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Acura MDX vs. Acura RDX vs. Lexus RX 350

33 messages,  Last post on May 28, 2012 at 9:19 AM

You are in the Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura MDX, Acura RDX, Lexus RX 350, Car Buying, SUV

Messages Page 3 of 4

#19 of 33 RX350 vs. Acura MDX by lexus_envy

Feb 27, 2011 (8:31 am)

I'm debating between a 2011 AWD RX350 with navigation and the Acura MDX with Tech and entertainment package. When I attempted to "build" the RX on their website, none of the packages appear to have the rear entertainment system. Does the RX come with this option?
 
If both cars are equal, with the same options, it's essentially going to come down to what vehicle I can get a better deal on.
 
Any information on your buying experiences, would be greatly appreciated!
 
Thanks!

#20 of 33 Re: Acura MDX vs. RDX vs. Lexus RX 350 [ozzynyc1] by lexus_envy

Feb 27, 2011 (9:59 am)

Replying to: ozzynyc1 (Mar 02, 2009 7:14 pm)
I completely agree. I had a TL, and loved it, but hated the way it handled in the snow. I thought, before driving it, the RDX would be the perfect alternative. Boy, was I wrong. If you want the RDX, you might as well go buy a CR-V for a lot less money. Although the MDX is a bit more $$, it's well worth the comparison. Those cars are like night and day!
The RDX is essentially an over-priced Honda CRV.

#21 of 33 Re: RX350 vs. Acura MDX [lexus_envy] by wwest

Feb 28, 2011 (6:26 pm)

Replying to: lexus_envy (Feb 27, 2011 8:31 am)
Anyone who can afford an RX350 would generally have enough sense to recognize one can purchase a dozen, or more, portable "rear entertainment systems" for the price of a "captive" one.
 
Same goes for GPS, but with the addition information that most portable GPS systems come with the ability to do an INSTANT free update whereas a captive GPS will NEVER be delivered with current info, and updates are expensive in comparison.
 
While far from adequate IMO the MDX's SH-AWD system is head and shoulders above the RX350's F/awd system.

#22 of 33 Re: Acura MDX vs. RDX vs. Lexus RX 350 [lexus_envy] by wwest

Feb 28, 2011 (6:29 pm)

Replying to: lexus_envy (Feb 27, 2011 9:59 am)
Puzzling.
 
The RDX has exactly the same SH-AWD system as the MDX.
 
But then the RDX does have rather HORRID FE for the engine displacement and RDX weight and size. But that's what you get when you drive 99% of the time with the engine in detuned mode.

#23 of 33 Re: Acura MDX vs. RDX vs. Lexus RX 350 [wwest] by lyao

Apr 23, 2011 (5:41 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Mar 03, 2009 1:31 pm)
We disagree with you. We just bought the MDX with Tech/Entertainment yesterday. Luv it! We're not OLD like you said!
 
We got 3 kids (2 elementary kids & 1 baby). We, in fact, have a 2009 Honda Odyssey EXL with Navi/Entertainment. My hub, at first wanna buy a mid-size sedan, but ended up he chose the MDX. Why? Even though Odyssey is a loveable vehicle, it didn't have 4WD. Our kids love skiing, so we must buy a vehicle that's suitable for skiing in Winter.
 
We did take a look at the RDX, cheaply made (plastic dashboard, etc). Just looks like a CRV. So, if we ever wanna buy a smaller RDX, then we would choose the CRV instead (could save tons of $$$$ for other purpose). Next, we could also let the parents join us for a ride/vacation during Winter (like skiing).
 
If you don't have the $$$$, why don't you go ahead to buy the CRV and save that $$$$ for gasoline. CRV is more economy b/c Honda only requires 89 regular gasoline instead of 91 premium gasoline, much cheaper.
 
We did contact the local Lexus dealerships for RX 350. They're pretty nasty. Didn't even wanna email me any price quotes, instead wanna us to visit their dealership for test drive and everything. With Toyota is recalling more and more cars, we wouldn't wanna spend the $$$$$ for unreliable, lemon cars. Lexus is part of Toyota! We hope you know that!
 
This is just an opinion. We hope it could help you in a way of making a selection for cars. Thanks!
 
We truly like the MDX. Btw, the wireless headphone that we have for our Odyssey is compatible with the Acura MDX.
 
Enjoy!

#24 of 33 RDX vs MDX... by drr98

Apr 25, 2011 (6:02 am)

Its all about how much money you chose to spend and how many pass. you need to carry.
 
From $30k/5p to $45k/7p. Both cars, er, trucks, ah, crossers, or what ever you call 'em, are very nice.
 
Lux, comfort, performance and easy on the eyes.
 
The RD center console lid is one piece as opposed to two piece center split.
 
What else is different?

#25 of 33 RDX vs MDX by brianm7

Sep 27, 2011 (7:18 am)

In the market for a new sport utility for my wife. She currently drives a 2004 MDX. Nice vehicle in terms of ride, amenities and very good in snow. She looked at the RDX and test drove one. Not impressed; in fact disappointed would better describe her reaction. Cheap feeling interior and a ride that she labelled uncomfortable at best. Before the MDX she owned a toyota landcruiser. Another very solid albeit gas guzzling vehicle. But the ride was solid and smooth and she loved the MDX ride.
If your considering an MDX, shoot on over to the transmission discussion raging there. My wife's well maintained MDX just died this past month. The Acura dealers won't fill you in on this but it's an all too common failure judging by the 85 page post that's still very active. So yes, the MDX is a beautiful driving SUV. But can you justify spending $45,000 plus and running the risk of a $6,000 transmission replacement which in some cases ended up in a second failure & replacement?
We can't. Acura has lost our business for good. We drive easy highway miles. No rush hour. The car LOOKS new. We keep our vehicles well maintained with regular service.
My wife's MDX has 150,000 miles on it. So our first thought was well it's just a bad break because we have owned Hondas and Toyatas with slot more highway mileage than her MDX. Normal wear and tear of course- but transmission failure?? Never. Nothing even close. Then we started realizing we were LUCKY! A number of MDX owners were experiencing failing transmissions with a third the miles of hers and in some cases in the 20,000 to 35,000 mile range?!?!? Wow!
At first we were inclined to replace the transmission and just keep the car thinking it'll run another 100,000 no problem. Then I started researching the transmission issue and WOW was I surprised. So much for Honda "reliability". There is a very real, well documented transmission issue with this vehicle and if you're thinking of plunking down $40-50,000 of your hard earned cash- I'd STRONGLY suggest browsing through the MDX transmission thread so you at least know what you are getting into.
By the way, my wife's business partner drives an '05 with 90,000 miles. Same issue- transmission is failing and needs replacing. Acura dealers will "play dumb" on the issue, but as you'll see if you venture over to the thread- this HAS to be a well known issue. Too many documented failures for my liking. Make sure you do your homework or cover your ss with a warranty policy. Then dump the vehicle before you have the disappointment that we've experienced.

#26 of 33 Re: RDX vs MDX [brianm7] by wwest

Sep 27, 2011 (8:42 am)

Replying to: brianm7 (Sep 27, 2011 7:18 am)
You might take note that the early Lexus RXes, '99-'00, had much the same issue, premature transaxle failures. In the case of the '01+ RX, Lexus changed out the VC fluid formulation to make it less functional and began using trac, frictional braking at the front, to apportion engine torque to the rear. With the advent of the RX330 the VC was dropped entirely.
 
So, whereas Lexus went with the CHEAPER, less AWD functionality, at least Acura addressed the problem in a positive way.
 
The 2010 and after RX350 series uses the more functional Ford Escape F/awd system but IMMHO that's still no where as good as the SH-AWD system.
 
Not that I would ever buy an MDX....
 
An RDX w/SH-AWD, absent the turbo, but with DFI and 12:1 CR would be more my cup of "tea".

#28 of 33 Re: RDX vs MDX [wwest] by mdxer7

Jan 13, 2012 (7:44 am)

Replying to: wwest (Sep 27, 2011 8:42 am)
I have a 2001 MDX (orig owner) and have loved it. However, I too have had one failed torgue converter/transmission at 101K which was replaced and paid in full by the dealer. Now I have over 215K and the torgue converter has been failing for that past 5K miles. The car cuts off unpredictably. I'd LOVE to buy another MDX..but don't what the hassles but I cant find another SUV that compares.
 
I no longer need that large of vehicle but love riding high in the seat so I wont be going back to a car. I've test driven the RDX, CR-V, RX350, RAV4 & Toyota Highlander (limited). Surprisingly, I liked the Highlander the best. The RDX was ok but requires premium gas and the MPG isn't all that. The CR-V & RAV4 were unremarkable. The RX too soft..hated the feel of the mushy steering (felt old lady-like). The Highlander had a nicely appointed interior and rides very much like my MDX cost a few $$ less and takes regular gas.
 
I've been driving Honda's/Acura's for the past 30 years so going to Toyota would be a big switch for me.
 
Any thoughts? Any known issues w/the Highlander? I'm big on reliability and longevity. As you can tell, I like keeping my vehicles for a L-O-N-G time.

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