2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX2010 Acura RDX
For 2010, the Acura RDX has received a minor facelift. True, the changes are not Earth-shattering, but they do serve to keep the SUV contemporary. Along with the freshened front (which means the addition of the familiar Acura shield, aka "the beak") and rear fascias come some sharper tailpipes and a few new standard features. The RDX now includes Bluetooth (long overdue), automatic headlights, a USB input, compass and a backup camera with the display appearing in the rearview mirror. These items add to the RDX's overall ease of operation.
One of the biggest changes taking place in the auto industry is the shift away from V8 and V6 engines toward turbocharged and, occasionally, supercharged sixes and four-cylinders. This shift is being driven by the need to improve engine efficiency and reduce both fuel consumption and emissions without giving up on power. Acura was one of the first to embrace the turbocharged mantra when it launched the RDX as a 2007 model. Today, Ford has its EcoBoost lineup, Audi its TFSI range and Kia has the Sportage, soon to be released with a turbocharged four replacing the traditional V6.
The advantage to this strategy is simple. When driven as though there's an egg between the driver's foot and the gas pedal, a blown four delivers the same sort of fuel economy as its naturally aspirated counterpart. Pour on the coals, however, and the turbo spools up to deliver the performance of a six and then some. In many cases, the turbocharged four actually outdoes a similarly powered V6 because the torque turns up for work much earlier.
In the RDX's case, its turbo 2.3-litre four produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and it does so in an impressive manner. Power is delivered in a linear fashion, and it arrives without the engine getting flustered as it reaches for redline. The RDX puts 100 kilometres an hour on the clock in 7.8 seconds and turns the 80-to-120-km/h trick in a speedy 5.8 seconds. The advantage of the turbo was confirmed by my fuel economy test average of 11.1 litres per 100 km, which is better than many sixes offering similar performance. In fairness, I could have lowered the consumption appreciably had it not been so much fun winding up the turbo.
The five-speed manumatic transmission helps overall performance as the ratios keep the engine in its sweet spot for more of its working life. That stated, the RDX would put six speeds to much better use. Adding an extra gear and rejigging the ratio spacing would bring a faster launch off the line and easier highway cruising.
In practice, though, the 2010 Acura RDX moves with a quickness that will leave you questioning its paltry horsepower numbers — it's never less than energetic around town. It's also fleet-footed at the track, hustling from zero to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds. This is a shade behind the EX35's 6.6 seconds, but ahead of the 7.2 seconds logged by both the Q5 and the GLK350.
The crossover's bantam-weight physique no doubt plays a huge part in its stellar acceleration. With our test model tipping the scales at just 3,723 pounds, the FWD RDX is one of the lightest choices in the luxury compact crossover segment.
Braking is merely so-so. The Acura RDX decelerates from 60 mph in 125 feet; the GLK350 makes the same stop in just 119 feet. Handling is more the RDX's forte. The spry little crossover whips round the slalom cones at 64.6 mph, besting both the GLK350 (61.3 mph) and the Q5 (64.3 mph). In city driving, the RDX carries itself just as nimbly as these numbers suggest; it feels smaller on the road than many others in the compact-ute segment. Steering is on the light side, but is reassuringly precise.
Fuel-efficiency in the FWD RDX is obviously better than that of its AWD counterpart, and is reasonably good for this category. EPA estimates are 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined — on par with the Q5 (20 combined) and ahead of the GLK350 (18). We averaged 19.5 mpg in mostly city driving.
“This is our second AWD RDX, and it is a vast improvement over the 2007 model. Along with the refreshed exterior, the driver seat now has two memory positions; the front passenger seat is power and not manual; there is a USB hookup for an iPod; Bluetooth is standard, as are heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, back-up camera, more comfortable seats, a quieter turbocharger and more responsive brakes.
“We also find the handling to be far better and the acceleration much smoother. I haven't found any info on any change that would account for the improved handling, but there is a pronounced difference.
“The RDX has now joined the ranks of luxury vehicles, as opposed to a wannabe. In addition, it is absolutely the best bang for the buck in its category, as Acura does not nickel and dime you for every feature (including those that can be found on economy cars). This is unlike BMW and Audi—and to some extent Infiniti as well.
