Topic: CD Article: 2007 Acura RDX Technology

[Autos_Editor]

Test Drive:

A winter journey from Vancouver to Kelowna across the British Columbia coastal mountain range gave Editor Greg Wilson an opportunity to assess the turbocharged performance of the new Acura RDX SUV and the winter traction advantages of its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
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[prufrock]

That's quite a combination of test roads: the long steep climbs of the Coq and the windy two-lane route to Big White from Kelowna. I like the sounds of the grade logic control.

I wonder about the fuel-economy comment, though. With winter tires and four passengers, driving that specific road, I would be shocked if the fuel economy didn't suffer.

[ovr50]

prufrock and trainman - didn't the pix of several overturned vehicles (1 a SUV) just re-inforce the things we have been saying about the Coq in winter. 

As to the RDX, I like this new vehicle a lot, and hope to test-drive one in the spring, it certainly has all the cojones on paper and visually. I would pass on the Tech pkg tho as personally, the extra music stuff is a waste, I can live w/out navigation and the back-up camera sounds like it will be dirty a lot of the time. $42K is a lot more palatable than $46K.

[initial_D]

Nice vehicle, the price a bit on the high side for regular folks.

I see no less than 20 vehicles like this - belly up on the side of the road this week ... yeeeeesh. 



Neat display - wonder if the system works as well as it displays 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Seems like a decent package, slotting in nicely between mainstream and luxury brand pricing like the X3. Only more comprehensively equipped at base pricing.

Guess that new Beetle was round for a reason. I rarely see vehicles flipped.

[initial_D]

Maybe I will take pics next time - when conditions allow.

Hwy#2 runs along the West Side of Red Deer, on Wednesday afternoon, between the 32nd street and 67th street exits, I saw 6 vehcles on the ditch, 4 flipped over. The worst was a Ford F-150, hit something really hard by the looks of it, and went into the side of the woods.

[haris]

"In theory, a turbocharged four should offer better fuel economy than a V6 if it's not being driven too hard, but this doesn't seem to be the case with the RDX or the CX-7. "
It might be because of the weight and winter tires.
For me, winter tires = 10%+ worse mileage over high performance summer tires.
Also, I think the effect of passenger/luggage weight is larger on turbo vehicles... at least that's been my experience.

[HeliDriver]

"Between Vancouver and Kelowna is a rather formidable obstacle called the coastal mountain range, and the fastest route across it is the impressive Coquihalla toll highway and Kelowna connector..."

I'm not sure, but isn't the Coast Range finished by the time you get as far inland as Hope? The drive between Vancouver & Hope is flat as pi$$ on a plate, and the only "formidable obstacle" it presents is the horrible traffic and the torrential rain (okay, maybe the stench around Chilliwack, too.  ).

By the time you finally get climbing into the mountains on the Coquihalla, aren't you well into the Interior Range? At any rate, there's no question that's the case by the time you get onto the connector.

Any west coasters care to confirm or refute this?

[ovr50]

I would agree that the Coastal Range is finished by Hope, then as you go up the Coq to Merritt, it's the Cascades you are in; and as you come over the Connector to Kelowna, it's the Thompson Plateau (although the summit of the Connector at 1754m is higher than the summit of the Coq at 12xxm). In fact, the summit of the Connector is actually higher than the summit of the Rogers Pass (although it certainly "feels" higher in the Roger's). East of Kelowna are the Monashees.

[ovr50]

In the past 10 days I have driven the new Acura RDX (not Technology and that doesn't matter as it has no impact on driving). I was intrigued by this new Acura and the external dimensions make it (IMO) a reasonably-sized vehicle, combined with the first turbo application in NA by Acura, it was something I had to check out. I drove the RDX twice, both times alone ie. no salesman. The first time, I had it about 30 mins and the thrill of the turbo, the good brakes, and cornering (that SH-AWD does work!!) had me very impressed (to the point that I was starting to scheme as to how I might possibly get one - which is ridiculous considering my last several years buying activity and I like my Highlander). The fit and finish of the RDX is excellant, the seats are very well formed and supportive and the dash layout, while a touch confusing, is very attractive and the blue back-lighting is sexy as hell. I came back from my 30 min romp (rural roads mostly) really pumped up. The RDX just begs to be driven hard with maximum application of the turbo. At speed, this crossover (or AWD wagon), is a real screamer.

I went back this afternoon, and took the same car (which has several thousand kms on it already) for over an hour. This time I drove up the hiway about 15kms and then returned to town on a back road, paved but poorly maintained and rough. The RDX was good on the smooth hiway; but on the rougher pavement of the back roads, I started to notice how "flinty" and choppy the ride was on this less-than-perfect paving. I was also trying to stay at the speed limit, and drive as one would in heavy traffic where you couldn't apply the boost and get away. Less fun in those conditions, Then, I came into town and did a number of "everyday driving" things like going to the mall parking lot, parking, backing up, driving city streets in heavier traffic. Believe it or not, I prefer my Highlander in town to the RDX, the RDX "feels" heavier in slow-manouveurs (sic) and when not using the boost, the 4 cylinder feels rougher and noisier. Other than for aggressive driving, and heavy use of turbo, the engine reminds you that it is only a 2.3L 4 cylinder (a very good one, tho, with iVTEC). For backing up, I found the RDX a bit tougher than my HL again. Just the windows and way the body is shaped. I came back to the dealers this time with very mixed feelings. If I could drive it "balls to the wall" always, I'd love it. If I have to use it as a daily errand car, not so sure I would love it (or put it this way, I can't see sacrificing the HL at a substantial financial hit in order to get the RDX - at this time, at least).

Overall, I think Acura has done a great job on the RDX, and I think they will sell reasonably well. Not cheap tho at $41K plus $1430 for freight/PDI, the Technology Package (which I wouldn't get anyway) adds $4K for nav, bluetooth capable, back up camera.

I also have driven the Mazda CX-7 in the past week as a comparo against the RDX. The CX-7 in AWD, GT trim is still about $3K less than the RDX. Hoping not to offend "initial_D" who has a new CX-7, for me, I would pay the extra bucks and get the RDX. The CX-7 was noisier, the seats were not as good, the interior was not as nice, and overall, the vehicle just felt plasticy. Also, there is a minor touch of turbo lag in the RDX, but there is more of it in the CX-7.

I think it is hard to go back and own 4 cylinders, even smooth/turboed ones like the Acura one, once you have driven 6 and 8 cylinder vehicles for a while. I also like the low end torque of the larger engines, and although the turboed 4 cylinders have lots of torque, it just doesn't "feel" the same to me. Another thing, the 18" wheels on these two, the shorter wheelbase, and (I suspect) more aggressive suspension settings create a penalty in the "ride" dept.

Although my Highlander with the 3.3L V6 is not as fun to drive as either of the CX-7 or the RDX, it has a much better ride, is quieter, and is smoother to drive. This leads me to think that maybe, in a year or so, the new Acura MDX might be worth a tray (although it is bigger than I would like).

I would not buy the CX-7 (sorry, initial_D); I still like the RDX quite a bit (but not enough).

I think I better go get the GT/CS reinsured for driving (Spring is possibly here?) as that will keep me out of car showrooms. 

Anyway, it was fun to do the drives. 

[Julie]

Thanks for the write-up ovr.

My personal favorite (of the large-ish ones though) is the new MDX.

[jww]

Good review. The RDX is a very nice vehicle (most Acuras are). How about throwing the SH-AWD on the TSX and TL? Or how about re-considering the closure of the RSX and bringing it back out with SH-AWD?

My only real beef with Acura is the lack of RWD models. I bet the TSX would really behave well as a RWD configured auto.

[ovr50]

Good point, jww, I was very impressed with the handling/cornering ability of the RDX. 

The RDX feels more like a sports sedan than the crossover/whatever it is.

[Snowman]

In the past 10 days I have driven the new Acura RDX (not Technology and that doesn't matter as it has no impact on driving). I was intrigued by this new Acura and the external dimensions make it (IMO) a reasonably-sized vehicle, combined with the first turbo application in NA by Acura, it was something I had to check out. I drove the RDX twice, both times alone ie. no salesman. The first time, I had it about 30 mins and the thrill of the turbo, the good brakes, and cornering (that SH-AWD does work!!) had me very impressed (to the point that I was starting to scheme as to how I might possibly get one - which is ridiculous considering my last several years buying activity and I like my Highlander). The fit and finish of the RDX is excellant, the seats are very well formed and supportive and the dash layout, while a touch confusing, is very attractive and the blue back-lighting is sexy as hell. I came back from my 30 min romp (rural roads mostly) really pumped up. The RDX just begs to be driven hard with maximum application of the turbo. At speed, this crossover (or AWD wagon), is a real screamer.

I went back this afternoon, and took the same car (which has several thousand kms on it already) for over an hour. This time I drove up the hiway about 15kms and then returned to town on a back road, paved but poorly maintained and rough. The RDX was good on the smooth hiway; but on the rougher pavement of the back roads, I started to notice how "flinty" and choppy the ride was on this less-than-perfect paving. I was also trying to stay at the speed limit, and drive as one would in heavy traffic where you couldn't apply the boost and get away. Less fun in those conditions, Then, I came into town and did a number of "everyday driving" things like going to the mall parking lot, parking, backing up, driving city streets in heavier traffic. Believe it or not, I prefer my Highlander in town to the RDX, the RDX "feels" heavier in slow-manouveurs (sic) and when not using the boost, the 4 cylinder feels rougher and noisier. Other than for aggressive driving, and heavy use of turbo, the engine reminds you that it is only a 2.3L 4 cylinder (a very good one, tho, with iVTEC). For backing up, I found the RDX a bit tougher than my HL again. Just the windows and way the body is shaped. I came back to the dealers this time with very mixed feelings. If I could drive it "balls to the wall" always, I'd love it. If I have to use it as a daily errand car, not so sure I would love it (or put it this way, I can't see sacrificing the HL at a substantial financial hit in order to get the RDX - at this time, at least).

Overall, I think Acura has done a great job on the RDX, and I think they will sell reasonably well. Not cheap tho at $41K plus $1430 for freight/PDI, the Technology Package (which I wouldn't get anyway) adds $4K for nav, bluetooth capable, back up camera.

I also have driven the Mazda CX-7 in the past week as a comparo against the RDX. The CX-7 in AWD, GT trim is still about $3K less than the RDX. Hoping not to offend "initial_D" who has a new CX-7, for me, I would pay the extra bucks and get the RDX. The CX-7 was noisier, the seats were not as good, the interior was not as nice, and overall, the vehicle just felt plasticy. Also, there is a minor touch of turbo lag in the RDX, but there is more of it in the CX-7.

I think it is hard to go back and own 4 cylinders, even smooth/turboed ones like the Acura one, once you have driven 6 and 8 cylinder vehicles for a while. I also like the low end torque of the larger engines, and although the turboed 4 cylinders have lots of torque, it just doesn't "feel" the same to me. Another thing, the 18" wheels on these two, the shorter wheelbase, and (I suspect) more aggressive suspension settings create a penalty in the "ride" dept.

Although my Highlander with the 3.3L V6 is not as fun to drive as either of the CX-7 or the RDX, it has a much better ride, is quieter, and is smoother to drive. This leads me to think that maybe, in a year or so, the new Acura MDX might be worth a tray (although it is bigger than I would like).

I would not buy the CX-7 (sorry, initial_D); I still like the RDX quite a bit (but not enough).

I think I better go get the GT/CS reinsured for driving (Spring is possibly here?) as that will keep me out of car showrooms. 

Anyway, it was fun to do the drives. 

Great report Ovr and what is next on your test list.

[Julie]

Good review. The RDX is a very nice vehicle (most Acuras are). How about throwing the SH-AWD on the TSX and TL? Or how about re-considering the closure of the RSX and bringing it back out with SH-AWD?

My only real beef with Acura is the lack of RWD models. I bet the TSX would really behave well as a RWD configured auto.

Acura has stated they will put SH-AWD on all their vehicles. So the TSX and TL (slated for re-design in MY 2008-2009) with have them then. No ressurection of RSX though, as they want to move "upmarket" and want TSX to be their entry level vehicle.

[Leviathan]

Yes, good write up. I like the styling of the CX-7 better but it's kinda moot since I'm too cheap to buy either 

[mdxtasy]

Good review. The RDX is a very nice vehicle (most Acuras are). How about throwing the SH-AWD on the TSX and TL? Or how about re-considering the closure of the RSX and bringing it back out with SH-AWD?

My only real beef with Acura is the lack of RWD models. I bet the TSX would really behave well as a RWD configured auto.

Acura has stated they will put SH-AWD on all their vehicles. So the TSX and TL (slated for re-design in MY 2008-2009) with have them then. No ressurection of RSX though, as they want to move "upmarket" and want TSX to be their entry level vehicle.

In Acura's quest to move upmarket, does management need to develop a strategy to offer a smorgasboard of options?  Are luxury buyers preferring to mix and match options to suit their needs?  Look at the engine choices, trims, electronic upgrades etc that MB, BMW, Audi, Lexus, and other 'lux' players offer.  Will Acura's strategy of one way fits all work with these buyers?

[ovr50]

Interestingly, the salesguy who I have known for some time, mentioned in chatting with me that he loses a number of sales every month to BMW X3s over the RDX, even with the comparably equipped X3 being about $10K over the RDX price. The pull of the blue & white propellor is very strong.

[Snowman]

Interestingly, the salesguy who I have known for some time, mentioned in chatting with me that he loses a number of sales every month to BMW X3s over the RDX, even with the comparably equipped X3 being about $10K over the RDX price. The pull of the blue & white propellor is very strong.

Yes, this just reinforces my belief that most people who have credit capacity are just interested in projecting an image. Then you have my wife who can drive an $80k SUV if she desires drives a Subaru 2.5i Wagon.

[jww]

Good review. The RDX is a very nice vehicle (most Acuras are). How about throwing the SH-AWD on the TSX and TL? Or how about re-considering the closure of the RSX and bringing it back out with SH-AWD?

My only real beef with Acura is the lack of RWD models. I bet the TSX would really behave well as a RWD configured auto.

Acura has stated they will put SH-AWD on all their vehicles. So the TSX and TL (slated for re-design in MY 2008-2009) with have them then. No ressurection of RSX though, as they want to move "upmarket" and want TSX to be their entry level vehicle.

Good. Too bad about the RSX - I still think that was one of the better pocket rockets on the road. AWD or RWD on it would be sweet, imo.

I am ok with the TSX, but only ok at this point in time. RWD or AWD would definately do it for me.