2020 Acura RDX: Review, Design and Price
Starting at $38.825
Overview
Unlike different compact-luxury crossovers that toe the line between luxurious and sporty, the 2020 Acura RDX lets all of us comprehend it's the latter. Visually, its angular bodywork and placing front stop stand out compared with subtler alternatives. Its Acura badge lacks the cache of opponents such as Audi and BMW, but the RDX gives the same build high-quality at a decreased price. Available with an abundance of suited elements and a dynamic all-wheel-drive system, this two-row crossover will satisfy most SUV shoppers. While the Acura's small turbocharged engine doesn’t supply breathtaking acceleration, it is responsive and talkative when prodded. We can look previous its erratic brake-pedal remarks and clumsy computerized transmission thanks to sharp steerage and other playful using attributes.
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| 2020 Acura RDX: Full View |
What's New for 2020?
Since the RDX was completely redesigned for 2019, Acura only makes a single change to its best-selling model for 2020. The RDX's sinewy sheet metal can now be coated in an all-new exterior paint color called Platinum White. The rest of the sporty crossover incorporates precisely the identical as the closing year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2020 RDX is in reality a single mannequin that can be outfitted with various awesome packages. Front-wheel power is well known but the all-wheel force is available for $2000. Since the A-Spec model is expensive and lacks any legitimate overall performance improvements, we might propose adding the Technology bundle that brings a higher audio system, navigation, fancier leather-trimmed seats, and more. Those who choose the closing options such as adaptive dampers and a head-up show will have to spring for the Advance package, but that significantly will increase the bottom line because it requires including the Technology package.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every RDX is powered by a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and both front- or all-wheel power (a.k.a. SH-AWD). The A-Spec version we tested had a responsive fuel pedal at low speeds, and it pulled away from stoplights with authority. The transmission ought to be quicker to downshift with instant gas-pedal inputs, specifically when using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The turbocharged engine did make the RDX sound greater like the NSX, with its high-pitched roar all through hard acceleration that is artificially piped into the cabin via the audio system's speakers. The RDX we drove had massive 20-inch wheels that are included with the A-Spec package. It also had the general suspension setup, not like models with the Advance package, which provides adaptive dampers that grant adjustable ride quality. While our take a look at the vehicle failed to isolate the cabin from harsh effects on the roughest roads, it was once by no means punishing or noisy. The torque-vectoring SH-AWD additionally helped it alternate directions quickly and used to be backed by precise-feeling steering. The RDX solely leaned when we attacked a highway on-ramp, however otherwise, it used to be wonderfully balanced for those who experience riding quickly. Unfortunately, the brake pedal diminished the experience, due to its inconsistent firmness and responsiveness.
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| 2020 Acura RDX: Front View |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The RDX has aggressive EPA fuel-economy rankings that strategy the mid-20s, with front-drive fashions getting barely greater city and highway estimates. The front-drive model is rated at 22 mpg in the metropolis and 28 on the highway, however each of those numbers drops with the aid of 1 mpg with all-wheel drive. Additionally, the A-Spec package reduces every of these EPA dual carriageway estimates using some other 1 mpg. We tested a 2019 RDX with the A-Spec package and SH-AWD on our 75-mph dual carriageway fuel-economy route, which is a section of our vast testing regimen, and finished 25 mpg—one less than its EPA rating.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the RDX's symmetrical dashboard creates an intimate area for front-seat passengers. The graph is dominated by using a rotary drive-mode selector that flows into a floating middle console. Our check car had the A-Spec package's flashy red seats and numerous other extraordinary styling bits. While the cabin's exceptional build excellent and suitable preferred points (ambient lighting, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone local weather control) were appreciated, the RDX fails to feel luxurious. Instead, the Acura grants a sportier journey than, say, the CR-V may want to ever provide. Nothing feels inexpensive or chintzy, and the riding position is high ample to satisfy crossover fans and bendy ample to appease driving enthusiasts. The RDX's returned seats without difficulty fold flat by using a deal with on the higher outboard aspect of the seats or from release handles in the cargo area. We managed to fit eight carry-on baggage with the seats up, and 22 with them folded. While the RDX has a giant storage tray underneath its floating middle console, the only other useful storage tray is alongside the cupholders in the core console.
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| 2020 Acura RDX: Interior |
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every RDX has a 10.2-inch touchscreen it is perched high on the dashboard and can be operated by using a touchpad that sits effectively where the driver's right-hand rests on the center console. Acura calls the controller intuitive, however it was a whilst earlier than we received accustomed to it. The RDX comes in general with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The elective Technology package deal provides built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and more
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2019 RDX used to be named a Top Safety Pick+ via the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is the independent crash-test agency's very best honor. Likewise, the 2020 RDX earned the best five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Every mannequin consists of a host of preferred driver-assistance technology, but several other assists are accessible with the Technology package. These consist of the front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Key safety facets include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and computerized emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Acura covers the RDX with an assurance layout that aligns with its luxury competitors. However, it doesn't encompass complimentary scheduled upkeep as do some rivals, such as the X3 and the Jaguar F-Pace.
- Limited assurance covers four years or 50,000 miles
- The powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance