The small luxurious SUV section is crowded with many sturdy decisions, however when you’re in search of worth and like your SUVs sporty, you would be hard-pressed to discover a higher possibility than the 2022 Acura RDX. It is made even higher for 2022 with a plethora of updates to make the driving expertise nicer, in addition to including expertise options which have turn into business requirements.
Though it was given a refresh for 2022, the essential RDX dates again to the 2019 mannequin yr. And the fundamentals from then are nonetheless good. It has a gutsy engine, a responsive chassis, a top quality inside and sharp styling. Not solely that, it is extremely spacious and it is full of commonplace options from a panoramic sunroof to loads of driver security aids, all at a value decrease than a lot of its rivals, together with these from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and others.
That is to not say it is a class-leader. In case you have sure stuff you notably care about, maybe final efficiency, hybrid choices, or a fancier and extra trendy inside, there are different choices to contemplate. However the Acura is without doubt one of the most well-rounded choices, doing most issues effectively, and doing so at an affordable value.
Inside & Know-how | Passenger & Cargo Area | Efficiency & Gas Economic system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Options | Crash Rankings & Security Options
What’s new for 2022?
The RDX obtained quite a lot of delicate updates for the 2022 mannequin yr. Styling has been tweaked with new entrance and rear bumpers and grilles (pictured above left). The lively suspension on Advance Bundle trims is tuned for a sportier really feel in Sport mode and a extra snug really feel in Consolation mode. The drive modes in each RDX have been retuned as effectively, whereas additional sound deadening materials has been added all through. Know-how updates embody new commonplace wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility and a USB-C charging port. Wi-fi charging and customizable ambient lighting are actually obtainable as choices. A variety of new inside and exterior colours can be found, together with a brilliant blue hue unique to the 200-unit PMC Version (pictured above proper). Moreover, blind-spot warning is commonplace, computerized emergency braking now has pedestrian detection, and the chassis has extra reinforcements to enhance crash efficiency.
What are the RDX inside and in-car expertise like?
The RDX’s inside is a pleasant place to be. Most surfaces are coated with delicate, premium-looking supplies, together with perforated leather-based, soft-touch plastics, and classy-looking vinyl. Aluminum trim comes commonplace, however some high-trim ranges get pure end wooden trim.
The RDX introduces Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, which controls the infotainment system and its 10.2-inch display screen with a center-console-mounted touchpad relatively than a touchscreen interface. The system has a comparatively steep studying curve and lacks any haptic suggestions. It’s finally not as intuitive as we’d like, and that’s necessary as a result of it’s an interface you’ll be utilizing on a regular basis in an RDX – together with to interface with the usual wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performance. You can learn our full impressions of the system right here.
We have been extra impressed by the RDX’s sound techniques, notably the models obtainable on increased trims. The ambient lighting system can be attention-grabbing, because it includes a bunch of preset shade mixtures named after well-known roads and race tracks.
How large is the RDX?
In case you’re in search of essentially the most spacious “compact” luxurious SUV for both passengers or cargo, the RDX is fairly great spot to begin. On paper, the RDX has essentially the most rear legroom within the section, and once we in contrast it back-to-back with quite a lot of rivals, that proved to be completely right. Until you are pushing for taking part in time within the NBA, your knees will not be touching the entrance seats. Importantly, a rear-facing little one seat can be extra more likely to match again there.
Cargo area is equally glorious with 29.5 cubic-feet of area behind its raised again seat. That is higher than every little thing within the section besides the Volvo XC60, which is mainly equal. Nonetheless, it truly has much more area due to its sizeable and genuinely helpful under-floor storage space that swells capability to 31.1 cubic-feet. The result’s the flexibility to hold way more stuff than its luxurious section norm, and almost match non-luxury tremendous haulers just like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Higher nonetheless, that under-floor storage space is achieved with out shedding the spare tire – no run flats or cans of tire goo right here.
What are the RDX gas financial system and efficiency specs?
Just one engine and transmission is accessible on the RDX. It is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 10-speed computerized transmission. The engine makes 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The RDX additionally comes commonplace with front-wheel drive, however a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system can be obtainable (SH-AWD).
Gas financial system differs solely barely relying on drivetrain, and whether or not the RDX has the A-Spec or PMC package deal. A front-drive commonplace RDX will get 22 mpg metropolis, 28 mpg freeway and 24 mixed. All-wheel drive drops it to 21/27/23. The front-drive A-Spec will get 22/27/24, and A-Spec or PMC fashions with all-wheel drive get 21/26/23.
What is the RDX wish to drive?
The RDX manages a contented stability between affordable sportiness for the section and total consolation. There’s a little bit of adrenaline within the factor – a growl from the engine because it thrusts the RDX ahead on a wave of torque. Acura’s guardian firm, Honda, is aware of how you can make an entertaining engine. The RDX exudes an air of sportiness, but additionally backs it up with actual athleticism. The optionally available SH-AWD system’s superior torque vectoring can be a boon on dry pavement, making the RDX flip crisply – and it’ll additionally assist, to some extent, with traction in poor climate. We expect it’s a return to type for a automobile that constructed its fame on offering a sharper driving expertise than your common crossover.
The engine’s in depth low-end torque implies that it’s zippier round city. It channels energy by a 10-speed computerized transmission, which is usually competent however often will get confused. On a number of events throughout a drive in an A-Spec check automotive, a swift stab of the accelerator to cross one other automobile led to a distressing delay earlier than the RDX found out what gear to be in. We’ve had related points with nine- and 10-speed automatics up to now, however it’s disconcerting. Apart from that, the engine and transmission work collectively pretty effectively – and the RDX feels awfully fast, particularly in sportier drive modes.
There are two suspension choices for the RDX. The Advance trim receives an Adaptive Damper System, however every little thing else is relegated to a passive Amplitude Reactive Damper system. The non-electronic dampers work effectively – the experience is agency however not uncomfortable, and the RDX corners with precision. It’s helped by respectable steering really feel from the variable-ratio rack, though it’s on the sunshine facet at low speeds. The adaptive system can be spectacular, and the brand new mode tuning has resulted in sportier and extra snug settings (relying on the mode) than earlier than.
Notice that the A-Spec package deal sounds prefer it is perhaps a efficiency improve, however it’s a purely beauty package deal.
What different Acura RDX opinions can I learn?
2022 Acura RDX First Drive | RDX redux provides us what we would like
Going over what’s new for 2022 and the way these modifications enhance the RDX.
Acura RDX Baggage Check | How a lot cargo area?
We take a deep dive into the RDX’s cargo area behind the second row, placing the 31.1-cubic-foot measurement to the check with actual luggage.
Acura Infotainment Assessment + Video
Acura’s distinctive touchpad infotainment system has discovered sympathizers and detractors amongst our workers. Admittedly, there have been extra detractors, however Zac Palmer runs down why he is within the minority of those that preferred it after giving it a while. Notice that the article and video beneath used an Acura TLX, however the system is similar.
How a lot is the 2022 RDX’s value and what options can be found?
The Acura RDX begins at $40,345 for a base, front-wheel-drive mannequin. On the skin, it will get 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights and a panoramic sunroof. Contained in the RDX options dual-zone computerized local weather management, proximity entry with push-button begin, 12-way energy heated leatherette seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim, ambient lighting and an influence hatch. Know-how options embody a ten.2-inch infotainment display screen, 7-inch information display screen within the instrument panel and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Different notable options obtainable as choices or on increased trims embody the A-Spec look package deal, fog lights, sport seats, actual leather-based upholstery, 16-way energy seat adjustment, ventilated entrance seats, heated rear seats, distant begin, heated steering wheel, wooden trim, wi-fi cellphone charging, an upgraded sound system, a ten.5-inch head-up show and navigation.
Additionally value noting is that all-wheel-drive is a $2,200 possibility on RDX fashions that include front-wheel drive as commonplace. Some RDX fashions include all-wheel drive commonplace. Base costs for every trim is listed beneath and embody the $1,045 vacation spot cost ($1,995 for the PMC).
- RDX: $41,145
- RDX Know-how Bundle: $43,795
- RDX A-Spec: $46,795
- RDX Advance Bundle (AWD solely): $51,145
- RDX A-Spec Advance Bundle (AWD solely): $53,145
- RDX PMC Version (AWD solely): $55,295
What are the RDX security scores and driver help options?
Each IIHS and NHTSA have crash-tested the Acura RDX, and it carried out effectively in each organizations’ testing. The IIHS even gave the RDX its High Security Choose + security score. It earned the highest “Good” rating in each crash check, in addition to all headlight evaluations. Youngster seat LATCH anchor entry was rated “Good +” and the automated emergency braking system bought a “Superior” score for vehicle-to-vehicle and an “Superior” score for vehicle-to-pedestrian. NHTSA gave the RDX the highest five-star score total for security, with 4 stars for entrance crashes, 5 for facet crashes and 4 for rollover.
The RDX comes commonplace with many helpful security and driver help options. Ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping help, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, computerized excessive beams and adaptive cruise management with lane-centering steering help. Accessible as choices or on increased trims are rain-sensing wipers, wiper de-icers, parking sensors and a surround-view digicam system.
