Coming off its best-ever year, the newly refreshed and energized 2016 Acura RDX luxury sport-utility also made its Canadian debut at the Canadian International Auto Show, sporting a host of significant upgrades to performance, luxury prestige and styling.
Launched at Acura dealerships nationwide this spring, the 2016 Acura RDX receives Jewel Eye™ LED projector headlamps and LED taillights, a new, more powerful 3.5-litre i-VTEC® V-6 engine, and class leading safety is brought to the RDX with standard AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, and a host of new luxury features and technologies, including a new line-topping RDX with Elite Package.
The Acura RDX and MDX have formed a potent 1-2 punch in the luxury SUV game, both posting record sales in 2014. With the 2016 MDX also getting significant new features and technologies including standard AcuraWatch safety features, and a 9-speed automatic transmission, the new RDX and MDX stand as an even more formidable presence in the luxury SUV space.
“The RDX ended on a high note in 2014, posting its best sales year ever, but at Acura, we are not content in resting on our laurels,” said Jerry Chenkin, President and CEO, Honda Canada Inc. “The 2016 RDX gets a major infusion of Acura brand DNA including enhancements to styling, driving performance, and exciting new luxury feature-content, further solidifying its place as the one to beat in the entry luxury SUV segment.”
The 2016 RDX gets an important performance boost courtesy of its updated 3.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology. Peak horsepower and torque output are up—279 (+6 hp) and 252 lb.-ft. (+1 lb.-ft.), respectively, while sporting a broader torque curve for more immediate and powerful acceleration response—right where it counts. Variable Cylinder Management™ allows for deactivation of two of the engine’s six cylinders under light engine loads. Driving refinement is further enhanced by new active front and rear engine mounts, updates to the steering control system and increased suspension mount stiffness. Additionally, the RDX’s all-wheel-drive system – AWD with Intelligent Control – has been tuned for greater rear torque bias to further enhance dynamic stability and all-weather performance.
The 2016 RDX also gets key elements of Acura design DNA with restyled front and rear fascia, including the addition of Acura’s signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and LED taillights with light-pipe design on all models and a new three-dimensional grille treatment. The lower front and rear fascia areas also support the new look with fresh luxury details while all models receive new wheel designs.
