If the 2008 Acura RDX participated in a round of speed dating, it’d probably say this: “Hi, I’m RDX. I’m young and active. I’m into high-tech gear and fashion. In my spare time, I like working out and going for long drives in the rain. My family is well-known and famous. I’m ready for a long-term commitment; but first, is your credit score above 780?” Time’s up. Interested?
The Acura RDX is Acura’s first compact luxury crossover SUV. Originally previewed as the Acura RD-X concept car, the production RDX had its debut at the 2006 New York Auto Show and went on sale on August 11, 2006.
The RDX takes over from the MDX as Acura’s entry-level crossover SUV, as the MDX continues to grow in size and price. The RDX competes with other compact luxury SUVs such as the BMW X3, Lincoln MKX, and Land Rover LR2; other competitors include slightly larger crossovers such as the Lexus RX and Volvo XC90 as well as luxury-option versions of vehicles such as the Subaru B9 Tribeca and Mazda CX-7. The RDX is assembled in Marysville, Ohio. Although the dimensions of the vehicle are similar to that of the Honda CR-V, Acura claims the RDX uses a unique platform developed to handle the vehicle’s advanced all-wheel drive system. Sales have been slow. 3832 units have been sold in the first two months of 2007 which is below forecast. Incentives will be offered to help sales.