[kfhughes]

I've been watching the Acura RDX since the second generation came out and biding my time for an upgrade from my 3G TL. While I've been waiting, I've been watching other models including the MKC. The RDX is a few months away from its mid-model changes and rumors are running rampant, but in the meantime I decided to stop by the local Lincoln dealership and see an MKC in person. I did it right after stopping at the Acura dealership to see the current RDX again; never visited at night, so wanted to see what the dash and illumination looked like.

Pros for the MKC: technology is definitely a notch above. Center console easy to comprehend, instrument cluster shows more information.

Pros for the RDX: the perception of much more interior space. The back seat room seems much smaller (I'm 6'2", and with the driver's seat in a comfortable position there was maybe 8" of knee room behind me). I also felt more "confined" in the driver's seat; much less leg room, especially toward the console. My spouse also felt the same.

I figure we have a good 8-10 months before we make a deal, but I'm wondering how many other here feel the cabin is a little more claustrophobic than some other models (we're also looking at the NX, but haven't been to a dealership to see one). After sitting in the MKC, I get the same feeling just looking at an Escape. It's much smaller now than before I sat in one.

????

 

[JefffromNH]

I've been watching the Acura RDX since the second generation came out and biding my time for an upgrade from my 3G TL. While I've been waiting, I've been watching other models including the MKC. The RDX is a few months away from its mid-model changes and rumors are running rampant, but in the meantime I decided to stop by the local Lincoln dealership and see an MKC in person. I did it right after stopping at the Acura dealership to see the current RDX again; never visited at night, so wanted to see what the dash and illumination looked like.

Pros for the MKC: technology is definitely a notch above. Center console easy to comprehend, instrument cluster shows more information.

Pros for the RDX: the perception of much more interior space. The back seat room seems much smaller (I'm 6'2", and with the driver's seat in a comfortable position there was maybe 8" of knee room behind me). I also felt more "confined" in the driver's seat; much less leg room, especially toward the console. My spouse also felt the same.

I figure we have a good 8-10 months before we make a deal, but I'm wondering how many other here feel the cabin is a little more claustrophobic than some other models (we're also looking at the NX, but haven't been to a dealership to see one). After sitting in the MKC, I get the same feeling just looking at an Escape. It's much smaller now than before I sat in one.

????

Since you have "8-10 months" the 2016 MKC will be out and a lot better. Get all these "bugs" out that people been saying on this site. Plus no more Ford Touch in all new Ford/lincoln models 2016 and on.
The NX has low ceiling and not good for people over 6 feet tall most reviews I seen online said. So after sitting in a NX with a sunroof you will see how your head almost hits roof.

 

[LINC]

kfhughes:

MKC of course is a small SUV. Being that it is too small for your size, if you otherwise found it interesting, I suggest you checkout the 2016 MKX, perhaps it will be a much better fit overall. The new model will be premiered this week at the 2015 NAIAS in Detroit. Will arrive at Dealer's late spring/early summer.

 

[Radius]

2015 MKX Leaked Images

Here are some leaked images on the new 2016 MKX.

I hope it has Sync3 and the new 9-speed transmission....

 

[JefffromNH]

I've been watching the Acura RDX since the second generation came out and biding my time for an upgrade from my 3G TL. While I've been waiting, I've been watching other models including the MKC. The RDX is a few months away from its mid-model changes and rumors are running rampant, but in the meantime I decided to stop by the local Lincoln dealership and see an MKC in person. I did it right after stopping at the Acura dealership to see the current RDX again; never visited at night, so wanted to see what the dash and illumination looked like.

Pros for the MKC: technology is definitely a notch above. Center console easy to comprehend, instrument cluster shows more information.

Pros for the RDX: the perception of much more interior space. The back seat room seems much smaller (I'm 6'2", and with the driver's seat in a comfortable position there was maybe 8" of knee room behind me). I also felt more "confined" in the driver's seat; much less leg room, especially toward the console. My spouse also felt the same.

I figure we have a good 8-10 months before we make a deal, but I'm wondering how many other here feel the cabin is a little more claustrophobic than some other models (we're also looking at the NX, but haven't been to a dealership to see one). After sitting in the MKC, I get the same feeling just looking at an Escape. It's much smaller now than before I sat in one.

????

Put Acura RDX back on your list like I am doing. Check out the 2016 RDX
Chicago Auto Show: 2016 Acura RDX - NY Daily News

 

[JefffromNH]

2016 Acura RDX already up on official website

Acura | 2016 RDX Future Vehicles | Acura.com

 

[LINC]

2016 Acura RDX already up on official website

Acura | 2016 RDX Future Vehicles | Acura.com

My eyes hurt now. I do not see anything interesting or updated what so ever, does not work at all for me. Not even in the same class.

 

[JefffromNH]

My eyes hurt now. I do not see anything interesting or updated what so ever, does not work at all for me. Not even in the same class.

Did you even read any of the 2016 Acura RDX articles? They was a lot of updates from 2015 modle. Like front and back LED lights added and venterlated from seats like other already had and caught up with others in technology package with some new stuff added in 2016.
2016 Acura RDX arrives with freshened styling, powertrain enhancements

The RDX is in " same class" Acura was the # selling small luxury SUV in it class selling over 44 thousand units ( WITHOUT VENTERLATED SEAT OR LOW IN TECHNOLOGY IN 2014 & 2015 modle.) watch out in 2016 now with all these updates, RDX will crush the competition in sales figures and RESALE VALUE.
http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2015/01/usa-luxury-suv-crossover-sales-figures-december-2014-year-end.html
Now since RDX added all these stuff to there 2016 modle to catch up with MKC and others I will put them back on my list for this spring or summer to buy with the 2016 MKC with sync 3 .

 

[LINC]

JefffromNH:

I only looked at your link to the 2016 photos, the vehicle is not appealing to me at all. I meant it looks old style not an updated look like the MKC has. I was not referring to updated mechanical, or options. I do not run with the Herd. Makes no never mind on resale if one does not like the vehicle or brand at all.

 

[nickyj]

I agree. Plus I think the RDX is ugly.

 

[rickster]

2016 rdx, no heated steering wheel, no automatic high beams, no power fiolding outside mirrors. Forget about it

 

[todd92]

Acura's have always been ugly, boring, only slightly luxed up Honda's. Every time we put them on a comparison list we are thoroughly underwhelmed. We've since just stopped considering them completely.

Same with Lexus, while the Toyota roots are well hidden and they are actually luxurious, they drive like a 80's Oldsmobiles. Zero interest.

We've owned a couple of Infiniti's in the past, they drive well, can't tell they are Nissan's, are decently luxurious, but found the NVH of the VQ6's to be unacceptable for that class of car. Also they were pretty cramped for the exterior dimensions and weight. Haven't looked at one in years.

For us the only legitimate MKC competitor is the X3, we've owned 2 and they are fantastic cars. Interior not quite as nice as the MKC, but roomier. Better handling and faster with better MPG. We actually owned a 2013 X3 3.5 when we bought the MKC and came close to adding a 2nd. Obviously the MKC won.

 

[rbreeze]

2016 rdx, no heated steering wheel, no automatic high beams, no power folding outside mirrors. Forget about it

^ There's no adjustable suspension as well. These are all notable missing features, but not "must-haves" IMO.

The refreshed '16 RDX is actually on my 'short list' for a suitably sized [small-to-midsize] SUV/CUV to buy within the next 4-6 months. The MKC was on my/our short list, however the tight rear seat area situation (non-flat rear floor design and an overly challenging entry/exit for normal sized adults) puts the MKC largely out of the running.

The RDX sells extremely well because it does everything well and is more reasonably priced as compared to all of its segment competition. In Canada a fully equipped 2.3L MKC Reserve MSRPs for $55K; the fully equipped RDX w/Tech Pkg MSRPs for $46K. $9,000 is a big price difference - and for a lot of people a few missing features aren't worth another $9K.

And then there's the matter of vehicle residual values. According to the Residual Values calculator at Cars.com, the residual value of the '15 MKC drops to 44% after 36 months; the residual value of the '15 RDX is projected as being 54% after 36 months. That'a full 10% difference.

According to US News, "With the best combination of positive reviews and long-term ownership costs in its class, the Acura RDX is our 2015 Best Luxury Compact SUV for the Money".

Link #1 : U.S. News Best Cars Announces the 2015 Best Cars for the Money - US News

Link #2 : 2015 Acura RDX Reviews, Pictures and Prices | U.S. News Best Cars

The US News award for the Acura RDX is for the 2015 m-y vehicle that is missing a lot of the latest safety/luxury/tech features; the significantly refreshed 2016 RDX largely takes care of that issue. As well the front and back ends of the '16 vehicle have been nicely updated.

Top 10 Small Luxury SUV sales figures for the month of January 2015 (source GoodCarBadCar.net):

Acura RDX - 3517
Audi Q5 - 2927
Lexus NX - 2812
Lincoln MKC - 1602
Volvo XC60 - 1517
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque - 1403
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class - 1398
BMW X3 - 1341
Porsche Macan - 796
BMW X4 - 396

/R

 

[JefffromNH]

^ There's no adjustable suspension as well. These are all notable missing features, but not "must-haves" IMO.

The refreshed '16 RDX is actually on my 'short list' for a suitably sized [small-to-midsize] SUV/CUV to buy within the next 4-6 months. The MKC was on my/our short list, however the tight rear seat area situation (non-flat rear floor design and an overly challenging entry/exit for normal sized adults) puts the MKC largely out of the running.

The RDX sells extremely well because it does everything well and is more reasonably priced as compared to all of its segment competition. In Canada a fully equipped 2.3L MKC Reserve MSRPs for $55K; the fully equipped RDX w/Tech Pkg MSRPs for $46K. $9,000 is a big price difference - and for a lot of people a few missing features aren't worth another $9K.

And then there's the matter of vehicle residual values. According to the Residual Values calculator at Cars.com, the residual value of the '15 MKC drops to 44% after 36 months; the residual value of the '15 RDX is projected as being 54% after 36 months. That'a full 10% difference.

According to US News, "With the best combination of positive reviews and long-term ownership costs in its class, the Acura RDX is our 2015 Best Luxury Compact SUV for the Money".

Link #1 : U.S. News Best Cars Announces the 2015 Best Cars for the Money - US News

Link #2 : 2015 Acura RDX Reviews, Pictures and Prices | U.S. News Best Cars

The US News award for the Acura RDX is for the 2015 m-y vehicle that is missing a lot of the latest safety/luxury/tech features; the significantly refreshed 2016 RDX largely takes care of that issue. As well the front and back ends of the '16 vehicle have been nicely updated.

Top 10 Small Luxury SUV sales figures for the month of January 2015 (source GoodCarBadCar.net):

Acura RDX - 3517
Audi Q5 - 2927
Lexus NX - 2812
Lincoln MKC - 1602
Volvo XC60 - 1517
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque - 1403
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class - 1398
BMW X3 - 1341
Porsche Macan - 796
BMW X4 - 396

/R

Well said rbreeze :nerd . RDX on my short list now also with new 2016 updates now. The price will go up from 2015 modle RDX with the new added "Advanced package" in 2016 RDX. Now just wait for pricing and build mode to come up on Acura website to compare it to MKC. I would wait for 2016 MKC to hit dealer lots anyways. So few months to decide what 2016 I will purchase . :grin
http://youtu.be/GfIFETodfyw

 

[LINC]

Already have those options on both my daily drivers, why would I want a vehicle that offers anything less?

Residual is used for a lease, I don't lease, because the total cost is never set for the customers benefit any more. Plus no one can truly base the residual of a new unproven model just using the brand's past as a bases. I will take my chances at the time sale or trade in, no pressure.

RDX is 4.3 inches longer and you lose .2 on WB. Lose .8 front leg and you gain 1.5 inches to rear leg. I don't drive from the back seat.

Why don't we use the MKX to compare to RDX, after all their both X's! 2015 MKX is 3.2 longer, wheel base is 5.5 longer, the legroom for front seat is .4 longer, rear 1.3 longer. Everything is bigger in the MKX! Will be additional gains to the 2016 MKX, once the specifications are released.

2015 MKC | View Interior Specifications | Lincoln.com

2015 Acura RDX | Specifications | Acura.com

2015 Lincoln MKX | Exterior Specs | Lincoln.com

I've been told “You get what your willing to pay for!” :wink

I will put it this way, if someone gave me an RDX, I would have it delivered to a more interesting dealership, to be traded in for something better.

 

[JefffromNH]

Already have those options on both my daily drivers, why would I want a vehicle that offers anything less?

Residual is used for a lease, I don't lease, because the total cost is never set for the customers benefit any more. Plus no one can truly base the residual of a new unproven model just using the brand's past as a bases. I will take my chances at the time sale or trade in, no pressure.

RDX is 4.3 inches longer and you lose .2 on WB. Lose .8 front leg and you gain 1.5 inches to rear leg. I don't drive from the back seat.

Why don't we use the MKX to compare to RDX, after all their both X's! 2015 MKX is 3.2 longer, wheel base is 5.5 longer, the legroom for front seat is .4 longer, rear 1.3 longer. Everything is bigger in the MKX! Will be additional gains to the 2016 MKX, once the specifications are released.

2015 MKC | View Interior Specifications | Lincoln.com

2015 Acura RDX | Specifications | Acura.com

2015 Lincoln MKX | Exterior Specs | Lincoln.com

I've been told “You get what your willing to pay for!” :wink

I will put it this way, if someone gave me an RDX, I would have it delivered to a more interesting dealership, to be traded in for something better.

Acura has the MDX that you can compare to Lincoln MKX. By the way Acura MDX is Best selling midsize luxury SUV . :wink

 

[rbreeze]

^ LOL! LINC, your overt bias for the MKC is showing! But.. entirely understandable given this is a forum for MKC enthusiasts.
I don't lease either. The projected residual value of a vehicle is a pretty good indicator of what a given vehicle's worth might be at the time of future sale or trade-in by the owner - expressed as a percentage decline. The residual percentages presented by Car.com (provided by ALG) give buyers a somewhat decent indication of how a given car is generally expected to hold its value over time. I believe the empirical data and methodology that ALG utilize is sound and quite reliable.
Like it or not - Hondas and Acuras hold their value much better than do Lincolns. This may change for Lincoln vehicles in the years to come, and I hope it does. I do in fact like the MKC as well as the upcoming '16 MKX.

As for using the MKX to compare to the RDX... I was provided the dimensional specs (via an email from Lincoln Communications in mid-January) for the upcoming '16 MKX, and unfortunately the vehicle has grown by several inches - which puts it out of contention for me/us (it's too big). FYI - below are the exterior dimensions for the 2016 MKX:

Wheelbase – 112.2"
Length – 190"
Width (excluding mirrors) – 76.1"
Height – 66.2"

Similarly it is expected the size of the redesigned 2016 Cadillac SRX and Lexus RX will also be larger - possibly to accommodate third row seating. All this should become known by early April (time of NY Auto Show).

An appropriately equipped and styled up-to-date desirable 'just right' tweener size small-midsize luxury SUV is becoming harder to find. The only such vehicles sized correctly for me (and many other buyers) are the RDX, Q5 and X3. Unfortunately the Q5 and X3 are both past their use-by date. Which sort of leaves only the RDX for me. I don't know if the fully optioned Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is a possibility for me, to go down a notch in segment level, price and perceived 'stature'. It's certainly sized right.
Will check out everything when I visit the 2015 Toronto Auto Show next week.

 

[LINC]

So then 3.3 inches longer eh, the 2016 MKX at 190 and 112.2 is just like my Grand Cherokee at 189.8 and 114.8, the best choice's for a comfortable sized 5 passenger vehicle. Loaded with all the goodies one could ask for. My next vehicle is going to be very tough choice for me, although a very enjoyable one.

So, then the MDX at 193.6 inches and 111, is only 14.4 longer than the MKC and they cram a third row in there! 2nd Row is only 36.6 and 3rd Row is only 27.4 with just 15 cu ft of cargo space. Much too small to be of any real usefulness and safety for those 3rd row passengers.

I've been told, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Of course that is very true.

Enjoy the Toronto Auto Show. Be sure to keep the Honda and Acura forums informed of your findings also.

 

[golferman44]

I just don't see "luxury" when I look at the RDX's interior. It looks very plain jane to me.

 

[JefffromNH]

I just don't see "luxury" when I look at the RDX's interior. It looks very plain jane to me.

The just updated it a little bit in the 2016 RDX modle year.