Revamped RDX lets you ride in style
Quick question: How do you overhaul a top-selling model in your product lineup? Short answer: In a way that doesn’t screw things up!
Long query: What did Acura have to do when developing its 2019 RDX compact utility vehicle for it to continue outselling major rivals while simultaneously elevating this Japanese luxury brand in a crowded market rife with excellent competition?
Lengthier rejoinder: Engineers and designers alike added more features and amenities and improved overall performance. Basically, they didn’t screw it up! Dressed to impress The 2019 RDX can hold its chin high while mingling with rivals like the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5, thanks to chic new looks. The vehicle’s exterior design is energetic yet mature, offering just enough aggression to be interesting without straying into over-the-top Lexus territory.
This is the Acura brand’s first ground-up implementation of its latest design theme, which was presaged several years ago on its Precision Concept car that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show. The signature element of this new look is that unmistakable diamond pentagon grille, which dominates the vehicle’s front end, flanked by standard LED Jewel Eye headlamps that are comprised of seven individual lighting elements that provide a high-tech look. Heart of ( high-strength) steel As it goes with practically every vehicle redesign, the RDX has grown slightly compared to its predecessor. Overall, it’s longer by 61 mm and 11 mm wider with a wheelbase that’s been stretched by 66 mm. Made of more than 50 per cent high-strength steel, the brand-new architecture this crossover rides atop is stiffer, safer and better at attenuating undesirable noise and harshness than before. In addition to all that, there’s 96 litres of additional storage space behind the rear seats along with 48 litres available in an underfloor cubby. Fold those backrests down and you get just shy of 2,260 litres. More luxury than ever Providing a far more luxurious experience than before, designers have pushed this vehicle’s cabin to new heights.
As in other Acura models, the dashboard shape is swooping and futuristic, though I question why the drive-mode selector needed to be so prominent. It dominates the centre stack like a silver-painted clown nose, an unusual place for something most owners will probably never fiddle with.
A 16-speaker ELS sound system is also available, providing a premium listening experience.
The front buckets are brand new and can be trimmed with luxurious Milano leather in fancier models. A panoramic moonroof is standard in every one of the RDX’s four (eight if you count all-wheel-drive variants) core models, a welcome feature. There’s plenty of back seat space in all three dimensions, making this vehicle a competent people hauler. Touchy subject Along with its fresh design, enhanced amenities, new architecture and updated cabin, the RDX also gains a totally revamped Android-based infotainment system. The company’s advanced True Touchpad Interface features a laptop-like control surface that’s within easy reach on the centre console.
True Touchpad Interface’s main menu pages are highly customizable.
You can pin contacts and radio presets, address and other items there without much fuss, or remove everything if you so desire. The drive All RDXs are powered by a 2.0litre turbo-four that’s rated at 272 horsepower and 280 footpounds of torque.
This engine is matched exclusively to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The gearbox does an admira- ble job keeping that four-banger on a rolling boil when necessary and minimizing fuel burn when you’re just trundling along.
The all-wheel drive system is standard on every trim level. It helps the RDX drive better both on the road and off, routing up to 70 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle and 100 per cent of that to either wheel, enhancing agility and control in the process. Pick your poison Helping broaden its appeal, the RDX is offered in a wide array of models. Focusing on frontwheel-drive variants, an entrylevel version stickers for $43,990. Sporty A-Spec models sit at the upper end of the midrange and can be had for $50,290.
Atop-level Platinum Elite version goes for a still-not-unreasonable $54,990. All three of these prices don’t include $2,045 in destination fees. SHAWD is standard in every version of the RDX. The verdict Closing question: Should you buy a 2019 Acura RDX?
Final answer: There are no major reasons not to and plenty of good ones why you should if you’re already shopping the compact luxury-crossover segment.