Acura RDX

Acura RDX 

Acura RDX

There are a passel of near-luxury and luxury crossovers out there. Anybody with $30,000 to $50,000 to spend should have no problem settling on the ideal candidate. In its fourth year of production, the tidy Acura RDX slugs it out with other crossovers in the lower end of the near-luxury/luxury price spread. The front-wheel-drive base RDX sells for $33,330, while the high-end RDX SH-AWD w/Technology Package rings the register at $38,430. Incidentally,“SH-AWD” is Acura-speak for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. My test RDX had all the bells and whistles.

Acura spruced up the RDX inside and out for 2010. Among the exterior enhancements are new front and rear bumper fascias, revised headlights and taillights, as well as getting, for better or for worse, Acura's familial “guillotine” grille. New for 2010 is the availability of FWD.

Less noticeable and notable, the interior tweaks include a new center console storage tray that serves to separate smaller items, electronic compass and ambient footwell lighting.

No doubt Acura wanted a lighter, more fuel-friendly RDX when it added FWD to the mix. This makes sense because some drivers simply don't need AWD. In RDX's case, FWD adds 2 mpg to both city and highway EPA estimates of 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway of the AWD versions. Both the FWD and AWD numbers are in line with those of direct competitors.

Setting RDX apart from those same competitors is its turbocharged engine. Adding less weight than a V6, yet providing gobs of torque, the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is fitted to a five-speed driver-shiftable automatic transmission. Producing 240 horsepower and 260 pound feet of peak torque, this four banger allows the RDX to sprint away from green lights with gusto. Moreover, its quiet operation reinforces its near-luxury credentials.

Acura's SH-AWD system operates transparently and without driver input of any sort. When it detects wheel slippage, it not only transfers power from the wheels on one axle to those on the other, but it also transfers power from side to side. Without a 4-Lo gear, the AWD system isn't designed for real off roading, but does get the job done when rain turns to snow. Overall it produces better road grip whether the pavement is wet or dry.

In line with its aggressive performance, RDX's suspension is engineered more for handling competence than ride comfort. Its four-wheel independent suspension combines MacPherson struts in front with a multi-link arrangement in the rear. Although passengers will sense when the RDX is stuttering over rough surfaces, the sensation isn't intrusive. The steering is acute and responsive.

Contributing to passenger safety are a number of active and passive elements and systems. Antilock disc brakes with emergency brake assist on each of the 18-inch wheels help bring the RDX to more controlled stops. Traction control and stability control are also standard. Six airbags help protect occupants during a crash. Antiwhiplash front-seat head restraints are designed to reduce whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. Dusk-sensing xenon headlights are also included in the base price.

Handsomely styled, the RDX interior more than fulfills expectations for a entry-luxury crossover. The tasteful dashboard and instrument panel flow across the front of the cabin. Every line and curve seems to have a purpose. Although the controls for the audio and climate systems clustered in the center of the dashboard might look intimidating at first glance, they are actually quite simple to navigate. A three-pod arrangement of the key gauges with their red pointers and blue illumination add an extra air of sportiness.

Front- and rear-seat passengers alike will find more than adequate head, leg and elbow room. With the second-row seat in place, there is nearly 28 cubic feet of luggage space. Folding down the 60/40 split backseat increases cargo capacity to 61 cubic feet.

RDX buyers don't have a lot of decisions to make. There is really only one trim level. Leather seating, power sunroof, tilt-telescoping steering wheel with redundant steering wheel-mounted audio controls, full power accessories, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, heated front seats and a seven-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD changer, satellite radio and a USB port are all standard.

Buyers only have to decide between front- or all-wheel drive, and if they want to pony up the $3,100 for the Tech Package, which includes a navigation system with voice recognition, a Panasonic-infused 10-speaker surround sound audio system, and GPS-linked dual-zone auto climate control.

When considering entry-luxury crossovers, the RDX may not spring immediately to mind; but it certainly deserves a look. Its unique exterior lines and powerplant, as well as its athletic handling and stylish interior give it plenty of character. If you can do without the Tech Package and AWD, the base price is compellingly affordable. Even with one or both extras, the pricing is very competitive within the segment. In a field crammed with worthy competitors, the RDX may not be the first nameplate on shoppers' minds; but once experienced, it is hard to forget.