The compact luxury SUV segment is packed with strong choices, but if you’re looking for value and like your SUVs sporty, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option. 2022 Acura RDX. It gets even better for 2022 with lots of updates to make the driving experience better, as well as adding tech features that have become industry standard.
Although it has been refreshed for 2022, the basic RDX dates from the 2019 model year, and the basics from there are still good. It has a powerful engine, a responsive chassis, a quality interior and sharp styling. Not only that, it’s also incredibly spacious and packed with standard features from a panoramic sunroof to a variety of driver safety aids, all at a price lower than many of its competitors. , including products of Audi, BMW car, Mercedes and others.
That’s not meant to be a class rep. If you have something you’re particularly interested in, perhaps peak performance, mixture or a more fancy and stylish interior, there are other options to consider. But Acura is one of the most comprehensive options, does almost everything well, and does so at a reasonable price.
Furniture & Technology | Passenger & cargo space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What is it like to drive? | Price & Features | Fault Ratings & Safety Features
What’s new for 2022?
The RDX has received several mild updates for the 2022 model year. The styling has been tweaked with front and rear bumpers and a new grille (pictured above left). The active suspension on the Advance Package has been adjusted for a sportier feel in Sport mode and a more comfortable feel in Comfort mode. The drive modes in each RDX have also been reworked, while additional sound-cancelling material has been added throughout. Tech updates include new standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, and a USB-C charging port. Wireless charging and customizable ambient lighting are now available as options. Some new interior and exterior color are available, including a bright blue exclusive to the PMC 200 Version (pictured top right). Furthermore, blind spot warning is standard, emergency automatic brake Pedestrian detection is now available, and the chassis has added reinforcements to improve crash performance.
How is the RDX interior and the technology in the car?
The interior of the RDX is a wonderful place. Most surfaces are covered with soft, premium-looking materials, including perforated leather, soft plastic, and plush vinyl. Aluminum trim is standard, but some high trim levels feature natural wood finishes.
RDX Introduction AcuraTrue Touchpad interface, infotainment system controls and 10.2-inch screen with touchpad mounted on the center console instead of the touchscreen interface. The system has a relatively steep learning curve and lacks any haptic feedback. In the end it’s not as intuitive as we’d like, and that’s important because it’s the interface you’ll use all the time in the RDX – including the interface with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Friend Our full impressions of the system can be read here.
We were more than impressed by the RDX’s sound system, especially the units available on higher trims. The ambient lighting system is also interesting, as it features a range of pre-set color combinations named after famous roads and tracks.
How big is the RDX?
If you’re looking for the most spacious “compact” luxury SUV for passengers or cargo, the RDX is a pretty great place to start. In theory, the RDX has the most rear legroom in its class and when we Compare it with many different competitors, that proved to be absolutely correct. Unless you’re trying to win NBA time, your knees won’t touch the front seat. More importantly, rear-facing child seats are also more likely to fit there.
Goods Space is similarly great with 29.5 cubic feet of space behind its raised rear seats. That’s better than everything in the segment except Volvo XC60, are essentially equal. However, it actually has more space thanks to the sizable and truly useful underfloor storage area, increasing the capacity to 31.1 cubic feet. The result is the ability to carry much more than its luxury-segment standard, and is roughly in line with non-luxury super cars like Honda CR-VA and Subaru Forester. Better still, there’s a floor storage area without the loss of a spare tire – no running soles or tire cans here.
What are the RDX performance and fuel economy specs?
There is only one engine and transmission on the RDX. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The RDX also comes standard with front-wheel drive, but a torque all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) system is also available.
Fuel economy differs only slightly depending on the powertrain and whether the RDX comes with an A-Spec or PMC package. A standard front-wheel drive RDX gets 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 24 combined. All-wheel drive reduces it to 21/27/23. Front-wheel drive A-Spec gets 22/27/24 and A-Spec or PMC models with all-wheel drive get 21/26/23.
What is RDX like to drive?
The RDX manages a pleasing balance between class-appropriate sportiness and overall comfort. There’s a bit of adrenaline in this – a growl from the engine as it propels the RDX forward on a wave of torque. Acura’s parent company, Honda’s motobike, know how to create an entertainment engine. The RDX exudes a sporty vibe, but also supports it with real sportiness. The optional SH-AWD system’s advanced torque vectoring system is also a boon on dry pavement, giving the RDX a clear turn – and to an extent, it will also help with grip in bad weather conditions. We think it’s a return to form for a car that has built its reputation by providing a sharper-than-average driving experience. intersection.
Peak torque on the low end of the engine means it runs faster around town. It sends power through a 10-speed automatic transmission, which is good for the most part but is sometimes confused. During a couple of drives in an A-Spec test car, a quick jab of the accelerator to overtake another vehicle resulted in a staggering delay before the RDX figured out the transmission. We’ve had similar issues with nine- and 10-speed automatics in the past, but it’s annoying. Other than that, the engine and transmission work together quite well – and the RDX feels horribly quick to drive, especially in sportier driving modes.
There are two suspension options for the RDX. The upgraded version gets the Adaptive Damping System, but everything else is relegated to the Passive Amplitude Response Damper system. The non-electronic dampers work well – the ride is firm but not uncomfortable, and the RDX angles are accurate. It’s aided by a good steering feel from the variable-ratio rack, although it’s on the light side at low speeds. The adaptive system is also impressive, and the new mode adjustment has resulted in sportier and more comfortable settings (depending on mode) than before.
Note that the A-Spec package sounds like it could be a performance upgrade, but it’s purely a cosmetic package.
What other Acura RDX reviews can I read?
2022 Acura RDX First Drive | RDX redux gives us what we want
Look at what’s new for 2022 and how those changes improve the RDX.
Acura RDX Baggage Check | How much cargo space?
We dive into the RDX’s cargo space behind the second row, putting the 31.1-cubic-foot measurement to the test with real bags.
Acura + Video Infotainment Review
Acura’s unique touchpad infotainment system found sympathizers and detractors among our employees. Admittedly there have been more detractors, but Zac Palmer argues why he’s among the few who like it after a while. Note that the article and video below used Acura TLXbut the system is still the same.
What is the price of RDX 2022 and what features does it have?
The Acura RDX starting at $40,345 for a base, front-wheel drive model. On the outside, it gets 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the RDX gets dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button entry, 12-way heated faux leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim, ambient lighting and electric hatch. Tech features include a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, a 7-inch info screen in the dashboard, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Other notable features available as an option or on higher trims include the A-Spec appearance package, fog lights, sport seats, genuine leather upholstery, 16-way power-adjustable seats, and smart front seats. Windshield, heated rear seats, remote start, heated steering wheel, wood trim, wireless phone charging, upgraded audio system, 10.5-inch head-up display and navigation.
Also worth noting is that all-wheel drive is a $2,200 option on RDX models with front-wheel drive as standard. Some RDX models come standard with all-wheel drive. The base price per piece is listed below and includes a $1,045 destination fee ($1,995 for PMC).
- RDX: $41,145
- RDX Tech Bundle: $43,795
- RDX A-Spec: $46,795
- RDX Advanced Package (AWD only): $51,145
- RDX A-Spec Advanced Pack (AWD only): $53,145
- RDX PMC Edition (AWD only): $55,295
What are the RDX safety ratings and driver assistance features?
Both IIHS and NHTSA crash-tested with the Acura RDX and it performed well in testing by both institutions. The IIHS even gave the RDX a Top Safety Pick+ safety rating. It earned the top “Good” score in every crash test, as well as all headlight reviews. Child seat’s “Good+” rated LATCH anchor access and automatic emergency function brake system has a “Premium” rating for traffic and an “Advanced” rating for pedestrian traffic. The NHTSA gave the RDX a top five-star safety rating, with four stars for frontal crashes, five stars for side crashes and four stars for rollovers.
The RDX comes standard with many helpful safety and driver-assist features. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control with lane-focused steering assist. Available as an option or on higher trim levels are rain-sensing wipers, rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.
