You have reached a time in life when you deserve more than Hondas’ CRV or Toyotas’ RAV4. Subaru, Nissan and Ford don’t offer the luxury and spirit you desire. Acura’s entertaining 2013 RDX is in a unique position to offer you a special combination of features. You just can’t get from Lexus, BMW and Audi.
The Lexus RX 350 is bigger and harder to maneuver and thousands more. BMWs X3 and Audi’s Q5 are forced into four-cylinder turbocharged engines so they lack the smooth consistent acceleration of a well-balanced V6. Acura’s new RDX has a good stiff structure and a consistent and predictable all-wheel-drive line combining luxury with sportiness ahead of what wants to be the competition.
The quiet of the RDX inside and out add substantially to the luxury experience. No need to raise your voice or adjust your hearing aid when driving near noisy urban construction or cruising 80 mph on the highway. Luxury is well demonstrated in the comfortable ride, comfortable seating, foot operated parking brake, large clearly labeled dials and buttons, interior textures, low effort steering and personalized climate controls.
Like BMW and Audi, Acura puts in a strong dose of sporty athleticism. Race car heritage of Honda/Acura is revealed in the accuracy and response of the power train, suspension, steering and braking. Acura’s RDX has engine technologies so advanced and well done they are just not available on the German competition. Let’s examine for a moment the power train.
The all-wheel-drive V6 power train employs a number of features to create near the same fuel economy as the turbo four-cylinder engines with less horsepower. Much of your suburban driving time is spent idling, coasting and often under light engine load. Honda engineers have perfected what is called; cylinder deactivation. So when you’re not accelerating or pushing your RDX hard or towing the boat trailer your engine may choose to run on only fourcylinders. There are times when the RDX will only be running on three cylinders or half the engine but you’d never know it. When you need power it’s there, instantly, seamlessly. It’s not like a turbocharger spinning up to pressurize. It’s just better.
The fluid drive six speed transmission is smooth and responsive to all four wheels. Like some other companies withan all-wheel-drive transmission the RDX powers the front wheels primarily. Power up to the rear wheels is not perceivable, at least by me. We took the RDX up to mountain snow and down to beachfront sand and we were thrilled with grip, traction and the complete driveline action. Over 50% of the power can be transmitted through the rear wheels as needed. This is not a sports car but sometimes I forgot that.
Most of the Acura RDX competition forces you into all-wheel-drive and a lot of technology costing thousands of dollars more. So you can buy a front-wheel drive only RDX which may well be better for your situation. For pure
driving pleasure avoid buying the Technology Package. Many of the features you already have on your smart phone.On the other hand you are going to desire the in cabin air filtration system, power lift tailgate, xenon headlights, impressive surround sound system and Acura navigation system that is laced to work well with your RDX mechanicals and your intellectual transportation information demands.
Or maybe you just get The Technology Package because you enjoy having an abundance of gadgets and software to keep you company as you
So if the other brands of luxury SUVs are too big or cost too much or ride rough then Acura’s RDX is a must drive. How do you like the look in three dimensions? Don’t feel pressure from friends; buy what you like. Call ahead and arrange a sample drive. Find the dealers phone number at Acura.com. The power height adjustable driver’s seat creates superior visibility for those of us who are shorter. Over 6 feet you’ll find good fit too.rocket into rush-hour. Power assist is standard on most everything. The quietness,ride and seating qualities are identical no matter whatpackages or options you add. This is not a luxury family sedan but sometimes I forgot that.
