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2008 Acura RDX Technology Review

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Michel Deslauriers
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Room for everyone
It took me a while to get comfortable in the driver's seat; I fiddled with the power adjustments for 2 days before hitting the right position for me. Fortunately, there is a position memory function. As for the front passenger seat, it offers no power adjustments whatsoever, which is peculiar in a vehicle of this price.

Cargo space is pretty good.

In back, three adults will be a little snug, but the flat floor helps the middle occupant quite a bit. The doors open wide to ease entry and exit.

Cargo space is pretty good, too. Yet the similarly-sized Mazda CX-7 offers a little more room when the back seat is in use. However, the liftgate of the RDX cuts into the bumper and reveals a low load floor when opened.

All the latest techno-gadgets
The RDX comes standard with Bluetooth wireless connectivity, but hooking up my phone required something I hate doing--reaching for the glove box and having to go through the owner's manual. It's a lengthy process, but it works pretty well once you get connected.

For people who like to chat on their laptop while they drive, the center armrest storage compartment is deep enough to swallow a thin portable computer. The compartment is also lockable, but the metal keyhole looks out of place.

The Technology package adds a navigation system that works very well and has an easy-to-read screen, as well as a terrific-sounding 410-watt surround sound system with DVD-Audio playback and 10 speakers. All this can be controlled through the voice recognition system, but it's a little hard of hearing; English or French, the system's favourite word is "pardon?" In short, I gave up trying to use it.

The looks: love it or hate it
The front end of the RDX reminds me more of the previous MDX than the new one. The plastic grille surround is painted silver and will scratch easily. And the front and rear bumper caps cut well into the fenders, so there are noticeable panel intersections where the sun shines. The rear end's fat bumper gives the truck a bubble butt look.

The Technology package adds a navigation system that works very well and has an easy-to-read screen.
Michel Deslauriers
Michel Deslauriers
Automotive expert
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