I took the plunge and bought a new toy, a couple of weeks ago ...a 2019 Acura RDX w/SH-AWD. I also opted for the Advance Package which has all of the bell and whistles that I was looking for and much more. For more details on the option packages and standard equipment, you can visit the Acura website.
Although in a nutshell, the RDX comes with a lot accessories as standard equipment that you often have to pay extra for with their competitors. Overall, the RDX provides better value than many of their competitors, since you'll often pay several thousands more for a similarly equipped compact SUV from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, for example.
It comes in 4 flavors: Base, Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and the Advance Package (includes everything in the Technology Package). The A-Spec version adds more "sportiness" to the look and comes with 20" high performance tires.
I was thinking of trading in my old 2004 Lexus RX330 a couple of years ago, after checking out the 2017 Chicago Auto Show that year. Although, I decided to wait awhile longer and I'm glad that I did, since Acura came out with a completely redesigned model of the RDX for 2019 which is also a few inches larger. It's only slightly smaller than my old Lexus RX which was considered a mid-size back in its days. The RDX is considered a compact SUV today.
Acura has also brought back their SH-AWD (super handling all wheel drive) to the RDX which replaced their older AWD version. The new engine is a sports tuned 2L Turbo 4 (272 HP w/280 lb-ft Torque) which is paired with their latest 10-speed automatic transmission. The RDX develops more HP and torque than my old Lexus which had a 3.3L V6. Honda/Acura also builds their RDX, the engines, and transmissions, as well as other models in Ohio.
Before deciding on the RDX, I also checked out the Lexus NX300, Infiniti Q30, as well as some non-luxury models including the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4. I had a Nissan Rogue as a rental earlier this year when I was on vacation, so that gave me a good opportunity to give it a good test drive. Although after test driving the RDX, I was impressed at how well it performed, as compared with the others in regards to acceleration and handling. The only other model that I would have been interested in buying is another Lexus RX350, but the prices for the new mid-size models are way over my budget.
Anywho, I've been driving my new RDX for a couple of weeks now and it's been performing flawlessly. It took awhile to figure out all of the new gadgets, but having played around with them for a few days, it's all good.
Now, I have to start planning some road trips! LOL
