This Platinum White paint possibility appears to be like good with the A-Spec trimmings.
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The third-generation Acura RDX made a really sturdy first impression when it debuted in 2018. There was rather a lot to like about this small premium SUV, from the sharp, angular A-Spec styling to its nimble all-wheel-drive efficiency. For the 2021 mannequin 12 months, the RDX is essentially the identical because it ever was, that means there’s nonetheless a complete lot to like.
LikeAvailable SH-AWD boosts nimbleness in mid-to-high velocity corners.Turbocharged engine delivers a wholesome 280 pound-feet of torque.Excellent suite of ordinary cabin and security tech.
Don’t LikeTrue Touchpad controller takes some getting used to.Drive mode selector simply mistaken for quantity knob.Off throttle and at decrease speeds, the RDX feels much less dynamic.
AcuraHyperlink cabin techThe RDX’s dashboard is dwelling to a very good infotainment suite that’s considerably hindered at first by its True Touchpad Interface controller. Front and middle you will discover a 10.2-inch HD dual-content principal show, which makes use of a split-screen interface to showcase the main infotainment capabilities. Users navigate by swiping and tapping on the small touchpad on the base of the middle stack to make on-screen alternatives. This True Touchpad is just like, but additionally completely different from, the one in your laptop computer. It makes use of absolute positioning, so inserting your finger within the decrease left or middle of the display, for instance, immediately selects objects equally positioned on the show. This makes it simple to shortly transfer across the RDX’s menus when you be taught the place every little thing is.
To the fitting of the principle touchpad space is a scroll bar that permits customers to shortly toggle the content material displayed on that sidebar. So I’m capable of, for instance, place the at the moment taking part in audio supply on the fitting third of the show alongside the non-compulsory 3D View Navigation on the principle show space. A multitasking button above the touchpad permits content material to be swapped between the 2 panes with a single faucet, on this case, retaining the map seen within the sidebar whereas I choose one other radio station or audio supply.There are additionally bodily buttons for Back and Home situated close to the touchpad and, general, it is moderately simple to maneuver via the interface — when you get used to it. The downside is that the training curve is usually a steep one. Acura’s True Touchpad is a really small floor, requiring extra exact actions to make tremendous alternatives, akin to textual content entry. This may be particularly tough for right-seat passengers who’ve to make use of their left hand. For vacation spot entry, possibly follow the moderately good natural-language voice recognition.
The True Touchpad controller takes some getting used to, however I favor it and AcuraHyperlink to Lexus’ Remote Touchpad and Enform.
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Apple CarPlay connectivity is normal, and Android Auto has lastly joined the get together, too. Interacting with them utilizing the True Touchpad is not fairly as pure as the remainder of the interface, however I’m glad to see each applied sciences current, bringing hundreds of apps for audio streaming, navigation and extra to the driving force’s fingertips.
Overall, I favor this technique to the same Remote Touchpad you will discover in trendy Lexus automobiles. Lexus Enform makes use of a fiddly cursor dot for alternatives that’s simple to lose observe of and requires much more exact positioning to function. Meanwhile, the Acura infotainment software program makes use of giant, easy-to-target choice packing containers for many parts of the interface, making it a lot simpler to make use of and requiring much less visible consideration whereas driving.The RDX’s cabin tech is not restricted to the middle stack. Ahead of the driving force is a 7-inch shade multi-information show tucked between the RDX’s two bodily gauges — right here, that includes A-Spec-specific pink illumination. The RDX’s local weather controls are GPS-linked, considering the solar’s place relative to the automobile and its influence on the inside temperature when metering out heating and air con between its cabin zones. Opt for the Advance trim and a big, 10.5-inch head-up show will put related data proper within the driver’s line of sight. The split-screen interface is designed for simple multitasking.
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AcuraWatch driver-aid techThe third-generation RDX comes normal with the automaker’s AcuraWatch suite of driver-aid applied sciences. That means even the bottom mannequin rolls out with forward-collision warning with collision mitigation braking help, full-speed adaptive cruise management that works in stop-and-go visitors, and lane-keeping steering help with road-departure mitigation. Not precisely an energetic security function, however all RDX fashions additionally come normal with Acura’s seven-segment Jewel Eye LED headlights and LED taillights, bringing brilliant, but exactly aimed illumination when driving after darkish.That’s already a strong loadout, however there are a couple of extras you possibly can add. Stepping as much as the Technology package deal ($2,900) provides entrance and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The top-tier Advance package deal upgrades to a surround-view digicam system and provides a washer to the usual rear digicam.Appearance-SpecThe Technology package deal is de facto the candy spot within the Acura RDX lineup, bringing necessary security options, helpful cabin applied sciences and glorious onboard navigation to the RDX’s already strong normal record of kit. The Advance package deal kicks the creature comforts to most and boosts literal consolation with its adaptive-damping suspension and acoustic facet glass. The A-Spec package deal lives within the center, retaining the entire Technology upgrades, however buying and selling Advance consolation for a sportier look.Out again, the A-Spec options twin exhaust retailers, and filling the wheel arches are dark-finish, 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 255/45R20 all-season tires. The all-seasons are in all probability the most effective indicator that that is an look package deal solely, not a real sport improve. There are not any tweaks to the suspension or powertrain that make the A-Spec carry out higher than or really feel any sharper than the usual RDX. At least it appears to be like sharper. The “A” in A-Spec should stand for “appearance.” Aside from bigger wheels, there are not any efficiency upgrades right here.
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The RDX A-Spec options shiny black exterior trim, together with a novel rear spoiler. The shield-shaped entrance grille has a cool Black Diamond design and shade. The internals of the headlamps and taillights are additionally darker, including to the meaner look. Of course, there are A-Spec badges scattered across the exterior and all through the cabin, in addition to darkish headlamp and taillight internals.Inside, you will discover leather-trimmed sport seats — mine look improbable in pink — with UltraSuede inserts and heated and ventilated surfaces. More UltraSuede may be discovered trimming numerous bits across the cabin. Red accent lighting and sport pedals full the A-Spec visible upgrades.Super-Handling All-Wheel DriveOK, the A-Spec is not any quicker than the usual RDX, however the usual mechanical configuration is not so dangerous. The engine bay is dwelling to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that peaks at 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The energy plant is mated to a 10-speed computerized transmission with an digital gear selector on the middle console and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.Drivers have a little bit of management over the RDX’s efficiency with an enormous Dynamic Mode choice knob close to the bottom of the middle stack. Twisting toggles between Comfort, Snow, Sport and Sport Plus modes impacts the throttle response, traction management and enhances the engine observe for the sportier settings. My sole criticism is that the selector appears to be like and is positioned rather a lot like an enormous, ol’ quantity knob. My passengers and I typically by accident pop the SUV into Sport mode when attempting to crank up our favourite songs.The Dynamic Mode selector appears to be like like (and is positioned like) an enormous quantity knob, which led to some hilarious mishaps.
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Front-wheel drive is normal, however you will positively need Acura’s fourth-generation Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) improve. Normally, I solely actually suggest all-wheel drive for areas with plenty of poor climate — even then, applicable tires in all probability have an even bigger impact on security — however SH-AWD can be a efficiency improve, which makes it helpful and even enjoyable when the roads are dry. It’s positively well worth the $2,000 premium.SH-AWD can ship as much as 70% of the engine’s accessible torque to the rear wheels on demand (the earlier era may solely handle a 50/50 break up), which aids in energy distribution when launching from a cease. The system additionally now options 100% torque vectoring on the rear axle to assist in cornering stability. When you steer right into a nook and the automobile’s weight begins to shift, SH-AWD will actively ship energy to the rear exterior wheel to assist steer into the nook. This new era can shuffle energy round 30% faster, which additionally makes the torque switch really feel extra seamless on the street. Chucking the RDX via a collection of mid-speed S-turns or a quick set of sweeping bends, the SUV behaves and appears like a a lot smaller automobile.However, there are nonetheless these pesky legal guidelines of physics to take care of. SH-AWD depends on the throttle to assist in rotation, so it would not assist a lot throughout gradual, off-throttle corners, akin to tight switchbacks, leaving the SUV feeling much less dynamic the slower you go. Plus, the RDX is a tall SUV with a comfort-oriented suspension, so there’s solely a lot velocity which you could carry via a quick flip earlier than SH-AWD merely can not help. Fortunately, the transition between “slaloming heroically” and “whoops, too fast” is easy and straightforward to catch. The RDX is an SUV that encourages you to push it safely.Get the throttle software and steering excellent and the RDX may be an absolute deal with on the fitting street. Of course, this isn’t a sports activities automobile, so I’m treating the enjoyment that SH-AWD brings underneath the fitting situations as a bonus professional, reasonably than its limitations as con. Around city, the usual MacPherson strut entrance and multilink rear suspension is snug and responsive, the electrical energy steering is good and linear and the 12-inch disc brakes in any respect 4 corners are simple to modulate and do an important job hauling the 4,105-pound SUV to a cease shortly and predictably.With SH-AWD, the EPA and Acura estimate the RDX is sweet for 23 mixed miles per gallon (21 mpg metropolis and 26 mpg freeway) when utilizing the really useful 91-octane gas. During my week of testing — spent principally within the hills exploring Sport mode — I solely reached 19.1 mpg. Front-wheel-drive examples fare a bit higher at an estimated 24 mpg mixed, 22 metropolis mpg and 28 freeway mpg.The RDX compares favorably to equally spec’d opponents, however the lineup is lacking each efficiency and hybrid improve paths for Acura followers searching for extra.
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Pricing and competitorsThe 2021 Acura RDX begins at $39,225 together with its $1,025 vacation spot cost for the bottom front-drive configuration. As I mentioned, you positively need the $2,000 SH-AWD improve for the additional traction in poor situations and improved driving pleasure when it is dry. The $2,900 Technology package deal can be a worthwhile improve given the additional security tech, navigation and different options it brings to the get together. As I discussed earlier, the Technology package deal is de facto the candy spot, the place I feel most patrons could be proud of the worth supplied. From there, the improve path forks with both the A-Spec or Advanced package deal being the subsequent step up; you possibly can’t have each. The A-Spec package deal would not add any efficiency, however does convey a sporty fashion to the RDX expertise. I really like the look, however whether or not it is well worth the $3,000 improve over the Technology package deal is a subjective resolution you will need to make for your self. That going with the A-Spec blocks the improve to the extra compelling Advance package deal with its extra premium options must also be thought of for patrons trying to take essentially the most luxurious route. As examined, you are $47,125 for this SH-AWD A-Spec.The Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC compete hotly for the gold normal on this compact premium SUV class. The RDX shouldn’t be fairly as luxurious because the Germans however nonetheless very properly appointed and, comparably outfitted, prices considerably much less. Plus with SH-AWD, the Acura is only a skosh extra enjoyable to drive.Also going tête-à-tête with the Acura are the Lexus RX and Volvo’s XC60. The Acura is a greater worth than the comparably priced and outfitted RX 350 and XC60 T5, and could be my private decide at this value. However, it’s shortly outclassed by these automobiles’ stronger efficiency and extra environment friendly hybrid specs, leaving RDX followers trying to transfer upmarket with much less room to develop. Perhaps a future RDX Type S with precise efficiency upgrades is so as? I’ll hold my fingers crossed.