The 2023 Acura Rdx A-spec Package elevates the driving experience with a suite of sporty enhancements and premium features. This trim level, positioned within the RDX lineup, delivers a unique blend of athletic styling and Acura’s renowned engineering. Let’s delve into the specifications and features that define the 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec package.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec lies a potent Turbo Aluminum-alloy 4-Cylinder engine. This 2.0-liter powerplant, equipped with a mono-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, churns out an impressive 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, available across a wide band from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. The engine features a 16-Valve, DOHC VTEC® valvetrain and a 9.8:1 compression ratio, ensuring both performance and efficiency. The Drive-by-Wire Throttle System and Idle Stop further contribute to a refined and responsive driving experience. The engine is also designed with a 100k +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups interval, highlighting Acura’s commitment to long-term reliability. It also boasts a ULEV-50 CARB Emissions Rating, reflecting its environmentally conscious design.
Drivetrain and Handling
The 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec package offers both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) as standard and the available SH-AWD® (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™) for enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions. Regardless of the drivetrain configuration, power is delivered through a responsive 10-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters, allowing drivers to take command of gear changes. The transmission’s gear ratios are carefully calibrated (1st: 5.25, 2nd: 3.27, 3rd: 2.19, 4th: 1.60, 5th: 1.30, 6th: 1.00, 7th: 0.78, 8th: 0.65, 9th: 0.58, 10th: 0.52, Reverse: 3.97, Final Drive: 4.17) to optimize acceleration and fuel efficiency. The chassis is engineered for dynamic handling, featuring MacPherson Strut Front Suspension and Multi-Link Rear Suspension, complemented by front and rear Stabilizer Bars (30.0 mm front / 23.0 mm rear). Amplitude Reactive Dampers are standard, while the Adaptive Damper System is not available on the A-Spec trim. Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS), Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), and Agile Handling Assist® further refine the RDX A-Spec’s driving dynamics. Braking is managed by 4-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front discs (12.4 in.) and solid rear discs (12.2 in.).
Fuel Economy and Dimensions
The 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec with FWD achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The SH-AWD variant is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. A 17.1-gallon fuel tank capacity ensures a good driving range. Premium Unleaded 91 Octane fuel is recommended to maximize performance and efficiency.
Image alt text: Angular front view of a red 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec showcasing its sporty grille and headlights.
In terms of dimensions, the exterior of the 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec measures 187.4 inches in length, 74.8 inches in width, and 65.7 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 108.3 inches. The track width is 64.2 inches at the front and 64.7 inches at the rear. Ground clearance (unladen) is 8.2 inches. Inside, the RDX A-Spec offers generous space with headroom of 40.0 inches (front) and 38.0 inches (rear), legroom of 42.0 inches (front) and 38.0 inches (rear), shoulder room of 60.0 inches (front) and 57.0 inches (rear), and hiproom of 55.0 inches (front) and 50.0 inches (rear). The EPA passenger volume is 104.0 cu ft., and cargo volume behind the first row ranges from 58.9 cu ft. (standard) to 79.8 cu ft. (max), while cargo volume behind the second row is between 29.5 cu ft. (standard) and 31.1 cu ft. (max).
Weight and Wheels
The curb weight for the FWD 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec is 3,804 lbs, while the SH-AWD version weighs 4,040 lbs. The weight distribution for the FWD model is 59/41 (front/rear), and for the SH-AWD, it’s 57/43 (front/rear). The 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec is equipped with 19 x 8.0J Pewter Gray Machine-Finished Multi-Spoke Aluminum-Alloy Wheels and 235/55 R19 Continental CrossContact LX Sport all-season tires, striking a balance between sporty aesthetics and all-weather performance.
AcuraWatch™ and Safety Features
Safety is paramount in the 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec, which comes standard with AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. This includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) System, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) System, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).
Image alt text: Interior view of the 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec showcasing the sporty seats, steering wheel, and dashboard design.
Additional safety and driver assistance features include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure, multiple airbags (Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS), Next-Generation Passenger Front Airbag, Front Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, Front Knee Airbags), Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Tire Fill Assist, Theft-Deterrent System with Electronic Immobilizer, Pedestrian Detection, Low Speed Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, and Blind Spot Information (BSI) System. Rear Cross Traffic Monitor is also standard, enhancing safety during reversing maneuvers.
Convenience, Audio and Interior Features
The 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec is packed with convenience features like Hill Start Assist, Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, Cruise Control, Parking Sensors (front and rear), Auto-On/Off Headlight Operation with Wiper Integration, Auto High-Beam, Heated Side Mirrors with Reverse Gear Tilt-Down, HomeLink®, and Compass.
For audio and connectivity, it features the True Touchpad Interface™, a 10.2-Inch HD Dual-Content Center Display, a 7-Inch Color Multi-Information Display (MID), Key Fob Activated Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback, Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability, Natural Language Voice Recognition, AcuraLink® Connected Services, Wireless Apple CarPlay® Compatibility, Wireless Android Auto™ Compatibility, Amazon Alexa Built-In, Siri® Eyes Free, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® Wireless Telephone Interface, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, ELS Studio® Premium Audio System with 12 Speakers, Wireless Charging Pad, USB Audio Interface, USB Charge Ports (2) 2.5A Charge Front Seat, SiriusXM®, HD Radio®, MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack, and Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC).
The interior of the A-Spec trim is appointed with Sport Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching, Front 12-Way Power Seats with Power Lumbar Support, Heated Front Seats, 60/40 Split Fold-Down Rear Seatback, Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, Leather-Wrapped, Flat-bottom Sport Steering Wheel, Active Sound Control, Iconic Drive™ Ambient LED Cabin Lighting (27 Themes), Automatic Dimming Frameless Rearview Mirror, Retained Accessory Power for Windows and Moonroof, and 12-Volt Power Outlets (Front). Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration, GPS-Linked Climate Control, and Keyless Access System with Acura Personalized Settings ensure passenger comfort.
Exterior and Colors
The exterior of the 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec is distinguished by a Panoramic Roof with Tilt and Slide Function, Jewel Eye® LED Headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED Fog Lights (Available Dealer Installed Accessory), LED-Illuminated Dragon Tail Taillights, LED Side Mirror-Integrated Directional Signals, LED Puddle Lights (Available Dealer Installed Accessory), and a Sport Appearance Exterior Package. It also features Heated Side Mirrors with Reverse Gear Tilt-Down, Power Lift Tailgate, Acoustic Glass Windshield and Front Side Glass, Rear Camera Washer, Remote-Operated Windows and Moonroof-Open Function, and Capless Fuel Fill.
Standard exterior colors include Fathom Blue Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic. Premium exterior colors offer a wider palette including Majestic Black Pearl, Liquid Carbon Metallic, Performance Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Phantom Violet Pearl, and Apex Blue Pearl. Interior color options vary depending on the exterior and trim selections, including Parchment, Ebony, Graystone, and Red, paired with interior trim options like Silver Brushed Aluminum, Bronze Brushed Aluminum, and Y-Pattern Dark Brushed Aluminum.
In conclusion, the 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec package delivers a compelling combination of sporty styling, engaging performance, and a wealth of premium features, making it an attractive option in the luxury compact SUV segment.
