2009 Acura RDX Crossover utility with performance and handling. By New Car Test Drive

Review Pages ---------------------------------------- 1. Overview 2. Walkaround and Interior 3. Driving Impressions 4. Summary, Prices, Specs     Compare Vehicles     Email to a Friend     Print version Select A Make Select A Model

The Acura RDX is a premium crossover SUV designed for sporty driving.

The RDX features a 240-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters, a firm independent suspension made for cornering, and Acura's patented SH-AWD system (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive). This last system delivers a higher proportion of power to the outside rear wheel under hard cornering, thus keeping the car in line and enhancing cornering performance.

RDX comes trimmed in leather, no cloth interior is available. Standard equipment includes luxury features such as a power moonroof and dual-zone climate control.

In short, the RDX is designed for drivers who do not want to compromise cornering for a comfortable ride (hence, the firm suspension), but want upscale accommodations. It also needs to be someone who doesn't care about dramatic or distinctive styling, because the RDX resembles the Honda CR-V.

For 2009, RDX gets a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat as standard equipment. The AcuraLink real-time traffic system includes more coverage, with 77 metro areas. RDX was launched as a 2007 model.

Model Lineup

The Acura RDX ($33,895) comes with leather upholstery, heated front seats, power moonroof, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, XM satellite radio, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, xenon HID headlights with fog lamps, the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, the patented SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist, and Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control.

The RDX with the Technology Package ($37,195) is the only option and includes a 10-speaker, 410-watt sound system, navigation system with voice recognition, rearview camera, and the AcuraLink satellite communication system with real-time traffic.

Safety features include dual-stage frontal airbags, side airbags in front, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, active front head restraints to help protect against whiplash, side-impact door beams, tire-pressure monitor, VSA electronic stability control, traction control, all-wheel drive.