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2009 Acura RDX Bottom Line

September 30, 2009

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

To put together this comprehensive review on the 2009 Acura RDX, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com researched online reviews from respected Web resources. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the Acura RDX so that we can deliver you the best information on Acura's new crossover and how it compares to the competition.

Likes:

  • Perfect size for urban environments
  • Light, direct steering
  • Great handling
  • Strong brakes

Dislikes:

  • Turbo lag is very evident
  • Stiff, choppy ride
  • No manual transmission!
  • Fuel economy is unremarkable

Buying Tips:


If you live in an area with a lot of traffic issues, opt for the XM real-time traffic system on the 2009 Acura RDX; it will quickly pay off in terms of saved time.

The 2009 Acura RDX is a compact, sporty crossover vehicle. Part SUV and part tall wagon, the RDX makes no claims of off-road ability, instead offering the cargo versatility of a ute and performance more like that of a sport sedan.

The RDX is similar in some ways to the Honda CR-V, but it has a very different personality. The exterior style of the 2009 Acura RDX is more aggressive and angular than a typical SUV with the designers focusing on the “sport” rather than the “utility” of “SUV.” The interior is also very driver focused with a high-tech design, metallic trim, and leather seats.

The 2009 Acura RDX comes with a single powertrain combination: a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter VTEC four-cylinder developing 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with F1-style Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters.

The engine gives the crossover an energetic feel, but it comes across as a bit spastic. Acura’s Super Handling AWD is also standard and does a good job handling the frenetic power of the turbo engine. Turbo lag is evident, and when it does kick in, it comes on strong, making it difficult to modulate the power. One advantage of a turbocharged engine, at least in EPA estimates, is better fuel economy with ratings of 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. TheCarConnection.com notes that those ratings are quite optimistic, however, and most drivers will see figures in the upper teens.

Engine response aside, the 2009 Acura RDX is a joy to drive compared to more family-oriented small utes. The RDX's strong brakes are anti-lock controlled and quick to bite. Add in steering control that's quick and light and this is one of the least SUV-like driving experiences in the class.

The 2009 RDX rides on standard 18-inch wheels attached to a typical Honda front MacPherson suspension and multilink rear. The package isn’t as tight as a BMW X3 but is far from the plush ride an American-style SUV delivers. If you are considering the RDX, make sure you spend time on a myriad of road surfaces, as ride quality is a bit hard for potholes. The front perches are comfortable, but the rear seats aren’t designed for adults.

The RDX enters its second year with no major changes. The 2009 Acura RDX comes standard with a CD changer and XM Satellite Radio hardware, Bluetooth, a power driver and passenger seat, and an iPod input. DVD-Audio and real-time traffic information through XM are options.

Traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, and side and curtain airbags are standard. The 2009 Acura RDX gets five-star ratings for front and side crash tests, as well as a four-star rating for rollover risk.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Acura RDX, also consider:

Reason Why:

Shoppers are still moving toward smaller SUVs, but sporty, luxurious ones like the 2009 Acura RDX are especially rising in popularity. The BMW X3 was one of the first entries in the niche, but its substandard interior (at least initially) and rough ride keep TheCarConnection.com from recommending it. Infiniti’s EX35 is a blast to drive with none of the turbo lag, but its fuel economy is worse than that of the RDX. Land Rover's LR2 feels plusher than the RDX, with the LR2 owning a bit of off-road edge. VW’s Tiguan also has a turbo four, but somehow it’s a lot easier to live with. The Mercedes-Benz GLK is another new entry in this group—it sizes up with the rest but manages to feel a bit more mature and refined; for now, it's only offered with a big V-6. The Audi Q5 is another new entry set to come out late in the 2009 model year.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Acura RDX has an energetic personality thanks to its turbo power and crisp handling, but those same attributes make it a bit nervous.

To put together this comprehensive review on the 2009 Acura RDX, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com researched online reviews from respected Web resources. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the Acura RDX so that we can deliver you the best information on Acura's new crossover and how it compares to the competition. Likes:Perfect size for urban environmentsLight, direct steeringGreat handlingStrong brakesDislikes:Turbo lag is very evidentStiff, choppy rideNo manual transmission!Fuel economy is unremarkableBuying Tips: If you live in an area with a lot of traffic issues, opt for the XM real-time traffic system on the 2009 Acura RDX; it will quickly pay off in terms of saved time. The 2009 Acura RDX is a compact, sporty crossover vehicle. Part SUV and part tall wagon, the RDX makes no claims of off-road ability, instead offering the cargo versatility of a ute and performance more like that of a sport sedan. The RDX is similar in some ways to the Honda CR-V, but it has a very different personality. The exterior style of the 2009 Acura RDX is more aggressive and angular than a typical SUV with the designers focusing on the “sport” rather than the “utility” of “SUV.” The interior is also very driver focused with a high-tech design, metallic trim, and leather seats. The 2009 Acura RDX comes with a single powertrain combination: a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter VTEC four-cylinder developing 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with F1-style Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters. The engine gives the crossover an energetic feel, but it comes across as a bit spastic. Acura’s Super Handling AWD is also standard and does a good job handling the frenetic power of the turbo engine. Turbo lag is evident, and when it does kick in, it comes on strong, making it difficult to modulate the power. One advantage of a turbocharged engine, at least in EPA estimates, is better fuel economy with ratings of 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. TheCarConnection.com notes that those ratings are quite optimistic, however, and most drivers will see figures in the upper teens. Engine response aside, the 2009 Acura RDX is a joy to drive compared to more family-oriented small utes. The RDX's strong brakes are anti-lock controlled and quick to bite. Add in steering control that's quick and light and this is one of the least SUV-like driving experiences in the class. The 2009 RDX rides on standard 18-inch wheels attached to a typical Honda front MacPherson suspension and multilink rear. The package isn’t as tight as a BMW X3 but is far from the plush ride an American-style SUV delivers. If you are considering the RDX, make sure you spend time on a myriad of road surfaces, as ride quality is a bit hard for potholes. The front perches are comfortable, but the rear seats aren’t designed for adults. The RDX enters its second year with no major changes. The 2009 Acura RDX comes standard with a CD changer and XM Satellite Radio hardware, Bluetooth, a power driver and passenger seat, and an iPod input. DVD-Audio and real-time traffic information through XM are options. Traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, and side and curtain airbags are standard. The 2009 Acura RDX gets five-star ratings for front and side crash tests, as well as a four-star rating for rollover risk. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Acura RDX, also consider:Audi Q5BMW X3Infiniti EX35Land Rover LR2Mercedes-Benz GLKVolkswagen TiguanReason Why:Shoppers are still moving toward smaller SUVs, but sporty, luxurious ones like the 2009 Acura RDX are especially rising in popularity. The BMW X3 was one of the first entries in the niche, but its substandard interior (at least initially) and rough ride keep TheCarConnection.com from recommending it. Infiniti’s EX35 is a blast to drive with none of the turbo lag, but its fuel economy is worse than that of the RDX. Land Rover's LR2 feels plusher than the RDX, with the LR2 owning a bit of off-road edge. VW’s Tiguan also has a turbo four, but somehow it’s a lot easier to live with. The Mercedes-Benz GLK is another new entry in this group—it sizes up with the rest but manages to feel a bit more mature and refined; for now, it's only offered with a big V-6. The Audi Q5 is another new entry set to come out late in the 2009 model year. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Acura RDX has an energetic personality thanks to its turbo power and crisp handling, but those same attributes make it a bit nervous. To put together this comprehensive review on the 2009 Acura RDX, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com researched online reviews from respected Web resources. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the Acura RDX so that we can deliver you the best information on Acura's new crossover ...

Other Choices:

Shoppers are still moving toward smaller SUVs, but sporty, luxurious ones like the 2009 Acura RDX are especially rising in popularity. The BMW X3 was one of the first entries in the niche, but its substandard interior (at least initially) and rough ride keep TheCarConnection.com from recommending it. Infiniti’s EX35 is a blast to drive with none of the turbo lag, but its fuel economy is worse than that of the RDX. Land Rover's LR2 feels plusher than the RDX, with the LR2 owning a bit of off-road edge. VW’s Tiguan also has a turbo four, but somehow it’s a lot easier to live with. The Mercedes-Benz GLK is another new entry in this group—it sizes up with the rest but manages to feel a bit more mature and refined; for now, it's only offered with a big V-6. The Audi Q5 is another new entry set to come out late in the 2009 model year.

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See the Acura RDX in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

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