Acura RDX

Angular Front Exterior View - 2010 Acura RDX AWD 4-door Tech Pkg

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Shopping for a 2012 Acura RDX? MSRP: $32,895 - $37,995

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The Acura RDX is a compact crossover vehicle introduced by Honda's upscale brand in 2006 as a 2007 model. With some running gear shared with the Honda CR-V, the Acura RDX distinguishes itself with more stylish sheetmetal and with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine giving it prodigious power.

Sized to compete with the likes of the BMW X3, Mazda CX-7 and even the Land Rover LR2, the RDX is more on the performance side of the crossover spectrum. In its first three model years on the market, the 2007-2009 Acura RDX was offered in a single powertrain combination. With a 2.3-liter four with a single turbocharger strapped along its cylinder bank, the powerplant blasts out 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque--amazing numbers for a small-out engine. It's peaky and whizzy and sounds like a turbo all the time--even when you might want a quieter-running engine. Paddle shifters give the five-speed automatic in the RDX a sporty feel, and the taut ride makes it among the most athletic, edgy performers in its class.

The RDX also shares the "Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive" system that puts power to all four wheels in the larger Acura MDX. For the 2010 model year, though, Acura also put a front-drive RDX on the order sheet, giving it significantly better fuel-economy numbers (at 19/24 mpg, versus 17/22 mpg) though still not beating out vehicles like the massive Lincoln MKT for gas mileage.

Acceleration and cornering are strengths, but the RDX's cabin is tight if you're not one of the two front passengers. The rear seat folds forward to create a 60-cubic-foot cargo area, and still there's about 27 cubic feet of space with the seat raised. But the back seat is notably small for adults, with leg and head room at a premium. The RDX doesn't have the sense of luxury applied to other crossovers in the class--the Volvo XC60 comes to mind, along with the Cadillac SRX--but it's a handsome dash with ample electronic goodies, like satellite radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity for music players. Safety scores have made the RDX one of the best in its segment, and it's been a repeat Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS).

For 2013, Acura is introducing an all-new, second-generation RDX. With handsome but more conservative styling, as well as a 273-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic instead of the turbo four, Acura is aiming this model more toward families than to the enthusiast types it had in its sights with the previous version. Leather seating, heated/power front seats, a power moonroof, and a 360-watt audio system are on the standard-features list, while the top Tech Package includes navigation with real-time traffic and rerouting; a power rear tailgate; and an Acura/ELS surround sound system. Prices have risen somewhat, with the top RDX all-wheel drive model with the Tech Package now totaling more than $40k.

The SH-AWD system has been replaced in 2013 models by a more ordinary front-biased all-wheel drive system, but the new V-6-only powertrain negates the peaky, laggy power delivery, and a greatly refined ride makes it appealing to a much wider audience. The cabin remains somewhat tight, particularly in the second row, but improved materials and design make it a more pleasant environment. Fuel efficiency has also improved with the 2013 model, up to an estimated 20/28 mpg.

Angular Rear Exterior View - 2010 Acura RDX AWD 4-door Tech Pkg

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