BMW X3 vs. Acura RDX: The Best Crossover For Around $50K Isn't What You're Expecting!

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#BMW #Acura #Compared

[hyperautodetailing]

RDX is still holding its ground after being one of the older models (current gen debut 2019), I purchased a 2021 SH-AWD last year for my sister and it's a joy to drive.

[madmaz]

I have the 2020 RDX A-Spec and I think it’s fantastic. There’s something about Honda/Acura cars that make their driving dynamics natural and sporty. You jump into a new one and it feels like you’ve been driving it for years.

[Larry-nzpi]

Both are very nice vehicles. If I was leasing and turning it in at the end, I would choose the BMW. Acura would be my choice for long term ownership

[hluvv]

Proud owner of Acura 2021 RDX ASPEC SH

[ivannarvaez]

I think Acura has the best value in this segment, drives great, and looks great. They have a winner.

[DM-xtrl]

I have no idea why people are obsessed with touchscreens. The screens get filled up with fingerprints almost instantly and you have to continually clean them to see especially in sunlight. The touchpad in the Acura is far superior IMO. Once you get use to it the muscle memory for the touchpad is far less of a driving distraction than a touchscreen and you won’t have to worry about the fingerprints.

[MidnightAspec]

Hmmm. I have a 22 MDX and 21 TLX and don’t remember ever having accidentally brushed against any of the steering wheel buttons. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[razorsedgeadventures]

I just sold my 2019 BMW X4 and bought the Acura RDX with the Technology Package. I really liked the X4 and it was a great driving, great traveling car. The RDX is also a great driving, and great traveling car, and I’d have to disagree with you about the road noise in the RDX. Mine has 19” wheels, which may make a difference, but in my experience, the RDX and X4 are very close in interior road noise. Typical for German cars, the BMW has very firm seats, and locked down road manners, but the Acura has more plush seats, and a softer ride. I am getting used to the Acura infotainment system, but have to say the BMW system is more intuitive, easier to use, and just better. The biggest issue I have with the RDX is the fuel economy. Even driving very easy, I’ve never gotten close the the listed EPA mileage. It’s still new, with less than a thousand miles on it, but best I’ve seen on the highway is about 23-24mpg. The X4 on the other hand would get 31-32 mpg under the same conditions! That’s a big difference! The BMW requires premium fuel and the Acura Recommends premium fuel.
Both the X4 and the RDX have the Lane Keep and Autonomous Driving features, but the Acura is far superior to the BMW system. The BMW would ping pong you down the road between the lines, and require you to put your hands back on the wheel within about 20 seconds. The Acura will go a long way without driver input but will ask for steering input after a while. The Acura will keep the car nicely centered in the lane with no back and forth nonsense. Maybe the newer BMWs have gotten better.
My biggest reason for moving to the Acura is because I’m getting close to retirement and I wanted a nice reliable car that will be trouble free for years to come. I’ve had several BMWs and I hate to say it, but they do tend to develop oil leaks and expensive Maint/repair issues when they get 60-70k miles, and I don’t need to be paying $3000 for an oil pan gasket leak!

[tommy]

I believe the rdx is outselling the gv70 so I don’t think Acura is to worried about it.

[drnick]

I have 2019 RDX. Zero problems for 3 years! Fun to drive, tons of room. All the quirks with the infotainment system are piece of cake to get used to… I had BMW’s before and although great vehicles, they had a fair share of issues, not talking about the cost to own them. The test of time will be 100% in Acura’s favor. It’s just the better car.

[richarddawson]

Why are you comparing the Acura Aspec with the base BMW? The base Acura is 6k cheaper than the base BMW and comes with more options including pano sunroof, wireless apple and android, blind spot, and has a spare tire where the BMW doesn't and uses noisy run flats.

[andreipretorius]

Nice review. We went for the X3 M40i. Met most of the requirements that were needed.

[evanlee]

Last year I spent half a year to choose a favorite SUV with budge 80k-90k CAD, I tested drive some candidates (GLE450, X5, GV80, RX350, Q7, MDX etc ), I found all the German's turbo cars were trash but money pit ! I didn't like the feeling of turbo engines running, I never cared about 1 seconds less or more of 1-100km drag & race. I finally bought a 2022 MDX of top notch with 80k CAD, in almost every aspect it surplus other cars. i am loving and enjoying my everyday driving to /from work, I have decided that my next car will MDX be type S.

[vincecuffaro]

Acura has: Better AWD, safer ratings, longer lasting, better quality and higher resale value than Genesis/Hyundai :)

[csears]

Just picked up the Acura RDX apsec advance shawd, so far love it! Amazing sound system and fun to drive. Great mpg compared to my 18 navigator And almost all the same tech for half the price. Having both in the driveway the rdx is the one I go to first.

[bstevens]

The 2022 RDX with the SH-AWD( in the Advance and Tech pkgs ) has a spare tire( without AWD it does not ) underneath the rear of the car. Also, the adaptive dampers on the RDX requires the Advance package which helps the ride. The extra sound deadening and thicker glass requires Advance ( IIRC ). Freeway road noise is reduced to less than a whisper. Very quiet.

[TheMstwntdLMSV]

The audio system in the Acura is leaps and bounds ahead of the one in the BMW

[traelz]

I absolutely love the X3, a very understated yet classy vehicle

[mikelake]

As others have mentioned, there is a lot of emphasis put on the fact that the RDX does not have a touchscreen.
The problem with touch screens are when you use them while the car is in motion, and you hit a bump or aren’t extremely careful you end up hitting the wrong buttons. Touch screens are great while the car is parked but when you’re driving you end up hitting the wrong button often.

[johnnybyup]

Great comparison. I'm hoping to pick up the RDX this summer/fall.
BMW X3 is nice, but the sportiness and value packed RDX is more attractive for my household. I wish Acura gave us a touchscreen vs TTI + increased towing capacity to at least 2200lbs. Acura is doing a great job keeping up with the German brands.