By Autoreviewman
Taking inspiration from the Acura Precision Concept, the 2019 RDX offers a sleek combination of swooping curves, angles, and a new front fascia highlighted by a diamond pentagon grille, next‐generation Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and the cool front wing‐shaped lower air curtain ducts inspired by the NSX Supercar. It is a very dynamic sporting look. The interior offers sharp, highly effective look combining sport and comfort. The previous V6 is now gone, in its place the 2019 RDX is powered by a brand new direct‐injected and turbocharged 2.0‐liter 16‐valve DOHC inline‐4‐cylinder engine with VTEC® valvetrain. With peak output of 272 horsepower and 280 lb.‐ft. of torque (both SAE net), the RDX has the highest power output among key competitors, according to Acura.
Acura RDX models are priced as follows: from $43,990. Technology – $46,490, Elite from $49,990, A-SPEC from $50,290, Platinum elite at $54,990. We tested the premium A-SPEC Edition that adds 20-inch Shark Grey alloy, an aggressive new front fascia, body-color lower sills, larger-diameter exhaust finishers, as well as gloss-black and dark chrome decoration for the headlights, grille, window surround and rear tailgate spoiler. Interior enhancements include sports seats with black Alcantara inserts, high-contrast stitching, unique A-Spec gauges, sport pedals, carbon-look console trim, a thicker-rimmed A-Spec-badged steering wheel with paddle shifters and an exclusive A-Spec door step garnish.
Back to the interior; a neat, fashion forward mix of premium materials and design abounds, along with comfortable sports seats and plenty of room. Acura’s have always been known for the level of technology, and the RDX is no exception with a plethora of new suites of advanced new technologies, including the Acura True Touchpad Interface™, featuring an all‐new Android‐based operating system, a high‐mounted 10.2‐inch HD display and an innovative touchpad with the first‐ever application of absolute positioning in a driving environment There is Apple CarPlay™ compatibility, plus Wi‐Fi‐enabled over‐the‐air system updates. Android Auto™ compatibility will be introduced later.
On the road, there are four drive modes with the Sport+ mode the most entertaining. Comfort is for more relaxing drive, Sport for added thrills and Snow, mode for slippery surfaces. Fuel economy is rated at 11.0 / 8.6 / 9.9 L/100 km city/highway/combined. Not much to complain about – the new touchpad interface has bit of learning curve But that’s about it. The RDX is firmly in entry-level Mercedes and BMW territory with is level of engineering, cabin and performance. Highly recommended.
2019 Acura RDX priced from: $43,990. To $54,990.
Website www.acura.ca
