I would say, look for a 2019 mdx sh-awd one owner CPO with around 50k miles for around $30k. Advance Package. Has apple car play, final iteration of 3rd gen mdx so hopefully they worked out all the problems by then, has the adaptive suspension, wider wheels and tire package(265/50r20).

 

I thought acura got rid off adaptive suspension on advanced trim. 2020 model has Shawd. I made a typo

 

Depends on your priorities, I have top trim models from both generations.

• MDX seats more
• RDX has better mileage except vs the MDX Hybrid
• RDX has newer UI/interface
• MDX dial works better then RDX touchpad with Carplay/Android Auto.
• Then look up the specs (eg: Acuranews.com is often best) to see what you lose with tech vs advance. I don't remember everything missing on lower trims but I definitely appreciate things like 360 cam and ventilated front seats that aren't on the tech trim.
• Also 2020 MDX is the last MY of the prior gen, 2019 RDX is the first MY year of the later gen. 2019 RDX has many issues reported on this forum which appear to have TSBs for resolution, make sure you report concerns that surface while still in CPO so Acura will fix/swap out any problems.

 

Thanks for your reply.
How horrible is apple carplay/ android auto on Rdx TouchPad? Is the built in Nav good on Rdx?

 

2019 rdx: 55k miles $29k one owner CPO. Advanced package fwd. Newer design and better infotainment system

- Superior tech, design, more nimble and quick, much more fun to drive, better fuel mileage.

2020 mdx: 48k miles $31k one owner CPO. Tech package and. Bigger vehicle obviously.

- Better value.

 

The touchpad is built and optimized for Acura software, those who use it just for Acura software say that with 5 minutes of use it becomes comfortable.

Android Auto/ carplay are a different story, many people choose another brand because it is that bad. Our family uses Android Auto and would say it is dangerous to use while driving and annoying while parked.

The RDX is my wife's daily driver and she uses the following as a workaround:

• she uses Google maps for Navigation and does everything by voice control. Never types anything in.
• she uses youtube music premium for music and mounts her phone on the vent to the right of the wheel and uses the phone touchscreen to choose music.

She found ways to tolerate it but we are waiting out until Acura moves back to touchscreen in 2025/2026 before considering buying another model.

 

Wow is it that bad? I guess 2020 Mdx infotainment system maybe technically better than 2019 Rdx if I am going to use carplay or Android auto

 

Adaptive suspension was removed on the MDX in 2022 and came back as Adaptive air suspension on typeS only in 2023+.

All 2019+ rdx Advance models and MDX 2018-2020 Advance had adaptive suspension. Dont know about prior years.

Try out the touchpad with Android Auto at a dealership showroom. It is the same as in any 2021+ MDX/TLX and 2019+ RDX.

 

I'd say it depends on what is important to you. Each has advantages and disadvantages. We looked at both and fur us the MDX won hands down. When we did test drives the RDX had way more road noise than the MDX, typical IMHO honda road noise. DW sat in the back seat and couldn't hear normal conversation, in the MDX she finally went to the 3rd row and STILL could hear front seat conversations. We also like the extra room, but downside is the larger size and lower fuel economy in the MDX.
Now on the MDX there are LOTS of difference between the tech and advance package. For us the Advance package on the MDX was a requirement, for others depends again on what is important.

We ended up with the MDX advance hybrid, and after almost 60K miles keep smiling and agreeing we made a good decision.

 

It largely depends on what you need/want out of your vehicle. On paper - and if you look strictly at quality of the vehicle - the 2020 MDX is a safer bet since it's the last model year of the 3rd gen design. I've had two recent MDX's - a '17 Tech and my current '19 Advance - and the '19 has the bugs worked out and has been a great vehicle for us. I moved from a '15 RDX to my MDX, and found the size and just feel for driving was better FOR ME with the MDX. You may be in a different place - in that if you like a smaller, sportier feel, the RDX will be a better fit. But as others have said, the '19 RDX was the first year of production and there were more issues than in later years of that 3rd gen design. In terms of Advance (RDX) vs Tech (MDX) - there are some features in the Advance I wouldn't give up now I have them - like the 360 degree camera, rear-seat heaters, etc. The adaptive suspension in my '19 MDX isn't a great feature, in my view, since I thought the '17 Tech MDX handled better - but that's just my opinion. Anyway, that's my input. Good luck with your decision!

 

So in your opinion does adaptive suspension on MDX do nothing?

 

MDX in my opinion - more room, and just a higher class vehicle regardless of tech in the RDX. I've looked at both when shopping for a brand new one, and MDX just felt like a lot more value for the price.

 

We do have some pretty good potholes and some rough roads in NM. I ended up getting one pinch flat and a bent rim a few years later in my 18 RLX with the low profile 245/40/19 OEM tires. NEVER had an issue with suspension, rims, or tires over the exact same road conditions with my 19 MDX Adv Sport Hybrid with electronic dampers (always in Sport IDS mode). Seems like the MDX suspension with electronic damper system seems to handle pothole a bit better with less vibration being translated into the cabin compared to my 18 RLX with reactive dampers. My 19 MDX is under 100lbs higher curb weight compared to my 18 RLX.

 

There is a noticeable diffence with normal and comfort on winter potholes on my 20 mdx w adaptive suspension. Enough of a difference that I always drive w/comfort.