04. The 2013 Acura RDX Swaps SH-AWD For A More Traditional System
Another factor working in favor of the 2013 Acura RDX's improved fuel economy was the choice made by the automaker to eliminate SH-AWD from the options sheet. The vehicle's new all-wheel drive system is shared with the Honda CR-V, and while it might lack the torque-vectoring capability of the 2012 RDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, it is significantly lighter and less complicated, helping to contribute to lower overall fuel consumption. The new all-wheel drive system is capable of distributing as much as 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels should a loss of traction be detected, and it operates much like a front-wheel drive system during regular driving.