Acura RDX History
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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. The base price checks in just above $32,000.
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 has 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. However, 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 make the RDX one of the best in its segment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards it five stars for front and side impacts. The RDX also has been one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Picks, meaning it earns "good" ratings for front and side-impact protection, and has standard stability control. However, the IIHS modified its ratings to include roof-crush performance for the 2010 model year; the RDX has not yet been tested to the new standard.
