CX5 vs RDX

[shopaholik]

What are your opinions??

I really love the look of the CX5 a LOT! Very sporty and nice looking car... I feel like it has a fun factor the RDX doesn't. I haven't had the chance to drive the 2016 CX5 yet, but hope to soon.... however, the RDX has such a smooth quiet ride which keeps me wavering between the two. I keep going back and forth... help me!

What are your experiences.... driving, maintaining, reliability, opinion, etc. (help) I am going to need to buy within 4-6 weeks so I really would like to feel confident on my choice and weigh pros and cons.

Much thanks. I love this forum!

Perhaps a bit too much... I get sooo excited when I check the board and the threads I am following are in bold... anyone else with me? Anyone? Say yes please. (boom01)

 

[Seminole]

I considered the RDX when looking at my CX-5, however I never even ended up taking it for a test drive. I liked the looks of it and the luxury factor, plus the price compared to the others in its class like the X3, GLK, and Q5 was nice. However, after driving the CX-5 and the fact I liked its looks more anyways I had a hard time justifying the extra $8,000 or so the RDX would cost me. The CX-5 came with everything I wanted (hid's, backup camera, leather, auto headlights, navigation) for significantly less than the RDX, plus it had features like the SCBS and blind spot that weren't even available on the RDX. The tradeoff in cabin noise and the V6 power were more than worth it to me.

But that was 2 years ago. The refreshed RDX and CX-5 are different beasts now. A fully loaded FWD CX-5 will be around $32k and they haven't released the pricing yet for the RDX, but they added a ton of new stuff to it and if it can stay in that $38-39k range with the advanced package I think it might be worth the jump.

 

[otapnam]

I too have been thinking of alternative cars in the segment. However the RDX is too much of a price increase for a car in the similar size/class. If i was going to pay ~40k for a CUV/SUV i'd be going with the Highlander or the new Sorento and get the larger/longer car for that extra cash.

I'm holding out yet another year for the 2017 CX-5 and the 2016/17 CX-9. Hopefully Mazda's turbo 4 will be out next year

 

[Dean_TO]

I am looking at these two vehicles as well. I am not sure it is fair to compare them, as the RDX is in a class above. The question comes down to whether or not you think the extras are worth the added price of the RDX. The RDX definitely has more power and more luxury features and should be quieter, but I too really like the look of the CX-5. I guess it will come down to the test drive and what Acura can do on the price. I was also considering the new Lexus NX, but the Price is much higher. Not sure I want to pay that much. The RDX seems like a much better value compared to the NX. If the 2.2L Diesel came out in Canada or they turbocharged the engine then the CX-5 would be the hands down winner.

 

[wcjeep]

Just watched the RDX reveal video. It appears to have cylinder deactivation? Not something I appreciate. Any word if it also received direct injection?

 

[Paul-C]

I looked at the RDX in 2013 and the CX-5 in 2014. I really loved the RDX, the extra power was excellent. It was actually the vehicle I picked, then another year went by and I read some reviews with the CX-5 at the top. So I took it out in 2014 since it was reviewed so well.

The RDX did not have nearly the same level of tech as the CX-5, although I understand it is changing this year. It was $10,000 more and premium fuel was recommended. In the end, my goal was to save some money on gas after driving an unefficient truck for 12 years. I couldn't get past paying more for gas and having similar gas bills when one of my goals was cheaper gas.

CX-5 won and gas is about 50% of what I used to pay - saving me $1000 per year. I have had it for 6 months now and no regrets.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

I cross shopped this as well but I would get to pay $10K more for less tech, smaller towing capacity (1500lbs), not even BLS included and less MPG. Extra acceleration really wasn't on my mind with this purchase. I hop in my G if I want a thrill and it is slow compared to what is out there these days.

 

[inlinev]

Just watched the RDX reveal video. It appears to have cylinder deactivation? Not something I appreciate. Any word if it also received direct injection?

It's not direct injected. Just the multi port injection 3.5L. I drive a v6 accord and they share the same engine. The initial batch in 2008 had issues with cylinder deactivation but I've had no problems. The transition is seemless to the driver.

 

[Cis4]

I really wanted an X3, new or CPO, but given my budget, costs of repairs for a luxury vehicle, premium gasoline prices, and mpg, I went with the CX-5. My husband has a 2006 3 series with 120,000 miles on it (he's the only owner). Last week he paid $1,500 to have the starter replaced, and a few months ago paid around $1,000 for a regular service, for a car that is currently worth around $8,000 according to KBB. He loves his car, but the starter replacement is leaving a bad taste in his mouth. My previous car was an 02 Jetta GLS, and I knew it was a mistake when I had to pay $800 for a leaking moonroof less than a year after I got it used. I would imagine it's the same with an Acura, seems awesome, but after those first few repairs, you may start wondering why you purchased it.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

IIRC there is also the 100K mile timing belt/water pump replacement needed on the RDX.

 

[inlinev]

The rdx also looks plain boring and outdated when compared to the cx5. At over 3800 lbs it a bit porky for a vehicle this size.

 

[tibimakai]

5.4" ride height, compared to 8.5".

 

[bxpretzel]

5.4" ride height, compared to 8.5".

What are these numbers for? I can't find specs on actual ride height, but found 8.1" ground clearance for the RDX vs. 8.5" ground clearance for the CX-5.

 

[GP 2004]

IIRC there is also the 100K mile timing belt/water pump replacement needed on the RDX.

The local dealer said that 80k was preferable to 100k. Some engines have not made it to 100K and the result was a catastrophe. That turned me off. Mileage, purchase cost, maintenance cost and insurance cost drove me away.

 

[shopaholik]

Thanks everyone... most of the cost issues mentioned is why I was heavily leaning toward the CX5. While I like to have a ride I enjoy, i am not one to break the bank for the experience. I also like the look of the CX5 WAY better than the Acura... the Acura definitely doesn't have that sporty look to it like the Cx5 does. I can't wait to drive the 2016, and am hoping there are some deals out there soon. I need to purchase by mid April... fingers crossed.

 

[erhayes]

I like my CX5 very much and have fun driving it. However; If cost and cost of operating is no object, I'd go with the the RDX for sure. The RDX has better seats, upgraded interior, more powerful engine and the list go on. ed

 

[Bob-Loblaw]

I like my CX5 very much and have fun driving it. However; If cost and cost of operating is no object, I'd go with the the RDX for sure. The RDX has better seats, upgraded interior, more powerful engine and the list go on. ed

If cost were no object I'd get a Tesla Model X. But alas, cost IS an object for most of us.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

I really wanted an X3, new or CPO, but given my budget, costs of repairs for a luxury vehicle, premium gasoline prices, and mpg, I went with the CX-5. My husband has a 2006 3 series with 120,000 miles on it (he's the only owner). Last week he paid $1,500 to have the starter replaced, and a few months ago paid around $1,000 for a regular service, for a car that is currently worth around $8,000 according to KBB. He loves his car, but the starter replacement is leaving a bad taste in his mouth. My previous car was an 02 Jetta GLS, and I knew it was a mistake when I had to pay $800 for a leaking moonroof less than a year after I got it used. I would imagine it's the same with an Acura, seems awesome, but after those first few repairs, you may start wondering why you purchased it.

My mom has owned 3 new bmws since 2005, one purchased in Germany the other 2 stateside. All of them had excessive electronics issues amd one had engine issues. All driven less than 15k per year

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

I like my CX5 very much and have fun driving it. However; If cost and cost of operating is no object, I'd go with the the RDX for sure. The RDX has better seats, upgraded interior, more powerful engine and the list go on. ed

Yeah the RDX was faster than the CX-5 but I found it a really boring ride IMO.

 

[shopaholik]

Money certainly is a consideration... when I started the thread I was leaning a bit toward comparing the 2015 RDX (even though I do like the 2016 better) with the 2016 CX5... with Mazda not moving much on the price with the 2016's due to them being new and popular, and Acura coming out with the new 2016's they will need to get rid of the 2015's, my thought was that the difference between the 2 may not be much. I do actually like the quiet and smooth ride in the Acura.. but loved the look and sportiness of the CDX.

I am still wavering some and really need to see the 2016's in person, but I am trying to stay open now so I don't miss out a possible good deal!