The Acura RDX AWD is Here

Acura is hitting on all cylinders with this AWD.

- Right now the RDX and the BMW X3 sit alone in that segment, more or less, Honda says. While the RDX can be compared to the X3—and we got a chance to do just that, you could also compare it to the Mazda CX-7, which covers the Acura very closely in specs and purpose, as well as the Land Rover LR3, which is a little upscale. Crossover cross-shoppers might also look at the Subaru Tribeca, Nissan Murano and even the Hyundai Tucson, Saturn Ion Red Line and Toyota RAV4, though those last three will certainly have the Acura folks steaming. "The RDX is upscale, dang it!" they will yelp. Yes, the RDX is nice and upscale, full of features that upscalers look for, like standard dual-zone climate control, wheel-mounted redundant controls, eight-way power drivers seat and six-disc in-dash audio. Optional features include navigation with voice recognition, integrated rearview camera and real-time traffic.
But the RDX also rides on the same new light-truck platform that will carry the next Honda CR-V. So you could look at it as a dressed-up CR-V. Acura calls the RDX "a fusion of SUV functionality and sports-sedan handling," which is a big claim. RDX is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder with i-VTEC. Since this engine will likely bolt easily into a lot of existing Hondas, it is sure to be a hit with tuners. The turbo features a variable flow design to keep power up at lower rpm. Peak power is a big 84 hp more than the CR-V. The X3s 3.0-liter straight-six makes 225 hp, by the way. When we drag-raced the two cars at three straight stoplights during the press intro, the RDX always whupped, especially when we used the brake-torque launch technique.

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