2022 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec ADV – Review by David Colman + VIDEO

Virtuous but not flawless

David Colman

Photos and story by David Colman
Special correspondent for THE AUTO CHANNEL

Acura’s latest take on the RDX is an impressive piece of SUV. Base price for the no-frills RDX is $39,300. Add $2,200 for all-wheel drive. If you’re looking for higher trim and performance levels, you’ll need to upgrade the base RDX with bundled options Acura calls “Packages.” Our Apex Blue Pearl tester ($500 option) sported three packages that raised the base price to $51,300. The Tech Package adds front and rear parking sensors, very useful since you can’t see any corners of the RDX. Tech also helps with navigation and voice recognition.

The Advanced Package adds a head-up display, surround view camera, 16-way power front seats, heated windshield, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power tailgate and premium audio system. The A-Spec package gives you a rugged sport steering wheel, leather-trimmed sport seats with ultrasuede inserts, and 20-inch A-Spec-specific wheels mounted on 255/40R20 Goodyear RS-A all-season radial tires. However, none of these packs add electric steering wheel adjustment. Flipping a flimsy paddle by hand feels quite contrary to the brand’s otherwise high level of attention to luxury.

The strong point of the RDX is performance, both in a straight line and in handling. Acceleration from a standing start is strong, with a 0-60mph run taking less than 6 seconds. However, the turbocharged inline-4 hesitates for half a second every time you drop the throttle. This disconcerting habit shows up when trying to pass slower traffic on two-lane roads or join freeways. Part of the problem stems from the indecisiveness of the 10-speed automatic transmission, which feels uncertain about which gear to select when you press the accelerator pedal. Once underway, the RDX rushes with an unexpected ferocity that’s augmented by an infusion of artificial engine noise fed into the 16-speaker premium ELS Studio 3D audio.

Considering this SUV’s 66-inch height and large two-ton bulk, handling is surprisingly athletic. Only once were we able to free the big Goodyears from their grip on the sidewalk. This happened when we deliberately activated many directional locks on a slow, narrow ramp. Otherwise, the RDX performed with unwavering serenity. On winding secondary roads, it revealed a surprising athleticism that allowed us to nibble peaks with great satisfaction. Acura attributes this feat to its retuned damping system and Super Handling 4th Generation All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX benefits from a new torque vectoring system that promotes rearward torque distribution. An integrated dynamic system modifies throttle response, shift map, torque vectoring and active sound to best suit four driving choices controlled by a large button on the center console. The offers are: Snow, Comfort, Normal and Sport. Naturally, we chose Sport, and only wish we didn’t have to reselect it every time we restarted the RDX.

The interior design of the RDX flaunts a number of extra base hits offset by a big puff. The seats are boldly designed, exceptionally comfortable and pleasing to the eye. We particularly liked Acura’s use of authentic materials in the cabin, especially the real textured aluminum panels. The steering wheel is rewarding to grip and heated too, with the warmth of the activation button conveniently located on the spoke, not lost in a sea of ​​objects on the dash. A two-position memory switch on the door allows you to save your seat and mirror settings. We really liked the look and feel of the ultrasuede seat inserts.

The button-activated shift mechanism still demanded too much attention. But that was a minor issue compared to the pain of using the True Touch Interface (TTI) that controls most infotainment and navigation functions. We had hoped that a revamped RDX would bring a much-needed overhaul to the system, but it didn’t. Simply put, the TTI is virtually impossible for the driver to control while driving. He is hypersensitive and incredibly incompetent to carry out even your simplest instructions.

We liked the new RDX’s looks, handling and acceleration enough to compare it favorably to much more expensive SUVs from Audi (Q5) and BMW (X3). The buying public seems to agree, as the RDX has sold convincingly to these German brands since Acura launched it in 2006. TTI control issues aside, the latest RDX deserves a lot of credit. be considered for its many other virtues.

2022 ACURA RDX SH-AWD A-SPEC ADV

ENGINE: 2.0-litre inline-4, turbocharged VTEC, direct injection
POWER: 272 hp at 6,500 rpm
TORQUE: 280 lb-ft at 1,600-4,500 rpm
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 21 MPG city/26 MPG highway
TESTED PRICE: $52,845

HYPES: High, wide and beautiful

COLIC: 1500 lb towing, TTI

STAR RATING: 8 out of 10 stars