2019 Acura RDX Review - Acura Got Her Groove Back
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- The 2019 RDX is more than just Acura's soon-to-be best selling model, it's the start of an entire new product lineup for the luxury brand. The new RDX shares essentially nothing with any other Acura in America except for the aggressive diamond shaped grille. We get a new engine, new 10-speed transmission, a new generation of Acura's Super Handling AWD (SH-AWD) system, a new high-resolution infotainment system, and an entirely new platform and suspension design as well. The new RDX promises sharper handling, better acceleration and improved fuel economy while still delivering the expected Acura value for money. Although the new CUV will be more expensive starting than the Infiniti QX50 and Lexus NX, you get more standard equipment and better performance. On the top end you'll find that the RDX is a significant discount over comparably equipped alternatives from Europe. Looks like Acura's found her groove afterall.
Sorry for the cut off text at the end! Yikes!!!
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Dude you literally waited one minute after midnight so the embargo is lifted and you can post the review as the very first in the world. What a legend! Keep it up
When uploading TH-cam videos, you can set it to publish at a certain time, so he probably uploaded it as soon as it was done, and then set it to be published at 12:01 A.M...
It's about time -Honda- *Acura* stopped hitting the snooze button after 10 years of sleeping. Welcome back!
jmasoncar s looks like Honda took some back and side profile styling inspiration from mazda and I can't say I'm disappointed.
That chrome on the sides is strange.
Look at you up at midnight waiting for this review. I may have watched a couple myself. 😂😂
It does look like HR-V with a front Front clip. But we know it is based off of the CR-V.
BG it was 9:00pm in cali👍
Norm Troll, you just don't give up.
It's crazy how much info Alex manages to present naturally and interestingly.
He's really talented. Glad he has such a successful channel.
Alex there’s an error with the trims breakdown @ 23:06
This is probably the best car in class. It makes the Lexus look outdated. The interior is very impressive, I think.
State your opinions with your chest, the interior is impressive.
Awesomeness Alex. Was waiting for this review. Please review the MDX when it comes out too. As far as the design, the new approach is great. Beautiful cars.
Holy Cow! This guy was born to do car reviews! He knows every detail and speaks perfectly non-stop. Camera work is fantastic. Writing is phenomenal. How is this guy not the most well known car reviewer ever!
Fantastic Review. No one else evaluates the competition comparison also as well. Great to see the RDX has stepped up their refinement in the new model. Now if this vehicle will hold its value relatively well then it should see some great sales numbers.
This channel smokes redline reviews, I love listening to an informed reviewer.
dave6726 agree and the commenters on the channel are much more educated than on red line which has a median age of 9
Two different reviewers with two different styles. I watch them both. Both are the top reviewers.
Daytime running lamp that is difficult to see in the day time.... That's clever.
Alex, _GREAT_ detailed explanation of SH-AWD. You're the only reviewer giving detailed explanations of the drivetrain engineering and I appreciate it!
You beat your friend Redline to the punch!
Jay G. Yeah, but Redline has way more views.
I see some styling similarities with the Clarity with that storage.
Your video gives a closer view of the center stack than others and I think I agree with you, it's the placement of the dynamic mode knob that makes it all look so busy.
If that was a button or placed either by the steering or below the transmission instead of right in the middle the entire thing would look tidier and less intimidating. I guess Acura is proud of the feature, but I think from the consumer PoV it could just be smaller too, it's not something you're going to be turning all the time while you drive.
The non A Spec models have way too much chrome. The A Spec appearance should be standard. It's also silly to not allow the A Spec to have the advance package features.
Accurate on every level.
It's why I won't be getting an RDX. Having to choose one or the other is the absolute bonkers
Alex's review is the first one I watch, even though all the auto journalists were posting their reviews at the same time.
Just purchased a used 2021 RDX Tech (only 9k miles!) for $35k. I owned a TLX previously. I’m really enjoying the RDX aside from slightly worse fuel economy than the TLX. Anyway, insane value especially at $35 with low miles. Excellent video!
Great review Alex! Glad to see the Civic Type R engine found its way into something more useful.. And it's probably not difficult to hack the CPU and get those extra 20 bhp.
I know I'm excited for this car. I just watch Redline Review of this and I can say that I always come here because Alex gives great very concise reviews. I will probably go to otherreviewers as well. Thanks Alex!
You give excellent, detailed, interesting reviews, Alex. I’m not even in the market for most of the vehicles you review, as I live in Brazil, but I watch all your videos. Keep up the good work!
Very practical review. I have seen many review, but they way this person present is the best.
Great review Alex! Welcome back Acura! We missed you! Although I am not into these compact crossovers, I may have to consider this as my next daily driver. The A-Spec looks great!
Hey Alex, I hope you enjoyed your time in Canada. ;)
Why is Mr Alex getting less views than some of the other guys? I still don't get it... Your reviews are the best over all! Just like this Acura :)
No more boring crossovers! I'm glad Acura is sticking with sporty crossovers like the germans/italians are. Even though I didn't expect this from Acura considering their sedans are boring as hell. Hopefully the sedans follow the RDX
Great review, thank you Alex! I'm a little disappointed that they made it bigger and so aggressive looking. Interior looks beautiful though. Wish they would have come out with a hybrid version. Acura said they have no plans for one in the near future.
Alex, I think a nighttime shot of the lighting in vehicles during your lighting explanation may be valuable. Have you ever considered this? Thank you for the video.
I still don't understand why have LED turn signals in the front but conventional ones in the rear.
+musicmaniac especially since the CR-V has 'em. I also didn't understand why Honda put LED turn signals in the tail lights of the 2017 CR-V, but not on the 2018 Odyssey & Accord (which are more expensive than the CR-V)
No Android Auto or tri-zone climate control that others have. Such misses for Acura as this is a smaller version of CR-V with some upgrades.
Norm T No Android Auto yet cause Google is still making it compatible with the new touch pad
Cost cutting
PLATINUM Weasel.
Another great video (as usual). Thought trigged when you said, “Nappa leather”: How about a separate explainer video on all the different commonly used touchable surfaces in vehicles?
As always great review Alex!
I think you forgot to show off the pano roof
As always, wonderful and detailed review. I watch your review before buying a car
Wow, Acura really hit a home run with this new RDX - it's such a massive improvement and it's genuinely really competitive in the class now! Bravo!
This guy's reviews are excellent! He will literally change your mind about a vehicle after seeing his reviews. I guess I could live with the turbo charged 4-cylinder. What really gives me pause is that push button gear selector. Also, is the infotainment not a touch screen?
Wow, never thought of Acura to go on my list but this video made me change! Looking to cross over from a 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport to a more fun CUV and this one seems to fit my needs with the SH_AWD. The RDX is now on my top 5 list: Porsche Macan 2.0, Jaguar F Pace 2.0, Cadillac XT4 2.0, RDX SH-AWD 2.0, and Volvo XC40 2.0.
Best value and one of the safest. Always appreciate Acura
Alex - your reviews are very useful & informative, what is a buyer need to know. If you can add Crago comparison (+/-) with competition as you do for legroom, headroom, etc - it will be really great. Crago capacity is important in buying decisions. Hope to see you adding a Cargo comparison going forward. Thank you very much. Overall great job.
wow it's gorgeous!! knocked Lexus outta the water
Don't bet on this overtaking NX
Both have snauzes only a mother could love.
W-_-T The NX has ruling RDX in sales for the last year or so.
W-_-T because the Nx was brand new and RDX was getting dated. This will put the RDX back on top.
Overtake? The NX's 0-60 is 6.9 seconds. This RDX is 5.9 seconds. The old RDX was 6.2 seconds. Even the old RDX is faster than the NX.
Thanks again for another great review, Alex. I just test drove this today. I found it to maybe be more comfortable than the Volvo cx60. I have some decisions to make! BEST. REVIEWS. EVER!
Too bad everyone wants to squish the rear end of the greenhouse and thereby reduce rearward visibility - I hate having to second guess myself changing lanes on LA's Mad Max Freeways. That said, looks like Acura has a winner by returning to form for the RDX - I'd love to see a Turbo6 version, too. Keep up the great work, Alex - your reviews are the simply the best.
Amazing value with the RDX Advance! I'm honestly shocked how they can keep the price so low. My only real "complaints" are the non-LED rear turn signals, the fact that it should have roof rails standard for a more cohesive look, and that the espresso brown interior only comes in either a white or silver exterior. C'mon Acura - metallic black paint with an espresso brown interior would look great on this!
RCBR This will have to compete with $35K Terrain Denali 2.0T on price.
We get it. You like GM products and not Acura. You are not changing anyone's mind by posting anti-Acura sentiments here. Buyers who are considering the RDX are not cross-shopping it with the Terrain or any other GM product.
Norm T LOL
Norm T not this tool again crying about shitty GM piles never being as good as Hondas
I’m 6’2.5” tall. I just sat in the rear seat of my 2019 Rdx. Sitting bolt upright my hair grazed the headliner. Leaning slightly forward, headroom not an issue.
My knees did not touch the seat back, when the front seat was adjusted for myself.
Spare tire is only available on AWD, not FWD. Repair kits suck when, majority of the time, you have flat on highway. Great detail review though.
the diamond Pentagon grill is amazing, I really don't understand the hate it gets
Why did you put your logo on the side of the car???
Alex. Great review as always. I think your graphic is messed up at 23:04. Goes off the left side of the video. Also I tend to agree with previous comments about the logo magnet on the sides of the car. It detracts from the impression of the car on the video. Anyways your logo is in the right lower corner of the video and on your shirt which is perfect and sufficient. No need to have it on the car too unless there was another reason to have it there.
Awesome review as always Alex! Thank you. One negative of this new RDX is the cup holders. No spring loaded flaps to adjust to different cup sizes?! My 2016 RDX has it. Crap. Going backwards there. Other than that, awesome vehicle.
It looks like Acura still hasn't addressed the limited head room in the rear. In the prior RDX, the rear seat bottom felt at least 2 to 3 inches higher than the front, like a RWD vehicle. At least now both front seats have the same adjustability.
Alex, please consider leaving off the magnetic A/A logo on the review cars. Why is it there? We all know what channel we are watching. It detracts from the outside appearance of the vehicles you are reviewing. Also, magnetic stickers will scratch the paint. I know it's a review car and will likely see far worse, but still. Other than that, love your reviews. Keep up the good work!
Agreed, it's unnecessary and spoils the look of the car. Alex is pretty stubborn, though--he's stuck with that intro music, even though it cheapens his brand.
So Honda put LED turn signals in the tail lights on the 2017 CR-V, but not on the 2018 Odyssey and Accord (which are more expensive) & they are not on this 2019 RDX either. I don't get it lol
Sure a deal-breaker! Can hear it now..."Good Lord, Maude, look at that up there. ..cheap, old-time brake lights with BULBS!!!" Sure wouldn't want that said about MY car!!!! Obviously, Acra folks had a sensible, valid reason for this monumental, colossal issue.
That puzzles me too
Incandescent rear turn signals
Love the new look. A spec without all the chrome is the way to go. And the shoes make the man... these wheels look awful and out of place. Again, a spec fixes that. Interior is miles above the previous generation!
Great review. I will be waiting for the refreshed one of this RDX to replace my 2014 Subaru Forester XT.
thanks for a nice review.
actually talked me into waiting for one....once my MKS is no longer runnin.
Excellent review! Thorough and yet concise.
I love the new grill and the fact Acura got rid of the “beak” but that enormous symbol is a bit much.
They put the millimeter wave radar there. Lexus also has a huge badge because the safety features are standard.
Volvo is unique in that the radar is behind the windshield so they can have a normal badge. I'm not sure how theirs is different from the competition because Toyota/Honda both had to move it behind the badge when they switched from using lasers.
Looks like Batman. But God why did they put mini crab claws on the back??
PLATINUM shut up already troll.
Great review as always. So pumped for this!
Good review, Alex . . . nice to see the SH-AWD back in the RDX.
However:
omg, i hate buttons for the trany.
Thanks for the wonderful reviews. Since you've driven so many, what smaller SUV's have the overall viability? I current have a Murano Platinum which has checks almost every box for me. The only complaints I've had are poor viability (Aand D pillars) and would like to have something smaller. Everything from the power tilt wheel, ventilated seats radar cruise and other tech are now musts after having my Murano. I thought about the Volvo XC40 but it doesn't have ventilated seats as an option. Amazed Volvo could omit such a thing. Then I liked the Kia Sportage Sx after watching your review but radar cruise control was a deal breaker. Both vehicles have the size, good performance, quite cabin and what I was looking for but lacked those two important features. Also would like something with an around view camera but I could live without that. I do wish you would add overall viability to your score since new designs really vary. Thank you for any recommendations if you happen to see this and have time to respond. Even if you don't, you're the best reviewer there is.
Can’t wait for Acura to release MDX on the same platform with Turbo/Super charged V6
The first thing I’d do is replace the tires on the stock wheels with dedicated winters, and get a new set of wider wheels and summer tires for the warm months.
You're reviews are excellent, yet lacking on SUV's. Most SUV rear seats DO NOT fold flat......most have a slight or pronounced angle. A helpful addition to your reviews would be loading empty boxes into the cargo area so viewers could see how the rear seat non-flat fold down angles will affect loading. I transport rescued dogs in metal dog cages (for free as a volunteer) and non flat fold downs on my 2010 CR-V greatly hamper my loading.
Are they planning to have sportier version of this RDX???? I would love to see a sport package with more horses and brembo brakes. It does not have to compete with the Audi Qs or the Mercedes AMG but something that would make it sportier without the German price tag. Beautiful redesign from Acura. Definitely on my shopping list.
You were very thorough. That will be my next vehicle.
The start button should be in the middle of the dynamic mode button...I think it would be a cool look!
I agree with some of the comments, the tail lights could be better. But it is nice that the rear turn signals are amber.
Great review Alex! I recently started watching ur reviews as I'm looking to buy an Acura soon. And I must say as a female I tend to be on the attentive side. And I really appreciate ur attention to detail and facts listed in ur reviews. And its nice that u give a bit of education when explaining SH-AWD. Thanks!!!
Come on Alex. You can’t have bird poop on the lights on the video lol. Good work as always.
The back looks like a CRV. Dash/controls have attractive design.
This war on rear seat headroom has to end!
Right Lane Hog nope, its one of the most important feature I'm vehicle which likes to call itself a "family hauler". So this should be mentioned there in the reviews, always.
That is exactly what I am saying .
I find Alex’s constant concern with rear seat headroom misguided- few people drive around with 6’ children. Who sits in the back? Kids.
Lmao. I swear it's such a thing with reviewers.
I wish the pano roof was an option. Headroom in my book is much more important than occasionally opening up the roof or for letting light in. People I talk to never use the roof so the only benefit is for aesthetic purposes. Replies would be appreciated.
That's an opinion. I love the pano roof and I'm sure my kids would too.
I found I RARELY opened the cover on my moonroof for 15 years. I wish it was an option as well. Extra headroom and keeping that sun out on all these hot days where I live. Pano's are far worse, even with the so-called sunscreen application on them. I get that some like it. I like it when I can just look at stars, but that's rare for me these days (light pollution in city). Option is better. I will probably have to avoid the RDX just because of the mandatory and highly annoying pano glass. Add in the risk of shattering, even without anything hitting it (google it) and it's just not worth the aggravation and increased interior temps. < consumerreports.org/car-safety/exploding-sunroofs-danger-overhead/ >
Agree. A separately priced option, not part of any of the trim levels. Reduced headroom, potential to leak and cause damage the interior, and need for future expensive repairs all cool my desire to have a sun roof of any kind.
I Would gladly forego the moon roof for reclining rear seats and ventilated front seats. Is anyone concerned about rust? Lots of Honda’s in the 90s with them and all rusted out now.
How does the vehicles traction dynamics change on Snow mode? Does it work similar to Subaru’s? Sh-awd is performance oriented and i wonder if Snow mode switches rdx to more traction oriented like subaru
Nice looking. Right-sided. Good power train. Reliable. Seems like a good price.
Acura always has gorgeous analogue gauges, which are refreshing to anyone who is constantly in front of digital displays at work and at home. Digital displays are just not as dimensional. The use of digital displays in between the analogue gauges is good engineering. I have been a Honda/Acura enthusiast since 1987, and was a little disappointed with the TLX, and hope they come out with a turbo V-6. In fact, I hope they will put the same turbo V-6 in a kicked up version of the RDX sometime soon. This is a beautiful car, and it is really neat not to see the gaudy Beetlejuice fireplace screen grill on the front that is popular with the Lexus crowd, and that the top end model is quiet, luxurious, loaded with good options, and very competitive with respect to cost. I might just get the RDX and drive it until they redesign the RLX and TLX.
I have been driving my 2016 Acura RDX for almost 4 years. Yesterday I drove for the first time this 2019 RDX model. I am dissapointed. The only think I like is the new transmission and Dashboard. Engine has turbo lag. Finishing details on the second row and cargo area are not as equal as the older model. Second row feels narrower and seats are not as comfortable as the older model. Cargo area is longer but not as wide as the old one. Stop lights are not as good as the old design. Front design is good but has a lot chrome, except for the A-Spec Model. In summary, there is not too much to pay a higher price for this model . Engine still needs premium gas. Think twice before replacing your current SUV. Get the 2018 RDX model.
With this and what Acura has to come it is stepping away from Lexus and Infiniti. Now it’s competing directly with BMW, Audi, and Mercedes. It’s about time! Acura is back!
Excellent review as always..
Acura has finally figure out how to make their front grill look good
Alex I have a question every time you start this vehicle do you have to disable the auto stop start feature? I wonder if there’s a way to completely defeat the system by pressing and holding the button?
This new RDX is amazing and I'm glad to see Acura coming back but having hard plastic at the bottom of the door is unacceptable considering a used $4000 2005 Acura tl doesn't have and hard plastics anywhere on the doors front and back.
Regret that Durango yet Alex? Just kidding, you need the towing ability.
:)
Haha, oh yeah, I remember he made a video on that Durango he bought.
My RWD GLC sends 100% of the power to the rear wheels 100% of the time, which really adds to the driving fun.
It's about time!!! The RDX finally lost that gruesome slab of chrome that was stuck in the middle of the front grill. Welcome to the 21st century!
Excellent review but I missed why the Volvo XC90 was comparison referenced instead of the XC60.
I bought the 2021 RDX SH-AWD + Tech Package. I don't like the raked rear-end, which takes away headroom and cargo-room from the rear......I am guessing this was to make the car look better, which is more of a "form over function" thing. I also don't like the non-touch interface of the display screen, especially when we have to key in an address, instead of speaking it out. Overall, good car and I am still learning the nuances of it.
LOS ANGELES - Owners of 2019 and 2020 Acura RDX vehicles today filed a class-action lawsuit against Honda alleging the automaker knowingly sold vehicles equipped with defective infotainment systems which it refuses to fix, according to Hagens Berman.Jul 11, 2019
Great review. How do you like it vs. the Stelvio?
Great review. I am looking for an affordable luxury compact SUV with decent maintenance costs..... Checked out BMW X1 but started looking at Mazda CX5 because I hate high maintenance costs. Now I am thinking of this RDX.... what do you think? Thanks
Wonder why Acura won't bring the Panasonic Sound system to the Honda lineup? People have begged for a decent stereo for years.🤔
They should also put the panoramic sunroof in the Accord when it gets redesigned so it can be appealing to us old Accord owners.
PLATINUM That’s what separates an Acura from a Honda lol.
PLATINUM stop trolling you silly little weasel!
Tom Voelk loved the new ELS system
Welcome to British Columbia Alex!
It makes sense that this is the best implementation of that new grille. It looks awkward on all the passenger cars. It looks wonderful here and I'm not a fan of the crossover segment. They are going to be printing money with this one. Hopefully they use it redo the ILX and bring make a true NSX/ baby NSX.
Well done review. Thanks!
I have some carbon buildup concern with the 2.0 liter turbo not having both direct injection and port injection. Honda has had problems with gasoline showing up in the oil on the 1.5 liter turbos. Also, there is no indication that the intercooler is liquid cooled which would reduce heat sink and performance. I will be watching the forums for potential problems before I consider buying.
Rear lights are little bit too Honda ish. However it’s a good looking vehicle.
Wageesha Samaraweera isnt it from nsx lol
김동준 Nope, more like the new Accord. NSX has much different ones.
HR-V profile with CR-V platform...
It's not the CR-V platform. Acura built a new platform for the RDX.
Norm T you're in almost every comment on every video. You have a huge tent pitched in your pants for the new rdx huh?
This makes the Lexus NX look like complete junk.
Blake Swan The NX is a miss on many levels besides it's Buick Encore sized interior no HUD, and only brake-based torque vectoring.
The Buick Envision 2.0T at least has a color HUD and tri-zone climate control. The 295 lb-ft of torque is the icing on the cake.
the nx is a toyota rav4 decked out, not on the same level as the rdx
I'd prefer, given the choice, to buy a car that's made here vs. in China.
That’s because the NX is complete junk.
Nx is for lil chick
I have a pretty basic model of the 2017 RDX. I love the space inside; it’s perfect for me. But it has a few design flaws that are pretty annoying and I don’t know how they were overlooked by engineers.
Barbara Vyse That is an older design and probably the oldest in the segment. Now the Lexus NX is the oldest along with Lincoln MKC.
im holding out for the V6T!
Excellent video as usual. Weird question: What kind of shoes are those? Nice. Thanks!
If I am looking for cargo capacity behind the 2nd row, is this the SUV you recommend? Which has the biggest cargo area of the segment (price range)
Looks like Acura has returned from "her" ten year vacation!
Another excellent video! Thnaks.
Should I get this or a Volvo XC40 ? Planning to lease a new car soon.
What did you end up getting? Those are also my two options (used)
I think Acura only has two models, the RDX and MDX. No one bothers reviewing the other cars anymore. Even the NSX has lost interest with most.
Alex can you tell me if this 2019 Acura rdx is as good as the bmw x3? Or maybe you would even consider it over a bmw x3 or volvo xc60 is it as good? Thank you love your reviews.