Thankfully, it doesnt feel much bigger on road the new rdx is nimble and quick. Oct 24, 2018 pro driver matthew johnson test drives the 2019 acura rdx with car enthusiast bradley hasemeyer. We rented an rdx from acura to sample this allnew vehicle before purchasing our own for testing. Forums car conversation cars by make chevrolet corvette comments on. The side barrier test simulates an intersection collision between a standing vehicle and moving barrier at 38. The 5passenger suv bears updated front and rear styling, and a revised interior with new trim accents for 2016.
Its a seveneighths template of its big brother, so that isnt surprising. May 31, 2018 despite its reputation as an unexciting car, the previous rdx continued to post top sales numbers in the luxurycompactcrossover segment that it essentially invented. Perhaps the rdxs closest competitor is the comparisontestwinning. Acuras new rdx offers a slew of technology with a driverfriendly interior. Refreshed for the 2016 model year, the once plain jane acura rdx was first presented to society at the 2015 chicago auto show. But after just a few minutes of driving the new suv, im. Allnew 2019 acura rdx first drive consumer reports. The acura rdx is a 2020 consumer guide best buy award winner for the premium compact crossoversuv class.
To show the rdx is prepared to scrap with elite company, acura brought an array of competitorsthe audi q5, bmw x3, mercedesbenz glc, and. Driverside small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the institute based on a test conducted by honda as part of frontal crash test verification. Beginning with 2016 models, the rdx was reengineered with side structural modifications to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes. The 2020 rdx is essentially a single model that can be equipped with several distinct packages. The hip, urban environment of one of californias coolest cities was an ideal place for acura to unveil the compact rdx to automotive writers. The rdx is updated for 2016, with freshened styling and a new v6 engine. Acura s new, thirdgeneration rdx impressed us on our test track and on the road.
Editors also drove competitive vehicles to provide the best shopping and comparison. Acuras paint quality is always great, and my test cars fathom blue pearl was particularly stunning. Despite its reputation as an unexciting car, the previous rdx continued to post top sales numbers in the luxurycompactcrossover segment that it. Acura keeps things simple by offering only two main flavors of mdx. My week with the 2019 acura rdx aspec begins with a quick jaunt around the block.
But is the third generation of acuras compact luxury suv ready to take on the german establishment. A good value and engaging to drive, the 2020 rdx is a. This drivers test revolved around a chicagodetroit trip steeped in sustained highspeed interstatehighway miles, which the rdx handled with quiet and calm. The 2017 acura rdx is one of the smoothest, most responsivedriving compact crossover suvseven though it prioritizes practicality. Aug 16, 2016 the road trip is a timetested way to bring out the best and worst of any vehicle and test the strength of your personal relationships. The good powertrain communication we enjoyed in the rdx was missing in the qx50. Epa fueleconomy estimates for the test vehicle were 21 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway, and 23 combined. The acura rdx returns rejuvenated and we take it for a full road test through whistler, bc. Preliminary driving impressions, gleaned from a drive on the twisting ribbons of road in sonoma county, are that acuras newest crossover suv drives like a sports sedan, hauls like an suv and coddles like a luxury car. The acura rdx has plenty to like including many standard premium features, good.
The 5passenger suv bears updated front and rear styling, and a. Full test of the allwheel drive acura rdx, which has been updated for 2016. I drove it out of state the second day i had it and it surpassed my expectations. Jun, 2018 this drivers test revolved around a chicagodetroit trip steeped in sustained highspeed interstatehighway miles, which the rdx handled with quiet and calm. Aug 17, 2018 to show the rdx is prepared to scrap with elite company, acura brought an array of competitorsthe audi q5, bmw x3, mercedesbenz glc, and volvo xc60to its press program for backtoback.
It has agile handling, a powerful turbocharged engine, a modern interior, and standard advanced safety features. The 2019 acura rdx aims high with sporty driving dynamics and lots of new tech. Jun 05, 2018 the 2019 acura rdx aims high with sporty driving dynamics and lots of new tech. May 31, 2018 the midsize acura mdx crossover, for example, has 38. The current, now outgoing, acura rdx was a pretty rad small crossover for car enthusiasts that mostly care about a vehicle being fun to drive. The 2020 rdx also comes with a long list of comfort and convenience features such heated outside mirrors, heated seats and a heated steering wheel that are geared towards colder climates. The road trip is a timetested way to bring out the best and worst of any vehicle and test the strength of your personal relationships. A compact suv for the sports car driver acuras new compact crossover is a punchy little sled. Yes, the 2017 acura rdx comes standard with an awd drivetrain. New for 2016 were the coollooking jewel eye led headlights with light piping on the front fascia the rear gets led taillights, a more distinguished bumper. The rollover resistance test measures the risk of rollover in a singlevehicle, lossofcontrol scenario. Initially felt the advance package was a bit pricey.
Side ratings are assigned by the institute based on a test conducted by. He realized if it were in a car, unlike say a living room, the driverlistener is in a fixed position in relation to. Driver side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the institute based on a test conducted by honda as part of frontal crash test verification. The acura rdx was redesigned for the 20 model year. The editors at drove the newly revamped 2010 acura rdx to write this handson road test. Its rated at 272 hp and 280 lbft of torque, but foottothefloor power isnt. Thats the only data point you need to appreciate the opportunity and challenge acura faces with the introduction of i. The 2017 acura rdx is classified as a luxury compact suv. For starters, its mobilized by a turbocharged mill capable of. The 2016 acura rdx is a treat, with exciting driving dynamics and a posh, comfortable interior, but its fussy multimedia system left a bad taste in my mouth. At the track, our allwheeldrive tester hit 60 mph in 6.
The rdx is available in both front and allwheel drive configurations. Frontwheel drive is standard with available allwheel drive. The acura rdx is a smooth and sophisticated compact crossover with the latest technology. While it lacks the shawd found in its big brother the mdx, the rdxs allwheel drive with intelligent control and 8. He realized if it were in a car, unlike say a living room, the driver listener is in a fixed position in relation to. The mildly sporty and overtly stylized rdx is often overlooked in the world of compactluxury crossovers, but its definitely worthy of your consideration. But is the third generation of acuras compact luxury suv ready to. Pro driver matthew johnson test drives the 2019 acura rdx with car enthusiast bradley hasemeyer. The cockpit of the rdx places all controls and instrumentation within easy reach of the driver.
We looked at audi, volvo, lincoln, mazda, honda, etc. With a punchy, roaring, turbocharged fourcylinder engine, stickum and grace thanks to super handlingall wheel drive, and the sort of puggish good looks than only a fanboy could really love, it was a. Contributing greatly to all this is the optional super handling. Perhaps the rdx s closest competitor is the comparison test winning.
1441 1408 538 955 1041 794 626 115 45 358 656 967 22 1438 608 925 131 35 1335 234 961 314 139 78 79 783 524 66 4 1526 670 580 1430 763 711 1299 1411 145 527 716 299 545