2013 Acura RDX vs. 2012 Audi Q5 - Vehicle Comparison

The Soccer Mom-Mobile Comparo. How does Acura's reinvented RDX now fair against one of its German rivals?
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[@ericblack92]

Traded my BMW x3 for the Acura rdx and I'm loving it

[@davixastro8765]

Do you still have it?

[@ericblack92]

No I've went thought a few cars since then but I still like Acura

[@davixastro8765]

@@ericblack92ah ok. I do have a question for you now. How have those last 9 years felt since you commented on this video?

[@ericblack92]

@@davixastro8765 really sensual

[@davixastro8765]

@@ericblack92good.

[@rtistik]

I rather buy the Acura RDX instead, that German money pit would leave me broke everytime.

[@divadriver]

I know a couple Audi owners and it seems like they have a LOT of problems. I think its best to go with the Acura, at least you don't have to worry about issues for 10 years.

[@blackmarvel666]

One of the best comparisons i've seen on youtube. This is the way a comparison should be done. Please do more.

[@RCtennis3811]

I think the RDX is a great premium vehicle for those w/ a budget. For those who can afford spending more, the Q5 is a superior vehicle. You won't find bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, LED taillights w/ LED CHMSL, rear AC vents, real wood trim, color MID, gas hood struts, power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, front/rear parking sensors, panoramic sunroof, all one touch windows, 8-way power passenger seat, rear seatbelt pretensioners & more on the RDX.

[@EChid]

Yep, amazing how new car drivers never talk about that. The Q5 doesn't have a great reliability rep...but it never gets mentioned here. If anything, that's what swings people towards the Acura. While I find the Audi looks better, I'd buy the RDX.

[@dcpc08161992]

Great review and honest opionion given to each car without overly suggestive of brand favorite. I like it.

[@onisealavidze6796]

They should've compared the 3.2 V6 Q5 rather than the 2.0T. Plus, the Audi has better handling, comfort, luxury, and a greater acceleration due to the lower center of gravity and the consistent Quattro system.

[@naturalnaturalman]

The Acura's are Well Rated...but just look terrible next to the Q5 S-line. The Q5 is so aggressive looking and the performance its rated Tops in its class. You can go wrong with either.....just depends on how much cash you have to spend, I Chose the Q5 but don't blame anyone for getting an Acura.

[@harperwallace5633]

The rdx is ok in my opinion but I like the Audi a lot more

[@MrEdsfedup]

good production/editing. well done reviews all around.

[@gat1240]

I have a 2008 RDX and it has super handling all wheel drive which is fantastic. It has saved my life a couple of times while driving through winter storms in the mts. They took it out in later years but brought it back last year. The German cars do not have the sophisticated automatic adjustments that enable this 4 wheel drive system to apply power where and when needed. I think all wheel drive is the only way to go if you drive at higher speeds or in bad weather.

[@jwj500]

The 2.0 engine in the Q5, A4, TT and A6 has won many awards. The comment below regarding the comparison to a 92 Civic is apples and oranges. 258 ft pds of trq. is more than many V6's produce and the low RPM "noise" is the FSI fuel injection. In fact, the new 2.0 in the S3 puts out over 300 HP. Also, I own 3 Audi's including the 2.0T in my wife's 2011 TT. 5.3 seconds 0-60 isn't too bad while getting over 30 mpg.

[@Nystromj1]

Apples and oranges! Take it from someone that has both an Acura and an Audi. If you only want a quiet comfortable ride, buy the Acura. If you really enjoy driving and want to feel connected to the road, buy the Audi. And, I've owned several turbo's .. never ever had a problem ... just need to follow the factory recommendation for oil ... if you don't change your oil or go cheap, you'll pay! And, despite the horsepower of the Audi 2.0T, this thing has power to spare or pass, no matter what speed you are going!

[@fatboy19831]

I have never owned an Audi for those same reasons you state. I read consumer reports. I have always driven Honda, Toyota, Acura and Subaru. Take an Audi on a 300 mile trip and all that crap is not worth a hill of beans. My next car will be the Q5 or the X3. If I have to go to the dealer twice a year so be it. They are far better place to be than the Boring RDX or the Lexus RX. BMW pays for everything for the fist 4 years. I am done playing it safe. I completely understand your point.

[@mickohyeah8093]

I'm Canadian and can pronounce Audi the way it is supposed to be.

[@JStar5225]

Nice review and I was surprised with the outcome. Btw, did you guys film this at UTSC? It looks very familiar.

[@canto_v12]

Where is the RDX's rear climate control outlet??

[@djdb1214]

Acura all the way! I am looking to buy an RDX and am very pleased with the review, even alongside a Q5. Doesn't change my mind. Japanese is the way to go!

[@samehh911]

You are damn right and I'm saying it after owning audis for a long time

[@HolbergEM]

Audi drives much better, has some character. RDX is just OK - plain comfy.

[@srocme]

these videos are the best ! keep em coming

[@Boombastick17]

Excellent job guys, great review!

[@intrepidmilotic5999]

ROFL That shit grill and that body, looks like a car only your grandmother would buy. The Q5 is a car,Families,singles,guys,girls everyone would buy,it looks amazing.

[@oghueq]

You call it marketing, we call it superior drive train. Do a quick search on comparison test Audi and Acura SH-AWD. This system is superior over the Audi Quattro. They work in similar ways. Audi uses braking while Acura uses power vectoring.

[@alexthegreat4750]

Guys, this review shows a 2012 Q5, and yes, it has the smaller engine. And it still holds its ground in terms of dynamics, way better looks- both interior and exterior. In 2013, just like the Acura, the Q5 is available with a V6 and it leaves absolutely no chance to the Acura in any aspect but price.

[@TybeeZ4]

A few things. You can't get SHAWD I. The Acura anymore. I've had my 2.0T Q5 for a year and 13k miles with no issues. I'm an aggressive driver, done track days in my Cayman S, autoxed the Cayman, BMW Z4, several Miatae, an Rx-8. The Audi has averaged 24 mpg overall. The interior is equal to my wife's CLS.

[@fatboy19831]

My cousin has a 2001 Audi S4 chipped with upgraded intercoolers it puts out 390 Whp. It has 240,000k miles on it with the original Turbos and head. I Know 3 people with the 2004 A6 Turbo's all of them run like new. Any modern car will take you 100k miles no problem. Audis always give minor problems but the drivetrains are strong. They will never be as trouble free as their Japanese competition. They are far more entertaining to drive with far better interiors. I like the TL but the A6 turbo wow.

[@oghueq]

I do understand your point about the Fun factor, that's why I own a speed boat. Besides a motor bike, a speed boat will give you more joy and pleasure than almost anything on the road, but it breaks down every other time you take it out, hence the name boat, Bail Out Another Thousand. I have my water toys that needs a lot of my attention, that is why, my car needs to be reliable. Time = Money and Money = Money

[@fatboy19831]

Funny I find Japanese,Chinese,Korean,Thai and Filipino women completely different from one another. Thai women are very sweet and beautiful. Japanese are the most giving and form a strong bond. Greek women are down for anything and so much fun. Jamaican women are the sweetest I have run across (they have amazing shapes). My wife is amazing. I won't go into what nationality she is. If she where a car she would be an Cadillac ATS. She is the love of my life. She also made me drive the Q5.

[@MegaGuitarpicker]

Yeah, that panoramic sunroof "seems" to add more legroom in the Audi.

[@chigasaki06]

I do have to give Audi credit. It seems that their reliability has been improving substantially within the last few years, unlike bmw.

[@fatboy19831]

The Acura is more reliable but even more expensive to repair than the Audi when something major fails. You dont have the online back up of thousands of Audi drivers that will tell you what is wrong with your Audi and how to fix it. The drivetrain in the Audi is solid unlike the Acura Transmissions.

[@BestJinjo]

Someone who is really looking at the Q5 will be cross-shopping it with the GLK or BMW X3. The German cross-overs have much more upscale interior, ride much more sportier, and can actually do some offroading if necessary. The RDX feels cheap inside, with its interior more like a 2012 Honda Accord than a luxury vehicle. Q5, GLK, BMW X3 look and feel upscale and BMW and Q5 drive more like sedans than cross-overs. The RDX has to offer more features because you just don't feel special inside.

[@fatboy19831]

I use to have much love for Acura. I have owned 3. Now nothing more than a marketing company that is bent on re -bodied Civics and Accords. The NSX is done. The excellent RSX, Intergra done. The wonderful Legend done. Even the MDX is but a shell of the Suv it use to be. The TL is not even on the same planet as the A7. The Tl is a good car. Their are better cars for the same money. The A7 is a class leader that has no equivalent. The RDX is for people that want reliable boring transportation.

[@ptingz9307]

Did this guy just say the Q5's exterior looked dated, in 2012?? The first gen looks way newer than most current suvs, Audi's styling is way ahead of it's time, acura can't design anything that will look new in the next 5 years.

[@fatboy19831]

I kinda get your point. Most of my friends that make a ton of money drive 2004 A6, 2005 Camry's, 93 Miata's. My best friend just bit the bullet and got a 2012 CTSV he still has his A6. Your Capital hill types often drive 20 year old cars also and not that clean ether. I never judge someone for what they ware or drive (I try not to). Most folks reach a point when they wear what they want and drive what they want. I have a 2001 ratted out Cherokee that I love and will never get rid of.

[@yoshi18929]

Acura, for sure!

[@kicksoffs]

You're crazy !!!

[@ezeo.7315]

I mean iv'e been in a RDX in the rear seats and i'm 6'2 and it's very comfortable.

[@fatboy19831]

The only problem with Subaru is head gaskets.If I have a problem before 100,000 miles I will sale. The rest of their cars are solid. Sometimes in the past they would tend to catch fire. Not fun. That has all been worked out. Toyota and Yamaha were involved in the head design. The best Subaru could do was 70 hp per/liter before Toyota now it is at 100 hp. The rear diff and the trans is from the IS. The S2k is rock solid with no trimming belt! It is out of warranty. It is hard to find a stock 1.

[@ShehanWicks]

It would help if you compared a 2013 Q5 to a 2013 RDX. You forgot to mention that the RDX is a front bias AWD and only shunts power to the rear when it slips. Oh and it stops working after 80km/h or 50mph. That's their super advanced traction control not all wheel drive.

[@TomasORZ]

Great review!!

[@oghueq]

19 driving a CRX is KOOL, 45 driving that car is DEADBEAT.

[@fatboy19831]

BRZ much easier to drive at the limit (sideways). Not an easy task in the S2k. Make a wrong move and you swap ends in the s2k. They are both allot of fun.

[@jabreal00]

The Audi looks better inside and out. It's a much more luxurious look and feel. However it's $7-8k more expensive.

[@stockjonebills]

Acura RDX is far better in terms of the engine. Similar mileage but the acura has a 273hp V6. Plus Acura's stellar reliability.

[@Robin_R.]

I get my kids to the big game with Q5 and I love it!

[@fatboy19831]

Having owned many Acura's they are more troublefree than Audi but when something brakes god help you. The Q5 is so much nicer to drive. I can deal with going to the shop twice a year.

[@fatboy19831]

You have one of the good ones. At this point the 2.0t is rock solid.

[@fatboy19831]

I do sound systems for boats in my spear time, I see what a money pit that is. Winterize than in the spring reverse the process. All the motor work. It is a tax right off. A second home. I love the cigarette boats with the twin or try gas V8's. My customers often ask me if I want to use them. No thank you. Most of the boats I work on cost 3 times as much as my house. With the German cars it is more about refinement and feel vs outright fun. My Japanese BRZ is fun.

[@djsausagebiscuits]

If I were ready to buy another car right now... I'd choose the Q5 because of the standard AWD and styling... but the Acura is honestly sold at a much lower cost from what I've seen, and has better long term quality from what I hear.

[@Thee90M]

i am thinking of getting Adui Q5 as my first car ever of course full option, but i'm not a car expert. i think i watched mostly every single review on the Q5. any other information about the car wasn't mentioned in this review that i should consider?

[@АрсенийЯрочкин]

Q5

[@ravengenesis]

it would help if you look at the date the video is uploaded

[@pakman2OO3]

Wow folks. We got a real car guru here!

[@walterforester3725]

i find it amazing how only few cars manage to look fresh years and years after launch, and audi has ranked strong in that category... first with its original TT, now with the Q5....audi could easily have launched it 6 years after design and it would still look fresh.

[@fatboy19831]

The fact that you are asking that question means Audi is not the car for you. The Q5 and the A4 are the most reliable Audi's.

[@phantomloita]

Yes, but the Acura doesn't have "status" standard or optionally. Sold.

[@oghueq]

But you mention FUN! Everything you just listed has nothing to do with FUN, it's more practical.

[@cooodylan]

Acura looks like shit compare to q5.

[@oghueq]

Furthermore, they put a A7 SuperCharged $80K car versus a TL SH-AWD $35K and the TL almost took it down... Yeah, why didn't they put the A7 V6 non-supercharged 204hp $65K vs TL SH-AWD $35K. It wouldn't be even funny to compare

[@fatboy19831]

Acura's having owned 3 are just as expensive to maintain as BMW or Audi. They dont have as many problems but win they do it is expensive. It is time for a trimming belt. That is a $1,400 job at the dealer. About $200 more than what Audi charges. You can take a chance at a gas station at 2/3 the price. I would not. If you don't change it you will very be sorry. After you should have another 100k of troublefree performance if the trans holds. Do a BG flush for the trans now and 200k is yours.

[@RCtennis3811]

Why didn't you guys use the 2013 Q5 to compare to the 2013 RDX? The MPG, ride, cabin, tech, and styling were all upgraded for 2013. Oh, and while Acura may throw in standard bluetooth with HandsFreeLinke, it's actually one of the worst systems out there. There's NO voice recognition for your phone's phonebook. The system will sync with your phonebook and display names, but you have to set "voice tags" for specific callers if you want to call them hands free. Oh, and there's only 10 you can set.

[@samehh911]

Avoide the s-Tronic it is a nightmare, Otherwise it is a nice suv

[@fatboy19831]

The X3 and the 3 series are the most reliable BMWs. Aside from the occasional check engine light they are very dependable.

[@chidorimendo]

It costs maufactures to install acessories for free.... For example, Why do you think most base models don't have standard leather seats? leather seats has been around for a long ass time

[@oghueq]

My boat just has a single Mercury 5.0L V8, and it has enough kick to put a big smile on my face at full throttle, but man does it drink gas like an alcoholic drinks Jack Daniels. If you like fun, cheap, reliable car, a used S2000 will be a winner! High rev'n convertible top, what does the BR-Z has on that?

[@EriclolXD]

This is one of the biggest down-side for German brands.. they charge for almost absolutely everything.. as for premium brand like audi, I hope they will come to the sense to make bluetooth & other etc standard.. for that kind of price tag please. otherwise Acura is definitely the way to go for majority of buyer for sure !

[@david2811us]

Have the 2013 RDX. Sending it back on lease end after 3 years use. Just leased the 2015 Q5 2.0T. I like it much better. Higher quality interior, slightly less back seat room, but the panoramic roof more than makes up for it. Slamming the doors shut tells me this is a much higher quality vehicle.

[@showmequick2245]

david2811us Yea tell us how you feel after owning an Audi for like 2 years

[@ptingz9307]

Great choice my friend

[@motormusique]

I recently was a passenger in an Audi Q5 and was struck by how rough it rode. I would say that it didn't ride much better than my 13 year old Honda Civic. It may be more fun to drive, but it sure is no treat to be a passenger in.

[@tubehax]

That's what it means to be "connected to the road".

[@hhgoreish1]

Acura wins by reliability . 1998 rl had 213000 miles before I sold it, I had no problems. The new owner still does not had no problems at 280000 miles.

[@fatboy19831]

I would not even cross shop these two CUV's. The Q5 in my opinion is on a level above the civic based RDX. If the RDX was in the 33k range it would be a no brainier. For the 38k base price of the AWD RDX I will spend 2k more for a nice Q5 or X3.

[@123SHINRYU]

the only 2 reasons i am going for q5 are sport driving dynamic and interior build quality..

[@Romband1919]

I drove q5 it's not comfortable at all it's 10 grand more than rdx tech .. Just the styling audi is better but for the money and everyday drive I'd go for acura way better car for daily driving..

[@ezeo.7315]

very true

[@mcximus]

Audi is a beautiful SUV but I'll go with the RDX because price and Acura bullet proof reliability and lower cost to maintain the automobile.

[@ezrad5273]

Excellent and very professional car review! You went straight to business instead of starting off by playing dick-grab with each other like what they always do in The Fast Lane. You guys should show them the ropes.

[@ezeo.7315]

true

[@raykupal]

Well yes. I probably would know more than any of you about hondas' and acuras' insides because I test parts that go into the assy line. I know there are ford parts that go in toyota cars. Check your car parts and see keihin, denso, sumitomo, aisin.

[@ballards02]

No more super handling all wheel drive for RDX ? Shame on you Acura and Honda!

[@senorgato70]

I like how Colum complains about the number of buttons on the RDX dash, yet there are probably just as many button in the Q5, they are all just on the center console area. Also the 4-cylinder in the Q5 is honestly just a pathetic engine. It sounds worse than the 4-banger in my 1992 Civic and above 60, is basically runs out of breath. And that's in the A4. I can't imagine how much worse it would be, powerwise, in the heavier Q5.

[@oghueq]

Does Germany has an answer for the GTR or LFA?

[@davidhalifax]

I actually like the 1st generation exterior of the RDX. If money isn't a factor I would pick the Q5 for sure.

[@TonyTube407]

1. Shouldn't you be comparing the Audi 3.0 V6 to the Acura V6? Or the 4 cyl in last year's Acura? 2. ANYTHING looks better than the front end of the Acura, so even though I agree that the Audi looks better, it's not saying much. 3. What color is that Audi? Love it!

[@hassanh4069]

I have seen 4 problems with Audi Q5 in less than a year, fuse blow-off during GPS hot plugging, Knocking sound at boot coz plastic part knocking each other, Refrigerant pressure sensor failure and latest front bumper paint peel off. The paint work doesn't last long if you leave near the seaside.

[@oghueq]

If any company has the ability and formula to take out the BRZ it's Honda. Build a RWD civic hatchback. Honda has one of the best small liter, high rev'n engines. They can use the same chassis as the S2000, and remove the convertible and add a backseat. That's Honda answer right there.

[@chigasaki06]

I would hope that you haven't had any problems; you've only owned it for 1 year. Lets see what happens after the warranty, perhaps 5 years from now.

[@TheLejait]

Acura's SUV's are actually comparable to bmw's and Audi's. the tech is there as is the luxury and etc. I have an MDX and its great....

[@fatboy19831]

For 1 its 250 pounds lighter,more fuel efficient, Much easier to drive at the limit, It has more torque on the bottom end than the first s2ks. It is also far safer in a crash has a larger trunk and a rear seat that folds down. Also I am 6.5 feet tall. I can't fit in the S2k. I can wear a hat in the BRZ. Still if you are short enough an excellent car along with the MX5.

[@pex3]

i feel like canadians have a far greater appreciation for honda and acura when compared to the rest of the western world.

[@MrTONYTONYM]

A little suggestion mate, It's not too late to write this comment when you can afford an Audi.

[@dimcorner]

I love Audi, but a Q5 optioned out to match the RDX costs quite a chunk of change more.

[@fatboy19831]

Aside from Subaru (they come close) no one has an better AWD system than Audi. Acura's SH-AWD works very well but it cant overcome other shortcomings in the chassis. Were the money would have been better spent. The Audi system works very well on dry roads and will trash Honda's system in bad weather (say 1 foot of snow). The benefits of the SH-awd was not worth the investment and that is why it is gone. The X3's System is far more entertaining. The Audi system is much better in bad weather.

[@RagingBad]

The Q5 doesn't look outdated on the outside, i don't know what a hell is he talking about

[@fatboy19831]

I promise no more. Check out the pricing on 4 year old Q5 and get back with me. Acura is a very dependable car (if your transmission holds up). They are not as dependable as their Honda cousins. If the A7 was the same price as the TL would you still chose the TL? Why not buy the Accord 4 cly for half the price of the TL? That is if you like money. Look I drive an BRZ I love it. I chose it because it is a good RWD performance value. The Cayman is a better car in spite of being 50% more.Man up

[@jesleyperalta3413]

acura all day you get lost more for your money. more powerful and better fuel.that is big...

[@heslind]

Guarantee the RDX is still running perfect today and Q5 is not

[@benwong1111]

Q5 facelift looks much better and looks the best in its class

[@josephboot1]

What about maintenance costs? You pay through the nose to maintain an Audi and insurance is ridiculous, Acura also has better quality.

[@Ian-wu8oj]

Have the rdx it's pretty nice

[@dream2521]

Audi is building luxury cars since 1908...!!!

[@hollaz2]

is this a park near utsc?

[@oghueq]

Another thing, have you compared Audi Quattro vs Acura SH-AWD, Audi doesn't stand a chance.

[@fatboy19831]

The A7 base engine is the 330 hp SC 6. That is like saying the BRZ is almost as much fun as the Cayman. Yes that is true. The Cayman is a better car in every way. It was a dumb test. The two cars are not in the same league. I like the Tl. The only reason it has AWD is because the FWD TL had horrible torque steer. Honda is to cheap to give Acura an RWD platform. So they came up with super all wheel drive. They market it as the best thing since sliced bread. You are just eating it up.