Small correction here would be that while BMW does offer (for a fee) Apple CarPlay, they do not offer Android Auto.

 

The RDX A-Spec trim, according to the RDX spec sheet, comes standard with the upgraded 16-Speaker ELS Studio 3D Audio system whereas you can't even get the Mark Levinson sound system on an NX in the US in any trim level. You can get a "Premium" 10-speaker sound system in the NX that is essentially an upgrade to the standard 8-speaker system but that's not even remotely comparable to what the RDX A-Spec comes standard with so that's not worth talking about. The A-spec trim also comes standard with leather trimmed seats with Ultrasuede inserts, the NX F-Sport is only offered with NuLux (synthetic leather), it's nice but not real. Real aluminum trim is standard in the A-Spec but in the F-Sport you get plasticky aluminum-looking door inserts.

There are a few features you can't get on the RDX A-Spec trim like the hands-free rear lift-gate or the rear LED turn signals you mentioned but, in my opinion, they don't outweigh the fact that you're getting a more powerful, better handling car, and a far more advanced AWD system that comes standard on even the base trim RDX (AWD not standard). And assuming someone is going after an A-Spec or F-Sport trim package, one would assume that they care about performance and driving engagement and which of these two cars has unanimously proven to offer a more sporty driving experience? All of those extra options the F-Sport can get will swing the NX price tag beyond even that of the RDX Advanced trim that has most of those extra options as standard equipment. Like I said earlier, my moms 2018 NX F-Sport sticker was over $49k and didn't even come with the AVS or power folding rear seats so it had room to crest over the $50k mark.

The larger screen in the NX is nice but in my eyes I just see it as having caught up and staying current. The RDX infotainment screen is 10.2 inches which is practically the same thing.

 

Yes. Like I said before, the RDX A-Spec features unique to itself just like the NX has features unique to itself. But still the NX will top off with more features by listing them out.

LED Rear Turn Signals
Power folded rear seats ($400 optional extra - probably you didn't package it)
Hands-free tailgate
Memory steering wheel
Power Tilt steering wheel (RDX is manual tilt)
360 Camera (Only Advance Pack for RDX - we are comparing A-Spec to F-Sport)
Power-folding mirrors (on 18 models)
Improved sound damping
Adaptive Suspensions
Amazon Alexa
Sub-Free weather/traffic
10-Year Comp Lexus Enform (Acura has 12 month comp for security and 6 months for remote/concierge)
Misc:
Hybrid option
Better badge
Better resale value
Lexus is known to have better built quality than Acura
Made in Japan - more import feel (Acura made in Ohio)

That isn't even a complete list - its what I can pull up on short-notice. This is what I mean when the NX300 F-Sport still has the edge over the RDX A-Spec - not the Advance Pack RDX.

No - you can't assume that getting a A-Spec or F-Sport that the person is looking for a "Sporty experience". The A-Spec and F-Sport are both appearance packages. It doesn't do jack to the car's performance. It probably makes it worst - especially these performance packages give you bigger and heavier rims because "sport".
According to Redline Reviews - who drove Advance Pack and A-Spec - the A-Spec doesn't change much of the cars character in terms of handling. He said it just feels more stiff/ride is a bit rougher and that's about it. <--- That could be because of the lower profile tires.

Yes - I'm well aware that the F-Sport will swing pass into 50K mark with all the features I listed. You can adjust the price difference to the fact that the NX F-Sport has a "Lexus" badge on it and its made in Japan while the Acura RDX A-Spec is not made in Japan and its an "Acura" badge. (Badge is important in this case because Lexus is internationally sold while Acura isn't. My friend's relatives in Europe didn't even know what an "Acura" was. I feel like this is important because if you are paying upwards of 40K for a car - people should know what you drive.) The price difference is justified. My point is the: NX300 F-Sport is a better car than the RDX A-Spec - not the Advance pack.

 

And how many of those base "lower price" NX's are out there available at dealers? If you want the X package, you need to get the Y and Z packages -- then how does the NX price compare to a comparably equipped RDX?

 

 

 

Thanks for the chart! Makes things easier.

What I realize from the chart is: the Acura RDX actually doesn't have better combined MPG than the NX. The NX ranks in at 25 combined MPG while the RDX floats around 23-24.

 

 

I know that. My comment was more referencing to a previous comment that claim the RDX has better MPG.

While the RDX MPG isn't better than the NX by numbers, it is better by context (IE: faster, bigger and only 1MPG behind the NX)

 

That is not true, the MDX was always more expensive then the RX, had more power, was more sporty, was quicker, more luxurious in most ways, a 7 seater vs 5 seater, and was seen as a more upscale vehicle. Currently the RX is closer, has more rated power but is much slower and there is a 7 seater but the MDX was always higher end.

2001 RX300 MSRP $33955 $35705 AWD 220hp
2001 MDX MSRP $34370 top spec touring with nav $38,970 240hp


2006 RX330 MSRP. $36370 $37770 for AWD 230hp
2006 MDX MSRP $37125-$44200 265hp

2010 RX350 MSRP $37625 $39025 AWD, even the rare expensive hybrid was 42-44K which the MDX did not offer back then. 275hp
2010 MDX MSRP $42230 $45905 tech package, $51855 adv pack, adv pack with entertainment $53755 300hp

2015 RX350 MSRP $40970 $42370 AWD hybrid was $47620-$49020, most expensive crafted line F sport was $50220 295hp but slower then MDX
2015 MDX MSRP $42765 $44765 AWD tech awd $49040 adv and ent package $54980 adv and ent pack awd $56980 290hp but quicker then RX/prev MDX

2018 RX350 MSRP $43270 44670 AWD highest spec version RX350LHybrid AWD $54,555 295hp, hybrid 308hp
2018 MDX MSRP $44,200 46200 AWD highest spec version AWD adv ent package $58650 290hp, now available hybrid 321hp both versions quicker then both version of RX.

 

Lets talk specifically the 2018 prices you have listed. You listed a non-fully loaded price RX450hL and compared it to a fully loaded MDX to fit your argument (you did this for the 2015 prices as well). The 2018 MDX Advance Package (which is the highest packaged option - fully loaded), yes, it cost $58,650. But the RX450hL price you listed is not the fully loaded price - the price is barely optioned. Once you option out the RX450hL to a point where its "fully loaded" like the Acura MDX, the Lexus RX shoots up over 60K with options.

Let me break it down for you:
RX450hL - starts at $51,645 with destination.
Add Navi and ML sound - $54,845.
Add Cold weather pack and Luxury pack - $59,095 <-- already more than the Advance Pack MDX. (Only fair Lexus RX get all packages because the MDX got all the packages)
And I haven't even gotten to options yet....

Don't use a fully loaded MDX price to compare it to a lower optioned RX price. Use the fully loaded RX price as well - make both vehicles comparable...
This is why the Lexus RX is more expensive. This is why the Lexus RX is seen as more upscale. This is why the Lexus RX also sells more...

Secondly - I want to add. I would use the proper competition base price as well. The RX350L versus the MDX (both 7 seater) - Base RX350L $47,670 Base MDX $44,200.

I'll agree with you on one thing, the MDX is faster than the RX. However - just because the MDX is faster doesn't make it more upscale. Speed don't make a car upscale. IE: The 2008 Lexus IS250 was slow but it was more upscale than the 2008 G35 which was insanely faster.

 

Those making comments and comparisons to the NX... not really fair since the NX is old and has been out for quite a while. When a new one debuts, I'd bet Lexus will top Acura's offering.
Having said that, and reading all the comments here, I really don't see what is going to elevate RDX sales beyond what they are now. Most people buying these trucklets are soccer moms, real estate agents, or young, aspiring executives. I don't think either will care about cornering, 0-60 times, sport packages, or black rims. The core of this market wants a smart and stylish SUV that coddles them during their commute, and has space in back for the kids and weekend gear. At least that is who I have observed behind the wheel here in L.A. If the base model does that, then great. I get the feeling we are judging this new model through the eyes of an enthusiast, which will not be the target buyer.

 

This. Lexus is more than capable of topping RDX and if UX is any clue next NX will be a major breakthrough. I've been crapping on current NX since the day one, pre-facelift was your usual Toyota hackjob badged like Lexus a la CT/HS. It didn't even smell like Lexus inside. I'm not saying it's a bad car as a daily driver, I would assume it's hell a lot better than Rav4 like ES is to Camry but I had high expectations for it especially after RX debut which completely hid all the Toyota roots for the first time in it's history.

 

Also want to add, the bulk of RDX buyers are tight on sticking with asian makes. They cross-shop it with the NX and Infiniti. I have not seen RDX buyers entertain X3's, Q5's, or GLC's. The RDX buyer is largely faithful to Honda/Acura reliability/reputation and is nervous about the others. The German units are also priced much more than where the last RDX was at. This refers to actual sticker prices and vehicles on dealer lots. One could always find rows of $35k RDX's, but you'll rarely find $35k X3's, Q5's, and whatever Mercedes is pushing. Additionally, the X3 and Q5 are no longer the entry offering from those brands, while the RDX is still Acura's entry offering.
The above publication comparisons are not what I see taking place among buyers and drivers in Los Angeles.

 

The only person I know that has owned an RDX, owned two in a row. Last year, she traded it in and picked up a Macan. Some people move up.