2023 Acura RDX: Review, Design, and Price
Starting at $42.545
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| 2023 Acura RDX |
Overview
Both fun-to-drive and handsomely styled, the 2023 Acura RDX represents a superb value amongst luxurious SUVs—given you can live without the badge envy that BMWs and Porsches offer as standard. The RDX’s turbocharged four-cylinder is lots effective and its crisp coping is gratifying on a twisty road, however, its 10-speed automatic transmission and brake-pedal sense should both use some refinement. Inside, the Acura isn’t as swanky as the Genesis GV70 or the Volvo XC60, though it does come well-known with a comparable stage of technology and convenience features. Even thinking about its flaws, the RDX’s practicality, pleasant avenue manners, and value-oriented pricing make it a good—if truly off-beat—choice amongst compact SUVs.
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| 2023 Acura RDX: Side View |
What's New for 2023?
Other than a new two-year/24,000-mile complimentary scheduled renovation format and free get entry to the AcuraLink connectivity format for three years, the RDX enters the 2023 model year except for any modifications to its styling, features, or powertrain.
Acura affords the RDX in one trim however offers several wonderful packages to jazz it up. Front-wheel power is widespread however all-wheel pressure is accessible for $2000. Since the A-Spec model is pricey and lacks any real overall performance improvements, we'd forgo that. But we would propose including the Technology bundle that brings a higher audio system, navigation, fancier leather-trimmed seats, and more. Those who want adaptive dampers and a head-up display will have to spring for the Advance package, which will extensively increase the backside line.
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| 2023 Acura RDX: Dashboard |
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every RDX is powered via a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and both front- or all-wheel force (or "SH-AWD" in Acura-speak). The A-Spec version we examined wanted 6.2 seconds to hit 60 mph at our check track, which locations it mid-pack among compact luxury SUVs. The RDX's throttle is responsive at low speeds, and it pulls away from stoplights with enough pep for most drivers. The transmission could be faster to downshift, specifically when the driver uses 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 stage in hard acceleration, however, a great deal of that noise is synthetic and piped into the cabin via the audio system's speakers. The RDX we drove had giant 20-inch wheels and optionally available adaptive dampers that permit you to adjust the journey quality. While our check car failed to isolate the cabin from harsh effects on the roughest roads, it used to be in no way punishing or noisy. The torque-vectoring SH-AWD machine also helped the RDX trade instructions rapidly and used to be backed by precise-feeling steering. The RDX leaned solely when we attacked a highway on-ramp, but otherwise, it was once splendidly balanced. Unfortunately, the brake pedal diminished the experience, due to its inconsistent firmness and responsiveness.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The RDX has aggressive EPA fuel-economy scores that approach the mid-20s, with the front-drive mannequin getting slightly more incredible metropolis and motorway estimates than the all-wheel-drive one. The former is rated at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway; each of these numbers drops by way of 1 mpg when you pick all-wheel drive. Opting for the A-Spec bundle will minimize both highway estimates through 1 mpg, to 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 economic system route, which is part of our sizeable trying-out regimen, and achieved 26 mpg—exactly its EPA rating. For more statistics about the RDX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the center stack is a little busy, with a lot of buttons, a touchpad, and a large rotary drive-mode selector sitting at the front and center. The model we examined had the A-Spec package's flashy purple seats and numerous different one-of-a-kind styling bits. While the cabin's super construct best suited general aspects (ambient lighting; power-adjustable, heated front seats; dual-zone local weather control) have been appreciated, the RDX fails to feel luxurious. The Acura supplies a sportier experience than something like the Honda CR-V ought to ever provide. Nothing feels inexpensive or chintzy, and the user role is excessively adequate to satisfy SUV fans and flexible sufficient to appease using enthusiasts. A manager on the outboard seats will launch the returned row so you can fold it flat. Or you can decrease the seatbacks from the cargo hold and the usage of the secondary releases. We managed to suit eight carry-on bags with the seats up and 22 with them folded. The RDX has a giant passthrough storage tray below its floating core console, too.
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| 2023 Acura RDX: Interior |
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every RDX has a 10.2-inch touchscreen perched excessively on the dashboard. It can additionally be operated using a touchpad on the middle console. Acura calls the controller intuitive, but it took us a while to get accustomed to it. The RDX comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The non-compulsory 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
Every mannequin includes a host of trendy driver-assistance technology, however, several different assists are reachable with the Technology package. These encompass front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For extra information about the RDX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety points 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 provides a warranty on the RDX that aligns with its luxury competitors. However, its complimentary scheduled upkeep graph is a year shorter than what you’ll get with the BMW X3 and three years shorter than the Jaguar F-Pace.
- The limited guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain assurance covers six years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is blanketed for two years or 24,000 miles.