First Drive: 2007 Acura RDX
10/06/2006
Shahed Hussain
Suppose you want all-weather traction, useful cargo room, and athletic handling, all in a compact SUV? A BMW X3, Mazda CX-7, or Nissan Murano might fit the bill, or you could consider the new Acura RDX. The BMW is comparable in size, but starts with a $5,000 higher sticker price, and rapidly exceeds $40K. Nissan's Murano is comparably priced, but is slightly larger than the RDX. The Mazda undercuts the Acura by about $7,000, but with less standard equipment. Acura aims the RDX at younger customers who want more "sport" in their SUV, without paying a premium for the privilege.
Acura offers a choice of two RDX models: RDX and RDX with Technology Package. Both trim levels are comprehensively equipped, with nearly all the expected luxury features one might expect as standard. If that isn't enough, Acura has a wide array of dealer installed options that can personalize the RDX to your tastes. If you can stay away from the entire option list, the RDX with the Technology Package ($36,495 base) can be had for well under $40K, which is a relatively attractive value.
At first glance, the RDX resembles a pugnacious TSX sedan, bulked out and belligerent. More importantly, this Acura doesn't resemble its corporate sibling, the popular Honda CR-V. If the standard 18-inch wheels are not flashy enough, then the optional 19-inch wheels (available polished or painted) should do the trick. Despite all the styling and marketing messages, the RDX is basically an AWD compact wagon, masquerading as an SUV.
The RDX cockpit, upholstered in a mix of dark gray and silver trim is more sporty than luxurious. Superb build quality and panel fits are expected from Acura, and the RDX does not disappoint. The entire interior exudes quality, despite the middling grade plastics. No one will mistake this Acura for an Audi, but the RDX is above average in its class, and certainly comparable to the X3 in its interior appointments.
Passenger accommodations are surprisingly spacious. Both front and rear seats are roomy for average size adults. Perforated leather seats offer excellent comfort and support. Headroom for sub-6' adults is reasonable even with the sunroof. Rear legroom is plentiful as well. Acura took advantage of the car-based platform to ensure passenger comfort in the rear seats. Wisely, Acura saves the 3rd row seating option for the larger MDX.
A prominent rectangular LCD panel shows essential functions and doubles as the navigation system display. Electroluminescent gauges, deeply inset in individual pods, are illuminated in a soothing bluish-white backlight. The boost gauge, inset inside the tachometer, has "+" and "0" markings to indicate when the 2.3L turbo is spooled up. We wish that Acura showed the boost level in PSI, which would actually make the boost gauge useful.
Unlike BMW, Acura chose not to offer a manual transmission option on the RDX. Instead, a 5-speed automatic is the only transmission available. While the automatic is no replacement for a manual gearbox, this transmission shifts with no fuss and minimal delay. Besides, the paddles shifters behind the steering wheel allow easy manual control of the 5-speed automatic, for the occasions when you feel urge to take shifting duties into your own hands.
The turbo adds usable power and torque just above 2,000 RPM, where the RDX surges forward. Between idle and 2,000 RPM, the engine betrays its small displacement nature, with lackluster throttle response. Fortunately, the fast-revving i-VTEC engine zooms through the rev range, so the turbo spools up quickly (and audibly) when needed. Back off the throttle, and you can hear the faint whoosh of the wastegate as it bleeds off excess boost. The turbo engine adds a uniquely racy demeanor to the RDX unmatched by other comparable SUVs.
Acura was serious about handling when they did RDX suspension development. This SUV has the firm damping and stiff spring rates akin to a sports sedan, such as the Infiniti G35 or BMW 3-Series. Drivers will feel the suspension pitching over bumps to remind them that the RDX is no softly sprung soccer shuttle. On smooth highways, the tight suspension and quick reflexes are your friends; but on potholed pavement, the RDX has a jiggly ride that may be fatiguing for some. With its standard 235/45R18 all-season tires on 18" x 7.5" alloy wheels, the RDX is set up for handling precision, not off-road prowess. Optional 19-inch wheels are available, but will probably degrade ride significantly.
With its precise, communicative steering, the RDX carves corners better than the average sedan. On really tight curves, the tall profile takes its toll as the RDX leans over on the outside tires and understeers. But to get to this limit, you have to drive the RDX like a sport sedan, and then you realize that the laws of physics will weigh in sooner or later. To its credit, the RDX does effectively simulate a sport sedan up to about 6/10th of its handling limits, which is quite an accomplishment.
Acura equips the RDX with 4-wheel discs, along with ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and Brake Assist. VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) and Traction Control ensure safe, predictable handling on slippery roads or emergency maneuvers. The RDX features powerful brakes that are easily stop this 2-ton SUV quickly. A firm pedal and progressive actuation add to driver confidence. The dual-piston front disc brakes are partly responsible for the excellent braking performance. With the RDX, Acura addresses a perennial weakness of many SUVs, which are often equipped with undersized brakes.
The RDX blazes new territory for Acura, which now adds an SUV slotted below the midsize MDX. Although Acura pitches the RDX against the BMW X3, its true competitors may be the slightly bigger Nissan Murano, or the significantly less expensive Mazda CX-7. It remains to be seen if the RDX can carve out its own niche in the overcrowded SUV market. Acura is counting on sporty handling and distinctive styling to separate the RDX from the competition. We applaud Acura for its audacity, and hope that enough buyers are impressed with the RDX to make it a success.