Acura RDX

A large portion of the younger auto buying consumer population has been indicating their increased desire for luxurious crossover vehicles, something between a station wagon and a sport utility vehicle with the features of a luxury sport sedan. Acura delivered an intriguing model to fulfill these desires with the introduction of the Acura RDX.

The 2007 RDX was Acura's entry level crossover SUV. Unlike the Acura MDX, which is a larger, seven passenger SUV and geared more towards utility, the RDX is a compact, five passenger luxury crossover SUV and was first introduced at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The vehicle is a four door, all wheel drive with a 2.3L, four cylinder turbocharged engine. Receiving praise for both performance and style, it is also noteworthy to mention the vehicle also received the highest safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Some of the more poignant features of the RDX include all wheel drive with enhanced handling to improve stability, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather upholstered front seats, a savvy sound system and a large dashboard display screen that allows the driver and passengers to easily view audio and climate control information. The optional Technology Package includes a wireless cell phone link and a full featured navigation system.

Though RDX boasts an increased focus on technological conveniences, sport performance and luxury, there are a couple of drawbacks. As compared with traditional SUVs and even some comparable crossover models, the Acura RDX has limited cargo space. In addition, the turbo charged engine requires high octane fuel to perform optimally and fuel efficiency is not recognized as a high priority.
There are few differences between the introductory version and the new 2008 Acura RDX. Minor improvements for 2008 include a rear view mirror that will automatically dim and a driver seat memory positioning feature. Bluetooth connectivity is also now a standard feature as opposed to an option and represents Acura's dedication to providing the technological conveniences that seem to be most important to the new younger generEngine type Turbocharged 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC® in-line 4
Displacement (liters) 2.3
Compression Ratio 8.8:1
Horsepower (SAE net) 240 @ 6000 rpm
Torque 260 lbs.-ft @ 4500 rpm
Redline 6800 rpm
Fuel Injection PGM-FI multi-point injection
Ignition Electronic direct
Emissions ULEV-2
Required fuel Premium unleaded 91 octane19
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy (city / highway)27 RDX 19 / 24
RDX SH-AWD 17 / 22 mpg
Tune-up interval3 No scheduled tune-
ation of drivers.