i asked this question on Acurazine.com, not surprised 100% voted for RDX. now i want to see some "objective" opinion from Toyoto/Lexus crowd the RDX would be about 3-4K more than the Venza. here are the pros and cons i came up with:

Venza (fwd) Limited
pros:
larger interior room
better V6 compare to the 3.5 vcm equipped V6 Honda uses
cheaper by 3-4K

cons:
long in the tooth (debuted back in '09)
cheap interior material that rattles a lot (lots of plastics)
roof line too low to pair with the 20'' wheels
Toyota brand vs Acura, service, customer experience may be a step down

RDX (fwd) with Tech package
pros:
handsome exterior
right size SUV for a small family
high quality interior materials
good gas mileage for an suv, about 25 mpg on average polled on Acurazine
excellent resale value
premium brand dealer experiences and warranties


cons:
vcm equipped iVTEC V6 (engagement and disengagement are noticeable for some)
kind of a girly car
smallish interior space
more expensive

 

How much of a difference are we talking about? ( I know you said 3-4k but my dad got quoted for a Venza at 34k, so it may vary)
Before I convinced my dad to get the Rx350, I called around for a price quote for a Rdx too. (My dad originally wanted a Venza too but i convinced him to go for a Rdx then Rx350).
The best price i got for a Rdx Fwd with tech was $36.5k OTD with 4 yrs free maintenance plus all weather floor mats and door molding.
I'd go for a Rdx over the Venza anytime.

 

I'd go RDX in a heartbeat.

 

i got quoted 33K for venza and 36,500 for the RDX before TTL. but that was a month ago.

 

Wow. Thats quite alot compared to me. I got my quote near the end of june. Seeing how you live in California too, I'm sure you're able to find a better quote.

 

RDX all the way, test drove one before I bought my RX and thought it was great.

 

Really? Maybe in square footage, but the RDX being taller means it has more usable space maybe? Maybe depends if you're talking people room or cargo room.

I test drove a Venza. Not bad but to me it seemed cramped, especially for cargo given how low the car is. Also wasn't as quiet as I thought it would be.

 

Honda VCM is having issues with cooking the head. And causing engine failure. Well at least on Pilots and Odysseys. Not sure about RDX.

 

The rdx is an overpriced crv and so average it's not even funny. Vanilla bland mobile for fanboys who know no better. There is nothing outstanding about it and I can't see how it's better than a Venza.

Quite frankly there are better options all around.

 

I'd choose the RDX. The size is well enough, the 3.5L V6 is strong, and assembly is top notch. My only gripe is no true SH-AWD and just a standard AWD

 

Have you tested the TSX wagon? Weaker engine (i4) and smallish legroom backseat, but a great alternative to CUV/SUV. I got one last year to replace my fwd 4runner. Fantastic mileage, nicely balanced.
I'm also on acurazine and some folks are getting tech wagons in the 25-28k range now. Slow sellers and likely discontinued soonish. Well worth a testdrive though imo

 

If it's for you get what YOU want since you are the guy who will be driving and paying for it.

 

You mean RWD? I don't know of any 4Runner since it's inception in 1984 of being FWD

 

it'll be the child / grocery hauler of the family. wife and i will still be driving our own cars.

 

RDX all the way, much nicer vehicle if you don't mind spending the extra money, it will hold its value better too.

A guy I golf with has a Venza his wife talked him into getting and he does not like it, says it rattles a lot and the interior quality is not very good, he is looking to get something else soon.