TSX69

ConsumerGuide
2007 Acura RDX Full Review
Updated: 07.13.2006

MSRP: $32,995-36,495
Invoice: $
Class: compact sport-utility vehicle
Value In Class: 5

2007 Acura RDX: Highlights
Acura launches its first compact SUV as a five-seat wagon powered by the company's first turbocharged engine. RDX is 2 inches shorter in wheelbase and 8 inches shorter overall than Acura's seven-passenger MDX. The only engine is a 240-hp turbo 4-cyl. It teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles for manual operation. RDX has Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that apportions power between the rear wheels to enhance cornering stability. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard, as are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery with heated front seats, and a 6.5-inch dashboard screen that displays audio and climate information. A Technology Package includes DVD Audio, cell phone link, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information for 30 major cities. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

News
The RDX may be in line for a new-generation "clean diesel" engine that Honda plans for U.S. sale by 2009. Actually, Honda is developing both 4-cyl and V6 diesels for a variety of vehicles as part of its drive to reduce its fleet's total CO2 emissions. Company statements are not clear which if any diesel the RDX might get, but we'd bet on the 4-cyl unit, possibly with a turbocharger.


2007 Acura RDX: Road Test
Pros
All-wheel drive
Handling/roadholding
Rear-seat comfort

Cons
Interior materials
Steering feel

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Base w/Tech. Pkg. /C lass Average
6 / 4.8
Not neck snapping, but more than adequate in most situations. Minimal turbo lag (a delay in throttle response) helps engine feel strong around town, but highway passing power unimpressive.

Fuel Economy
Base w/Tech. Pkg. / Class Average
5 / 5.5
No opportunity to measure. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality
Base w/Tech. Pkg. / Class Average
5 / 5.5
Final evaluation awaits full road test. Good compliance on various surfaces, though rough roads induce some crashing, abrupt vertical motions.

Steering/Handling/Braking
Base w/Tech. Pkg. / Class Average
6 / 5.5
SH-AWD provides secure grip on wet and dry surfaces. Body lean kept in check in fast turns. Steering provides solid road feel but is frustratingly heavy in low-speed maneuvers. Brakes have good stopping power despite spongy pedal action.

Quietness
Base w/Tech. Pkg. / Class Average
6 / 5.5
Some turbo whine under acceleration, but engine nicely muted while cruising. Wind rush not an issue. Tires noisy even on smooth asphalt.

Controls/Materials
Base w/Tech. Pkg. / Class Average
6 / 6
Most controls logically placed, though audio system markings are a bit small to be identified at a glance. Instruments large, clear. Turbo boost indicator included instead of an engine temperature gauge. Navigation system absorbs some audio functions, and control knob is counterintuitive, making system operation a distraction. Some un-Acura-like hard plastics dot the interior, but materials assembled with care.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Base w/Tech. Pkg. / Class Average
7 / 6.5
Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel, power driver seat make short work of finding a comfortable position. Head/leg room sufficient for most adults. Well-bolstered seats keep occupants secure. Chair height seating offers commanding view to all sides.

Room/Comfort (rear)
Base w/Tech. Pkg. / Class Average
5 / 5
Slightly reclined seatback angle allows tall riders to sit without their heads hitting the sunroof housing. Bench is supportive but lacks leg, knee room with front seats more than halfway back.

Cargo Room
Base w/Tech. Pkg. / Class Average
7 / 7
Good room behind rear seats. Rear seatbacks split 60/40, fold in one motion to create a flat load floor. With the rear seat folded, Acura says two 19-inch mountain bikes fit standing up with their front wheels removed. Center console is a handy, two-tier design that can accommodate a small briefcase. Large door pockets, clever door armrest bins offer plenty of small-item storage.

Value within Class
Base w/Tech. Pkg. / Class Average
5 / 5
RDX's performance and accommodations are in step with Acura's goal of creating an SUV with the sporty flavor of its compact TSX sedan. Acura's decision to debut its first turbocharged engine in this SUV is a success, and it favors in-town driving over high-speed passing response. Like BMW's X3, RDX is a "premium" compact SUV with steep initial pricing. In Acura's case, this is partially offset by the brand's reputation for reliability and resale value.

Total Score
Base w/Tech. Pkg. / Class Average
58 / 56


Scores for all compact sport-utility vehicles
Low Score 54
Average Score 56
High Score 58

98AccordEx

RDX got the same overall scores as the 2006 BMW X3 & the Mazda CX-7, great a 3-way TIE????
CX-7
http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/New/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/39184/Act/Showall/

X3
http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/N...6/Act/Showall/

phile

Looks like their impression of some interior materials was the same as mine at the NY Auto show, and that was a pre-production.

jaobrien6

Wow, that' a really wide distribution they've got there...

98AccordEx

I'm guessing it's for 2007 models only so maybe it reflects only a few vehicles.

unlemming

The previews were based on preproduction vehicles as well, weren't they? Either way not a glowing review.

phile

I doubt it, we're almost a month away from the official release date.

vicpai

News
The RDX may be in line for a new-generation "clean diesel" engine that Honda plans for U.S. sale by 2009. Actually, Honda is developing both 4-cyl and V6 diesels for a variety of vehicles as part of its drive to reduce its fleet's total CO2 emissions. Company statements are not clear which if any diesel the RDX might get, but we'd bet on the 4-cyl unit, possibly with a turbocharger.

.....is the part that gets me real excited, and something that makes some sense for a change!!! .....A nice Turbodiesel that can get something like 25mpg in the city and 35mpg hwy would be a WINNER in my book!!! ......If I'm going to have sh*tty performance anyways, at least give me some REAL GOOD fuel economy to show for it .....especially with gas prices CERTAIN to hit $5/gal in the near future

FYI, the Mercedes E-320 Blutec with a 3.2 liter V6 turbodiesel is rated at 27city and 38hwy and can go an estimated 780miles on a tank of diesel!!!! .....and that's not even the whole story. It's 369lb.ft. of torque enables it to do 0-60 in 6.6 secs!!!!.... ....DIESEL ROCKS and is the way to go!!

unlemming

True, but most rags had there "first drive" back in May if not earlier for their July issues. I'm sure someone here knows the exact date, but it was a while back.