2020 Acura RDX vs 2019 Acura MDX
Overview | |
MSRP$44,300 | MSRP$37,800 |
Listings102 | Listings121 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
2019 Acura MDX Reviews SummarySlowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors? | |
2020 Acura RDX Reviews SummaryIt should no longer be breaking news that, to new-car buyers, crossovers are king. Within that market, the small luxury crossover segment has been growing at an incredible rate. Every automaker wants to get a piece, but Acura has long been an early adopter with its 2-row, 5-passenger RDX. The Acura RDX, built at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant, was first introduced for the 2007 model year. It’s a crossover built in America for American shoppers. From the start, the RDX enjoyed great success. It entered its third generation with the 2019 model year, and it offers plenty of space, creature comforts, and safety tech. That 2019 model carries over to the 2020 vehicle we tested. The RDX competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, and BMW X3, and it holds its own against all three. It offers more content at a lower price, and in some cases, it has better safety technology. It also competes with the Lexus NX, Jaguar F-PACE, and Lincoln MKC. We reviewed the 2019 RDX and came away with a very favorable conclusion. But seeing as this is one of the best selling small luxury SUVs—and Acura’s best selling vehicle—it seemed like a good time to take a closer look and unpack more of what we like and dislike about the RDX. We’ll also determine which trim of the RDX provides the best value to shoppers. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine2.0L 272 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine Name2.0L 272 hp I4 |
Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.0 cu ft | Cargo Space29.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight4032 lbs | Curb Weight3783 lbs |
Height67.4 in | Height65.7 in |
Length196.2 in | Length186.8 in |
Width77.7 in | Width74.8 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase108.3 in |
Maximum Payload1336 lbs | Maximum Payload1001 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $44,300 | $37,800 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 8.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | Slowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors? | It should no longer be breaking news that, to new-car buyers, crossovers are king. Within that market, the small luxury crossover segment has been growing at an incredible rate. Every automaker wants to get a piece, but Acura has long been an early adopter with its 2-row, 5-passenger RDX. The Acura RDX, built at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant, was first introduced for the 2007 model year. It’s a crossover built in America for American shoppers. From the start, the RDX enjoyed great success. It entered its third generation with the 2019 model year, and it offers plenty of space, creature comforts, and safety tech. That 2019 model carries over to the 2020 vehicle we tested. The RDX competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, and BMW X3, and it holds its own against all three. It offers more content at a lower price, and in some cases, it has better safety technology. It also competes with the Lexus NX, Jaguar F-PACE, and Lincoln MKC. We reviewed the 2019 RDX and came away with a very favorable conclusion. But seeing as this is one of the best selling small luxury SUVs—and Acura’s best selling vehicle—it seemed like a good time to take a closer look and unpack more of what we like and dislike about the RDX. We’ll also determine which trim of the RDX provides the best value to shoppers. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 2.0L 272 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 2.0L 272 hp I4 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.0 cu ft | 29.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4032 lbs | 3783 lbs |
Height | 67.4 in | 65.7 in |
Length | 196.2 in | 186.8 in |
Width | 77.7 in | 74.8 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 108.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 1336 lbs | 1001 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 1500 lbs |
The 2019 Acura MDX has been a dominant force in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment for over a decade. It offers continuous improvements, including the addition of the A-Spec Package trim level, improved interior materials, and an adaptive damping suspension. The A-Spec model boasts a unique and aggressive exterior design, along with a comfortable and high-quality interior.
The 2020 Acura RDX maintains its impressive appearance from the previous year, featuring a sleek and modern design. It offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with eye-catching red leather upholstery and a range of available packages for additional visual and functional enhancements.
The 2019 Acura MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It offers an optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, providing excellent handling and performance. The MDX Sport Hybrid model offers a delightful driving experience with its 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and impressive fuel economy.
The 2020 Acura RDX is equipped with a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It offers solid acceleration and precise handling, making it a compelling option for driving enthusiasts.
The 2019 Acura MDX provides a comfortable and practical interior, with spacious front seats, a versatile cargo area, and ample storage options. However, the third-row seating may not be suitable for everyday use.
The 2020 Acura RDX offers a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, along with a generous cargo area and convenient storage features, making it a practical choice for daily use.
CarGurus highlights
Based on the comparison, the 2020 Acura RDX edges out the 2019 Acura MDX with its slightly higher overall rating of 8.5 out of 10. The RDX offers a compelling combination of performance, comfort, technology, and safety, making it a strong contender in the luxury compact SUV segment.
Choose the 2020 Acura RDX if:
- You value a modern and stylish compact SUV with impressive performance and handling.
- You prefer a spacious and comfortable cabin with advanced infotainment and safety technologies.
- You are looking for a well-rounded luxury SUV that offers a great balance of features, comfort, and value.
Choose the 2019 Acura MDX if:
- You prioritize a spacious and practical 3-row SUV with continuous improvements and a range of available packages.
- You seek a comfortable and luxurious interior with advanced technology features.
- You are interested in a reliable and well-established model with a strong track record in the midsize luxury SUV segment.
CarGurus highlights
Based on the comparison, the 2020 Acura RDX edges out the 2019 Acura MDX with its slightly higher overall rating of 8.5 out of 10. The RDX offers a compelling combination of performance, comfort, technology, and safety, making it a strong contender in the luxury compact SUV segment.
Choose the 2020 Acura RDX if:
Shop Now- You value a modern and stylish compact SUV with impressive performance and handling.
- You prefer a spacious and comfortable cabin with advanced infotainment and safety technologies.
- You are looking for a well-rounded luxury SUV that offers a great balance of features, comfort, and value.
Choose the 2019 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and practical 3-row SUV with continuous improvements and a range of available packages.
- You seek a comfortable and luxurious interior with advanced technology features.
- You are interested in a reliable and well-established model with a strong track record in the midsize luxury SUV segment.
By: CarGurus + AI
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