I own this car (Acura RDX Advanced) 2016 model for 2 1/2 years now and still love it! I keep it garaged and its mint condition like new. Fun car to drive! Love the 3.5 liter V6 over the tiny turbo stuff these days.
Sam, I'm surprised you liked the infotainment system as much as you did. Almost all journalists hate this system. Nice to hear a differing opinion about something in the automotive industry for once. Sometimes, I feel like most of the journalists gather together and all decide what they are all going to complain about in a vehicle, so consequently I watch dozens of reviews of the same car hearing the same dislike. Sometimes, it feels like a script. Adding to that, I didn't know that smaller screen dims out when the top screen has the same info displayed. Anyway, I love your reviews.
+Elliott Manning The infotainment system has a moderate learning curve, so its not easy to pick up using it at first. Most of us don't have a lot of time with vehicles and it can be frustrating when a class has to be taken to operate one. If memory serves, our first experience with this system wasn't that glowing a memory. But in time, getting used to it, it's better than many.
Nearly 10k difference from base to loaded. I'm fairly certain I will buy the mid tier version. Love it's looks. And the interior looks amazingly modern and relevant, despite the lack of wood trim.
I wasn't subscribing to your channel so I totally missed this review Sam. I am very impressed with this vehicle though. I was really leaning towards the Lexus NX but now I most definitely must test drive this vehicle! Anybody went out and bought/leased the RDX? What are your impressions?
Can anyone comment re. the differences (ride, ability, etc) of the all wheel drive vs standard versions? Can't find a comment anywhere about it, also "is it worth the extra money?
I really wish they had the rotary knob where your hand neutrally rests like the Germans or even Lexus. The dual screen is already complicated but using that knob freehand while driving is not optimal. Hell even Mazda has a lower center selector. And that combined 22 mpg even with cylinder deactivation is disappointing for 2016.
+Paul Connolly The Q5 is really not in the same class, more expensive, larger by a good degree. And, we haven't tested it in over a year to answer that question well.
is it possible to completely disable vsa system, i just bought the rdx 2016 and wanted to give it a drive in the snow and it won't let me slide even if i push the vsa button for 5 seconds :(
+krist sieb Good question. The owners manual says you can turn it off by holding the button till you hear a beep, then see the "off" indicator on the instrument cluster. That said, many brands now have systems where "off" only means "kinda off".
Not understanding why you wouldn't want the 9-speed. Powerband is powerband - and that MPG needs improvement. I DO applaud Acura for not jumping on the CVT bandwagon, but at 19 MPG, it BADLY needs improvement. I notice also you don't mention that it REQUIRES premium for that powerful V6. That is a key and very important omission - you may want to put an edit window in the review to mention that. Another key omission: the spare tire IS NOT standard on any RDX model. I called to Acura this week to get clarification - they began pulling records and saw that "we were loyal Honda family customers" and that "perhaps something could be done, maybe we can provide you one or get it to you at cost, but we can't entertain that idea until you buy." Wait, WHAT?! A $42,000 car and no spare? You'll THINK about it? C'mon, Acura! For the infotainment system, I found it clunky with the two-screen toggle feature, and some of the switchgear "stuck" when not pressed at direct center. As for "AWD," it's becoming the YAWN variety AWD system that might as well not even be present, with only 40% of available power being pushed to the rear. This IS NOT the SH AWD of old (still available in the MDX). You did a good review of the car's main attribute - ride comfort and power - but you're not critical enough of the things that are clearly lacking. Set the bar high- make an edit video - and do the viewers justice by being fair.
+Dawgator We prefer the 6-speed over the current Getrag 9-speed because it is a horrible nasty transmission to drive. It still has a lot of bugs in how it behaves, making the 6-speed a joy to behold. We DID note premium fuel is required in our specs as shown at end of video. A spare tire IS included as shown and discussed in the video.
+TestDrivenTV that's not accurate, I'm afraid. If you will consult the Acura web site, you will see that it is an "accessory." Only an "inflator kit" is provided across all RDX lines, with NON-run-flat tires. This is a key deficiency in any make that has become a fad. The spare tire and tool kit *is* available as an accessory - a $500 accessory. For a $42,000 car, that is simply unacceptable.
Cont'd: as for the AWD system, it is unfortunate that it is not the super handling AWD system that exists in the MDX. Instead, it is the subpar AWD system that is only capable of sending 40% of power to the rear wheels. Not really worth having in my opinion unless you have a issue with slick roads and things of that nature. But it is not an SH AWD system by any stretch of the imagination.
+Dawgator here's the skinny on the spare: www.acura.com/content/2016/pdf/AccessoryBrochure/47620_14046.4F_RDX_Txt_FMA.2.pdf As I told Acura: "deal killer." Keep in mind also that premium fuel is absolutely required. Acura states in their brochure that engine damage will result if premium is not used. It should be mentioned as such - an absolute requirement, not a preference. It's 2016. Deduct a star just for that, if you hope to remain objective.
+Dawgator Acutally if you dive deeper into the specs, the spare tire kit is standard on the AWD models not optional. It was a standard item on our tester, not an option. But we agree with the sentiment that a spare tire should never be an option. As to premium fuel we expect in premium brands premium fuel to be a requirement or a preference. Our viewpoint on that would be different it we were talking about a base Honda Civic.
I own this car (Acura RDX Advanced) 2016 model for 2 1/2 years now and still love it! I keep it garaged and its mint condition like new. Fun car to drive! Love the 3.5 liter V6 over the tiny turbo stuff these days.
This guys is an amazing reviewer. Presentation and what was touched on is flawless
Very good review! Comprehensive without wasting any time. You have a new subscriber.
great review!!! Acura is a very reliable brand that gives so many standard equipment on a very luxurious theme
Great review. I've owned a 2016 RDX Advance for a bit over a year. It's a terrific vehicle.
Subscribed, excellent review, bit longer than I usually like but I've been looking to buy this exact rdx and you went thru all the details thanks.
Sam, I'm surprised you liked the infotainment system as much as you did. Almost all journalists hate this system. Nice to hear a differing opinion about something in the automotive industry for once. Sometimes, I feel like most of the journalists gather together and all decide what they are all going to complain about in a vehicle, so consequently I watch dozens of reviews of the same car hearing the same dislike. Sometimes, it feels like a script. Adding to that, I didn't know that smaller screen dims out when the top screen has the same info displayed. Anyway, I love your reviews.
+Elliott Manning The infotainment system has a moderate learning curve, so its not easy to pick up using it at first. Most of us don't have a lot of time with vehicles and it can be frustrating when a class has to be taken to operate one. If memory serves, our first experience with this system wasn't that glowing a memory. But in time, getting used to it, it's better than many.
Nearly 10k difference from base to loaded. I'm fairly certain I will buy the mid tier version. Love it's looks. And the interior looks amazingly modern and relevant, despite the lack of wood trim.
Yeah that fake wood trim is important.
Happy New Year to you Sam! Thanks for the great content. Fantastic review of the RDX. Best wishes to you in 2016!
I really wanted to hear your opinion on the adaptive cruise control.
I wasn't subscribing to your channel so I totally missed this review Sam. I am very impressed with this vehicle though. I was really leaning towards the Lexus NX but now I most definitely must test drive this vehicle! Anybody went out and bought/leased the RDX? What are your impressions?
okay Sam , finally to put you on the Honda' s fan list . Once you Honda -always Honda .
Am I able to use the sound system to listen to audiobooks from my phone.
Hi if you had the choice, would you take the 2016 Acura RDX advance or the 2016 Murano Platinum?
Can anyone comment re. the differences (ride, ability, etc) of the all wheel drive vs standard versions? Can't find a comment anywhere about it, also "is it worth the extra money?
Interesting. I have an MKC, but this might have to be on my list when my lease is up....
the front of the wheel is too busy with too many buttons, my old 2002 grand cherokee has some on the back and personally I like
excellent review. thank you
I really wish they had the rotary knob where your hand neutrally rests like the Germans or even Lexus. The dual screen is already complicated but using that knob freehand while driving is not optimal. Hell even Mazda has a lower center selector. And that combined 22 mpg even with cylinder deactivation is disappointing for 2016.
Great video
Would you buy this over the Audi Q5?
+Paul Connolly The Q5 is really not in the same class, more expensive, larger by a good degree. And, we haven't tested it in over a year to answer that question well.
+Paul Connolly They do compete directly with each other. I personally would buy the Acura or lease the Audi
is it possible to completely disable vsa system, i just bought the rdx 2016 and wanted to give it a drive in the snow and it won't let me slide even if i push the vsa button for 5 seconds :(
+krist sieb Good question. The owners manual says you can turn it off by holding the button till you hear a beep, then see the "off" indicator on the instrument cluster. That said, many brands now have systems where "off" only means "kinda off".
OH GOD, look at that body panel alignment @1:25 during the headlight view! In an Acura??? Shame.....
Change lanes without a turn signal ? You're gonna cause an accident lol
Not understanding why you wouldn't want the 9-speed. Powerband is powerband - and that MPG needs improvement. I DO applaud Acura for not jumping on the CVT bandwagon, but at 19 MPG, it BADLY needs improvement. I notice also you don't mention that it REQUIRES premium for that powerful V6. That is a key and very important omission - you may want to put an edit window in the review to mention that.
Another key omission: the spare tire IS NOT standard on any RDX model. I called to Acura this week to get clarification - they began pulling records and saw that "we were loyal Honda family customers" and that "perhaps something could be done, maybe we can provide you one or get it to you at cost, but we can't entertain that idea until you buy." Wait, WHAT?! A $42,000 car and no spare? You'll THINK about it? C'mon, Acura!
For the infotainment system, I found it clunky with the two-screen toggle feature, and some of the switchgear "stuck" when not pressed at direct center.
As for "AWD," it's becoming the YAWN variety AWD system that might as well not even be present, with only 40% of available power being pushed to the rear. This IS NOT the SH AWD of old (still available in the MDX).
You did a good review of the car's main attribute - ride comfort and power - but you're not critical enough of the things that are clearly lacking. Set the bar high- make an edit video - and do the viewers justice by being fair.
+Dawgator We prefer the 6-speed over the current Getrag 9-speed because it is a horrible nasty transmission to drive. It still has a lot of bugs in how it behaves, making the 6-speed a joy to behold. We DID note premium fuel is required in our specs as shown at end of video. A spare tire IS included as shown and discussed in the video.
+TestDrivenTV that's not accurate, I'm afraid. If you will consult the Acura web site, you will see that it is an "accessory." Only an "inflator kit" is provided across all RDX lines, with NON-run-flat tires. This is a key deficiency in any make that has become a fad. The spare tire and tool kit *is* available as an accessory - a $500 accessory. For a $42,000 car, that is simply unacceptable.
Cont'd: as for the AWD system, it is unfortunate that it is not the super handling AWD system that exists in the MDX. Instead, it is the subpar AWD system that is only capable of sending 40% of power to the rear wheels. Not really worth having in my opinion unless you have a issue with slick roads and things of that nature. But it is not an SH AWD system by any stretch of the imagination.
+Dawgator here's the skinny on the spare:
www.acura.com/content/2016/pdf/AccessoryBrochure/47620_14046.4F_RDX_Txt_FMA.2.pdf
As I told Acura: "deal killer."
Keep in mind also that premium fuel is absolutely required. Acura states in their brochure that engine damage will result if premium is not used. It should be mentioned as such - an absolute requirement, not a preference. It's 2016. Deduct a star just for that, if you hope to remain objective.
+Dawgator Acutally if you dive deeper into the specs, the spare tire kit is standard on the AWD models not optional. It was a standard item on our tester, not an option. But we agree with the sentiment that a spare tire should never be an option. As to premium fuel we expect in premium brands premium fuel to be a requirement or a preference. Our viewpoint on that would be different it we were talking about a base Honda Civic.