2022 Acura RDX Overview, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

These in search of a compact SUV with a premium badge and an athletic chassis will discover the 2022 Acura RDX suits that temporary and does not require Porsche Macan or Mercedes-Benz GLC-class cash. Positive, it isn’t as deluxe as these German nameplates—nor does it carry the identical cachet among the many one p.c—however the RDX’s perky turbocharged four-cylinder is equally perky and equally tech-heavy. The complaints now we have heart on the RDX’s less-than-luxurious cabin environs and a 10-speed automated that’s typically infuriatingly sluggish to downshift to spool up the turbo to its boiling level. These points apart, the RDX is a roomy, sensible, fun-to-drive, and comprehensively geared up compact SUV that’s largely passable.

What’s New for 2022?

The RDX receives a lightweight facelift for 2022 that features tweaks to the SUV’s grille, bigger air intakes on the entrance bumper, and a revised rear bumper with rectangular exhaust suggestions. Two new colours can be found—Liquid Carbon Metallic and Phantom Violet Pearl—and the RDX’s inside is enhanced with new normal and elective tech options. All fashions now include wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity in addition to Amazon Alexa integration; a wi-fi smartphone charging pad is now obtainable; and Know-how fashions now supply an inside ambient-lighting system with 27 colours. A limited-production PMC Version mannequin shall be supplied once more this 12 months—there shall be simply 200 items—and wears Lengthy Seashore Blue Pearl exterior coloration with an Orchid inside coloration scheme.

Pricing and Which One to Purchase

Acura gives the RDX in a single trim however offers a number of distinct packages to jazz it up. Entrance-wheel drive is normal however all-wheel drive is out there for $2000. Because the A-Spec model is expensive and lacks any authentic efficiency enhancements, we would forgo that. However we’d advocate including the Know-how package deal that brings a greater audio system, navigation, fancier leather-trimmed seats, and extra. Those that need adaptive dampers and a head-up show must spring for the Advance package deal, however that considerably will increase the underside line.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

Each RDX is powered by a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a 10-speed automated transmission and both front- or all-wheel drive (or “SH-AWD” in Acura-speak). The A-Spec version we tested wanted 6.2 seconds to hit 60 mph at our take a look at monitor, which locations it mid-pack amongst compact luxurious SUVs. The RDX’s throttle is responsive at low speeds, and it pulls away from stoplights with sufficient pep for many drivers. The transmission may very well be faster to downshift, particularly when the motive force makes use of the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The turbocharged engine makes the RDX sound a bit just like the NSX, with a high-pitched roar throughout onerous acceleration, however a lot of that noise is synthetic and piped into the cabin by the audio system’s audio system. The RDX we drove had giant 20-inch wheels and elective adaptive dampers that permit you to alter the journey high quality. Whereas our take a look at car did not isolate the cabin from harsh impacts on the roughest roads, it was by no means punishing or noisy. The torque-vectoring SH-AWD system additionally helped the RDX change instructions shortly and was backed by precise-feeling steering. The RDX leaned solely once we attacked a freeway on-ramp, however in any other case, it was splendidly balanced. Sadly, the brake pedal diminished the expertise, resulting from its inconsistent firmness and responsiveness.

Gasoline Financial system and Actual-World MPG

The RDX has aggressive EPA fuel-economy scores that method the mid-20s, with the front-drive mannequin getting barely increased metropolis and freeway estimates than the all-wheel-drive one. The previous is rated at 22 mpg metropolis and 28 mpg freeway; each these numbers drop by 1 mpg when you choose all-wheel drive. Choosing the A-Spec package deal will scale back each freeway estimates by 1 mpg, for 27 mpg with the front-driver and 26 mpg for the SH-AWD automotive. We examined an RDX A-Spec SH-AWD on our 75-mph freeway gasoline financial system route, which is a part of our extensive testing regimen, and achieved 26 mpg—precisely its EPA ranking. For extra details about the RDX’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s website.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

Inside, the middle stack is a bit of busy, with quite a lot of buttons, a touchpad, and a big rotary drive-mode selector sitting entrance and heart. The model we examined had the A-Spec package deal’s flashy crimson seats and several other different unique styling bits. Whereas the cabin’s notable construct high quality and fascinating normal options (ambient lighting; power-adjustable, heated entrance seats; dual-zone local weather management) have been appreciated, the RDX fails to really feel luxurious. The Acura delivers a sportier expertise than one thing just like the Honda CR-V might ever present. Nothing feels low cost or chintzy, and the driving place is excessive sufficient to fulfill SUV followers and versatile sufficient to appease driving fanatics. A deal with on the outboard seats will launch the again row so you’ll be able to fold it flat. Or you’ll be able to decrease the seatbacks from the cargo maintain utilizing the secondary releases. We managed to suit eight carry-on baggage with the seats up and 22 with them folded. The RDX has a big passthrough storage tray beneath its floating heart console, too.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Each RDX has a ten.2-inch touchscreen perched excessive on the dashboard. It may also be operated through a touchpad on the middle console. Acura calls the controller intuitive, nevertheless it took us some time to get accustomed to it. The RDX comes normal with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The elective Know-how package deal provides built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and extra.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Each mannequin features a host of ordinary driver-assistance technology, however a number of different assists can be found with the Know-how package deal. These embody entrance and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For extra details about the RDX’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:

• Normal forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Normal lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help
• Normal adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Acura offers a guaranty plan on the RDX that aligns with its luxurious rivals. Nonetheless, it does not embody complimentary scheduled upkeep as some do, such because the BMW X3 and the Jaguar F-Pace.

• Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers six years or 70,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled upkeep

More Features and Specs