Best Used Acura Compact SUV - RDX
The compact SUV market segment is one of the most popular in the sport utility vehicle category. This smaller size allows for so much more in terms of comfort and ability - and with much better fuel economy and maneuverability. The bigger SUVs are great if you are looking to tow a trailer or head out into the mountains with the family. However, if you are looking for something that offers some off-road ability and still be drivable around town for parking and commuting then the compact SUV might be just the answer.
The lines between the SUV sizes have blurred, almost indistinguishable from the others with the new 'crossover' taking off in popularity. The crossover is actually a marketing term that's used to promote certain vehicles in a way that it appeals to more prospective customers.
Acura is relatively new to the SUV market. Their first midsize SUV was the Acura MDX, which was first introduced to the US market in 2001. Acura's second venture into this market segment is a compact SUV called the Acura RDX. This vehicle was based off the Acura RD-X concept car. Both vehicles showcase some of Acura's finest technological features like their Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
2007-2009 Acura RDX
First introduced in August of 2006, the Acura RDX is Acura's compact sport utility vehicle. This is an entry-level crossover and has relatively the same dimensions as the competition. The Acura RDX offers an advanced all-wheel drive system.
Under the hood of the Acura RDX is a turbocharged gasoline engine. This 2.3-liter 16-valve, DOHC I-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine features aluminum construction and is capable of 240 hp. Paired to this is a five speed automatic transmission with SportShift paddle shifters.
This SUV is a five-passenger vehicle that comes with a nice list of convenience and safety features. The driver's seat is also an 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support. Standard equipment includes leather seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, moonroof, and automatic climate control along with a full complement of power accessories. The interior of the vehicle is roomy for five full size adults. There are several storage areas within the cabin, which helps when traveling on long trips. One of them is even big enough for a laptop. The cargo hold is not huge when compared against the competition but it is sufficient for most consumer needs. The rear seats have a 60/40 split that fold flat increasing the versatility of the cargo space. The RDX does offer a hard cargo cover that when not required can be reversed and used to carry wet or very dirty cargo without getting the whole area a mess.
When compared to other compact SUVs, the new EPA fuel economy rating of the 2007 Acura RDX is quite reasonable at 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The Acura RDX also received a perfect five star safety rating in all the government frontal and side impact crash tests. The rollover rating for the Acura RDX comes in at four stars.