2019 Acura RDX review from Family Wheels

The third generation RDX packs a lot of goodness into a slightly larger, slightly more expensive package. Check it out on this week's review!
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[@FPShkED]

Nothing wrong with their trackpad. I love it. Maybe just older people can't get their heads around it? lol

[@mikem.2688]

The track pad is fine. It took me a minute to master it. I don't know why so many reviewers are harping all over it.

[@bronyx_dan]

a lot of these reviewers only have a small amount to time to test the car.

[@mikeymyke]

They could've just left the track pad, but also kept the touchscreen, would've satisfied everyone. Lexus had bad reviews with its touchpad only system, then went to touchscreen system afterwards, but kept the touchpad. Also using Apple Carplay sucks with it because the pad functions like a mouse rather than using absolute positioning.

[@snazari1994]

Fully loaded RDX is $55 000 The Volvo xc60 incription does start at $57 600 and even with the inscription model you still don't get 360 camera, blind spot, retractable mirros. In order to get that you need the $1800 vision package. Also add on another $2200 for adaptive cruise control, another $1150 for HUD. Furthmroe to get heated rear seats and heated steering wheel you'll need the climate pack Which is $1250. So add all that and your looking at a plus $64 000 dollar volvo xc60. Acura has the better Awd system as well

[@normt5463]

snazari1994 A Buick Envision 2.0T should better priced after discounting and offer even more features than those

[@FamilyWheels]

Yep, point taken on the packages. As I said in the vid, the price may have climbed but features have also been bumped up in a big way.

[@onehmong9368]

Great

[@normt5463]

Outdoor Layne The Buick Envision 2.0T with torque vectoring AWD handles Motor Trend figure eight test faster than the 2019 Acura RDX 2.0T. The Envision 2.0T also stops shorter from 60 mph.

[@FPShkED]

Yup!

[@RBzee112]

What he says in this review is NOT how SH-AWD works. Most AWD systems require the front wheels to slip before they kick in. With SH-AWD, if you accelerate through a turn, it over rotates the outside rear wheel even when NONE of the other wheels are slipping. It also works like a normal AWD if there is front wheel slippage.

[@rudolphmartin533]

Really love you channel and videos. The one thing I’d like to see more of is car seat configurations in the back seat , as your reviews are geared toward family usage: 1 car seat, 2 people sitting there, 2 car seats, 1 person sitting, etc. keep up the great work!

[@FamilyWheels]

Hi Rudolph, thanks for the suggestion. Always happy to see what people are wanting to see. If you need to see the RDX with two car seats or one and an adult, it's in the 2020 review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/najIl5mkdpuNmqs

[@Trades46]

I like what Acura did here - it is slight more expensive but it is a significantly better car. SH-AWD is a welcome return. The interior is nicer than the older car and the resistance of adding a giant touchscreen and removing hard buttons is commendable. It isn't as luxurious as the XC60 or Q5, but I like the way it looks.

[@swanblake]

Trades46 I actually think the XC60 is the ultimate for interior among its class. Inpersonnits stunning. Acura is just at the level of Honda. It's so much better than the prior gen but Acura was so far behind honda

[@RichardJoashTan]

Blake Swan I disagree because the Acura is infintely ahead of Honda. And I am a Honda fanboy.

[@matthewliuliu666]

Blake Swan have u ever driven an Acura ? You need to go check this car out before you make the judgement

[@normt5463]

Honda levels or a tick up on the interior. Not much more than near-luxury that Acura is.

[@mikem2253]

I’m looking at a base version of this myself. Surprising awesome standard features for the price.

[@FamilyWheels]

I know... the standard kit is phenomenal!

[@rarindam]

They should have given Blind spot monitoring in the base.

[@dylanw890]

While this SUV may not be as luxurious as the Volvo XC60, I feel like the Acura is laid out a lot better in my opinion. I'm not a huge fan of the minimalist design of the Volvo but it does look great. I just really like how the center console "waterfalls" down into the cup holders and it gives you the impression that you are in a cockpit. What I think Acura could've done for the a-spec was instead of having analog gauges, they could have made them digital similar to Audi's virtual cockpit, but kept the same design of the white gauges to connect the design to earlier Acuras. I think this would have been cool to see and it plays the to high tech vibe I get from Acura. Everything is just right where it should be and you have to be knit-picky to find stuff wrong with this SUV. Acura knocked it out of the park with this one. I just really wish Acura had ambient lighting around the speaker grills and the center console to emphasize the design of the interior.

[@RichardJoashTan]

But I am, sticking with Acura if you like it or not.

[@normt5463]

Richard Joash Tan Acura is just joining compact 2.0T arena and adds nothing special to it to stand out.

[@mayathompson727]

The track pad is fine! I love it !

[@FamilyWheels]

Glad that it works for you. Thanks for watching.

[@edwink1467]

Smaller engine displacement is not just for better fuel efficiency. In many countries, cars are taxed by their displacement. So smaller displacement -> lower taxes -> more competitive pricing -> better sales (in theory)

[@bluediamond9364]

RDX track pad is more user friendly than the ones in the competitors

[@normt5463]

Francisco Gutierrez Not according to Autoguide and Consumer Reports. CR says it is currently the worse.

[@xtasktaste0]

Agreed. I have become fluent in about 5 minutes of using.

[@jacobbio]

Francisco Gutierrez the scroll wheel in the Mercedes is the easiest to use.

[@tkwang3494]

This car looks awesome. Looking forward to the new ILX and TLX!

[@a32tl]

Me too! I have a '16 TLX Advance and after seeing the '19 RDX, I have incredibly high hopes for the next generation TLX.

[@swanblake]

Thank you Paul for hitting on the poor track pad! I demoed this and hated it. Dangerous in motion. Especially with Apple Carplay. So many reviewers gloss over it.

[@RichardJoashTan]

But I love the new touchpad system.

[@TurfSurf]

I will take the Acura RDX over that Volvo any time.

[@Agent77X]

True Touchpad is the future! People demand it! Touch interface is obsolete! To hard to use the touchscreen interaction. Big learn curve as to learn how to "touch" a screen! For example, do you use your thumb or your small pinko? No guidance unless you take a classes on how to interface with a touchscreen. Who has 3 years to get a degree on touch screen interface?

[@kiranlad4974]

Great review. And so glad to hear some numbers in metric!

[@FamilyWheels]

Glad to help!

[@lic2kil007]

For expected mpg's in the next decade the only way to reach >35mpg is non turbo or hybrids.

[@rampar77]

I had a 2014 LX AWD. It was a good car but could used a 200 HP+ engine going up hills. I was going to traded it for the 2016 or later because they had improved the seating comfort, eliminated the foot brake, and added the armrest. Unfortunately, only the LX came with the 2.4 reliable engine, and the unefficient CVT. I didn't even want to mess with the turbo and oil mix. So I did the next best thing and traded the CRV for a 2018 RDX basic AWD. Now I have more powerful engine, 6 speed trans, comfortable seats, more luxury interior and the same dash control and AWD. The only thing missed in my RDX was the SH-AWD. I did test the 2019 RDX AWD but it also came with the turbo, 10 speed trans and the confusing info system pad. To me Acura missed the boat by not mating the SH-AWD with the V-6 and 6 speed trans. Who cared if it used premium fuel or MPG on a $45,000 SUV.

[@BryanGrigsby]

After using the RDX for a day or so, I felt the track pad was very easy to use. Everyone is complaining about it, but I found it to work well. Also, wireless charging for your cell phone? Is this really a feature we need? It's pretty finicky just on a nightstand.

[@AustinRadus]

It's not a track pad! it's true touch touch where you want and bingo!

[@brucec5950]

Thanks for the honest presentation !

[@jeremymoore145]

Best Acura Suv! I want this!

[@WNYfellow]

A great review of a great vehicle! BTW, your videos have excellent editing & integration of spoken narration and visuals.

[@FamilyWheels]

Thanks for watching!

[@andywarrier489]

Oh wow, this guy's review is awesome. Thank you!

[@AK-rx6hv]

Would've liked a digital cluster instead of old-school analog dials. Also in that price range needs wireless cell charger.

[@ajmunn1229]

Came for that rear facing seat moment but watched the whole thing, I think this makes more sense than the outback at this point. Can get a 2019 that has that sporty drive vs a new outback with similar tech but a higher price tag. Thoughts?

[@Claven204]

A few helpful stat from a family-based reviewer would be whether or not you can easily fit 3 child seats in the 2nd row. I assumed that would be covered given the name of the channel.

[@tpolerex7282]

The SH-AWD is a great, if complicated drivetrain technology but honestly the speeds and sharpness of corners required to invoke it would almost always cause your wife or girlfriend to start screaming and punching you in the arm “SLOW THE HELL DOWN!” when, in fact, it is just barely starting to approach its limits of handling and is exactly when it gets fun. Only worthwhile when she is not around.

[@marlonsibal4951]

What can you say about extended warranty? Is it worth it?

[@navikov]

love the reviews with that views (4:52) lovely city !

[@FamilyWheels]

I love that angle of Calgary, too! Thanks for watching.

[@stevewise1656]

The pricing, premium gas, infotainment touchpad and gear shifter aren’t a step forward. Acura needed this to take them out of the gutter.

[@RichardJoashTan]

But EVERYTHING is a 1000 steps forward to me. You need to take YOURSELF out of the gutter!

[@a32tl]

Well, not that Acura was "in the gutter", but you should check out June's sales numbers for the RDX. Best ever by a mile! Acura nailed this one! Did they get everything perfect? No, because there's no such thing but they got more than enough right to have a huge sales success as the numbers are indicating. Great job Acura!

[@stevewise1656]

Andy Jacobs I’ll take my wife for a test drive. Thanks

[@mikem2253]

Premium fuel seems like a minor issue on a $50k SUV. If you can’t afford the slight additional amount for premium fuel, then you definitely can’t afford this ride.

[@yandc1980]

@@mikem2253 I was told by a dealer it takes regular gas unless i was mistaken

[@DMX-du9mn]

CarPlay was available in previous generation too

[@omgitsme435]

The drive mode knob takes up way too much space for no reason. Most buyers of this car are just going to set it and forget it. It could've easily been place lower and smaller, less tacky

[@johnwalck3003]

As soon as they make a vehicle with a dash that doesn't look like a cheap gaming console, I'll consider it.

[@natem9807]

They should turn it in to a touch screen for the refresh model

[@onehmong9368]

I'm so sorry. I thought it would be nice in mpg but you're right.

[@anujshekhawat8818]

5:13 😂 I heard that wrong

[@FamilyWheels]

Haha... yep, I can see how that might get mixed up!

[@bcuz8998]

unr1 how do you know he's not writing from his home country

[@XavierMathewsEntertainment]

Lmfao. I heard it instantly.

[@Tellinhowitis121]

How reliable would you say this turbo engine is? I believe the V6 is tried and proven for Honda but I would hate to replace a turbo at 150K

[@FamilyWheels]

To be determined. But turbos aren't anything new. Our Volvo, for example, has 200,000 kms on it and the turbo is still running like a top. The turbo in our GMC diesel truck was also just fine. That truck had 320,000 kms when we sold it.

[@cwilier5075]

Paul, compared to the XC60? Thoughts?

[@FamilyWheels]

Well, Acura wins out for second row space and trunk capacity. But the XC60 has a fabulous interior/seats and despite the extra power in the T6, it has better economy to boot. It's going to come down to people's allegiances and what they consider important, I think.

[@burkrevlin4932]

i guessed i didnt do my research, i thought this RDX particular model, was the ENGINE is 4-Cylinder 2.0 with twin turbo, someone i heard said it was V6.

[@lauraw3338]

I’m sorry but I’ve turned in my Acura MDX AWD for the New Volvo XC 90 AWD. The comfort and luxury is top notch in the Volvo. I’m glad to see Acura got rid of the double screens. Anyone looking to spend this kind of money needs to test drive the Lexus and Volvo to get a really good idea of how much space you need and the least amount cabin noise.

[@Bigjohn928]

Yeah the shifter deleted instead Acura give you a couple of switch’s for P N D is very complicated and danger if you press the wrong switch.

[@RichardJoashTan]

But I do not care.

[@marinoint]

Totally agree on the touchpad infotainment system, they are NOT safe to use while driving! Only idiots would put a touchpad interface in a car!

[@RBzee112]

I've had my RDX for 2 weeks and almost never have to look at the touchpad. When I had a touchscreen, I was constantly looking at it, because on-screen buttons have no texture or feel. How is that safer?

[@mainetomass99]

Actually don’t look at the touchpad myself and the screen is positioned at a heads up level. Zero issues. It’s actually rather intuitive and brilliant. Quick to access what one needs when you get accustomed to it, which doesn’t take long at all. Only an idiot would make assumptions about it prior to testing it.

[@normt5463]

"Acura is calling it an all-new, exclusive platform-but the RDX started with the Honda CR-V architecture and modified the chassis and upgraded the powertrain." Motor Trend

[@XelaOso850]

They didn’t take away the SH-AWD btw..

[@joethebet7177]

hey man, what car seat are you using?

[@FamilyWheels]

It's a moderately-size, moderately-priced Evenflo. I use it specifically because it's right in the middle of the pack in terms of size.

[@marinoint]

Totally agree with you on the annoying touchpad infotainment system.

[@RichardJoashTan]

But I disagree with all of YOU on the impressive touchpad system.

[@swanblake]

It's amazing how Honda fans think SH AWD is RWD. I wish the fanboys would calm down a bit on this new RDX. You would think this thing could fly. It's a solid offering for the fwd/transversely mounted engine based crowd. A little overhyped by the fanboys though. I've gotten to drive this and it's okay. I preferred the V6 personally from the prior gen. Great review here by Paul and fully desffribing how everything works. One of the best reviewers easily

[@RichardJoashTan]

Blake Swan But I am sticking with the turbo of the new RDX.

[@matthewliuliu666]

The SH AWD is just so much better than RWD

[@Trades46]

You don't want RWD in an SUV - you want the surefootedness of an AWD vehicle which is why SUV are so popular these days. And SH-AWD is one of the best in the business.

[@RBzee112]

NO Honda/Acura fan has ever said SH-AWD is RWD. Watch the Straight Pipes review. It's legit.

[@normt5463]

Matthew Liu SH-AWD, like GM Active Twin Clutch with torque vectoring, only acts rwd when on the throttle. Otherwise the 60/40 balance will lead to understeer. GM has Hyperstrut which is similar effect as the Type-R, the RDX does not have.

[@andrewwhite5422]

i just seen the new rdx yesterday ima have to ask my husband for one now lol

[@jayxaio3055]

Oppression

[@bigwilliearmitage]

Why do people compare the base price of this to German/European base prices? The equipment is comparable to highly optioned Europeans. It's just a lack of research and understanding. Do your homework. The car is a tremendous value.

[@jocelynchouinard]

The deal breaker for me would be the fact that it is very difficult to bring alpine skis. There is no pass through and no roof rails, as opposed to the MDX. There is no way that I would install ski bars that attach between the frame and the door.

[@FamilyWheels]

Yep, this is something I noticed as well but forgot to mention in the vid. a 40/20/40 split is so much more usable... something Audi and Volvo both offer.

[@natem9807]

Does elite equal Advance I live in America

[@FamilyWheels]

I'm not sure how things cross over. I'm also not sure why the American models so often have different trim names!

[@modestlycrowned]

I'VE BEEN WAITING!!!!!!! ❤️

[@Ficon]

Great review Paul. I found the XC60 considerably tighter in the back than the RDX and even in T6 trim it is both several thousand more expensive and still a fair bit slower than the Acura. The long-term reliability of Volvo's turbosupercharged setup is also unknown and for fans of spirited driving the Haldex AWD system is far less interesting than the SH-AWD. I do agree on the infotainment system -- BMW doesn't deserve many kudos these days but the newest iteration of iDrive with the touch screen is superb.

[@FamilyWheels]

Yep, Acura wins out for second row space and trunk capacity. But the XC60 has a fabulous interior and despite the extra power, better economy to boot. It's going to come down to people's allegiances, I think.

[@Nahhmah]

Loving your channel, Paul! I'm in search of the best SUV for my growing family. It's just difficult to choose which one since there are so many out right now. Which would you pick (if possible) as your top three SUVs that you would consider buying? Much appreciated. Thanks!

[@FamilyWheels]

Hi Will... what's your price point, size preference and most important key feature?

[@Nahhmah]

Family Wheels $45k, midsize to large, key features: safety, long term reliability.

[@FamilyWheels]

Man, the CX9 from Mazda is a gorgeous car and winning lots of accolades. If you don't use the third row a lot, it's a nice size and drives beautifully. For outright reliability, but a bit of a boring vehicle, the Highlander is tough to beat. And if you don't need a third row and want to crank up the luxury, I really like this new RDX, too!

[@m11sanmanable]

Hey Will Chu, I'm looking for the same features, size at the same price point. I too like Paul said considering the Mazda Cx9, nkt so much the Toyota Highlanders.. However, also consider the new Subaru Ascent it tops off at 45k (US$)

[@Nahhmah]

M11sanman We ended up going with the Pilot EX-L with Honda Sensing. Nice ride.

[@normt5463]

RDX Lows: Touchpad tribulations, stiff ride, lethargic transmission The performance is more b-spec then see spec. Acura needs to free up the RDX Hardware to do its best work... Compared with last generation RDX, this new one requires an extra point for second to reach 60 miles per hour... Tires help increase skidpad grip by .04 G / last-gen, but this Utes .81 G still Trails almost everything else in the class, and the new tires howl when pushed. They only managed a 177. From 60 miles per hour also on the underwhelming end of the segment with soft brake pedal makes smooth stops tricky... About a spec branding is over promise to RDX is highly impressive stuff. It needs to be liberated. Car and Driver

[@Lucky8s]

Did you have a stroke while writing that?

[@supremeautomotive6749]

A-spec is not new Acura has been doing that my 2004 Tsx was A-spec

[@onehmong9368]

We are in the USA. We have no idea what liters are. Down here we use gallons but still a very good video. Thanks. I'll wait for the RAV4.

[@mikem2253]

One Hmong the world doesn’t revolve around the US.

[@wayne1141]

There are some of us still want v6

[@RichardJoashTan]

But not me, I am sticking with the Turbo!

[@Lucky8s]

Acura will be bringing a performance version of the RDX with a turbocharged V6. Fuel economy will be worse than the old V6 though.

[@jiachangwu1]

Please please please, do a review for 2019 Infiniti QX50, it is the best in the class and it's better than this new RDX

[@normt5463]

The Motor Trend 2019 RDX 2.0T faired even worse of all formal tests with a 7.1 0-60 mph time or one full second behind the RDX v6.That follows Consumer Reports 7.0s and Car & Driver 6.6s ranging from a half second slower or more behind the prior generation with 3 5l. Even the lower power Buick Envision 2.0T with less power and four less speeds accelerated quicker, stopped shorter, and handled MT handling test better than the RDX. "RDX's vague braking feel and response. Given that Acura equipped the RDX with "limousine" brakes, slowing down precisely was frustrating for many. Said Scott Evans: "Trying to make a stop sign is much harder than it needs to be." "Acura's wide net leads to confusion about what aiming to be. "It's torn between being luxurious and soft like a Lincoln, sporty like an Alfa, or techy like an Audi, and those things sorta cancel each other out...on winding roads in Sport+ mode, but we didn't feel the emotion we expected."

[@normt5463]

@J. Danny so sad: "Consumer Reports can no longer recommend six car models, including the Acura RDX SUV... because of problems identified in CR’s annual reliability survey. The survey has data on 470,000 vehicles as reported by their owners."

[@UncleBuckle50]

You could share exotic meals in it... Oh oh.... Your media universes collided there.

[@jacobbio]

I just sold my 2017 Rdx and don’t regret it. Sorry Acura but I’m moving on to Mercedes. Way more better looking.

[@V3N8MOUS]

I prefer volvo xc60

[@Tushkoo270]

European vehicles r expensive for no reason no safety technology included. So respect Japanese vehicles I use all Japanese stuff

[@Lucky8s]

Ever been in a BMW or Mercedes? You'll understand why once you do.

[@ikeo8666]

The meat of this video starts around the 8min mark. Don't be like the other guys going over stats, we can read that online

[@FamilyWheels]

I'm always torn about how much to drill into the trims/pricing... it's still helpful to a lot of buyers and if I don't include them, I hear about it.

[@judgeacaseasitstands4879]

❤

[@razajawed4525]

Turbo charged engine ..no thanks ..v6 naturally aspirated would be much better..😔

[@iaviscorso2566]

☆★☆ .???.... L /100 KM. MAX. CITY. WHO KNOWS ???

[@Bigjohn928]

$52000 plus all dealer fees and tax = $60000...Who would buy a Honda for that price?

[@AFCompany]

Johnny L this is an Acura not a Honda. Just because that’s the parent company doesn’t make it a Honda. And Acura’s are very reliable cars that are nice and sporty to drive. Maybe they aren’t the most luxurious, but they are definitely nicer cars and drive extremely well. Or you could buy a $70,000 BMW X5 that will have less features and terrible maintenance issue once you get to 60,000 miles. You’ll end up putting another $15,000 into a BMW. So if you’re smart, you’d go for a Lexus or Acura but if you care about appearance and brand name, and also money is no object you go for a BMW. I’d never get another BMW or a Mercedes. I’d stick to Audi, Acura and Lexus.

[@RichardJoashTan]

I do! I will buy a fully loaded 2019 RDX Advance trim anyway!

[@mikem2253]

But it’s not.

[@fredreitz7333]

overpriced honda no thanks.