Like many grownups, the indulgent Acura MDX has a smaller, more athletic sibling that exhibits greater youthfulness. As with many real life siblings, the pair is often mistaken for one and other due to their strong familial likeness but the similarity ends there. Although the MDX and RDX are both crossover SUVs manufactured by Acura, they are two significantly different vehicles in size, personality and performance. Today's review puts Acura's sportier all-wheel-drive (AWD) offspring, the RDX, into the spotlight.
Aggressive styling consistent with spirited performance
The RDX delivers sufficient visual potency to backup its spirited persona without appearing over-the-top or offending the senses. A single-slot grille resembling a severe laceration of sorts dominates its nose. Below the grille resides a healthy-sized air intake, below which an additional narrow aperture ingests needed airflow.
Boldly flared, sharply cut wheel housings project a wide brawny stance, letting the world know that this is one scrappy little SUV. Despite the external drama, it was the RDX's interior artistry that intrigued me. Here occupants are shrouded in quality materials culminating in a cabin bursting with flair and allure, comfort and functionality.
Acura has engineered a driving environment that just feels "right." Everything is well-located and for the most part intuitive to use. Contrary to the vehicle's compact size, leg and headroom up front is astonishing. The driver's perch seemed to slide back endlessly, which rather surprised me.
Generally in vehicles of this size, I place the driver's seat at its furthest rearward point to gain maximum leg extension; this was far from the case in the RDX. Even with the driver's seat set well back in its tracks, reasonable knee room exists in the rear seat. Overall, seating in the RDX is, as good as it gets in the segment.
Turbocharged engine delivers kick
The RDX is further set apart from the MDX when it comes to under-hood theatrics. The RDX is invigorated by a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder powerplant while its heavier sibling relies upon V6-inspired performance. Despite the absence of 2-cylinders, the RDX feels capable of out-hustling its larger kin when the right foots sinks deep and the turbo kicks in.
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| The RDX comes fully equipped with comfort and convenience accoutrements. |
Aggressive styling consistent with spirited performance
The RDX delivers sufficient visual potency to backup its spirited persona without appearing over-the-top or offending the senses. A single-slot grille resembling a severe laceration of sorts dominates its nose. Below the grille resides a healthy-sized air intake, below which an additional narrow aperture ingests needed airflow.
Boldly flared, sharply cut wheel housings project a wide brawny stance, letting the world know that this is one scrappy little SUV. Despite the external drama, it was the RDX's interior artistry that intrigued me. Here occupants are shrouded in quality materials culminating in a cabin bursting with flair and allure, comfort and functionality.
Acura has engineered a driving environment that just feels "right." Everything is well-located and for the most part intuitive to use. Contrary to the vehicle's compact size, leg and headroom up front is astonishing. The driver's perch seemed to slide back endlessly, which rather surprised me.
Generally in vehicles of this size, I place the driver's seat at its furthest rearward point to gain maximum leg extension; this was far from the case in the RDX. Even with the driver's seat set well back in its tracks, reasonable knee room exists in the rear seat. Overall, seating in the RDX is, as good as it gets in the segment.
Turbocharged engine delivers kick
The RDX is further set apart from the MDX when it comes to under-hood theatrics. The RDX is invigorated by a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder powerplant while its heavier sibling relies upon V6-inspired performance. Despite the absence of 2-cylinders, the RDX feels capable of out-hustling its larger kin when the right foots sinks deep and the turbo kicks in.
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| Seating in the RDX is as good as it gets in the segment. |