The Acura RDX stands as a prominent contender in the competitive entry-luxury crossover segment. Facing rivals such as the BMW X3, Genesis GV70, Lexus NX, Audi Q5, and Mercedes GLC, the RDX enters a crowded marketplace vying for the attention of discerning buyers. Having previously explored the larger Acura MDX, we turn our focus to the RDX, anticipating a potentially sportier and more agile driving experience owing to its more compact dimensions. While at 187 inches in length and 75 inches in width, the RDX is by no means small, it presents a noticeably trimmer package compared to its three-row sibling, the MDX. In fact, it’s remarkably close in size to the original, and widely acclaimed, first-generation MDX.
What We Love About the Acura RDX
In an era where vehicles seem to perpetually grow in size, the Acura RDX hits a sweet spot. It’s a luxury crossover that feels substantial without being cumbersome. For those who, like many, don’t require the vastness of a three-row SUV, the RDX presents an ideal footprint. Throughout our time with the RDX, interior space was never a concern, whether for passengers or cargo. It strikes a harmonious balance, offering ample room without feeling oversized for everyday use. This class of vehicle, in general, makes a strong case – how often do drivers truly utilize the third row in larger SUVs?
The aesthetic appeal of the RDX is undeniable, especially when dressed in the striking magnetic blue paint and the sporty A-Spec package, as featured in our test model. Its design language is sharp and contemporary, managing to be eye-catching without venturing into polarizing territory, a trait some might attribute to Lexus’s bolder styling. The Acura grille might be prominently sized, but it contributes to a refined and upscale appearance. If you’re considering an RDX, opting for a vibrant color like blue is highly recommended; it truly enhances the vehicle’s visual appeal compared to more mundane shades like white.
Stepping inside the RDX reveals an interior that genuinely feels luxurious and well-appointed. A half-day journey to San Francisco and back affirmed the cabin’s comfort and quality. The seats are supportive, ensuring comfort even on longer drives. While the white leather in our test vehicle looked stunning, long-term maintenance might be a concern to keep it pristine. Cruising on the highway, the RDX exhibits a hushed and refined demeanor, as expected from a vehicle in the luxury segment. It’s important to remember that this is an Acura, not a Honda; a certain level of premium refinement is anticipated and delivered. Overall, the interior materials and build quality exude Japanese craftsmanship, with everything feeling solidly assembled.
Taking the RDX on a scenic route to Loon Lake in the El Dorado National Forest provided an opportunity to assess its driving dynamics. The roads leading to this alpine setting are renowned for their twisty and engaging nature, climbing to altitudes exceeding 6,000 feet. While snow and ice unfortunately curtailed some spirited driving, the RDX’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system proved more than capable in navigating inches of snow with ease. Even without engaging the dedicated snow mode initially, the RDX maintained composure and traction, requiring only a moderate pace of 15-20 mph in snowy corners. The SH-AWD system instilled confidence in challenging conditions.
Before encountering wintery conditions, however, there was a chance to experience the RDX on dry corners. Unlike some mainstream vehicles, the RDX truly comes alive when driven with enthusiasm. Maintaining a brisk pace on winding roads revealed impressive handling characteristics. The RDX exhibits a willingness to change direction quickly and precisely, with surprising levels of grip in corners. The front end bites eagerly, resisting understeer, and the AWD system seamlessly contributes to overall traction. It’s genuinely enjoyable to drive with spirit. The turbocharged engine, while not delivering overwhelming low-end torque, provides satisfying thrust once the revs climb. The RDX’s engaging driving dynamics left a positive and lasting impression.
Areas for Improvement in the Acura RDX
While the 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine is refined and generally adequate, it could benefit from more outright power. Compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70, which feel quicker despite similar or even lower horsepower figures, the RDX feels slightly lacking in punch. This is particularly noticeable in low-range power delivery, where the engine can feel somewhat sluggish at times. Even with the 10-speed automatic transmission working to keep the engine in its optimal range, a bit more low-end grunt would be appreciated in everyday driving scenarios.
Fuel economy also proved to be a point of concern. The onboard computer indicated 26 MPG on the highway and an overall average of 23 MPG during our testing. In a segment where 30 MPG highway figures are becoming increasingly common, the RDX’s fuel efficiency falls short of expectations. Competitors are achieving better numbers, and Acura should aim to improve in this area.
Despite the RDX’s commendable handling on spirited drives, the steering feel in normal, everyday driving is disappointing. It lacks feedback and consistency, resulting in a somewhat vague and disconnected sensation. Accuracy seems to be missing, as the steering response doesn’t feel entirely natural or linear at lower speeds. While these concerns largely dissipate when driving more aggressively, the steering feel around town at moderate speeds could be more refined. Most drivers might not find it overtly problematic, but for those sensitive to steering feel, it’s a noticeable shortcoming.
The infotainment system, while housed within a well-crafted interior, is another area that didn’t entirely win us over. The touchpad interface, intended to enhance precision and minimize driver distraction, proves to be somewhat awkward and cumbersome in practice. The system maps the touchpad to the screen, aiming for muscle memory and reduced eyes-off-the-road time. However, the execution feels less intuitive than traditional touchscreens or rotary controllers. Moving the cursor across the screen, especially from one edge to the other, can require multiple swipes or finger lifts, interrupting the flow of operation. While the concept has merit, the real-world usability needs refinement. Furthermore, the inability to display a full-screen view, being limited to a split-screen layout, feels unnecessarily restrictive.
Verdict: Acura RDX – A Mixed Bag of Luxury and Sport
The Acura RDX presents a compelling package as a well-built, attractively priced, and stylish luxury crossover that can be genuinely fun to drive when pushed. However, in everyday driving scenarios, which constitute the vast majority of real-world use, it falls slightly short of segment leaders. Fuel economy and everyday driving engagement are areas where the RDX could improve. The Genesis GV70, in particular, emerges as a strong disruptor in this class, offering a more consistently engaging driving experience and a lavish interior. While the RDX excels in driving dynamics when pushed hard, surpassing even the BMW X3 in some respects, it doesn’t quite stand out as much in the mundane daily driving that most owners will experience.
2022 Acura RDX A-Spec AWD Advanced
As-tested price: $52,845
2022 Acura RDX A-Spec review | The Road Beat
2022 Acura RDX A-Spec interior review | The Road Beat
2022 Acura RDX A-Spec review by The Road Beat
2022 Acura RDX review | The Road Beat
