Acura’s new best-seller has become a risk-taker. With a more emotional design and divisive infotainment system, the 2019 RDX will dumbfound those accustomed to the previous model’s forgettable competence. Attracting new buyers to the brand may require just such an approach, and the RDX unapologetically makes a statement. With a bright red 2019 RDX A-Spec long-termer, we’ll have a year to determine whether we like what the Acura has to say.
The RDX’s extraordinary value story makes a good first impression. Even $38,295 base models include LED headlights, a panoramic moonroof, a package of active safety tech, and interior spaciousness you won’t find on some competitors at any price. The rear seats don’t recline, but there’s still room to stretch out. The RDX’s people-space doesn’t require sacrificing stuff-space, and I’m thankful for the crossover’s sizable cargo area and underfloor storage compartments.
The Acura’s most controversial feature is also standard. A touchpad controls the 10.2-inch infotainment screen mounted at the top of every RDX’s dash, perfect for optimal visibility. Users who insist on touchscreens may be frustrated by the touchpad, but we’re looking forward to evaluating how well the system works on a daily basis.
The same goes for the powertrain. Like the first-gen model, the new RDX is turbocharged, but our long-termer boasts twice as many forward gears. A 10-speed automatic pairs to a version of the same 2.0-liter turbo-four offered in the Honda Accord. The RDX’s version puts out 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque and emits a guttural engine note when you step on it.
Our A-Spec model doesn’t add extra power, but it does sport enormous 4.0-inch exhaust tips. Not excited yet? The A-Spec is also the only 2019 RDX to come with dark 20-inch wheels wrapped in wider and lower-profile tires than you’ll find on the other three trims rolling on 19s. Other upgrades, such as the black trim around the grille, side windows, and lights, add more visual pop in person than can be appreciated in photos. Functionally, A-Spec premium features include ventilation for the heated front seats already standard on the base car, suedelike trim on the seats and dash, and a 16-speaker sound system that even has speakers on the ceiling.
For $2,000, we opted for the latest version of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which can send 70 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, with all of that torque shifting to either rear wheel depending on conditions. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring as well as front and rear parking sensors are standard on the Tech, A-Spec, and Advance models, and to top it off, the $400 Performance Red Pearl paint contributes to our well-equipped RDX A-Spec’s $46,895 price. It’s a ton of money for a two-row crossover, but spec out a few RDX competitors with similar equipment, and you’ll start to see that price in a different light.
Through the new RDX, Acura hopes you’ll begin to perceive the brand differently, too. The 2019 model seeks to banish the idea that Acura’s compact luxury CUV will stir no more emotion than a well-built, premium toaster. And with our RDX A-Spec long-termer, we’ve got 12 months to see whether passion and rational considerations can coexist peacefully in one car.
| 2019 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec | |
| BASE PRICE | $46,895 |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $46,895 |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV |
| ENGINE | 2.0L/272-hp/280-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 |
| TRANSMISSION | 10-speed automatic |
| WHEELBASE | 108.3 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 186.8 x 74.8 x 65.7 in |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON | 21/27/23 mpg |
| ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY | 160/125 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB | 0.83 lb/mile |
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