The only engine available in the RDX, and Acura's first turbocharged unit, is a DOHC inline 4-cylinder affair displacing 2.3 litres. This somewhat gruff mill produces 240 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque @ 4,500 rpm. Those are impressive numbers for a four-banger by any measure.
Power really makes its presence known north of 2,500 rpm. Until then, the engine performs like any other 4-cylinder mill, so off-the-line acceleration is initially tepid. Once the turbocharger kicks in, the engine breathes fire as it races relentlessly to a 6,800 rpm redline.
This isn't the most demure of engines; a turbocharger-induced "woosh" of air accompanies the production of power. Performance-oriented drivers may enjoy the auditory rush while others may find it needless and annoying. I was more of the latter group.
Although this little beast of a powerplant is always quick to step up to the plate and heartily deliver, its production of power is not linear. Small increments in throttle depression often feel over-reacted to as the turbocharger spools up and force feeds the cylinders. Time behind the wheel may eradicate this issue as one adapts to the engine's response curve.
Handling is an RDX highlight
Acura has developed a unique all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that incorporates "torque vectoring" between wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. They've termed it Super-Handling AWD (SH-AWD). During cornering the technology directs additional torque to the wheels travelling the outer line of the curve, which helps stabilize the vehicle and power it cleanly through the corner.
SH-AWD has been praised by journalists for its contribution to safe, secure cornering characteristics, especially on wet or icy surfaces. This function is augmented by Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) electronic programming. Together they provide the RDX with the utmost in competent, composed handling making this compact crossover a champ in the corners.
 |
| The only engine available in the RDX is a DOHC inline 4-cylinder affair displacing 2.3 litres. |
Power really makes its presence known north of 2,500 rpm. Until then, the engine performs like any other 4-cylinder mill, so off-the-line acceleration is initially tepid. Once the turbocharger kicks in, the engine breathes fire as it races relentlessly to a 6,800 rpm redline.
This isn't the most demure of engines; a turbocharger-induced "woosh" of air accompanies the production of power. Performance-oriented drivers may enjoy the auditory rush while others may find it needless and annoying. I was more of the latter group.
Although this little beast of a powerplant is always quick to step up to the plate and heartily deliver, its production of power is not linear. Small increments in throttle depression often feel over-reacted to as the turbocharger spools up and force feeds the cylinders. Time behind the wheel may eradicate this issue as one adapts to the engine's response curve.
Handling is an RDX highlight
Acura has developed a unique all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that incorporates "torque vectoring" between wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. They've termed it Super-Handling AWD (SH-AWD). During cornering the technology directs additional torque to the wheels travelling the outer line of the curve, which helps stabilize the vehicle and power it cleanly through the corner.
SH-AWD has been praised by journalists for its contribution to safe, secure cornering characteristics, especially on wet or icy surfaces. This function is augmented by Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) electronic programming. Together they provide the RDX with the utmost in competent, composed handling making this compact crossover a champ in the corners.
 |
| Acura engineers equipped it with plenty of braking power. |