I don't have much experience with the Acura SUVs, but we loved our TSX when we had it. My only complaint was the numerous interior rattles.

When we bought our RX, we looked at the RDX and MDX at the time, but chose the RX. I'm not a fan of the new MDX but I think they've done a nice job on the refreshed RDX.

 

Isn't Acura considered to be a Tier 2 Luxury Brand (i.e. premium/near-luxury) instead of a Tier 1 Luxury Brand like BMW, Lexus, Mercedes and Audi?

 

On the lower end Acura vehicles are comparable with the big 3 offering, but they have nothing in the upper end. Their top of line RLX can't even compete with E/5/GS, and nothing in flagship sedan. the NSX is sitting lonely at the top but it's more of a supercar not luxury car.

 

I have owned two MDX's, a 2005 and 2009 and we currently have a 2011 TL in the family that I have had since new. The TL is basically my middle son's car now and I can see us keeping it for a very long time because it is a solid reliable car.

In my experience, in regards to reliability it is a toss up between Acura and Lexus, both have treated me great so I have nothing bad to say about either. My Acura service department is great and I would say it is right up there with Lexus service.

However, I have driven both the TLX and new MDX and as far as refinement goes it's not even close. IMO Lexus is on another level..

 

I don't consider Lexus a Tier 1 brand or a full on Mercedes/BMW competitor though they have some models that are Tier 1 competitive. Well over half of Lexus sales come from Toyota based vehicles now with Toyota based powerplants. That is not Tier 1.

Lexus Tier 1 competitive vehicles don't even sell very well anymore aside from the IS, the big bulk sellers are the RX, ES, and NX, all based on Toyota's.

 

I would say when it comes to real reliability and build quality they are about the same, both are at the top, in my experience my families Acura's have been more reliable and had less issues then my Lexus but both are well built and reliable. Acura's generally cost less to maintain, Lexus are normally more plush.. The main reason Acura has taken a tumble in Consumer reports has more to do with the annoying dual touchscreen then any issues that empty your wallet for repairs or leave you stranded.

I don't think you made a bad decision at all, the RDX is a great vehicle and has a great smooth fuel efficient V6.

 

I don't consider Lexus on the same level as BMW, MB and Audi. I would put them in between Tier 1 and Tier 2. They have more Tier 1 products than Tier 2 products. And MB can get into the 200K price points with V12 engines etc etc. I would say that a V12 product line up puts MB, Audi, and BMW ahead of Lexus by at least a tier or two.

I believe MB, BMW, and Audi are moving their higher end products farther up the price points than Lexus. Until I see a $250K Lexus coupe with a V12 (like the AMG S-class) I am not convinced that Lexus is still in tier 1.

 

i think it is roomier.

lexus of course did have the (fabulous) LFA on sale for a brief moment at its stratospheric price (and ability), but in general i agree with you. i do think V12 engines at this time are on their way to extinction. they may be smooth and powerful, but electric motors are the ultimate in smooth and powerful if the vehicle can just have enough battery available. tesla may not win the battle, but they've started a war.

 

I see and hear a number of comments panning the Acura RLX. While I agree that the present (3Gen) version does not quite have the Sherman-tank build-solidness of its 2Gen RL Predecessor (or the standard SH-AWD), it still is, IMO, one of the most neglected cars (and bargains at deal time) in its class. I was quite impressed with the last one I reviewed, a couple of years ago....especially with ride comfort. But the public at large, for whatever reason (as they did with the last RL), is either not going to look at the RLX at all or, for whatever reason, is skipping over them for their competitors. We see the same problem, to some extent, with the Hyundai and Kia upmarket sedans.

 

While I agree that electronics have something to do with it, the hard shifting of the 9 speed trans in the TLX (especially the 2015's) has been a disaster for Acura..

The link below from Acurazine was started two years ago and is still going strong.. Sadly a lot of owners are stilling getting the run around from Acura Client Services...

http://acurazine.com/forums/5g-tlx-p...-2-3-a-919230/

 

There must be more to your post than you're saying because a RDX vs RX350 are a different class and size. Of course the RX costs more. Did you test the Lexus NX which is more a competitor to the RDX or based on your subsequent posts just come to a Lexus forum to diss the brand?

 

While I agree with you that the RX and RDX are in different classes,I didn't really see him "diss the brand" but rather just solicit opinions.

He mentioned he tested but did not like the NX.

 

I dont know who came up with a tier system but to me it makes no sense since certain vehicles in a particular brand tend to fall differently then the automaker tier.

In regards to the Acura and Lexus, reliability is the same, as they both use components from their economy brand in different degrees. AKA they have more testing data then say a purely luxury marque.

Acura has always had a more chintzy plasticy dash which was in line with the old lexus. Shiny wood grain, plastic door panels. However lexus has stepped up their material game in the newly released models. Seeing this, the redesigned MDX has gone into real wood game and certain decor has gone highly competitive. However just dont expect to see some higher end materials in the Lexus, more so less expected in the Acura.

 

OK, I missed that. I just wonder since he's committed to the RDX what's the point of the post? I think it sounds like buyers remorse like Marshall said.

All that being said, Having never owned or even tested an Acura, I watched a review of the new 2017 RDX on Utube and was pleasantly surprised. It has some features I like vs the NX like a NA 6cyl that uses regular fuel and No touchpad! I'll be looking at the RDX when NX lease is up.

 

We were impressed with the RDX enough to consider it back in '13 when we were looking, but at that time we decided that it was worth it to spend more and get the RX. We also looked at the MDX but didn't really like it.

The RX is new since then, and the RDX is sufficiently facelifted, so we'd have to look again, but this time around we went for the Highlander as we wanted 3 rows (and still didn't like the MDX).