Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Acura RDX Tech

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2013 Acura RDX

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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When the first generation Acura RDX was launched, Acura/Honda fans were ecstatic; it’s certainly an odd thing for anyone to be enthusiastic about a crossover / SUV. The reason was the turbocharged powerplant Honda offered in it, and many were hopeful it meant that engine would be used in other Honda products and would launch a new era of aftermarket Honda tuning. But it was not a love affair for the masses: the RDX was not a gas miser with tons of power. In fact, it got worse fuel economy than most V6 competitors and exhibited large amounts of turbo-lag.

Fast forward and we are now in an era where Acura and Honda are taking fewer risks, but still trying to lure in mainstream buyers. Here is the new, 2013 Acura RDX, a much more mainstream vehicle than the previous RDX, which was interesting but a little too small, a little too raw and a little too quirky for most.

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Powered by a more conventional 3.5-litre V6, it’s a little longer, wider and softer than before, so this RDX is sure to appeal to those shopping the luxury crossover segment.

Available in two simple packages — “base” and Tech — naturally, I am testing the Tech package, one that most buyers will most likely opt for as it is only a $3,000 premium over the base and includes navigation, Acura’s premium 410-watt surround sound system, dual-zone climate control and a power liftgate. The “base” model is not missing much, with leather, heated seats, all-wheel drive, HID headlamps, a moonroof and a backup camera.

The RDX is a five-seater with plenty of cargo space (much more than the outgoing model) and more mainstream look. Personally, I loved the previous RDX for its unique style and edgy ride, but I rarely recommended it to friends as it was small inside. This week, we’ll see how I like this new version.

MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $43,990

For more information on Acura and the RDX visit Acura Canada

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Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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Like the rest of the Acura line-up, the RDX is fitted standard with leather everywhere, and a well laid-out console of buttons and switch gear lets you know that technology is at the forefront. Acura now has a standard set of interior finishes across their lineup, much like Audi and BMW have had for years.

Space is considerably improved over the previous-generation RDX, and more in line with its direct competitors. In the back seat, legroom is plentiful and headroom is sufficient, while the 60/40 split folding seats offer extra cargo capacity if required, complementing an already large cargo area in the back.

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The seats fold with just a pull of a lever in the trunk area, which is certainly more convenient than having to climb into the backseat to pull the seats down; of course you will have to do so to put them back up.

The driver’s area is, of course, the most desirable place to be, with two memory settings for the seat and mirrors, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel that allows drivers of all shapes and sizes to adjust themselves into a comfortable driving position.

The mainstream look and feel to the interior certainly puts this new RDX more on the map to success than the old, and the ride quality is most definitely improved, but we’ll get to that tomorrow.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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Again, the changes made to the RDX are very evident in this new model. The first generation had a “sports car” ride, with very stiff springs that made the vehicle unbearably rough sometimes, but did give it sporty handling. This new RDX is still sporty in its own right, but is more comfortable to drive, with the soft, car-like ride one expects in a modern crossover.

But it seems to be able to handle corners briskly and with poise, staying fairly flat, although the tires do howl if you push it too much.

Visibility is very good: it is easy to check your blind spot and reversing is made super-easy with the backup camera. I haven’t actually tried backing up without it; once you have one you kind of get used to it. The driver’s side mirror has an additional wide-angle portion for extra visibility.

The 3.5-litre engine offers all the power you need in a vehicle like this, and when you stomp on the go-pedal, the exhaust emits a nice deep roar. The transmission is a little slow to downshift, and conversely is quick to upshift for fuel economy, but not to the point that the vehicle ever feels underpowered or sluggish.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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Certainly, the audio system in the RDX impresses. On my trip to see family this weekend, we found an audio sampler disc in the glovebox of the RDX. Popped that in to find out it was a DVD-Audio demo disc made to show off the Dolby surround sound system in the RDX — let me tell you this: it rocks!

What else rocks? 8.9L/100km over the week in a good sized crossover filled with luxury amenities certainly rocks as well. I was a little annoyed at the cruise control system, which seems to surge once in awhile even on flat roads. Plenty of cargo space for the size of the vehicle (unlike the first-generation RDX, which was lacking in cargo volume), a quiet ride, great fuel economy and its added style could make this new RDX a winner.

I haven’t seen many of them on the road, so perhaps the buying public is unaware of this new vehicle; to them, I say, it certainly is worth a test drive!
*Rating out of 5: