Looking for a blinged-out, cushy sofa-ute that rides like it’s on a cloud? If so, do yourself a favour and skip the remainder of this review. It’s about the recently-revised Acura RDX Technology. Among many other things, this sporty Japanese hauler has a suspension that’ll make luxury fanatics wince--because it’s designed to make performance fanatics smile.
Conversely, should you be that guy or gal willing to tolerate a sharp, tight ride in exchange for some mischievously agile handling, this understated crossover needs to be near the top of your ‘To Test Drive’ list.
SUV, heavy on the ‘Sport’
When Acura set out to launch an extremely sporty crossover back in 2006, the RDX almost instantly started racking up awards and praise from automotive media and new owners alike. With turbocharged power, very sporty handling and Acura's acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, RDX quickly proved itself as one of the most worthy contenders on the fun-to-drive side of the market.
2010 makeover
2010 has seen Acura’s smallest crossover fitted with several updates as part of a mid-cycle makeover. The most visible and controversial of these is the application of the brand's new grille treatment to the RDX's face.
If distinctive is your thing, you’ll probably like it--though it solicits instant opinions from all around it. Some folks appreciated the fresh and different approach. Others said the tester’s face resembled that of a robotic chicken.
Several new body trim pieces are applied too--as is a new rear fascia with new rectangular exhaust tips. Overall, the RDX's subtle, compact and understated body still maintains a look that’s both ‘sporty’ and ‘sleeper’.
Turbo VTEC, SH-AWD
Performance still comes from Honda's only turbocharged passenger-vehicle engine--a 2.3-litre unit with 240 horsepower. A top-mounted intercooler ensures a constant supply low-temperature, high-pressure air, and a five-speed automatic with paddle shift is standard.
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| 2010 has seen Acura’s smallest crossover fitted with several updates as part of a mid-cycle makeover. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
Conversely, should you be that guy or gal willing to tolerate a sharp, tight ride in exchange for some mischievously agile handling, this understated crossover needs to be near the top of your ‘To Test Drive’ list.
SUV, heavy on the ‘Sport’
When Acura set out to launch an extremely sporty crossover back in 2006, the RDX almost instantly started racking up awards and praise from automotive media and new owners alike. With turbocharged power, very sporty handling and Acura's acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, RDX quickly proved itself as one of the most worthy contenders on the fun-to-drive side of the market.
2010 makeover
2010 has seen Acura’s smallest crossover fitted with several updates as part of a mid-cycle makeover. The most visible and controversial of these is the application of the brand's new grille treatment to the RDX's face.
If distinctive is your thing, you’ll probably like it--though it solicits instant opinions from all around it. Some folks appreciated the fresh and different approach. Others said the tester’s face resembled that of a robotic chicken.
Several new body trim pieces are applied too--as is a new rear fascia with new rectangular exhaust tips. Overall, the RDX's subtle, compact and understated body still maintains a look that’s both ‘sporty’ and ‘sleeper’.
Turbo VTEC, SH-AWD
Performance still comes from Honda's only turbocharged passenger-vehicle engine--a 2.3-litre unit with 240 horsepower. A top-mounted intercooler ensures a constant supply low-temperature, high-pressure air, and a five-speed automatic with paddle shift is standard.
 |
| Performance still comes from a turbocharged 2.3-litre engine unit with 240 turbocharged horsepower. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |