By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National September 6, 2007Vehicle Overview
Acura entered the compact SUV segment last year with the RDX, a vehicle slotted below the midsize MDX sport utility vehicle. The RDX competes with other compact luxury SUVs, namely the BMW X3 and Land Rover's LR2. For 2008, the RDX is equipped with a standard Bluetooth wireless interface with steering-wheel controls (previously a bundled option), an 8-inch Multi-Information Display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual-position memory for the driver's seat and mirrors.
Significant features on the RDX include Acura's first production turbocharged engine, the automaker's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system and a navigation system with traffic information. Built on an all-new platform, the RDX is assembled in Ohio.
Exterior
The RDX wears Acura's five-point grille, below which sits a rectangular opening in the bumper. Ridges in the hood flow from the outer edges of the grille toward the windshield. Taken as a whole, it looks much like a scaled-down MDX.
Other exterior features include dual exhaust pipes, a liftgate spoiler and high-intensity-discharge headlights. Side mirrors include redundant turn signals, and chiseled taillamps recall Acura's TSX sedan. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard. Polished Metal Metallic is a new exterior color.
At 180.7 inches long and 73.6 inches wide, the RDX is 8 inches shorter and 3.4 inches narrower than the MDX. It's also incrementally larger than the X3.
Interior
Two front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding rear bench seat provide seating for up to five people. The driver faces a three-pod instrument cluster that has a center-mounted speedometer.
Center console storage space is growing on U.S.-market vehicles; the RDX's lockable bin can accept a laptop computer. Standard features include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and a moonroof. Formerly available only in the optional Technology Package, a Bluetooth wireless telephone interface is standard for 2008. Other new features include an 8-inch Multi-Information Display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual-position memory for the driver's seat and mirrors. An optional Technology Package adds a 410-watt, 10-speaker audio system, a voice-recognition navigation system with traffic information and a rearview camera. Acura recently expanded its traffic information markets to 76 metropolitan areas, which is 32 more than it used to have.
Passenger volume measures 101.4 cubic feet, while maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded is 60.6 cubic feet. In contrast, the X3 offers less passenger volume (90.1) but more maximum cargo space (71).
Under the Hood
Acura's new turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generates impressive power figures: 240 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque. Teamed with the engine is a five-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled by the driver through paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. The SH-AWD system can manage torque distribution to the front and rear wheels, and between the left and right rear wheels.
Safety
The RDX has a litany of safety features, including antilock brakes, Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist electronic stability system, active front head restraints, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| David Thomas | Cars.com National | September 27, 2007 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | September 6, 2007 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Steven Cole Smith | Orlando Sentinel | February 16, 2008 |
People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed
Closest Dealers Listing this Car
Featured Services for the Acura RDX
- Sell your current car quickly and easily on Cars.com.
