2021 Acura RDX: Review, Design, and Price
Starting at $39.445
Overview
The 2021 Acura RDX doesn't have the equal luxury cachet as its classmates, however it's stylish and extra affordable. Acura acts as Honda's classier counterpart, which earns it some factors in reliability, but now not so a great deal for its prestige, especially in contrast with opponents such as the Porsche Macan and Mercedes-Benz GLC-class. Although each of those automobiles is better to drive and provides greater performance alternatives than this Acura, the RDX does have a peppy turbocharged engine and an on-hand all-wheel-drive machine that elevates its athleticism. While its computerized transmission can be a bit passive and the A-Spec package deal is mostly cosmetic, we admire the crossover's generous bag potential and popular features. The 2021 RDX isn't mainly top class or in particular sporty, but it is a sure top fee for what it is.
2021 Acura RDX: Front View
What's New for 2021?
Acura gives the RDX the PMC cure for 2021. This constrained version is hand-built alongside the company's NSX supercar at its Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, subsequently the PMC acronym. While this all-wheel-drive mannequin comes loaded with all the aspects from the A-Spec and Advanced packages, it also wears one-of-a-kind Thermal Orange Pearl paint and has matching distinction stitching inside. The PMC Edition boasts black 20-inch wheels, a grille encompasses that fits the physique color, black chrome exhaust tips, and some gloss-black exterior accents.
Acura gives the RDX in one trim but presents quite a few awesome packages to jazz it up. Front-wheel drive is well known but all-wheel power is reachable for $2000. Since the A-Spec model is high-priced and lacks any reputable overall performance improvements, we'd forgo that. But we would suggest adding the Technology bundle that brings a better audio system, navigation, fancier leather-trimmed seats, and more. Those who desire adaptive dampers and a head-up display will have to spring for the Advance package, however considerably will increase the bottom line.
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| 2021 Acura RDX: Dashboard |
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every RDX is powered by a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a 10-speed automated transmission and both front- or all-wheel power (or "SH-AWD" in Acura-speak). The A-Spec version we examined had a responsive gas pedal at low speeds, and it pulled away from stoplights with authority. The transmission could be faster to downshift, specifically when the driver makes use of the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The turbocharged engine makes the RDX sound a bit like the NSX, with a high-pitched roar at some point of tough acceleration, but plenty of that noise is artificial and piped into the cabin via the audio system's speakers. The RDX we drove had massive 20-inch wheels that are protected with the A-Spec package and the well-known suspension setup. Models with the Advance package deal have adaptive dampers that allow you to regulate the experience quality. While our test car failed to isolate the cabin from harsh influences on the roughest roads, it was once in no way punishing or noisy. The torque-vectoring SH-AWD machine also helped the RDX change instructions shortly and was backed by precise-feeling steering. The RDX leaned only when we attacked a motorway on-ramp, but otherwise, it was wonderfully balanced. Unfortunately, the brake pedal diminished the experience, due to its inconsistent firmness and responsiveness.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The RDX has competitive EPA fuel-economy ratings that method the mid-20s, with the front-drive mannequin getting slightly greater city and motorway estimates than the all-wheel-drive one. The former is rated at 22 mpg in the metropolis and 28 mpg on the highway; each of these numbers drops by 1 mpg when you select the all-wheel drive. Opting for the A-Spec bundle will limit each dual carriageway estimates via 1 mpg, for 27 mpg with the front driver and 26 mpg for the SH-AWD car. We tested an RDX A-Spec SH-AWD on our 75-mph dual carriageway fuel-economy route, which is part of our substantial trying-out regimen, and carried out 25 mpg—1 mpg shy of its EPA rating.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the middle stack is a little busy, with a lot of buttons, a touchpad, and a massive rotary drive-mode selector sitting in the front and center. The version we tested had the A-Spec package's flashy purple seats and countless different special styling bits. While the cabin's gorgeous constructed first-class and appropriate well-known facets (ambient lighting; power-adjustable, heated front seats; dual-zone local weather control) have been appreciated, the RDX fails to sense luxury. The Acura delivers a sportier ride than something like the Honda CR-V may want to ever provide. Nothing feels low-cost or chintzy, and the riding role is excessive enough to fulfill SUV followers and flexible enough to appease using enthusiasts. A take care of on the outboard seats will release the back row so you can fold it flat. Or you can lower the seatbacks from the cargo to preserve the usage of the secondary releases. We managed to healthy eight carry-on bags with the seats up and 22 with them folded. The RDX has a giant passthrough storage tray below its floating center console, too.
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| 2021 Acura RDX: Interior |
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every RDX has a 10.2-inch touchscreen perched high on the dashboard. It can also be operated through a touchpad on the core console. Acura calls the controller intuitive, but it took us a whilst to get accustomed to it. The RDX comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The optionally available 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 2021 RDX earned a five-star crash-test ranking from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the closing model a Top Safety Pick+. Every mannequin consists of a host of preferred driver-assistance technology, however various 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 security features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Acura presents an assurance plan on the RDX that aligns with its luxury competitors. However, it doesn't encompass complimentary scheduled maintenance as some do, such as the BMW X3 and the Jaguar F-Pace.
- The limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- The powertrainguarantee covers six years or 70,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance