2008 Acura RDX Review | Buyer Guide
Acura RDX Targets Young Professionals
Sales of big SUVs may have gone down the drain recently, but sales of small sport-utilities are doing quite well. In fact, in the coming years, sales of small “luxury” sport-utes are expected to go through the roof, according to the folks at Acura. So with this in mind, the luxury division of Honda brought forth the RDX.
Acura designed the RDX to appeal to young urban professionals. This is the same group that buys sporty SUVs, like the BMW X3. The RDX is a “crossover” vehicle that’s built on a car, rather than a truck, platform. Crossovers have the advantage of providing more car-like driving qualities, but are not as capable in serious off-road situations.
The RDX is the first Acura to be powered by a turbocharged engine. It’s a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder job that cranks out a hefty 240 horsepower. Acura uses a “variable-flow” technology to provide quick response, whether you are taking off from a traffic light, or passing a big rig out on the road. Teamed with the turbo engine is a five-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox comes with Acura’s Sequential SportShift that enables the driver to change gears manually by pressing paddles on the steering wheel, like a Formula One racer.
Acura completes the drive train by hooking it up to its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD.) This system, which is derived from the one in its RL flagship, transfers power not only from front to rear, but from side to side. In cornering situations, power goes to the outside rear wheel to improve handling.
The RDX seats four comfortably, five in a pinch. The seats up front are well bolstered and comfortable, The seat in the rear is mounted slightly higher, and provides passengers with a good view of the road. Head- and legroom, fore and aft, is very good. The storage area, with the rear seat down, is ample at 60 cu-ft, and will hold a couple of bicycles. Furthermore, there’s a large storage compartment in the center armrest up front that will swallow a laptop computer.
In keeping with its upscale image, the RDX features a cabin with luxury amenities. Heated leather seats, moonroof and a premium sound system, with satellite radio, are all standard. Numerous safety features are part of the package as well. These include Xenon headlights, side impact and side-curtain airbags, and Acura’s anti-skid system.
However, what is likely to attract Acura’s target buyers is the Technology Package. This $3500 option gives you a navigation system (with real-time satellite traffic information,) a backup camera, the AcuraLink communication system, an upgraded surround-sound audio system and solar-sensing automatic climate control. But the operation of the Tech system takes a while to master, and can be frustrating, After some trial and error, I found it was easier to operate the radio using the satellite controls on the steering wheel.
Out on the road, the RDX is a combination of hits and misses. The turbo engine is strong and responsive. It will rush you up to 60 in 6.5 seconds. But the ride quality leaves something to be desired. A stiff suspension conveys every bump in the road. On the other hand, the handling of the RDX is really sporty. The steering is quick, and provides good feedback from the wheels. Body-lean in corners is well controlled. This is an SUV that feels sure-footed on the highway and on twisty back roads.
Pricing for the RDX starts at $33,910. With the Technology Package, the bottom line is $37,410.
Snapshot Review
Responsive Engine
Sporty Handling
High Tech Features
Stiff Ride
