Acura RDX: Balanced with a Shot of Adrenaline

Acura RDX

The Acura RDX has been on the market since 2007, offering buyers a sporty and slightly more affordable option in the compact luxury SUV class. The RDX has always been a vehicle that managed to find a happy balance between being sporty and comfortable. By using this combination, the RDX is consistently one of the bestselling vehicles in its segment year after year. This method seems to have worked wonderfully for the brand, as Acura has continued to keep the RDX’s core values the same since day one. The well-balanced RDX reminds me of the fairytale Goldilocks and the Three Bears, as it always seems to find that “just right” feel when compared to others.

The current third generation RDX was launched in 2019 and received a slight refresh in 2022. Big sales numbers aside, Acura knows that the compact luxury SUV segment is competitive and in order to stay relevant, they need to stay fresh. The refresh addresses many things including improvements to ride and handling, as well as modernizing the infotainment system. Many of its competitors are stylish, comfortable, roomy and powerful but the RDX takes the theme of sporty to a different level with extensive low-end torque and athletic driving dynamics. The RDX provides a shot of adrenaline for drivers, making a daily commute a little more exciting. This is Acura’s unique twist on helping the luxury SUV stand on its own within its class.   

Exterior Design: Youthful and aggressive

The Acura RDX has always had an edgy and modern design. That first version from 2007 looked like nothing else on the road at the time, with its stylish space age design. The new third generation recaptures some of that look with its sharp lines and sporty looking body panels. Up front, the RDX features Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille and jewel eye headlights. The aggressive body lines push back from the grille, flowing along the sides to the rear; as if they were swept back and sculpted by the wind. In the back, stylish LED taillights add some flair to the rear end. Two exhaust tips poke out to complete a sporty and aggressive look. Acura calls the styling “design in motion”. The RDX has always been handsome, with a youthful style that looks considerably sportier than some of its rivals. Based on aesthetic appearance alone, the RDX would be in the running as a top choice among its peers.

 Interior Design: Unique design makes it stand out

Hop inside the Acura RDX and you will be welcomed by well bolstered seats. The interior feels spacious, with soft to the touch surfaces. Fit and finish is good and the ultra-suede leather with contrasting red stitching is a nice touch. Much like the exterior, the interior feels a lot sportier than rivals. Once I found my perfect seating position, my eyes were immediately drawn to a rather busy looking center console. At first glance it looks super complicated with many buttons and a gigantic knob sitting at the very center. This large knob is the “dynamic mode” selector that allows drivers to switch between the many different drive modes available. Despite its central position, this knob is most likely the one that will be used the least. A push button gear selector is standard along with a controversial touch pad to control the infotainment screen. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen sits a top of the dash and is positioned a little further back. The system is easy to operate, quick and has nice graphics. It is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android devices. Many buttons and controls are present and air vents are well positioned. The touch pad may be a problem for some but if you’re used to using a laptop it shouldn’t be an issue.

RDX’s push button gear shifter, “dynamic mode” knob and touch pad

The rear seats are very comfortable with plenty of leg and head room. With all this space the back seats are a very satisfying place to be. The RDX is smartly packaged and when the second row is folded flat, a roomy cargo area is revealed. Acura is proud to advertise that overall cargo space is better than competitors from Lincoln, Audi or Cadillac. A panoramic moonroof is also listed as standard in the RDX, while it’s only an option on the BMW X3 and Lexus NX.

Roomy rear seats

I noticed that while the RDX uses high-quality materials and has excellent build quality, the interior does not feel as luxurious as rivals from Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Audi or Lexus. Despite some minor shortcomings, I think the design is actually very unique and the interior doesn’t resemble anything else on the market. The RDX comes very well equipped and offers more value when compared to many of its competitors.

How it drives: A fine balance between sporty and comfortable  

Acura keeps it simple by offering only one engine unit for the RDX. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 272 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque. This power plant works together nicely with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s worth noting that it has less power than a Genesis GV70 but more than the Lexus NX 250/350h. The RDX is now available exclusively with their Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that improves performance and also helps tie the vehicle to other models in the Acura lineup.    

20’’ multi-spoke rims

On the road, the RDX is very punchy off the line and the extensive low end torque really helps get this vehicle moving in a hurry. Acura has a history with producing entertaining engines and the RDX doesn’t disappoint. The engine has a growl to it when you push it hard. Meanwhile, the SH-AWD system keeps the vehicle planted to the pavement and the advanced torque vectoring makes corning sharp and turns crisp. This assists in creating a light steering feel that makes the vehicle more tossable. It’s also easy to maneuver and that engine makes it zippy around town. In Canada, the Platinum A-Spec and in the US the Advance and A-Spec Advance trims come with an Adaptive damper system. This system allows the suspension to adjust itself to the driving conditions and driving mode that is selected. It helps the RDX remain smooth on the highway, yet sharper and more precise on a twisty road. Body roll is almost non-existent and the vehicle has an athletic feel. I drove the one with the Adaptive dampers and I have to say I was both surprised and impressed with how well it handled all driving situations. The Adaptive dampers truly enhance the ride of the RDX and it would be nice if lower trims had it too. The lesser trims come available with Amplitude reactive dampers that while not as good, still perform reasonably well.    

RDX characterized by sleek, flowing design

The big story with the RDX is its distinct drive modes and how different they make the vehicle behave. Comfort, normal, snow and sport modes exist, allowing the RDX to be ready for all conditions. While driving in the normal setting, the RDX maintains a level of normalcy as it combines the best traits of performance and comfort. In this drive mode the vehicle behaves in a predictable manner as its well-balanced, stable and receptive. It mixes a good amount of fun with a ride that will satisfy many drivers and their passengers. In normal and comfort settings, the RDX is very likeable but put it into Sport mode and its character changes dramatically. The growl of the engine is louder and more ferocious, while the suspension and steering firms up. The RDX becomes even more responsive to an aggressive driving style. It offers a level of enjoyment that keeps you searching for open or empty roads that will allow you to unleash all its power. In this drive mode it becomes crystal clear that Acura’s mission was to make the RDX the sporty luxury crossover within the segment. Higher end competitors with more power and larger price tags such as the Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M40i become within striking distance of the Acura. Once you experience sport mode you begin to realize that the RDX is a very well-balanced ride, finding the right level of performance and comfort.

Overall cargo space is excellent

Final Thoughts: The “just right” luxury compact crossover

The Acura RDX has always offered great value over many of its competitors and that remains true for the current generation. Acura has found great success selling crossovers that revolve around the sporty theme. They went with that idea and they have been rewarded with their efforts. It’s awfully quick and while sport mode gets the adrenaline pumping, the one thing that separates this vehicle from others in the pack is how well-balanced it is in real world driving. The RDX truly epitomizes the Goldilocks and the Three Bears narrative as its driving dynamics, style, space and tech create a “just right” feel. It may not excel in all categories but the RDX finds a way to stay competitive and likeable. With the latest round of updates, the RDX remains a worthy competitor in the compact luxury crossover field as it’s the perfect fit for many buyers and their families. 

A Special thanks to sales executive Brandon Arano and Lougheed Acura for the vehicle

Pricing and Specifications:

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder - 272 HP; 280 lb-ft torque

Canada: 2024 prices

Tech - $56,859

A-Spec - $59,159

Platinum Elite A-Spec - $64,159

US: 2024 prices

Base - $44,050

RDX with Technology Package - $46,700

RDX A-Spec - $49,700

RDX with Advance Package - $51,850

RDX A-Spec with Advance Package - $53,850

Main Competitors:

Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT5, Genesis GV70, Infiniti QX50, Lexus NX, Lincoln Corsair, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60

Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille and jewel eye headlights make a statement