Acura RDX
The RDX is available in four basic trim models. There are front and all-wheel drive versions and there are front and all-wheel drive versions with the Technology Package. In both instances, all-wheel-drive adds about $1,400 to the cost of the vehicle and doesn't come with any additional options worth noting.
In standard trim the RDX is well equipped, with the kind of items a buyer would expect in the small luxury crossover segment. Leather seating, an 8 speaker 360 watt stereo, a 10-way adjustable power driver's seat, a backup camera and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity are all standard on even the most basic RDX's. Add the technology package and the list of standard equipment grows considerably. As the name would imply, the technology package significantly upgrades many of the electronics on the RDX. It adds a navigation system, upgrades and adds voice activation to the stereo, motorizes the rear liftgate and upgrades the low beams to HID units while adding an attractive set of fog lamps to the front of the vehicle. Options across all RDX models include a wood grain interior and a large selection of roof racks catering to everything from kayaking to snowboarding.
One of the biggest changes to the RDX for 2013, is the switch from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to a larger V6. The V6 displaces 3.5L, up from 2.4L for the 4-cylinder model and makes an additional 33 horsepower, bring the total up to 273. This V6 sends power to the wheels through a brand new 6-speed automatic transmission, keeping the RDX relatively fuel efficient. Power now arrives sooner and without the lag associated with turbocharging. The all-wheel-drive system has also been optimized for the 2013 model year and weighs significantly less than last year's unit, adding further to performance and fuel economy gains.
Like most modern road cars but unlike most truck based SUV's, the RDX rides on four-wheel independent suspension giving the best compromise between on road handling and comfort. This is aided by Acura's brand new Amplitude Reactive Dampers and Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering system, both new for 2013. This ensures that the RDX handles more like a sedan than an SUV.
The safety features of the RDX are numerous and include ABS, traction control and stability control. Six airbags are standard including two side curtain airbags. The RDX also makes use of an Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure which uses connected structural elements to more evenly distribute crash energy throughout the front of the vehicle in the event of a collision.