I am waiting for the 2019 RX to come out and decided to go out and take a test drive on the 2019 RDX. The Tech package is $40.5K with FWD and that is very tempting with a lot of features (panoramic moon roof & jewel headlights are standard) and the track pad for the entertainment system is pretty good too and a huge improvement on the current Lexus mouse pad. The 2.0 is pretty sporty and I believe that the 0-60 is in low six seconds and the 10 speed is very smooth. The interior dimensions are pretty close to the RX but the exterior is much smaller. Anyone else considering the RDX?

 

nope....i like the rx

 

$40K for an RDX seems like a pretty stripped down model?

 

Nope. It has most of the features like Leather, Memory, Navigation, Panoramic Moonroof, Jewel Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, 19 inch polished wheels, etc. The comparable RX seems to be $54K...

 

The RDX compares to the NX. The MDX would be a better comparison.

 

Yes, that is what I used to think but looking at the three in a comparison tool, the RDX is closer to the RX than the NX. The Acura website actually puts RX 350 as one of the default comparables in the comparison tool...

 

Have you done test drive on either or both? You should.

 

I test drove the RX450h and RDX. I need to go and test drive the RX350 as that would be more of a direct comparison. The RX450h was too much appliance like while RDX was certainly much more sporty and the gas mileage shows that....

 

I test drove TLX/RDX/MDX and GS/NX/RX before buying the RX.

In terms of cabin space and size, the MDX is at the level of a RX. Why they compare it to RDX is because RX is 5 seater and not a 7 seater (not since RX L is out). But really, from the vehicle size and engine power, RX should be compared to MDX. Sometimes marketing guys will deminish others to sell for a technicality. "Hey look an RX is in the 50,000$ range while with our equivalent RDX is in the 40,000$!"

 

Of course, it's each on is own. But if you do decide to test drive the RX, look for a "J" Vin unit and since you are comparing the sportiness of the RDX, make sure you put the performance selector in Sports Mode. That will give you a very good comparison. Then let us know what you think.

 

Sorry I was thinking MDX. Apples and oranges.

 

Also RDX is now a 4cyl turbo requiring premium fuel (similar to the NX300).

 

Fully loaded RDX tops out near 50k so the one you saw is definitely missing plenty of options.