2007 Acura RDX Review

Acura RDX – Review: Consumers are flocking to crossover SUVs, or CUVs, simultaneously draining the conventional sport-ute and sport coupe markets of potential buyers. People are no longer willing to accept the compromises inherent in those vehicles, and CUVs are able to blend performance, comfort, and utility better than any other type of vehicle. Acura jumps into the fray with the $33,665 RDX for 2007, so we borrowed a version equipped with the optional Technology Package and a sticker price of $37,160 for a week of driving around Southern California. Some of us liked the RDX, some of us didn't, and some of us would rather have the less expensive but very similar Mazda CX-7 instead.

Why We Drove It

Equipped with Acura's first-ever turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and given that the consumer marketplace is shifting to CUVs in large numbers, the new RDX was high on our list of must-drive vehicles for 2007. As we discovered on a rapid ride up the mountainside to Idyllwild, Calif., the blown motor is unfazed by altitude and the RDX handles exceptionally well for an SUV. But we also discovered that the Acura has a prodigious thirst for fuel, which makes us question whether a V6 engine would be a more appropriate powerplant. This, in addition to other shortcomings, makes it hard for us to call the RDX an unqualified hit in the segment.

Performance

Turbo lag is a problem with the Acura RDX. In traffic, the RDX is sluggish under partial throttle application, but if you dip in to extract added motive force the turbo can suddenly kick in and deliver more acceleration than expected. Not as satisfying as a V6 engine with similar power ratings, and at 14.8 mpg average, what's the point? This would be a much better vehicle with the Accord's V6 under the hood. Transmission shifts smoothly, however, and sport mode holds gears longer to keep motor in the thick of its power band. Paddle shifters help make the RDX a blast to drive on twisty roads.

Handling

With a stiffly-tuned suspension and a wide track, it's no surprise that the Acura RDX handles exceptionally well for an SUV, but it's still an SUV and it rocks a little too much on its short wheelbase. So, while you're probably traveling faster than other people on that favorite twisty two-lane road, you're not having as much fun as you might in a vehicle with a lower center of gravity. Accelerate hard out of a turn and palpable SH-AWD power transfer positively affects the RDX's attitude and balance. Brakes are responsive and effective, the steering accurate and well-weighted. Ride quality can be stiffer than some might want, but considering the high handling limits the RDX offers good compliance.

Visibility

Rectangular heated side mirrors, collapsing rear head rests, and thin front pillars all add up to a superior visibility experience from the Acura RDX's driver's seat. Add in the reversing camera, and you might not miss a reverse sensing system. I still did, and if you think likewise the dealer can install one for you at extra cost.

Fun to Drive

Compared to other SUVs, and some cars, the Acura RDX is fun to drive. The turbo lag is a bit of a buzz-killer off-the-line, and while the RDX is quick it never seems fast. If you want something really fun to drive but still need space and utility, consider a sport-tuned wagon like the Subaru Legacy GT.

Front Comfort

The Acura RDX's front seats are deeply dished and sport bolstered, and they can feel confining when idling in traffic or bouncing around town. However, in the turns, they hold the driver in tight. The tilt and telescopic steering wheel makes it easy to find a good driving position, and though the upper door panels have no shelf on which to rest an arm, they are softly upholstered and scooped out to make a nice elbow rest. The center console lid is plushly upholstered, but sat too low when I had the driver's seat raised to my preferred position. Getting in and out of the driver's seat can be a little snug for larger people.

Rear Comfort

Entry and exit a bit hampered by intrusive rear wheel wells, and while the Acura RDX provides lots of underseat foot space, the tall and flat bottom cushion lacks thigh support and the back rests are set at a position that is too reclined. Leg room is snug, too, but contact points for my knees were padded so I didn't mind too much. Might be a little tight for three abreast, but two adults will be relatively happy in the back.

Interior Noise

On the highway or irregular pavement, the Acura RDX produces more cabin noise than expected for a vehicle wearing a luxury nameplate. And while some on staff gripe about the sound of the turbocharger, that's not a problem for me. What I can't get past is the note of the four-cylinder engine, which only reminds the driver that a more sophisticated and smooth V6 engine isn't pumping away on the other side of the firewall.

Loading Cargo

The Acura RDX has a large cargo area; bigger than expected in a "small" SUV. The liftover height is agreeably low, and the luggage space is nicely trimmed. Closing the hatch using the assist grip is problematic; the tailgate extends out at the bottom and catches your forearm as the gate swings closed, forcing you to use a hand on the dirty exterior to slam it shut. Folding the rear seats is easy. Lift the bottom cushion up and tilt it forward, then use the release lever to flop the seatback down. Cool feature: the sturdy cargo panel can be placed on the floor for storage, creating a perfectly flat load floor.

Build Quality

Lately, Acura and Honda products we've evaluated have shown a decline in build quality, and while the RDX was better in this regard than many vehicles on the market, there were a couple of obvious flaws on the inside. The metallic dash trim on the left side of the gauge pod was dented, and the gasket between the upper dash and the central dash was sticking out on both sides. Outside, the hood's gaps were tight at the headlights but wide at the windshield, door fit at the A-pillars could have been better, and the right front door did not fit flush at the B-pillar.