The New 2019 Acura RDX Costs How Much To Lease!?

Is the larger MDX the better deal?

Acura recently announced that pricing for its redesigned 2019 RDX luxury crossover will begin at $38,295, including destination. That’s darn reasonable because it’s exactly the same as the outgoing 2018 model. However, Cars Direct has uncovered that leasing a new RDX is pretty darn expensive. In short, it’s only $5 per month cheaper to lease than the larger MDX, whose base price is $6,900 more than that of the RDX. Let’s break this down. You can lease a new 2019 Acura RDX this month for $409 per month for 36 months.

Another $2,999 is due at signing and the vehicle has a 10,000 miles per year allowance. This is based on an MSRP of $38,295, but the effective cost is $492 per month. However – and here comes the kicker – an also brand new MDX is currently being advertised at $419 per month for 36 months with $2,799 due at signing. It has an MSRP of $45,195, but the effective cost is $497 per month – only $5 more monthly and a $6,900 MSRP price difference than that of the RDX. Why do the two have nearly identical lease prices? The devil is in the details. The RDX apparently has a residual value of 63 percent whereas the MDX’s is 58 percent.

Also, the RDX doesn't have any factor lease discounts while the MDX offers a $2,050 discount in factory lease cash. These combined reasons are what’s making the RDX so pricey to lease at the moment, though this likely won’t last because the vehicle is brand new. But what if you’re already an Acura owner and you’re keen to get into a 2019 RDX? Acura is right now offering those owners, or those currently driving a 2009-or-later Audi Q5 or Lexus RX, two of the RDX’s biggest competitors, $1,000 bonus cash. This reduces the monthly lease payment by $30. But if you really want the best deal, then go for deal on the outgoing 2018 RDX: $299/month for 36 months plus $2,499 due at signing.

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2017 Acura RLX Review

The RLX sits at the top of the Acura sedan model range and since its introduction in 2014 has been a luxurious and well-specced alternative to the usual suspects in this competitive category. For 2017 the base trim level has been dropped along with some minor trim changes.

What’s it like inside?

The Acura suffers from a nondescript exterior design and this extends into the cabin too. The quality of the materials is of a high standard but the dashboard layout, switchgear and general ambience does not match the more modern design aesthetics of its rivals.

Passenger space is excellent both in the front and rear, the seats are not the best in the business though and do not offer enough lateral support in corners or enough padding for longer trips. The trunk space is also slightly below average for the class but adequate for most needs.

How does it drive?

The Acura is a competent handler, tackling challenging roads in a generally unflustered manner. It does not exhibit the kind of cornering talent its German rivals offer but unless this is a top priority for you the RLX feels safe and planted in most driving situations. The Sport Hybrid adds all-wheel drive and extra power into the mix which improves the handling in slippery situations.

Save for some road noise from the standard 19-inch wheels, the smooth drivetrain and hushed cabin make for a relaxed atmosphere. Those 19-inch alloys also tend to keep the ride on the firm side although it is acceptable for a luxury sport sedan.

What about the performance?

The RLX is offered with two drivetrain options. The first is a 3.5-liter V6 which produces 310 hp and 272 lb ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission.

Acceleration is strong throughout the rev-range and even though the RLX does not set any new performance standards in its class it is still quick with a 0-60 mph time in the low 6-second range. Fuel economy is also middle of the pack although the second drivetrain option offers much improved consumption figures, especially if you do a lot of city driving.

The RLX Sport Hybrid adds 3 electric motors to the base V6 to produce a combined 377 hp along with 347 lb ft of torque. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission replaces the 6-speed automatic and thanks to 2 of those electric motors powering the rear wheels, the Sport Hybrid is all-wheel drive too. The electric motors cut in and out imperceptibly and overall performance is improved over the standard RLX. While highway mpg remains unchanged at 30 for both models, the hybrid model is potentially far less thirsty around town where it offers 29 mpg versus 20 for the base RLX.

What are my options?

The Acura RLX has dropped the lowest level trim from last year so the Technology Package inherits that tag and the Advance Package remains as the top trim level. Both RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid are available with the same trim and equipment levels with one exception being a standard head-up display in the hybrid cars.

The Technology trim makes the base RLX a very well-equipped car. Keyless ignition, sunroof, powered and heated front seats, 19-inch alloys and leather upholstery are all standard. A rearview camera and audio system with Bluetooth, smartphone integration, USB connectivity and satellite radio are also included.

Safety systems are a strong point in the RLX range with the standard AcuraWatch incorporating driver assistance features such as lane assist, road departure mitigation, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking system.

The Advance package offers a Krell 14-speaker audio system, Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, power rear sunshade, manual rear side shades, surround-view camera system and all-round parking sensors.

Individual options such as a remote start engine system, woodgrain trim, engine block heater and cargo net are also available.

The Verdict

With minor changes taking place in 2017, the RLX remains a spacious, well-equipped and very safe luxury sedan vehicle. It may not offer the design flair or overt sportiness of some rivals but it offers a smooth and unflustered drive and the hybrid version adds praiseworthy fuel economy too.

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Here's The Problem With Bringing Back The Acura Integra

Time to party like it's 1999?

In some ways, Acura hasn’t been the same ever since the Integra and its RSX direct successor left the market over a decade ago. Acura was one of the first to prove that a front-wheel-drive coupe can be extremely fun to drive, and the Integra Type R has earned sort of a legendary status. Knowing that and given the fact Acura wants younger buyers, shouldn’t it at least consider the idea of a reborn Integra/RSX? We spoke with Acura RDX engineer Steve Hansen, who happens to be in the market for an Integra Type R, about this very question at Detroit.

“With the new RDX, Acura is going back to its roots of precision performance,” Hansen explained. So naturally that made us wonder whether there’s room in the lineup for a hot new coupe. Nope, and here’s the reason(s) why: the Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R. “The Si, as we all know, is available as both a sedan and coupe, and it makes little to no sense, financially speaking, to re-body and restyle the Civic,” Hansen said. In fact, the Acura ILX compact sedan is based on the previous generation Civic platform, and ILX sales haven’t exactly been stellar. Another factor to consider is the significant push upmarket Honda did with the new Civic, and for the price point, performance and overall packaging, it’s pretty hard to beat the Si.

However, Acura will be bringing back the Type S trim in the near future, but neither Hansen nor anyone else from Acura offered any specifics as to which model(s) will be involved. Our best guess is the TLX sedan. After spending some time with the car, we criticized it for simply not being sporty enough. The TLX is no serious threat to the likes of the BMW 3 Series, so clearly there's room for improvement. As for the RLX large sedan? Despite its recent makeover, we can't see how it can ever gain a true sporty flavor. The ILX? Word has it it's time is nearly up. Type S will also likely be applied to Acura's true strengths: SUVs such as the upcoming third-generation RDX.

We also wouldn't be surprised to see a subcompact SUV arrive at some point as well. Given all that, a new coupe seems pretty unlikely. So it’s probably for the best to give up any hope of a reborn Integra/RSX. There’s really no need to be sad because we now have the new Civic Si and Type R, unless the Acura badge is a must-have.

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Owner Selling Old And New Acura NSX: Which Would You Buy?

It's more than a black or white decision.

With some sports cars – say, the Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette, for example – choosing which version can be the most difficult part. Not so much for the Acura NSX, which has only been produced in two essential iterations, and with few derivatives or substantial options to speak of. That leaves anyone looking to pick up an example of Honda's supercar with one choice to make, above all else: old or new?

That's the choice bidders will face next month at LA's famous Petersen Automotive Museum, where RM Sotheby's will be holding its next auction.

Among the tempting lots on the docket for the Petersen sale are two examples of the NSX, consigned by the same owner.

In one corner, we have a rather pristine black-on-black '91 NSX – a splendid example of the original, made in its first year of production, still retained by its original owner, and showing just 6,000 miles from new. It packs a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 with VTEC, mounted amidships in a world-first aluminum monocoque chassis, sending 270 hp to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, with superb handling balance honed by the legendary Ayrton Senna.

In the other, its modern successor: a 2017 NSX, the 223th of 581 examples made (also in its first year of production), in Casino White Pearl with a black interior. That same single owner has only put 2,700 miles on it since taking delivery last year. At its heart is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, paired to a trio of electric motors to send 573 hp (more than twice the original's output) to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic.

The auctioneer estimates the '91 model to fetch around $90-110k, and the new one about $125-150k when the gavel drops on December 8. For your money, which would you choose?

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Here's What We'd Build With The 306-HP Honda Civic Type R Crate Motor

Honda has the engine that will help it build interesting cars again.

The Civic Type R is the most aggressive car in the Honda lineup. Honda has moved away from its root of high revving, naturally aspirated engines in favor of turbocharged units with more torque. The Type R's 2.0-liter four cylinder engine develops 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. At this year's SEMA show, Honda decided to sell the Type R engine as a crate motor for just $6,500, a relative bargain compared to the Hellcrate motor. This new crate engine offers many opportunities for engine swap builds. Here's five that we want to see.

The Acura ILX sedan is in desperate need of a refresh. Acura's entry-level sedan is no more than a slightly upscale Honda Civic, which is a bit disappointing in today's market. The ILX still uses the old 2.4-liter inline-four, not the new 1.5-liter turbocharged engine from the latest Civic. Acura should consider building an ILX Type R or Type S with the engine from the Civic Type R. This would compete perfectly with the Audi S3, which shares a platform with the Volkswagen Golf R. The Civic Type R is only available with a six-speed manual, but we think that Acura should keep the ILX's eight-speed dual-clutch. The S3 is only offered as a dual-clutch, which means that the ILX would be a perfect competitor.

We love the S2000, and we hope that Honda finally brings back this legendary sports car. There have been rumors that a new S2000 could pack a supercharger and a turbocharger, or even come with a hybrid drivetrain. We hope that Honda doesn't overcomplicate the S2000 like it did with the new NSX. The Type R engine would be perfect for a new S2000, and could even into the engine bay of the old car. The S2000 was known for its high revving VTEC, but it wasn't the fastest sports car around. If we had a crashed S2000 in need of a motor, we'd love to see how fast it could be with the engine from the Civic Type R. This crate engine would add 66 hp and almost double the torque of the S2000.

Like with the S2000, we'd love to see an original NSX with Civic Type R power. Even the 2005 NSX, which came with a 3.2-liter V6 is less powerful than the new Civic Type R engine. It may be a bit tricky to make an engine that was designed for a FWD car work in a mid-engined configuration. However, we think that someone could make it happen with great results. We'd even love to see Acura build a mid-engined sports car below the NSX ditching the hybrid system and AWD for the Type R's engine. This could compete with sports cars like the Porsche 718 and Alfa Romeo 4C.

The Honda HR-V is clearly not a car made with enthusiasts in mind. The HR-V is Honda's compact crossover that slots below the larger CR-V. Even though Honda sells the base HR-V with a six-speed manual transmission, the only engine choice is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 141 hp. The HR-V takes nearly 10 seconds to hit 60 mph, which is very uninspiring. We wish that Honda would build an HR-V Type R with 306 hp and a six-speed manual transmission. This car would only really compete with the Nissan Juke Nismo, but the Honda would have much more power. It may seem like an odd idea, but a 300-plus hp crossover with a manual does sound like a ton of fun.

Not all engine swap builds have to be done with engines from the same manufacturer. Plenty of Chevy LS engines are placed into cars from other manufacturers due to its wide availability for parts. We'd love for someone to take the Type R crate motor and use it to build a Toyota MR2. The MR2 was a very well balanced car, but it only even produced 200 hp in the second generation turbo version. The Type R's engine would bring this number up by over 100 hp, which would make a custom MR2 an extremely formidable sports car.

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5 Awesome Acura Models That Reminds Us Of Its Glory Days

Before it decided to start building boring cars.

We can't seem to pinpoint the exact moment that Acura decided to throw away its reputation for creating reliable and affordable luxury card that were actually fun to drive. Perhaps it was when the company decided to stop offering its last manual transmission in the ILX or when it discontinued the wonderfully unique TSX wagon? We know that Acura is capable of building some truly great cars, but its current lineup is very disappointing. We wanted to look back and remember the good times with the five best cars that Acura ever built.

Some journalists, like Top Gear's Chris Harri,s really love the new NSX. We respect Chris Harris greatly, but don't share his enthusiasm for the new NSX. The original NSX was easy to drive and brought supercars to an affordable and reliable level. The new car is extremely unobtainable at $156,000 and follows the same overly complicated formula as almost every other supercar on the market. The Audi R8 was a better "affordable supercar" when it was first released back in 2008. The original NSX was a work of genius that was good enough to live from 1991 to 2005. Not every car is good enough to be sold for more than two decades without a major redesign.

The Acura RSX, and its predecessor the Integra, are arguably the greatest cars that the company ever produced. The NSX may get all the love as a modern classic, but the RSX and Integra were the truly affordable sporty cars for the masses. The RSX finished off in 2006 with the Type-S model, which was the best of the bunch. The Type S came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with VTEC producing 201 hp. This is just four horsepower less than a brand-new Civic Si with a turbocharger. This engine revved to 8,000 rpm and sounded wonderful in the process. It came with a six-speed manual transmission to improve the fun and was extremely practical. We miss the RSX and hope that Acura finally replaces it.

The Acura TSX was never the most exciting model that the brand sold, but we were sad to see it go back in 2013. The car was available with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 201 hp or a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 hp. Unfortunately, the more powerful V6 was not offered with the manual transmission, but the four-cylinder manual car was pretty good fun to drive. The wagon was our favorite version thanks to its handsome looks and amazing practicality. Unfortunately Acura never offered the wagon with a V6 or a manual transmission. The TSX wagon could have been the perfect Acura, but instead is was a sign of a company that was about to start making all of the wrong product decisions.

When Acura introduced the painfully boring TLX, it did so by killing off both the TSX and the TL. We really liked the TL, especially the sportiest Type S version. The TL Type S was powered by a 286-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine that could be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The car was front-wheel-drive only, which caused massive torque steer, but at least the car was interesting to drive. Acura followed the Type S with the manual version of the 3.7-liter V6 car with SH-AWD. We've driven a manual TL with this drivetrain, and it was a ton of fun thanks to its 3.7-liter V6 with 305 hp. It was really a great competitor to the Audi S4 and BMW 335i at the time.

It may not look that interesting, but the CL is one of Acura's best creations. The Acura CL had two generations from 1996 to 2003, culminating in a final Type S version in 2003. The Type S produced 260 hp from a 3.2-liter V6 that could be mated to a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. In 2002, Acura teamed up with a tuner called Comptech to build a supercharged version of the CL with 369 hp. This supercharged CL could hit 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, compared to the stock car's six seconds. The automatic transmission cars did have some problems handling the V6's power, but the manual cars were a fantastic reminder that Acura used to be cool.

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Turns Out Premium Gas Isn't Worth It Even If Your Car Recommends It

Blame smarter engines and the rising costs of premium gas.

We’ve iterated it multiple times: if your car doesn’t specifically mention that its engine needs premium gasoline, it’s nothing but a waste of cash and octane to put it in your gas tank. It won’t make your car run any better, it’s not an improvement on premium fuel, and it does absolutely nothing to extend the life of your engine. That being said, there are some cars that do need gasoline with higher octane, specifically those that are turbocharged, supercharged, or have a compression ratio high enough that preignition becomes a concern.

Thanks to the magic of sophisticated engine control units, we’re also seeing a new class of cars that slots somewhere in the middle—vehicles that recommend premium fuel for maximum fuel economy and performance but can run just as well with regular gasoline. AAA decided to conduct a study to see how much of a difference each fuel makes on this type of car.

Engineering Explained breaks down the results for us, and the findings are interesting to say the least. The study concluded that most vehicles that recommend premium fuel do actually get better fuel economy when using it (except for the Audi A3 for some reason), but that doesn’t automatically mean drivers should revert to using it. That’s because the price gap between regular and premium fuel has grown over the years, somewhere in the neighborhood of 10-25% per gallon over the past few years. With fuel savings using premium gas being almost negligible, the cash saved doesn’t make up for the extra money spent on better fuel. Of course if you own something like a twin-turbo McLaren, go for the premium. Not like price is an issue for you.

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Here’s What’s New For The 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid

Acura has announced pricing details and options for its luxury hybrid SUV flagship.

While the all-new 2019 Acura RDX stunned us at New York with its bold new design, the latest MDX is not an entirely new model. Instead, the MDX has been mildly updated for the 2019 model year to keep it fresh until the all-new model arrives next year. After revealing the MDX A-Spec appearance package, Acura has announced pricing details and options for the MDX Sport Hybrid.

Arriving in dealers on August 1, the 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid starts at $52,800 excluding the $995 destination charge. That makes it $1,500 more expensive more than the conventional MDX SH-AWD with Technology package, though it does come with adaptive dampers as standard and an extra 31 horsepower.

For the 2019 model year, Acura has introduced four new exterior color options for the hybrid SUV, including new Gunmetal Metallic and three new premium colors: Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl and Canyon Bronze Metallic, as well as a new interior wood trim. Other enhancements include driver and front-passenger 4-way power lumbar support (up from 2-way), authentic Desert Olive Ash wood highlights, high-contrast seat and door panel stitching, and matching wood center console trim for Advance Package models.

Technology and Advance trims include unique interior trim, exterior badging and stainless steel sport pedals. Technology Package models have seating for seven, while the range-topping Advance Package incorporates a 6-passenger interior configuration with second-row captain's chairs and a large second-row center console in place of a three-occupant bench seat.

The hybrid powertrain remains unchanged, however, with a 3.0-liter VTEC V6 paired with three electric motors delivering a combined output of 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. As standard, you get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters providing fast gear changes while improving fuel efficiency. Speaking of which, Acura claims the 2019 MDX Sport Hybrid achieves 26/27/27 mpg (city/highway/combined).

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