Overview
These searching for a compact SUV with a premium badge and an athletic chassis will discover the 2022 Acura RDX matches that transient 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 %—however the RDX’s turbocharged four-cylinder is perky sufficient for many drivers and its cabin as high-tech as higher-priced rivals. The complaints now we have concern the RDX’s less-than-luxurious cabin environs and a 10-speed automated that’s generally 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 light-weight 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 ideas. Two new colours can be found—Liquid Carbon Metallic and Phantom Violet Pearl—and the RDX’s inside is enhanced with new customary and optionally available 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 out there and Expertise fashions now provide an inside ambient-lighting system with 27 colours. A limited-production PMC Version mannequin will likely be provided once more this yr—there will likely be simply 200 models—and wears Lengthy Seaside Blue Pearl exterior coloration with an Orchid inside coloration scheme.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
Base
$40,345
$42,995
A-Spec
$45,995
Advance
$50,345
PMC Version
$55,295
Acura gives the RDX in a single trim however gives a number of distinct packages to jazz it up. Entrance-wheel drive is customary however all-wheel drive is accessible for $2000. For the reason that A-Spec model is costly and lacks any reliable efficiency enhancements, we might forgo that. However we might advocate including the Expertise bundle that brings a greater audio system, navigation, fancier leather-trimmed seats, and extra. Those that need adaptive dampers and a head-up show should spring for the Advance bundle, 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 model we examined wanted 6.2 seconds to hit 60 mph at our check 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 might be faster to downshift, particularly when the driving 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 arduous acceleration, however a lot of that noise is synthetic and piped into the cabin via the audio system’s audio system. The RDX we drove had giant 20-inch wheels and optionally available adaptive dampers that mean you can alter the experience high quality. Whereas our check car didn’t 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 rapidly and was backed by precise-feeling steering. The RDX leaned solely after 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 Economic 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 greater 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 bundle will cut back each freeway estimates by 1 mpg, for 27 mpg with the front-driver and 26 mpg for the SH-AWD automobile. We examined an RDX A-Spec SH-AWD on our 75-mph freeway gas financial system route, which is a part of our in depth testing routine, and achieved 26 mpg—precisely its EPA ranking. For extra details about the RDX’s gas financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Inside, the middle stack is a little bit busy, with plenty of buttons, a touchpad, and a big rotary drive-mode selector sitting entrance and heart. The model we examined had the A-Spec bundle’s flashy pink seats and a number of other different unique styling bits. Whereas the cabin’s notable construct high quality and fascinating customary options (ambient lighting; power-adjustable, heated entrance seats; dual-zone local weather management) had 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 may fold it flat. Or you may 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 by way of a touchpad on the middle console. Acura calls the controller intuitive, but it surely took us some time to get accustomed to it. The RDX comes customary with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The optionally available Expertise bundle 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 normal driver-assistance expertise, however a number of different assists can be found with the Expertise bundle. 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:
Customary forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking Customary lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help Customary adaptive cruise management
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Acura gives 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-Tempo.
Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain guarantee covers six years or 70,000 miles No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Specs
2022 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec Advance
Automobile Kind: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Examined: $53,795/$54,295
Choices: Apex Blue Pearl paint, $500
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct gas injection
Displacement: 122 in3, 1996 cm3
Energy: 272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automated
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.4-in vented disc/12.2-in disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle RS-A
255/45R-20 101V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 108.3 in
Size: 187.4 in
Width: 74.8 in
Peak: 65.7 in
Passenger Quantity: 104 ft3
Cargo Quantity: 30 ft3
Curb Weight: 4057 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.9 sec @ 94 mph
100 mph: 16.9 secResults above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Begin, 5–60 mph: 6.9 sec
High Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.8 sec
High Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec
High Velocity (gov ltd): 112 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Noticed: 24 mpg
75-mph Freeway Driving: 26 mpg
75-mph Freeway Vary: 440 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/Metropolis/Freeway: 23/21/26 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
Extra Options and Specs