used to get by in a Forester.
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it seems pretty comparable to the CR-V. In fact it uses the same 'self folding' seat release mechanism that appeared in the 2012 CR-V.
I have a photo I can post later - I fit a LARGE (26") suitcase, a 24" medium suitcase and a 22" rollaboard in it along with a 42qt cooler and a good sized duffle bag. There was still some room left for one or two small soft bags.
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cforez
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That's a big improvement over the old RDX.
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Hondu
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Jeff wrote:
Frogger wrote:
Any thoughts about the cargo box, how it compares with a CR-V. Would love to get out of the Ody into one of these, obviously a big step down in that dept, but if it's useful space, might make it work, used to get by in a Forester.
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it seems pretty comparable to the CR-V. In fact it uses the same 'self folding' seat release mechanism that appeared in the 2012 CR-V.
I have a photo I can post later - I fit a LARGE (26") suitcase, a 24" medium suitcase and a 22" rollaboard in it along with a 42qt cooler and a good sized duffle bag. There was still some room left for one or two small soft bags.
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Thanks, that is good to know. Funny thing, my wife saw one and said she wanted one after our Odyssey (she said no more minivans). My only concern being the lost cargo room, but it sounds large enough for us.
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Mikeydred
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My wife and I will be in the market for a new SUV to replace our 07 CRV and I too love the RDX. Seen one this weekend in white with the side moldings and it looked very aerodynamic and stunning. I also sat in one at the NY Auto show and my only gripes were the leg room for driver seem poor (I am over 6') also the lack of passenger seat height adjustment needs to be addressed ASAP. I recently started searching Acura.com and was shocked to find out such limited colors, I do not think my wife would like any of the current colors with the exception to black. Funny thing is I would have sworn there was a blue color even at the show I thought the demo it was blue (forgot already, but probably it was silver). There are too many shades of silver/gray, don’t get me wrong I love gray my last two Acura’s were gray but I think they need to bring back a shade of green, such as the green tea metallic on the 07 CRV and a pearl blue or burgundy similar to the MY 10 and newer MDX. Acura if you’re listening please add more shades next year and address the passenger seat and you will have my sale! PS can’t wait to test drive one.
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kirk
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This engine/transmission should make the 2013 Accord sub 6.0 seconds to 60.
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superchg2
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Thanks for the review, Jeff!
I'm sure Acura sales people are glad to have this new arrival.
Having a car in demand is probably something they aren't used to, lately.
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cksi1372
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Thanks for the review, Jeff, this is on our short list now, as well. One quick question on the rear seats. Is it a burden or annoying that the rear seats don't slide fore/aft or that the rear seatbacks are not adjustable? Our 06 CRV has adjustable seatbacks, but don't slide and for some reason the lack of both of these functions on the new RDX kind of bothers me. Did you notice if this is a big deal or not?
Great comments. Glad to hear the new V6 VCM is much better than previous versions. I'd prefer to actually get an MDX, but the better half wants something smaller, like her present CRV.
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JeffX
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cksi1372 wrote:
Thanks for the review, Jeff, this is on our short list now, as well. One quick question on the rear seats. Is it a burden or annoying that the rear seats don't slide fore/aft or that the rear seatbacks are not adjustable? Our 06 CRV has adjustable seatbacks, but don't slide and for some reason the lack of both of these functions on the new RDX kind of bothers me. Did you notice if this is a big deal or not?
Great comments. Glad to hear the new V6 VCM is much better than previous versions. I'd prefer to actually get an MDX, but the better half wants something smaller, like her present CRV.
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for me it wasn't a big issue but then again I probably wouldn't tap one of these for a long family road trip. My older son has fairly long legs and at 5'10ish, is on the taller side for his age (at least from our lineage!), so I don't think he'd like it much if we slid the 2nd row seats forward. I didn't hear any complaints from the peanut gallery concerning the rake of the rear seats, either, but having some adjustability there would have definitely been nice.
With that said, he's already mentioned that he's not looking forward to any long trips in our TSX Sportwagon either. The seats are comfy but he needs a lot more legroom to be comfortable for extended drives. That's the main reason why we kept the Odyssey for now.
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GoFaster
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Please encourage Acura to build an RDX Type-S. SH-AWD, turbo 6. Good candidate for their first dual clutch automatic. Should sell dozens of them :)
Would be interesting to see how much they could undercut X3 and even Porsche.
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Hondarulez
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GoFaster wrote:
Please encourage Acura to build an RDX Type-S. SH-AWD, turbo 6. Good candidate for their first dual clutch automatic. Should sell dozens of them :)
Would be interesting to see how much they could undercut X3 and even Porsche.
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I'd like to see something like that too to compete with the facelifted Q5 that will come with a supercharged 3.0 V6 that is good for well over 300hp from I have heard.
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A77
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I noticed a lack of grip and a fair degree of understeer through the esses on my test drive day last week. Certainly more than the Q5 or GLK on hand. May just be less grippy tires rather than inherent weaknesses in the chassis/(awd system?).
As regards VCM, as I have commented elsewhere the thing felt responsive enough and very linear in its power delivery. Acura spokespeople put the Accord's unresponsiveness down to a deliberately lazy DBW accelerator - slow tip in (if that's the right wordage) to help fuel economy. On a track at least the RDX's engine/tranny felt fine.
Style it right, make it smooth, quick and quiet, and people will buy it. Sure the Q5 V6 is probably a better car, but it costs a lot more to buy and will for sure cost more to run, even ignoring its demand for premium, while the RDX is happy on regular...
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Frogger
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Ah hey Jeff, any more direct comparisons you can make head to head with the TSX wagon... if light-weight traffic is a limiting factor, which would be your choice for the commute.
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JeffX
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Frogger wrote:
Ah hey Jeff, any more direct comparisons you can make head to head with the TSX wagon... if light-weight traffic is a limiting factor, which would be your choice for the commute.
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I think it really depends upon what virtues you value the most.
Overall the TSX has the edge in terms of the ride/chassis/handling but if power is important to you the RDX wins there. Overall fuel economy in the TSX Sportwagon is probably better and the TSX S/W has more of unique look that won't blend in as easily as the RDX, if that matters. (It still kills me that I couldn't get it with a 6MT). If you need any sort of "ruggedized/light offroad" duty or AWD for harsh weather then obviously that favors the RDX. There is also more rear passenger space in the RDX, so that could be a factor to consider.
Right now I think you can get the TSX Sportwagon tech for several thousand dollars below the RDX. Either way you decide, I think you win.
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Frogger
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Thanks Jeff, interesting that ride goes into the TSX category, that's huge. We never owned an SUV (unless you call the Forester one), I thought one of the virtues was a better ride. Of course, I think the Ody has a nice ride until I get into my SOs sedan.
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JeffX
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Frogger wrote:
Thanks Jeff, interesting that ride goes into the TSX category, that's huge. We never owned an SUV (unless you call the Forester one), I thought one of the virtues was a better ride. Of course, I think the Ody has a nice ride until I get into my SOs sedan.
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The majority of the time the ride is fairly comparable and the RDX may even feel a little more settled over some 'nervous' surfaces but over larger impacts (potholes, railroad crossings, speedbumps, etc...) the TSX exhibits a bit more composure thanks to its lower unsprung mass.
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soniccar
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I'll buy one only after reading your review. All of Acura's profits for the year rest in your hands.
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Tigerriot
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My buddy bought the new RDX last night, and stopped by to let me have a look.
The first thing that caught my eye was the ginormous wheel gap. Seriously, what is up with that? There was notably more gap than my 2012 CRV which was parked nearby.
Otherwise I think the car is a giant improvement over the previous model looks wise. I drove it for a bit as well, and unfortunately I could immediately notice the electric power steering. This is the first time I've driven a car equipped with it, and I didn't think it would be so noticeable. It really doesn't feel natural.
Other than that, the car was quite a joy to drive. Power felt amazing compared to my 2.4 in the CRV. I really like the interior design as well. The gauges were first class.
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Tigerriot
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Note: I meant to say 2010 CRV in my post above.
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Double J
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My family will be in the market in the next couple months for an RDX as well. I'm curious to know that if the RDX is fine with regular gas how does it affect the fuel economy? No doubt the performance would take a hit but that is not a concern for us in a small suv. Also would like to know if this is worth the price differential compared to a loaded CRV? Thanks
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venk
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How would the RDX stand up to the X3?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2012-bmw-x3-is-speedy-agile-and-distinctive/2012/06/20/gJQAybSmqV_story.html
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JeffX
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venk wrote:
How would the RDX stand up to the X3?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2012-bmw-x3-is-speedy-agile-and-distinctive/2012/06/20/gJQAybSmqV_story.html
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The 2012 X3 is a nice vehicle but mechanically I far preferred the responsive feel of the RDX and Q5. The 8-speed transmission tuning in the X3 seems really to be lacking, and is probably my biggest gripe about it.
Also, styling is subjective but I really think the X3 is one of the weakest BMWs out there in the styling department. The Q5 isn't much to look at either. The RDX isn't a stunner by any stretch but at least to my eyes it has the best overall design of the three.
Last edited by JeffX on 06-21-2012 20:44
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mobis21
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Jeff wrote:
venk wrote:
How would the RDX stand up to the X3?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2012-bmw-x3-is-speedy-agile-and-distinctive/2012/06/20/gJQAybSmqV_story.html
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I think the X3, and the X1 are downright UGLY.
The 2012 X3 is a nice vehicle but mechanically I far preferred the responsive feel of the RDX and Q5. The 8-speed transmission tuning in the X3 seems really to be lacking, and is probably my biggest gripe about it.
Also, styling is subjective but I really think the X3 is one of the weakest BMWs out there in the styling department. The Q5 isn't much to look at either. The RDX isn't a stunner by any stretch but at least to my eyes it has the best overall design of the three.
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mobis21
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Jeff wrote:
venk wrote:
How would the RDX stand up to the X3?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2012-bmw-x3-is-speedy-agile-and-distinctive/2012/06/20/gJQAybSmqV_story.html
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The 2012 X3 is a nice vehicle but mechanically I far preferred the responsive feel of the RDX and Q5. The 8-speed transmission tuning in the X3 seems really to be lacking, and is probably my biggest gripe about it.
Also, styling is subjective but I really think the X3 is one of the weakest BMWs out there in the styling department. The Q5 isn't much to look at either. The RDX isn't a stunner by any stretch but at least to my eyes it has the best overall design of the three.
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I think the X3, and the X1 are downright UGLY.
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owequitit
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I like the new RDX, a lot, actually. Of course, I never understood the whole "sporty" SUV thing either. They are just too divergent in reality.
Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this essentially the same implementation of VCM as in the current Accord? If I understood it right, the new version that is supposed to debut with the Accord is different?
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danielgr
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owequitit wrote:
I like the new RDX, a lot, actually. Of course, I never understood the whole "sporty" SUV thing either. They are just too divergent in reality.
Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this essentially the same implementation of VCM as in the current Accord? If I understood it right, the new version that is supposed to debut with the Accord is different?
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The Accord will have essentially the same engine, might be tuned a bit differently, but won't have any major novelty. The Accord will debut the i4 ED engine, but the V6 won't be an ED. The V6 ED will debut early 2013 in the RLX.
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cforez
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I thought the 2011 Odyssey was the first model to get the next-gen VCM.
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A77
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Accord had it in 07 if i remember right (08 model). I think Odyssey and Pilot around the same time.
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