The small luxurious SUV section is crowded with many sturdy decisions, however in the event you’re on the lookout for worth and like your SUVs sporty, you would be hard-pressed to discover a higher choice than the 2022 Acura RDX. It is made even higher for 2022 with a plethora of updates to make the driving expertise nicer, in addition to including expertise options which have grow to be business requirements.
Though it was given a refresh for 2022, the essential RDX dates again to the 2019 mannequin yr. And the fundamentals from then are nonetheless good. It has a gutsy engine, a responsive chassis, a top quality inside and sharp styling. Not solely that, it is extremely spacious and it is full of commonplace options from a panoramic sunroof to loads of driver security aids, all at a worth decrease than a lot of its rivals, together with these from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and others.
That is to not say it is a class-leader. If in case you have sure belongings you significantly care about, maybe final efficiency, hybrid choices, or a fancier and extra trendy inside, there are different choices to think about. However the Acura is among the most well-rounded choices, doing most issues properly, and doing so at an affordable worth.
Inside & Expertise  |  Passenger & Cargo Area  |  Efficiency & Gasoline Economic system
What it is wish to drive  |  Pricing & Options  |  Crash Rankings & Security Options
Â
What’s new for 2022?
The RDX acquired quite a lot of delicate updates for the 2022 mannequin yr. Styling has been tweaked with new entrance and rear bumpers and grilles (pictured above left). The lively suspension on Advance Bundle trims is tuned for a sportier really feel in Sport mode and a extra comfy really feel in Consolation mode. The drive modes in each RDX have been retuned as properly, whereas additional sound deadening materials has been added all through. Expertise updates embrace new commonplace wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility and a USB-C charging port. Wi-fi charging and customizable ambient lighting are actually obtainable as choices. Quite a lot of new inside and exterior colours can be found, together with a shiny blue hue unique to the 200-unit PMC Version (pictured above proper). Moreover, blind-spot warning is commonplace, computerized emergency braking now has pedestrian detection, and the chassis has extra reinforcements to enhance crash efficiency.
What are the RDX inside and in-car expertise like?
The RDX’s inside is a pleasant place to be. Most surfaces are coated with mushy, premium-looking supplies, together with perforated leather-based, soft-touch plastics, and classy-looking vinyl. Aluminum trim comes commonplace, however some high-trim ranges get pure end wooden trim.
The RDX introduces Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, which controls the infotainment system and its 10.2-inch display screen with a center-console-mounted touchpad relatively than a touchscreen interface. The system has a comparatively steep studying curve and lacks any haptic suggestions. It’s finally not as intuitive as we’d like, and that’s vital as a result of it’s an interface you’ll be utilizing on a regular basis in an RDX – together with to interface with the usual wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performance. You can learn our full impressions of the system right here.
We have been extra impressed by the RDX’s sound programs, significantly the models obtainable on larger trims. The ambient lighting system can also be fascinating, because it encompasses a bunch of preset shade combos named after well-known roads and race tracks.
How large is the RDX?
Should you’re on the lookout for probably the most spacious “compact” luxurious SUV for both passengers or cargo, the RDX is fairly great spot to start out. On paper, the RDX has probably the most rear legroom within the section, and after we in contrast it back-to-back with quite a lot of rivals, that proved to be completely right. Until you are pushing for enjoying time within the NBA, your knees will not be touching the entrance seats. Importantly, a rear-facing little one seat can also be extra more likely to match again there.
Cargo area is equally wonderful with 29.5 cubic-feet of area behind its raised again seat. That is higher than every thing within the section besides the Volvo XC60, which is principally equal. Nonetheless, it truly has much more area due to its sizeable and genuinely helpful under-floor storage space that swells capability to 31.1 cubic-feet. The result’s the flexibility to hold much more stuff than its luxurious section norm, and almost match non-luxury tremendous haulers just like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Higher nonetheless, that under-floor storage space is achieved with out shedding the spare tire – no run flats or cans of tire goo right here.
What are the RDX gasoline financial system and efficiency specs?
Just one engine and transmission is out there on the RDX. It is a turbocharged 2.Zero-liter four-cylinder and a 10-speed computerized transmission. The engine makes 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The RDX additionally comes commonplace with front-wheel drive, however a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system can also be obtainable (SH-AWD).
Gasoline financial system differs solely barely relying on drivetrain, and whether or not the RDX has the A-Spec or PMC package deal. A front-drive commonplace RDX will get 22 mpg metropolis, 28 mpg freeway and 24 mixed. All-wheel drive drops it to 21/27/23. The front-drive A-Spec will get 22/27/24, and A-Spec or PMC fashions with all-wheel drive get 21/26/23.
What is the RDX wish to drive?
The RDX manages a contented steadiness between affordable sportiness for the section and total consolation. There’s a little bit of adrenaline within the factor – a growl from the engine because it thrusts the RDX ahead on a wave of torque. Acura’s dad or mum firm, Honda, is aware of learn how to make an entertaining engine. The RDX exudes an air of sportiness, but in addition backs it up with actual athleticism. The optionally available SH-AWD system’s superior torque vectoring can also be a boon on dry pavement, making the RDX flip crisply – and it’ll additionally assist, to a point, with traction in poor climate. We expect it’s a return to kind for a automobile that constructed its popularity on offering a sharper driving expertise than your common crossover.
The engine’s in depth low-end torque implies that it’s zippier round city. It channels energy by means of a 10-speed computerized transmission, which is usually competent however sometimes will get confused. On a number of events throughout a drive in an A-Spec take a look at automobile, a swift stab of the accelerator to move one other automobile led to a distressing delay earlier than the RDX found out what gear to be in. We’ve had comparable points with nine- and 10-speed automatics previously, however it’s disconcerting. Apart from that, the engine and transmission work collectively pretty properly – and the RDX feels awfully fast, particularly in sportier drive modes.
There are two suspension choices for the RDX. The Advance trim receives an Adaptive Damper System, however every thing else is relegated to a passive Amplitude Reactive Damper system. The non-electronic dampers work properly – the experience is agency however not uncomfortable, and the RDX corners with precision. It’s helped by respectable steering really feel from the variable-ratio rack, though it’s on the sunshine facet at low speeds. The adaptive system can also be spectacular, and the brand new mode tuning has resulted in sportier and extra comfy settings (relying on the mode) than earlier than.
Notice that the A-Spec package deal sounds prefer it may be a efficiency improve, however it’s a purely beauty package deal.
What different Acura RDX evaluations can I learn?
2022 Acura RDX First Drive | RDX redux provides us what we would like
Going over what’s new for 2022 and the way these adjustments enhance the RDX.
Â
Acura RDX Baggage Take a look at | How a lot cargo area?
We take a deep dive into the RDX’s cargo area behind the second row, placing the 31.1-cubic-foot measurement to the take a look at with actual luggage.
Â
Acura Infotainment Evaluate + Video
Acura’s distinctive touchpad infotainment system has discovered sympathizers and detractors amongst our employees. Admittedly, there have been extra detractors, however Zac Palmer runs down why he is within the minority of those that appreciated it after giving it a while. Notice that the article and video beneath used an Acura TLX, however the system is identical.
Â
How a lot is the 2022 RDX’s worth and what options can be found?
The Acura RDX begins at $40,345 for a base, front-wheel-drive mannequin. On the skin, it will get 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights and a panoramic sunroof. Contained in the RDX options dual-zone computerized local weather management, proximity entry with push-button begin, 12-way energy heated leatherette seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim, ambient lighting and an influence hatch. Expertise options embrace a 10.2-inch infotainment display screen, 7-inch information display screen within the instrument panel and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Different notable options obtainable as choices or on larger trims embrace the A-Spec look package deal, fog lights, sport seats, actual leather-based upholstery, 16-way energy seat adjustment, ventilated entrance seats, heated rear seats, distant begin, heated steering wheel, wooden trim, wi-fi telephone charging, an upgraded sound system, a 10.5-inch head-up show and navigation.
Additionally price noting is that all-wheel-drive is a $2,200 choice on RDX fashions that include front-wheel drive as commonplace. Some RDX fashions include all-wheel drive commonplace. Base costs for every trim is listed beneath and embrace the $1,045 vacation spot cost ($1,995 for the PMC).
- RDX: $41,145
- RDX Expertise Bundle: $43,795
- RDX A-Spec: $46,795
- RDX Advance Bundle (AWD solely): $51,145
- RDX A-Spec Advance Bundle (AWD solely): $53,145
- RDX PMC Version (AWD solely): $55,295
What are the RDX security rankings and driver help options?
Each IIHS and NHTSA have crash-tested the Acura RDX, and it carried out properly in each organizations’ testing. The IIHS even gave the RDX its High Security Decide + security score. It earned the highest “Good” rating in each crash take a look at, in addition to all headlight evaluations. Little one seat LATCH anchor entry was rated “Good +” and the automated emergency braking system obtained a “Superior” score for vehicle-to-vehicle and an “Superior” score for vehicle-to-pedestrian. NHTSA gave the RDX the highest five-star score total for security, with 4 stars for entrance crashes, 5 for facet crashes and 4 for rollover.
The RDX comes commonplace with many helpful security and driver help options. Ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping help, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, computerized excessive beams and adaptive cruise management with lane-centering steering help. Obtainable as choices or on larger trims are rain-sensing wipers, wiper de-icers, parking sensors and a surround-view digicam system.