RDX excels in all weather
Teresa
Marketing Department Columnist
Teresa’s View
The Basics
Like its big brother, the Acura MDX, the smaller RDX is a heady blend of style and utility. Unlike its sibling, the compact, near-luxury, car-based crossover offers the acceleration and handling of a sport sedan – albeit a tall one.
We had the opportunity to test the RDX during some of the most severe weather so far this winter. Thank heavens for Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System. I can attest that it most certainly is “super.’’ The system not only shifts power between the front and rear wheels – like your typical AWD – but it also sends power side-to-side, a feature that is especially nice in keeping the back end from trying to become the front end when rounding corners.
The turbocharged engine – a factory first for Acura – includes some high-tech wizardry that helps reduce the hated turbo lag – that maddening delay from the time the driver hits the accelerator to when the vehicle gets up and goes.
Deep crevasses in the side panels, front fenders and hood give the RDX an edgy, modern appearance that carried through to our tester’s all-black leather cabin. Shiny chrome-like metal trim accentuates the effect. Fit-and-finish is top-of-the-line.
Kudos to the Acura engineers who designed the audio and climate controls. A large master knob manages gadget central in conjunction with a screen embedded in the dash. Redundant buttons help keep the whole thing intuitive.
New for 2008, Bluetooth wireless link for hands-free phoning is now standard as is a driver’s memory seat and auto-dimming mirror.
What Is It?: The 2008 Acura RDX is a four-door, five-passenger, premium compact crossover-utility vehicle. It’s offered in two trims – with or without a Technology Package. Pricing for the base RDX starts at $33K. With the Tech Package, the crossover goes for $37K.
Gadget Rating: 9 out of 10: The RDX is so feature-laden that the only available option is the Technology Package. If the only feature offered was the audio upgrade, I’d say, “get it!’’ The 410-watt system with 10 speakers and surround sound replaces a perfectly satisfactory seven-speaker system with satellite radio and an auxiliary input for an MP3 player. Holy acoustic excess, Batman, the upgrade is so full of sound sweetness, it’s well worth the extra coin. But, wait. There’s more. The Tech Package also includes a rear-view camera, navigation with voice activation, plus AcuraLink, with real-time traffic updates like traffic speed and accident info.
Favorite Feature: Also included with the Tech Package is a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system.
The Back Seat: Although there are seatbelts for three, two passengers will be more comfortable and still be able to use the dual cupholders in the pull-down arm rest.
The Grocery Sack Test: The hatchback-style rear end includes a liftgate that’s cleverly integrated into the bumper for a more finished look. It opens wide for maximum access; however, cargo space suffers in favor of extra inches of passenger room for back-seat occupants. Rear seats fold flat for additional space.
And the Winner Is...: The RDX picked up the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2008 Top Pick Safety Award. Standard features on the RDX include stability and traction control, mirror-integrated LED directional signals, front and side airbags for front seat occupants and full-length side curtain airbags for everyone. Anti-lock brakes with brake assist are also standard.
The Competition: BMW X3, Buick Enclave, Lexus RX 350 and Lincoln MKX.
Fill ‘er Up: EPA rates the RDX at 17 mpg in city driving and 22 on the highway. Oh, and the premium crossover likes premium fuel.
Cheat Sheat: Acura is Honda’s premium brand.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The RDX is assembled in Marysville, Ohio.
