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Luxury can be found everywhere these days, from high-end pickup trucks to dolled-up hatchbacks wearing premium labels. Now, a new generation of compact SUVs with all the trimmings is ready for those stepping out of gigantic luxury SUVs who seek economy without giving up the upscale accommodations. For 2007, Acura joins the fray with its first compact SUV, the RDX, powered by the automaker’s first turbocharged engine. Besides being exceedingly well-equipped with everything imaginable, and then some, RDX raises the bar in handling and drivability. RDX is comparable in size to Honda CR-V but otherwise unrelated. Arguably, BMW invented the compact-luxury SUV niche with its X3, a crossover of trim dimensions but with the features and elan of BMW’s sedans. RDX now competes with X3 and even challenges its “ultimate driving machine” performance. I was impressed by RDX’s agile ride and cornering, more like a sport sedan than a high-profile SUV riding on a short wheelbase. I also liked the turbo four-cylinder engine, which is powerful and refined. Actually, I like nearly everything about this enjoyable little craft; that is, aside from its weird and gimmicky dashboard and fuel mileage that I expected to be better. I also found RDX to be a bit pricey, despite its fine performance and boatload of features. Wouldn’t it be great if Honda’s premium brand built a version with less content at a lower price for us regular folk?

PERFORMANCE: Honda has been a champ at wringing loads of power from small, naturally aspirated engines. RDX marks the first time a product from Honda or Acura adds a turbocharger. The result is a high-torque little mill with minimal turbo lag that does a good job of pulling this 4,000-pound SUV. Still, fuel mileage is nothing to shout about, hardly improved over V-6 engines in other small SUVs. The five-speed automatic with racecar-style paddle shifting works well, though a six-speed would be expected at this level of price and sophistication.

DRIVABILITY: Here’s where RDX really shines, with crisp handling that trumps X3. The ride may be too firm for some, but the payback in cornering prowess is well worth it. A full contingent of electronic enhancements improve improves handling, braking and steering response, including “Super Handling” all-wheel drive; torque-sensing rack-and-pinion steering; four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic distribution and brake assist; and vehicle stability assist with traction control.

STYLING: RDX has a good look, and attractive streamlining keeps this short wagon from looking stubby. The 18-inch alloy wheels add a custom look.

INTERIOR: Fairly roomy considering RDX’s small dimensions, and it is nicely furnished in leather and up-to-date aluminum trim. The dashboard is another story. First off, why put the digital readout so far forward on the dash that the small lettering is almost impossible to read? And, yes, my eyesight is fine. RDX uses a multifunction knob to control climate, audio and other functions. It makes a chore out of such simple tasks as changing a radio station. The test RDX came with an optional Technology Package that includes some desirable features, such as reverse-view camera, navigation and a other goodies. My favorite: a superb surround-sound audio system.

BOTTOM LINE: An excellent new entry from Acura, which is as well-known for reliability as luxury.

Acura RDX

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door SUV, all-wheel drive. Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged inline 4, 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 260 pound-feet torque at 4,500 rpm. Transmission: Five-speed automatic. Wheelbase: 104.3 inches. Overall length: 180.7 inches. Curb weight: 3,935 pounds. EPA rating: 19 city, 23 highway.

HIGHS: Crisp handling, luxury features, engine performance. LOWS: Barely readable digital array, cumbersome one-knob dashboard controls, disappointing fuel mileage.

Pricing

Base price: $32,995. Price as tested: $37,165.

OPTIONS -Technology package, including navigation system with voice recognition, rearview camera, AcuraLink satellite communications, hands-free wireless telephone link, premium audio with 10-speaker surround sound, digital-display system, solar-sensing automatic climate control, $3,500. -Shipping, $670.