2022 Acura RDX: A Sporty Crossover SUV

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PROS
CONS
VERDICT
It looks amazing and has a powerful presence on the road. It handles well with minimum roll. The interior quality is excellent, with a variety of materials and textures, and it is less expensive than its competitors.
The adaptive dampers in the A Spec don't make much of a difference. The digital gauge is analog, which is nice, but the display and interface feel dated, especially when compared to those found in the Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5, and BMW X3.
It's a steal in comparison to its competition, with no noticeable cost-cutting. The interior is lovely, the features are plentiful, and the outside appears to be high-end. It may not stick out in a parking lot, but it is far from boring.

Does it have any competitors or rivals?

Lexus NX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, Volvo XC60, Lincoln Corsair, Genesis GV70

What’s new about the 2022 Acura RDX?

  • Slightly redesigned exterior
  • More insulation - lesser NVH levels

How about the prices and trims?

The RDX has a starting MSRP of $39,300. The Acura RDX 2022 is available in a single trim level. It does, however, have three packages that act similarly to trims: Technology, Advanced, and A-spec. There’s also a limited production PMC Edition, but as it’s limited to a few models, folks will be unable to get it.

Technology package (starting MSRP of $41,950)

  • 12-speaker ELS studio
  • Wireless device charging
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Genuine milano leather seats
  • IconicDrive
  • GPS-linked climate control

Advanced package (starting MSRP of $49,300)

  • Surround-view parking camera system
  • 16-way power-adjustable front seats
  • Heated rear outboard seats
  • A heated steering wheel
  • Adaptive damping shocks
  • Rain sensing powers

A-Spec package (starting MSRP of $44,950)

  • 20 inch gray 5 spoke wheels
  • A-spec styling
  • 16 speaker ELS audio system
  • Heated and ventilated sport seats
  • Flat bottom steering wheel
VehicleAcura RDX
DriveFWDAWD
Starting Price (USD)40,10042,300
Engine2.0 liter Turbo VTEC 2.0 liter Turbo VTEC
Power (hp)272272
Torque (lb-ft)280280
0-60 mph (s)6.25.7
Top Speed (mph)120120
MPG (city/hwy/comb)22/28/2421/27/23

Which one do we recommend?

We recommend going for the A Spec. Even though it’s expensive, its price is less than or equal to the starting price of its competitors. In this spec, you’ll get sporty exterior upgrades and more options to tune your interiors according to your need. The adaptive dampers don’t make a huge difference but it will reduce the depreciation since it is a desirable feature. The A-spec feature can also be had with the Advance Package.

Looking for a used Acura TDX car near you? Check out all Acura TDX cars here.

What about its availability?

The RDX is available at Acura dealership near you.

What about its performance and handling?

The 10-speed auto is smooth and quick. The stock dampers are very good at balancing the sportiness and comfort of the vehicle and are only slightly less capable than the adaptive ones. The dynamics of the SUV are excellent and the RDX has great driver involvement. The brakes work really well and the engine is quite powerful and responsive. This means that while the normal supermarket and office run is comfortable, sharp corners and high speeds will not shake your confidence.

However, Acura should have given us more power to compete with the Genesis gv7d and Lexus nx.

How’s the interior?

SeatingHeadroom, Front/RearLegroom, Front/RearCargo volume
540 / 38 inches42 / 38 Inches29.5 cubic feet


The cabin is spacious and enveloped in various design elements, aluminum trims, and leather. The center console is wrapped in leather and has a gloss black panel that goes up to meet the dashboard. The seats are big, wide, well cushioned, as well as bolstered. Heated and ventilated seats are available including rear heated seats.

Also, if you're searching for one of the roomiest compact SUVs, the 2022 RDX has 38 inches of legroom, which is more than Genesis or Lexus.

LIKES:

  • Palm rest before touchpad for increased ergonomics
  • Good build quality
  • Red interior on the A Spec looks and feels very premium

DISLIKES:

  • Ventilated seats are not standard


Infotainment and connectivity

The RDX gets a 10.2-inch display screen with integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All trims also get a 7-inch MID display. The screens are vivid and have good resolution. The front and rear passengers get USB ports.

A couple of things you'll notice straight away as you sit in the car: the display panel is still the same size and is still positioned further back, which may annoy some folks.

LIKES:

  • WiFi hotspot
  • ESL Studio Premium (Technology) and ELS 3D (A Spec)
  • Siri Eyes free
  • Built-in Alexa

DISLIKES:

  • The 7 inch MID is dated

How about the technology and features?

The RDX gets a lot of features, most of which are standard. These features include Powered tailgate, powered mirrors, Auto High Beam, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Dual Zone Climate Control with a GPS link.

LIKES:

  • Navigation with 3D view
  • 360 degree camera
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Remote start

DISLIKES:

  • Powered liftgate doesn’t have a lock button which means you have to use the keys.

How’s the exterior?

The design of the RDX is sharp and aggressive. LED front lights and the illuminated dragontail LED lights give it a sporty look which is reinforced by the 5 spoke alloys and the vents in the acute bumpers. The strong body lines and thick wheels give it a good stance.

It’s a good looking SUV and could be subjectively called the best looking one in its segment.

What warranty and safety does it offer?

  • 5 year / 60,000 miles limited warranty
  • 10 year / 100,000 miles Powertrain warranty
  • 10 year / 100,000 mile warranty on electrical components (battery included)
  • 7 year / unlimited miles Anti Perforation warranty
  • 5 year / unlimited miles 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Features like Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep and Follow, Safe Exit Assist, etc. are standard
  • Limited gets more features such as Blind Spot Monitor, Highway Driving Assist and Parking Distance Warning (Front & Reverse)
  • It has six airbags
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