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The Acura RDX, which is the brand's compact luxury crossover, ended up being an unexpected favorite for me.
Having recently experienced some larger, ultra-luxury SUVs, I expected the smaller Acura to be a disappointment—though it wouldn't be its fault. To my surprise, I found the RDX refreshing and enjoyable, especially after maneuvering through parking lots with those massive vehicles.
This vehicle was a breeze to handle, and it offered a spacious and plush environment for my two little ones in the back. To top it off, it had a surprising amount of power.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine worked seamlessly with the 10-speed automatic transmission. It delivered sharp, precise shifts as I pressed the accelerator to the floor.
Additionally, it produced a stunning exhaust sound along the way — a delightful surprise for a compact crossover.
I faced challenges with the touch pad infotainment controller, particularly when trying to adjust the stereo settings. Additionally, my old foe reappeared: a frustrating push-button gear selector.
This particular RDX was the A-Spec variant equipped with the Advance Package, featuring several blacked-out exterior elements and larger wheels. Additionally, it came with all-wheel drive, referred to as Super Handling All-Wheel Drive by Acura.
The A-Spec equipped with the Advance Package also comes with complete leather seating.
The EPA projects a total fuel efficiency of 23 miles per gallon, but my dashboard indicated only 19.
The RDX A-Spec featuring the Advance Package and all-wheel drive is priced at $55,800, including shipping. Meanwhile, the starting price for a base RDX is $46,050, also with shipping included.
The RDX consistently earns high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its crash assessments. Opinions on reliability vary. According to Consumer Reports, Acura ranks as the fifth most reliable brand based on predicted reliability, whereas the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study places Acura in the lower half of the rankings.
I couldn't locate a spare tire.
This is my second somewhat-recent Acura — following the TLX Type S sedan I got last year — which I also liked a lot. That one also had an eye-burning red leather interior, but you can still color me impressed.
