Mazda CX-5 Vs. Acura RDX

[Jman136]

Hey all,

Just curious if anyone has driven a 3rd Gen 2019+ RDX? If so, what are your thoughts on it? My parents just got one, and although I think it's a sharp SUV, I honestly feel that my 19' GTR is just as nice inside and out. I know that the RDX is a class above, but honestly, for the money I think I would go with the CX-5.

Anyway, just curious what all of your opinions/thoughts are on the RDX. Also, if you're considering one, keep the CX-5

 

[ceric]

I know that the RDX is a class above

Why is it a class above?
The brand name?
I used to own an Acura.

 

[yrwei52]

Although I personally don’t want a turbo, but the 2.0L VTEC® turbo with 272 hp @ 6500 rpm and 280 lb-ft @ 1600~4500 rpm, and 10-speed automatic transmission on 2019 / 2020 Acura RDX definitely is my preferred powertrain on paper than the SkyActiv-G 2.5L turbo with 250 hp @ 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm (93-octane), and 6-speed automatic transmission on 2020 Mazda CX-5 GT-R / Sig. I always believe Mazda made a mistake adding the turbo to a big block 2.5L I4 while others use 2.0L for the turbo and is getting more horsepower. Front 16-way power seats on RDX are much nicer than CX-5’s 8-way power driver (only) seat. Rear camera washer on RDX is a nice feature too and it’s just mentioned in another thread.

 

[murky]

Why is it a class above?
The brand name?
I used to own an Acura.

I went directly from an Acura to my Mazda. No regrets. Honda has been going the wrong direction for years from my perspective.

 

[yrwei52]

I went directly from an Acura to my Mazda. No regrets. Honda has been going the wrong direction for years from my perspective.

Exactly! Although my 1998 Honda CR-V is the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned, but when I needed a new vehicle in 2015, I chose my first Mazda because I also felt Honda has been going the wrong direction on both reliability and design.

 

[Jman136]

Interesting! Yes, I thought it competed with the hire end luxury SUV’s. I’ve got to admit, I don’t think it’s worth the extra money over the CX-5! I’m happy I went with another Mazda!

 

[Unobtanium]

Although I personally don’t want a turbo, but the 2.0L VTEC® turbo with 272 hp @ 6500 rpm and 280 lb-ft @ 1600~4500 rpm, and 10-speed automatic transmission on 2019 / 2020 Acura RDX definitely is my preferred powertrain on paper than the SkyActiv-G 2.5L turbo with 250 hp @ 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm (93-octane), and 6-speed automatic transmission on 2020 Mazda CX-5 GT-R / Sig. I always believe Mazda made a mistake adding the turbo to a big block 2.5L I4 while others use 2.0L for the turbo and is getting more horsepower. Front 16-way power seats on RDX are much nicer than CX-5’s 8-way power driver (only) seat. Rear camera washer on RDX is a nice feature too and it’s just mentioned in another thread.

Kindof cool how the old CX5 with it's ancient 6 speed and 22hp deficit is faster in every way, huh?

2019 Acura RDX A-Spec Delivers Value, Not Speed

Don't be fooled by its slick looks.

www.caranddriver.com

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 18.1 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 23.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.0 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.2 sec @ 93 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 113 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 177 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.81 g
*stability-control-inhibited

Our 2019 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Was Easy to Love

From its excellent road manners to its perfect reliability, Mazda's upscale CX-5 served us well.

www.caranddriver.com

C/D TEST RESULTS: NEW
60 mph: 6.1 sec
100 mph: 16.2 sec
130 mph: 39.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.4 sec
¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 95 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.78 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rolloutof 0.3 sec.

 

[yrwei52]

Kindof cool how the old CX5 with it's ancient 6 speed and 22hp deficit is faster in every way, huh?

2019 Acura RDX A-Spec Delivers Value, Not Speed

Don't be fooled by its slick looks.

www.caranddriver.com

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 18.1 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 23.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.0 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.2 sec @ 93 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 113 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 177 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.81 g
*stability-control-inhibited

Our 2019 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Was Easy to Love

From its excellent road manners to its perfect reliability, Mazda's upscale CX-5 served us well.

www.caranddriver.com

C/D TEST RESULTS: NEW
60 mph: 6.1 sec
100 mph: 16.2 sec
130 mph: 39.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.4 sec
¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 95 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.78 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rolloutof 0.3 sec.

Ha, that’s why Honda is not the Honda it used to be! Thanks for the info.

 

[Jman136]

Wow! Mazda is the way to go!

 

[Sig cx-5]

The RDX is a very nice vehicle. We test drove the 2019 Advance extensively during our vehicle shopping back in late 2018. It's bigger and has a better sound system, plus a pano roof. That was about it as far as the RDX pro's went for us. Since we didn't need extra space and the CX-5 was about $6k less, it wasn't a hard decision.

 

[sm1ke]

^^ I agree. Its a step further in luxury, but IMO not a $6k step worth taking.

 

[Chas]

The RDX is a very nice vehicle. We test drove the 2019 Advance extensively during our vehicle shopping back in late 2018. It's bigger and has a better sound system, plus a pano roof. That was about it as far as the RDX pro's went for us. Since we didn't need extra space and the CX-5 was about $6k less, it wasn't a hard decision.

This is the same conclusion my son came to when he bought his 20 CX5 Sig. RDX was not worth it

I have been a Honda fan for years and bought Acura also. They lost their way about 15 years ago. Probably more

 

[Jman136]

I had a 2007 TSX - best car I’ve had so far! Mazda is moving up though!

 

[erhayes]

I was seriously considering an RDX over the top tier Turbo CX5. However: the reliability rating of the RDX vehicle is disappointing. The must use premium fuel is not a game changer because I only drive ~ 9,000 miles per year. Maybe by 2022 the RDX will have the main bugs worked out. Ed

 

[MotoToph]

The reliability rating is all I need to know!

 

[Rogue14]

I drive a 2007 Acura TSX manual and it's still perfect for it's use which is nearly only my driver only 15 mile commute. When we went to replace a 2005 Subaru for my wife it came down to the RDX or CX5. As others have said, we just didn't think the Acura provided much if anything for the extra 10k over our GTR. Even my wife thought the Mazda was more sporty to drive and the Acura a little softer. I was not interested in the panoramic sunroof and really didn't want the electronic thing required to open the shade for it. And those reliability ratings had come out and although can be misleading was just another reason to avoid it.

 

[Jman136]

The CX-5 is nicer, but I think the RDX's SH-AWD has an upper edge over the Mazda's AWD system. However, I could totally be wrong.

 

[murky]

Exactly! Although my 1998 Honda CR-V is the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned, but when I needed a new vehicle in 2015, I chose my first Mazda because I also felt Honda has been going the wrong direction on both reliability and design.

Especially design aesthetic. Each generation of CR-V is uglier than the last, as far as I'm concerned. It went from utilitarian vibe that I could respect to more and more hideous.

 

[Chas]

The CX-5 is nicer, but I think the RDX's SH-AWD has an upper edge over the Mazda's AWD system. However, I could totally be wrong.

The Acura SH-AWD is superior having had the chance to drive the original system as installed in the second generation Acura RL around the Jefferson Circuit at Summit Point. It really shined when pushed hard but I would never drive the CX5 that hard.

 

[Unobtanium]

The Acura SH-AWD is superior having had the chance to drive the original system as installed in the second generation Acura RL around the Jefferson Circuit at Summit Point. It really shined when pushed hard but I would never drive the CX5 that hard.

Driving the cx5 hard, its awd does just fine too. The McLaren p1 has an open rear diff and uses the brakes just like the cx5. More than one way to skin a snouter.