2019 Acura RDX Advance SH-AWD Full Review

[@stevenr6279]

2019 RDX Tech. Pkg, FWD. It's been a little over a year and this Acura is superb. The 4T is very strong and performs beyond excellent. The interior layout is a joy to spend time in. The handling is SUV gold; the steering wheel weight and ratio is sport tuned just right for this SUV. The vehicle has not presented any troubles, only 1 recall, which, was taken care of in 1 day free by Acura. Everything works as expected. The only negative is I do not drive the RDX as much as I want. I am so happy I picked the RDX over the BMW X3. The RDX is rewarding to drive and it comes with plenty of features that increase your long term enjoyment of ownership. This is the SUV to compare with any other SUV in its class and beyond.

[@NovieBigSad]

Acura is back! That interior is absolutely stunning

[@TurfSurf]

It's copied from their NSX.

[@danielzavala7446]

Turf Surf it’s actually inspired by the precision concept car

[@mayathompson727]

Just got mine today !!! Love it !!

[@iamthedutchbro]

Very impressive car! I'm a Honda/Acura loyalist and I'll admit Acura has lost its way the past decade. I think the new RDX is an excellent step in the right direction for the brand. Can't wait to see what they do to future models!

[@proseccopapi]

out of all the reviewers out there i was waiting for your video to come out big fan since day 1. keep it up !!!

[@mrlim282]

The super handling AWD returns to the RDX! Nice!

[@mariowhyte2816]

No doubt you're one of the best auto reviewers out there. I can appreciate you making that comment on the true touchpad system here. A good number of other reviews made their judgment right off the bat. You on the other hand said point blank that you need more time with it. Right on bro. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It took me years to warm up to iDrive (still a bit lukewarm on it) so I can't in good faith anoint or dismiss this one after 30 minutes with it. Ultimately I don't think it's the second coming but like many interfaces, it will become fine for the people that own them.

[@jccoello]

I freaking love this design! The blue looks amazing with the black grill and chrome details! Wow

[@bryanmchugh1307]

That is one of the best Acura's ever! That is amazing value.

[@dylansalvador6782]

i realize I am kind of randomly asking but does anyone know of a good site to stream newly released movies online ?

[@christianoliver5244]

@Dylan Salvador I would suggest flixzone. Just google for it =)

[@CibellyAguiar]

Love your videos, you’re the only car related channel I watch. Keep it up!

[@johnmattiazzo3900]

Great job Acura love the rdx

[@MrNemo721]

This should sell very well. I have watched and read several reviews today and looks like the fixed everything that was needed.I still will only drive sedans as long as I can so hoping to see all these mechanical, infotainment and interior improvements on the TLX.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm sure those improvements are coming.

[@goinxnginx]

I am with you, Fedora. I am still driving my 2010 TSX V-6 Tech w/118 thousand miles on it, and it is still driving and looking new. I love it. I do not like the TLX until the improvements you listed are realities. Funny that my car has the superior paint that was no longer available on the TLX, which has too much orange peel. If they put a twin turbo V-6 in a TLX and other major improvements, I will definitely be interested. Otherwise, I will just keep my trusty TSX and be quite happy with it. I guess I should add that I did have my car fully Dynamatted, and that helped out a great deal, making the sound system totally awesome now. Having kept an '87 Civic for 17 years and 375 K miles with no repair woes, I am an avid Acura/Honda fan. We can only pull for Acura and hope that they are awake and know how to get back on top. There is something about stressing a 4 cylinder engine with a turbo that bothers me relative to longevity and future repair costs.

[@rickfrank7934]

@@DrivenCarReviews trying to decide between the RDX Advance or the BMW X4 M40i. Any help? which seems like a nicer more well made vehicle in terms of materials used on the inside and including sound system? (yes I am aware Acura is bringing turbo inline 6 engines this year or early 2020) Thanks.

[@aa134368]

goinxnginx Agreed. Have an ‘05 Accord with 215000 miles. Bought new in high school, have had zero problems. Just waiting for TLX to get this interior plus hopefully a pano roof. I’ll be the first in line if it does.

[@devonpeters5655]

aa134368 I am in almost the exact same boat (though I didn’t buy mine new in HS). 05 v6 Accord with 210k. Looking at the RDX, TLX or RLX next...Saving while I don’t have a payment, haha.

[@Peter-rq4xn]

My very first car was a 1991 Integra. It's nice to see Acura bringing back driving fun with this RDX. Will definitely be considering them again if they continue to build products like this. The A-Spec looks great in blue.

[@justarandomfishguy8868]

just picked up one yesterday for wife. Myself have a bmw f30 and i just test-drove the new x3 and I am so surprised and want to share it with ppl who just like me constantly diss fwd biased cars that this shAWD is crazy good at near corner handling that I dont even realize it is actually a fwd car. (lets be real, city driving only needs power when merging into highway and corner launching (right/left ) from the plaza). Bought it for the reliability. Yes, if 10 goes to x3 for handling, this is not going to beat that but the reliability and upfront price discounts/rebates just make this no brainer at this moment.

[@peepinR]

I like how he compares it to the Stelvio and the Macan… Sure, they are more performance-oriented but how much less is the RDX? Also the maintenance on the RDX will be much less expensive too compared to the other Euro CUVs.

[@ruzzelladrian907]

The new grill looks so nice on the new RDX.

[@donaldsalkovick396]

Premium paint...,is there a primer gray economy paint?

[@mrxyz2k]

Kudos for Acura for removing temperatures and fuel gages from beneath RPMs and speed gages, but I believe it will be better if it’s removed top of the gages to give more space for the middle screen, besides it will be more obvious and easier to monitor.

[@crownr0yalonice]

I was waiting for YOUR review specifically! You always deliver. Thanks!

[@mrxyz2k]

What’s that black or light on window’s chrome at 9:13 ?

[@charlesfrusa5049]

Got myself a RDX 2019 Advanced, FWD for 43000$. Awesome car so far.

[@blkxdragon]

lovell911 advanced model comes with AWD standard. Right?

[@chrisrobles2012]

Wow great price. I can’t get that price even for the aspec. Lowest is 44800 down from 47,xxx

[@charlesfrusa5049]

@@blkxdragon just saw your comment 2 years later... my bad. No, AWD isn’t standard l.

[@jamesbensch6]

Great review. I love Acura's older cars. When I was a kid my dad had a 1993 Acura Integra GS-R. No airbags or any other safety features. My dad would street race people and do doughnuts in the snow. Fun childhood haha

[@nsu300zx]

Still don't know why you don't have more subscribers. Great vid.

[@Azmodan911]

It's so beautiful there, it makes me want to visit! Great review as always, Tom.

[@raymondanderson1026]

Gold star for using the word contraband in a car video!!!

[@ruzzelladrian907]

Drivers of the new RDX can play with their new crossover in corners just like a rear-wheel drive car.

[@NA-du5vm]

Halogens, seriously? Why didn't they go full LED in the rear?

[@bigwilliearmitage]

So many people complain about the turn signals! If that's what you see as a problem, Acura must have nailed it.

[@GT5005]

They will add it to their mid cycle refresh.

[@iamthedutchbro]

Because halogens are extremely easy, cheap, and convenient to replace - sometimes that trumps style.

[@tripleA6570]

i love all your reviews

[@ssjkev1641]

Best review out there on the new RDX! Thanks Tom!

[@virkelie2]

At 2min 58sec - are those ultasuede seat inserts mated to leather, or another material? For the A-Spec trim, Acura describes the seating material as "Alcantara" - I was hoping it meant no leather.

[@jorgeherrera1075]

Great video short and simple

[@ryanslade3465]

It's such a handsome little suv! And it's design is neutral for both men & women👍🏽

[@theone4042]

You’re very pleasant to listen too. Good reviews too

[@princegorman2979]

The black rims of the a spec makes it look much better than the wheels of the advance package

[@pierrematisse5381]

Great review and beautiful car!!

[@Raven1180]

Awesome review as always Tom. Love what they have do e with this new model. I'm an RDX owner myself. 2016 model and 6cylinders. I hope they dont wait to long to bring out the 6cyl model. The difference with a 6cyl & 4cyl on hills is quite noticeable to me.

[@titanium7992]

Respawn I've noticed no difference in pull between my 2016 TLX SH-AWD (V6) with 290 HP and my 2018 RDX SH-AWD A-Spec. The RDX feels just as strong pulling and just as quick. I drove a 2018 RDX loaner from my Acura dealership this summer and there really is a negative difference in feel going from the 2018 RDX to 2019 RDX. On the contrary the 2019 feels quicker partially because of the extra torque and because of the better transmission. I'm a performance guy. I wouldn't have purchased the turbo 4 RDX if it wasn't at least as good as my V6 TLX. You really have to drive it to see. Not sure about your local dealerships, but mine just handed me the keys and said enjoy. Test driving it solo allows you to really get a real feel for it without worrying about a nanny in the passenger seat. There are a few things I'd change with the 2019, but none of them are related to performance.

[@rsj005]

Great review as usual...! Correction though, I believe it's the "Type S" moniker they're reviving not the "Type R". We Acura fans will welcome both though...! Lol

[@mrxyz2k]

Charging cables heads could break easily break by shoes by mistake for backseat with such low place. I would rather, a little bit, lower back seats AC opens and put these USB charging ports over it, of course with seat heating buttons, make it easier to find.

[@BaileyLAK]

love the Advance... just wish they didn't put boring Honda CR-V rims on it.

[@Kanti12311]

Mike N in my opinion CRV got better rims

[@bigwilliearmitage]

Yep, the locked option packages are completely stupid

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Nicely reviewed, Tom. Looks like a hit for Acura. I don't imagine they gave you one to drive from Seattle?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nope. These were he first ones produced and they arrived just days before the event,

[@marcob1729]

Those wheels sure are something else. I'd say that they're quite unique. I'd love to sit in one of these and give it a drive!

[@nooneuknow2231]

Nice review. Test drove an Advance model today. Pretty impressive. The center dash section looks better in person. Drives really nice, very comparable performance to the Q5 I drove a few weeks ago. Difference between Comfort and Sport very noticeable. Is there any way to defeat the "artificial engine sounds" pumped through the stereo? It is on the short list to replace my 2014 MDX. I like the interior of the Audi better, but I like the $12,500 I'd get to keep with the RDX. The Q5 get very pricey if you want the adaptive cruise, specifically.

[@PunxsutawneyDave]

I know Tom has a lot to get through in a short amount of time but at 2:30 there was a giant camera button. Was that for surround view? If so, that might make the car darn near perfect.

[@tim3172]

■ For frontal views: Press the CAMERA button when the vehicle is stationary or moving at 12 mph (20 km/h) or slower. Press the button again to switch camera views. ■ For rear reviews: Change the gear position to (R when the vehicle is stationary. Press the CAMERA button to switch to rear view mode If you press the CAMERA button while the vehicle speed is more than 16 mph (25 km/h), the standby screen appears. When the vehicle speed is reduced below 12 mph (20 km/h), the screen switches to a surround view camera system image. Other than that when you are in viewing the surround view if you press that button it cycles through these options: Front ground Front wide Side + Ground (split-screen) Side + Side (split-screen) Sideview Sideview (presumably left + right) Rear ground Rear wide You can customize to remove options (because flipping through 8 would get tiresome). Hope that helps.

[@hasanz5259]

Acura being slick as always: upgrade the cheap halogen rear bulbs to LEDs and redesign the wheels during mid cycle refresh.

[@baldheadlogic]

Hey Tom. Great Review.

[@limpunsing224]

Nice review Clean decent overall design

[@Sanpedranoazul]

So there`s still missing a GLA, XC40 competitor from Acura

[@626KiDD]

Revive the Type R monicker? I think meant the Type S- which Acura said they’re bring back. The only Type R under Acura Brand was the Integra, but that was the only one- on the other hand the Type S had a few i.e. RSX, TSX, etc.

[@ammomeister]

Any turbo lag? the 1st gen has a serious case of turbo lag...

[@kgweber75]

I love the new Acura grill. It makes up for that awful huge UGLY shield that was put on the pre 2012 TLs. So far, the review look positive. But I may wait a year to consider due to issues with all brand new models.

[@billthestinker]

Excellent review!

[@Lucky8s]

RDX A-Spec looks fantastic on the road, while all other trims seem to blend in on the road. Design goes from fantastic to bland real quick.

[@Tigerex966]

Interior looks very nice although I still prefer a physical shift knob and brake lever over small hard to see sometimes finicky buttons.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Understood, though I prefer Honda's transmission buttons to many electronic shift controllers.

[@Tigerex966]

Driven Car Reviews understood at least its not touch screen though I still like touch and feel over look first than touch and feel 😀

[@jaykrausbcful]

I love this review!!!

[@SSS-mp8th]

I really like this new RDX and I don't care for much in the Acura stable. I do wish the Advance package was made available to the A-Spec. I like the look and red interior on the A-Spec but I want the HUD and other features which don't seem to be offered unless you buy the Advance trim. Also something perhaps you could pass on to the PR people, they should time their website configurator and information to coincide with the release of these press tests. I want to go and configure one and learn more about it but there is nothing really on the Acura website. By the time it is there I will have forgotten, a lost opportunity.

[@gmailaccount4192]

SS S HUD??

[@SSS-mp8th]

Head's Up Display (where you see speed, navigation and other information on the windshield).

[@arispelius600]

You mentioned lossless audio support. Which lossless formats are supported, FLAC, WAV, etc?

[@tim3172]

The following is listed in the user manual: AAC LC 3GPP (.3gp), MPEG-4 (.mp4, .m4a), ADTS raw AAC (.aac, decode in Android 3.1+, encode in Android 4.0+, ADIF not supported), MPEG-TS (.ts, not seekable, Android 3.0+) HE-AACv1 (AAC+) HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+) AAC ELD (enhanced low delay AAC) AMR-NB 3GPP (.3gp) AMR-WB FLAC FLAC (.flac) only MIDI Type 0 and 1 (.mid, .xmf, .mxmf), RTTTL/ RTX (.rtttl, .rtx), OTA (.ota), iMelody (.imy) MP3 MP3 (.mp3) Opus Matroska (.mkv) PCM/WAVE WAVE (.wav) Vorbis Ogg (.ogg), Matroska (.mkv, Android 4.0+) I can tell you wav and FLAC are lossless. I'm not sure off the top of my head which others are lossless, The ones listed as 'Android' likely require the upcoming Android Auto add-on/integration and ALAC is supported through Apple CarPlay and accompanying iPhone (though likely not by loading ALAC onto a flash drive).

[@venom5809]

Hmm, this is a very nice vehicle, not bad. I have a 3 row crossover and I have literally never lifted up the third seat in 3 years, no lie. I do like the extra room for stuff though.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Ah, appreciate the honesty!

[@jmm1817]

Beautiful car I just wish they offered it in V6 not a big fan of the 4-cylinder Turbo. Would like to hear what others think of that engine and if it will be reliable long-term

[@chrisrobles2012]

I’m trading in a 2008 RDX turbo 4cyl for a 2021 RDX turbo 4cyl. Was our most reliable car but at 160,000 miles/13 years , its time to get a new one.

[@jmm1817]

@@chrisrobles2012 thank you for the input be careful the reviews on the 21 aren't so great. That 2008 probably a gem

[@chrisrobles2012]

JM M , thanks for the heads up. Do you remember some of the issues /reviews I should look out for?

[@jmm1817]

@@chrisrobles2012 sorry not specifically seems like the quality has gone down through the years

[@jmm1817]

It seems like it's hard to go wrong with an Acura or Lexus Honda or Toyota I just hope all the new bells and whistles and computer stuff holds up

[@mx5hong]

If the new clear coat process means (in addition to the looks) a more chip and scratch resistant finish, then I'll gladly pay extra for it.

[@adamwright9741]

The middle dash area looks like one of those amorphous aliens.. I'm not sure if I could get used to that

[@brilliantoperations9774]

Just test drove two with SHAWD. Buzzy and boomy in the interior at speed, bury your foot in it and the noise (not quality sound) coming from the turbo four screams low quality. Fit and finish were OK, can not believe how people would spend the dollars on this. A fully loaded Advance is touching MDX territory and after driving two of those, I would get an MDX (as we did) or look at an Audi. Way, way more refined.

[@LilithM09]

Acura is the reason Honda CR-Vs in the US don't have panoramic roofs and the touch button gear shift system.

[@TheKillerace900]

Are you going to do a review of the 2019 lincoln nautilus when it comes out😀?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'll try but Ford is famously stingy with press cars.

[@bigwilliearmitage]

@@DrivenCarReviews They're afraid of breakdowns, CELs, and spontaneous combustion.

[@oldsnwbrdr]

The Advance package is ludicrously overpriced at >$8,000! Correction, with the Tech package, Advance is another $4,000. Test drove one yesterday. I hated the infotainment system, I was frustrated and could not figure out how to get to the satellite radio station I wanted.

[@MrMegatron85]

I gotta hear this sound system. Been hearing nothing but great things.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yup, it's pretty good especially considering this is not a $100,000 car.

[@gmailaccount4192]

Driven Car Reviews it sounds awesome. Does anybody know if has kick hatch release and keyless walk way??

[@Danielle-tx2es]

mpg? mpg? telescope? retractable mirrors?

[@featherboards1565]

Great review! What is the typical time between launch and the addition of upper spec models like the Type R? Could that happen mid-model year or does that typically roll out with a new model year release?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Hard to say. For one thing I misspoke with the Type R thing, it's Type S (was in too much of a hurry). My best guess is the first quarter of 2019. That gives them plenty of time to fill demand for the standard versions, then get some press and excitement built for the Type S. Not Type R.

[@featherboards1565]

Driven Car Reviews Ah, yes. Thanks for the reply.

[@jeffpowell860]

Love seeing those fold flat seats

[@76carmel]

Remember, there is a review that is in this channel where Tom and his family had the family vacation in Whistler. BTW, great scenery, eh? 🇨🇦

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That was easily 7-8 years ago. Not sure if I should be impressed or scared Billy.

[@sloanNYC]

I really don't like SUVs or the looks here, but this is a great review.

[@ssj4goldengogeta]

Hey, Tom. I think you meant Type-S moniker. Lol

[@lounge2fly2]

Deion B ditto

[@Siper2]

Likely Type-R. As in the old Integra. Acura needs to get back in the sport market. Type-S was nice but nothing like Type-R was.

[@lounge2fly2]

Siper2 at the press release for the RDX they mentioned type S and nothing about type R. Type S was a nice bump in performance. I agree, type r is a different level but I’ll welcome type s for now!

[@Siper2]

lounge2fly2 Ah, gotcha. Agreed then, take what you can get!

[@kevinabraham2029]

The corner of the taillight really resembles CR-V. Not bad in the looks dept. thought

[@JustinAbroad]

Rdx looks so sexy. Hope they change the TLX and iLX interior

[@echo405]

It's funny that car reviews never shows measuring of sound db on interior noise level but just saying "it's much quieter~!" Just measure the db and show it, 40 db is the best I know from Buick.

[@10tenman10]

I looked at it yesterday. Nice interior. I don't like the panoramic moonroof though (totally unnecessary).

[@Kahn4]

My dad's Ford Edge has rear seats that recline and it's nearly 10k cheaper. These "Luxury" cars really seem to leave much to be desired for the price they demand and they don't even have many of Standard features that cheaper mainstream brands have.

[@chrismelnick8381]

We're trading in our 2010 RDX Tech for an A-spec in the special Blue with Red interior. The last gen sucked. Almost went Audi, but the Q5 is uninspiring to look at, not nearly as playful to drive, and well, it's european so it's reliability and maint will suck. We went 100k with the last RDX with only one relay go on the car, costing $230 to fix. Expecting similar reliability from this.

[@schizogony]

You should narrate the car descriptions on the next Gran Turismo.

[@mikem.2688]

I've been told to never buy the first year of a new gen and wait for the bugs to be worked out. Is that still true?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Good question. Hard to tell these days. While it might depend on the manufacturer and just how "all-new" a vehicle is, I know plenty of people who bought the original Chevy Volt (with an incredibly complex drivetrain) that had few to no issues with it. The development process is incredibly thorough these days.

[@TheCanadianCyclist]

A full review in one part day of driving?

[@stanoster3417]

Tell me it’s not true, Acura is finally designing vehicles that are great looking!

[@bigwilliearmitage]

Yes, but the turn signals are halogen! It's apparently a tragedy. The car is therefore useless...

[@DrewFu319]

Is Evil Twin considered a national security threat in Canada?

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

This is promising

[@dennisjanda5081]

Looks like a TRANSFORMER vehicle..Overstyled !!

[@waseemsells5378]

Big thanks for saying Whistler British Columbia! Most way whistler Canada

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, I insist on accuracy (said the guy who said "Type-R" at the end of the piece).

[@stevewise1656]

You have to reach for the drive mode and that’s a bit dangerous. Infotainment is growing on me. Been waiting on this car for my wife. It has a lot to like and will add it to the test drive list. Hope they offer nicer rims on the top of the line and not inky on ASPEC.

[@jeholloway2]

I’m in South Florida and worried about panoramic sunroof. Will this create more interior heat?

[@TurfSurf]

Tint it

[@DavidStella]

I like this vehicle. Does it come with a wireless phone charger, though?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I didn't see it after a quick look at my press material. I'd ask a dealer.

[@TurfSurf]

The seats are super comfy, one the best besides Nissan's.

[@ssaini5028]

The 49K 2019 RDX Elite Trim does not come with Fog lights or the 16 Speaker 3D ELS system LOL...Really Acura? You have to get the Platinum Elite or the A-Spec to to get all that. Why Does the Elite Trim even exist

[@cancercell1]

Tom, what did the Evil Twin do to get himself banned from Canada? :-D

[@Benjamin-sn5cw]

Finally Acura have sorted their shit out it seems. Shame there's no Android auto (yet) but at least they're working on it. Also good to see that there is a fair amount of standard kit. Great review, great scenery

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That is the fault of Alphabet, not Acura.

[@Bryan-T]

Looks like it's great for the price.

[@bohan9957]

Towing capability?

[@djw1091994]

@@ducatil-twin3379 while the transmissions were sketchy into the early 2000s that can't still hold true now. This is a brand new 10 speed too. Gotta reserve judgement dude.

[@djw1091994]

@@ducatil-twin3379 The occasional trailer, home depot runs, hauling furniture, a boat, maybe another car max. I don't think many if any buy them for regular towing or towing as work vehicles. That said this probably tows somewhere between the crv and pilot. Closer to the pilot.

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

Are the interior door handles metal?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

No. But they feel good, not overtly plasticy. Metal door handles that size are only found in cars like Porsche and Bentley for the most part.

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

Driven Car Reviews Thanks for the info Tom! Great review as always.

[@61maui]

According to the press kit “ Authentic aluminum accents “

[@henrytauch8383]

Is it a CVT transmission ?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nope.

[@mojojojo911]

Mannnnnn. Why a 4 cylinder? I was hoping for a V6TT with like 300 or so HP. I suppose Acura and Honda let their chassis do the talking instead of just their engine.

[@Tigerex966]

its coming

[@titanium7992]

The TLX SH-AWD has 290 HP V6. The turbo 4 RDX SH-AWD feels just as quick. The extra torque and much better transmission make up for the decrease in cylinders and HP. Yes a twin turbo 6 would make around 330 HP, but the price would increase. Maybe a Type S will have that. I'm not a big fan of SUVs so I don't see the big deal with big performance numbers in them, but for SUV fans I guess a big HP number would be welcome.

[@BrawlFreak786]

10:34 they're actually reviving the Type-S

[@upst8r]

X4 all the way, we have a '20 RDX for 2 mos now and it's a nightmare. Read Consumer Reports, it's tanked Acura's reliability ratings, it can't manage to get over 19mpg, and in 6 weeks we've been back to the dealer 5x with defects that were known. Go with the BMW, this is not what Honda and Acura use to be.

[@phanluong9304]

Even better if back seat can adjust