Acura RDX is comfortable yet equally versatile
2007 Acura RDX
Published: Jun 27, 2006
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The crossover vehicle segment seems to be taking over the conventional four-wheel drive segment. It stands to reason that while there continues to be a strong market for rough and ready four-wheel drive vehicles, the trend is toward a more comfortable yet equally versatile vehicle.
Acura has taken that idea a step forward by equipping its new RDX four wheeler with a turbocharged engine that adds performance to your road trip.
Typical of the Acura philosophy, the RDX is complete with all the features you might expect. On the inside, the passenger compartment is fitted with just about every bell and whistle. Standard equipment includes dual zone climate control, six-disc compact disc player, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel control switches. The list of optional features is full of upscale additions such as a voice recognition navigation system, rearview camera and an ELS sound system.
The interior is dressed in fine leather and attractive trim. The seats are more than comfortable, with adjustments that make it easy for anyone to find the correct position. The dash and instrument panel consist of more angles than arches or curves, yet add an air of utility in a sort of elegant manner.
Under the hood sits a capable performance rated four-cylinder engine that gets a boost from its turbocharger. The intercooled engine also is equipped with Honda/Acura's i-VTEC system that brings the horsepower rating to 240. The torque number is impressive, with a rating of 260 pounds-feet. All this is managed through a 5-speed automatic transmission making a smooth transition of power to the road.
The RDX continues the use of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which is capable of directing 70 percent of the vehicle's torque to the rear axle. Here, up to 100 percent of the torque can be distributed to either wheel. This depends on which wheel has the traction needed to get you out of a tenuous spot. Just be aware that this system is centered toward on-road stability rather than off-road ravine crawling.
The exterior styling is in the eye of the onlooker. While the front grille is redesigned, it continues the Acura look, with the "caliper A" front and center.
The combination melded into the RDX is set to offer several levels of satisfaction. Performance and economy from the drivetrain come from 240 horsepower combined with an estimated 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway rating. Comfort and luxury come from an interior that looks contemporary and offers all the features buyers ask for. And the knowledge that the Acura badge instills confidence for quality and reliability means that Acura will have no difficulty meeting its objectives in selling the RDX.
