2022 Acura RDX

Overview

Those seeking a compact SUV with a premium badge and an athletic chassis will find the 2022 Acura RDX fits that brief and doesn't require Porsche Macan or Mercedes-Benz GLC-class money. Sure, it's not as deluxe as those German nameplates—nor does it carry the same cachet among the one percent—but the RDX's turbocharged four-cylinder is perky enough for most drivers and its cabin as high-tech as higher-priced competitors. The complaints we have concern the RDX's less-than-luxurious cabin environs and a 10-speed automatic that is sometimes infuriatingly slow to downshift to spool up the turbo to its boiling point. Those issues aside, the RDX is a roomy, practical, fun-to-drive, and comprehensively equipped compact SUV that is largely satisfactory.

What's New for 2022?

The RDX receives a light facelift for 2022 that includes tweaks to the SUV’s grille, larger air intakes on the front bumper, and a revised rear bumper with rectangular exhaust tips. Two new colors are available—Liquid Carbon Metallic and Phantom Violet Pearl—and the RDX's interior is enhanced with new standard and optional tech features. All models now come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as Amazon Alexa integration. A wireless smartphone charging pad is now available and Technology models now offer an interior ambient-lighting system with 27 colors. A limited-production PMC Edition model will be offered again this year—there will be just 200 units—and wears Long Beach Blue Pearl exterior color with an Orchid interior color scheme.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Acura offers the RDX in one trim but provides several distinct packages to jazz it up. Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available for $2000. Since the A-Spec version is pricey and lacks any legitimate performance improvements, we'd forgo that. But we would recommend adding the Technology package that brings a better audio system, navigation, fancier leather-trimmed seats, and more. Those who want adaptive dampers and a head-up display will have to spring for the Advance package, but that significantly increases the bottom line.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every RDX is powered by a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive (or "SH-AWD" in Acura-speak). The A-Spec version we tested needed 6.2 seconds to hit 60 mph at our test track, which places it mid-pack among compact luxury SUVs. The RDX's throttle is responsive at low speeds, and it pulls away from stoplights with enough pep for most drivers. The transmission could be quicker to downshift, especially when the driver uses the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The turbocharged engine makes the RDX sound a bit like the NSX, with a high-pitched roar during hard acceleration, but much of that noise is artificial and piped into the cabin through the audio system's speakers. The RDX we drove had large 20-inch wheels and optional adaptive dampers that allow you to adjust the ride quality. While our test vehicle failed to isolate the cabin from harsh impacts on the roughest roads, it was never punishing or noisy. The torque-vectoring SH-AWD system also helped the RDX change directions quickly and was backed by precise-feeling steering. The RDX leaned only when we attacked a highway on-ramp, but otherwise, it was wonderfully balanced. Unfortunately, the brake pedal diminished the experience, due to its inconsistent firmness and responsiveness.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The RDX has competitive EPA fuel-economy ratings that approach the mid-20s, with the front-drive model getting slightly higher city and highway estimates than the all-wheel-drive one. The former is rated at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway; both those numbers drop by 1 mpg when you select all-wheel drive. Opting for the A-Spec package will reduce both highway estimates by 1 mpg, for 27 mpg with the front-driver and 26 mpg for the SH-AWD car. We tested an RDX A-Spec SH-AWD on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and achieved 26 mpg—exactly its EPA rating. For more information about the RDX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the center stack is a little busy, with a lot of buttons, a touchpad, and a large rotary drive-mode selector sitting front and center. The version we tested had the A-Spec package's flashy red seats and several other exclusive styling bits. While the cabin's notable build quality and desirable standard features (ambient lighting; power-adjustable, heated front seats; dual-zone climate control) were appreciated, the RDX fails to feel luxurious. The Acura delivers a sportier experience than something like the Honda CR-V could ever provide. Nothing feels cheap or chintzy, and the driving position is high enough to satisfy SUV fans and flexible enough to appease driving enthusiasts. A handle on the outboard seats will release the back row so you can fold it flat. Or you can lower the seatbacks from the cargo hold using the secondary releases. We managed to fit eight carry-on bags with the seats up and 22 with them folded. The RDX has a large passthrough storage tray beneath its floating center console, too.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every RDX has a 10.2-inch touchscreen perched high on the dashboard. It can also be operated via a touchpad on the center console. Acura calls the controller intuitive, but it took us a while to get accustomed to it. The RDX comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The optional Technology package adds built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and more.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every model includes a host of standard driver-assistance technology, but several other assists are available with the Technology package. These include front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For more information about the RDX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Acura provides a warranty plan on the RDX that aligns with its luxury competitors. However, it doesn't include complimentary scheduled maintenance as some do, such as the BMW X3 and the Jaguar F-Pace.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs