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Nov 9, 2010 | 08:45 PM

TSX69

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Speed.com Review

Driven: Acura's Quick Little RDX CrossOver
Sporty drivability, hyper turbocharged 4-cylinder engine help compact SUV stand out from the pack

There’s a lot to like about the Acura RDX, a compact SUV with sporty handling and a hot little turbocharged four banger that begs to be hammered.

RDX had been around since 2006 after BMW started the rush to build compact luxury crossovers with the X3. The new niche drew lots of attention as gas prices rose and drivers got sick of lumbering around in big SUV trucks, and now most premium brands offer something similar to X3.

Acura RDX received a mild facelift for 2010, when the automaker’s now-signature beak was applied to RDX’s formerly normal grille. Maybe it’s an acquired taste, but I still can’t fathom that chirpy little grin that makes Acuras look like Japanese cartoon characters.

But getting past that, RDX impresses with its firm drivability in a class that’s usually more about comfort than cornering. The ride occasionally gets jarring over rough surfaces, but the tradeoff in handling is well worth it.

Acura now offers a front-drive-only version of RDX at a slightly cheaper price than the once-standard all-wheel-drive model, and that’s what I drove. In the Southwest, an AWD vehicle is not as much a boon as it is in snow country, and if one confines driving to pavement or graded dirt roads, it shouldn’t matter.

Despite the lack of Honda’s modestly named Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the front-drive RDX felt pretty well-planted even in high-speed maneuvers.

Another financial plus for the front-drive RDX is improved fuel mileage, at 19 city and 24 highway rather than 17 and 22 for the AWD version, according to the EPA.

The down side to front drive is a mild amount of torque steer when you get on the throttle from a standstill. The 240-horsepower turbo 4 delivers loads of torque from the get go, and injudicious application of the gas pedal will earn you a raucous tire shriek.

At just 2.3 liters, the turbo 4 is quite an overachiever. RDX jumps off the line, and the engine pulls with a surprising amount of muscle with no hint of turbo lag. Though typical for this kind of setup, it runs out of breath slightly as rpm climb. The engine is admirably quiet and smooth even under hard acceleration, and it’s nearly silent on the freeway.

The transmission is a 5-speed automatic that shifts quickly either on its own or via SequentialSport Shift. The suspension is fully independent with struts up front and multi links in back.

RDX carries over its aggressive stance and carved body style, with 18-inch spoke alloy wheels, rectangular exhaust outlets and satin body trim. The look is trim and distinctive, all the more so because of that grinning beak face. No mistaking an Acura for anything else.

Inside, RDX boasts a nicely tailored premium interior with all the trimmings. Besides the supportive seats and leather trim, standard technology features include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink connectivity with Bluetooth audio capabilities, seven-speaker Acura Premium audio and a USB port that allows the connection or charging such items as an iPhone or iPod.

The RDX that I drove was equipped with the Tech package, which Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps, plus 10-speaker surround sound and automatic climate control.

The technology package boosts the front-drive RDX bottom line from $32,520 to $35,620, so think carefully before checking that Tech box. The Super Handling AWD model starts at $34,520 plus the optional Tech if you so desire. Shipping adds $860 either model.

RDX continues as one of the best choices in compact crossover luxury, though its appeal is aimed more at driving enthusiasts who would appreciate its hyper turbo 4-cylinder engine and its firm ride.

Details

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door crossover SUV, front-wheel drive.
Engine: 2.3-liter, turbocharged inline-4, 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission: Five-speed automotive with manual shift.
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches.
Overall length: 182.5 inches.
Curb weight: 3,752 pounds (with Tech package)
EPA mileage rating: 19 city, 24 highway.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, who has driven and evaluated essentially every new vehicle sold in the United States. A lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle, he annually attends and writes about Arizona's famous January collector-car auctions, focusing on Scottsdale’s monumental Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event and other Barrett-Jackson auctions. SPEED.com fans email Automotive Editor Bob Golfen at bgolfen@gmail.com

The opinions reflected herein are solely those of the above commentator and are not necessarily those of SPEED.com, FOX, NewsCorp, or Speed Channel

Last edited by TSX69; Nov 9, 2010 at 08:48 PM.