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?

If you are, read on, you hopeless romantic. Introduced last year as an all-new model, the Acura RDX follows the typical small crossover SUV plan by having a car-based body structure, a fully independent suspension and seating for four adults. It’s about the same size as a Honda CR-V, but there are many upgrades that make it a more premium (and more expensive) selection. Acura’s baby SUV comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an advanced all-wheel-drive system and the upscale interior features and ambiance typical of an Acura product.

As SUVs go, the RDX is all-in on the “S” part. The turbo four is potent and spreads its power evenly throughout the rev range. That power is sent through Acura’s “Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive” (SH-AWD) system that can adjust torque output to individual wheels to maximize handling and traction. Handling is furthered by a firmly tuned suspension and big wheels and tires. However, the capital S comes at the expense of some “U.” Ground clearance is hardly better than a regular sedan’s, the ride quality can occasionally be harsh and the interior lacks the space and versatility one can typically expect from this type of vehicle.

Essentially, the 2008 Acura RDX is a sport sedan disguised as a small SUV. It’s not a bad combo, really — how many people plan to hit the trails in such vehicles? Plus, this is a design approach that BMW has successfully used for the X3, and indeed the two models are prime competitors. The RDX is a bit quicker from zero to 60 mph and has a lower price but lacks the X3’s extra interior space and premium ambiance. We like the Acura and recommend it, though it’s in your best interest to look at both of these vehicles as well as the new Infiniti EX35. Alternately, top non-premium models like the similar-performing Mazda CX-7 or the larger Toyota RAV4 V6 are also very good choices.

The 2008 Acura RDX is a small, five-passenger luxury crossover SUV. Standard equipment is generous and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a moonroof, full power accessories, heated front seats, a power driver seat with memory, Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control. A seven-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an auxiliary input jack is also standard. The RDX’s Technology package adds a navigation system with real-time traffic, a rearview camera, solar-sensing and GPS-linking features for the climate control and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS premium surround-sound audio system.

Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s capable of 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard. Power is sent to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD) similar to the one used for the RL luxury sedan. It’s not only able to distribute torque between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right wheels. In testing, we’ve found the RDX can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, one of the quickest times for this segment. Fuel economy is disappointing, however, with a 2008 EPA estimate of 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway. Towing capacity is a minimal 1,500 pounds.

Every 2008 Acura RDX comes standard with front-seat side airbags, head-protecting side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, active front head restraints, antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control and traction control. The RDX has also proved to be very crash-worthy; in government testing, it earned a top five-star rating for protection of occupants in both frontal and side-impact crashes. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the RDX a top score of “Good” in frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing.

Thanks to its leather seating, metallic accents, blue illumination for the gauges and symmetrical dash design, the RDX’s interior looks considerably more upscale than the average small SUV. There is a bit more plastic than expected in an Acura, but not enough to be bothersome. An improbably deep center storage compartment between the front seats can hold a briefcase or laptop bag. The most concerning aspect about the RDX is its lack of utility. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seat reveals 61 cubic feet of cargo room, less than what many other small crossovers can hold. Rear passengers don’t receive many amenities, and the rear seats don’t recline or slide fore and aft.

The 2008 Acura RDX should come with a free subscription to ESPN HD; it’s all about sport. When the turbo kicks in with a minimum of lag, it does so with a delicious whooshing sound. The transmission is well suited for the engine’s power delivery, though there is no rev-matching capability for downshifts. The ride quality is firm, perhaps overly so on rough city streets. In return, the RDX is eager to play when driven on curvy roads. Its firm suspension and big wheels and tires provide plenty of grip, while the signature SH-AWD system maximizes traction and idealizes yaw control.

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.

The RDX is powered by Acura’s first turbocharged engine. The 2.3-liter I4 K23A1 engine has all-aluminum construction, an i-VTEC head, and dual balance shafts. Acura variable flow turbocharger reduces turbo lag by using a valve to narrow the exhaust passage at low rpm, increasing the velocity of the exhaust flow and keeping the turbine spinning rapidly. At higher rpm, the valve opens to allow more exhaust flow for increased boost. The engine also features a top-mounted intercooler which receives air from the grille, channeled by ducting under the hood. The Acura RDX engine is rated at 240 bhp @ 6000 rpm with a torque peak of 260 ft/lbf. @ 4500. The EPA estimated fuel mileage is 19 city and 23 highway miles per gallon. New more realistic EPA mileage estimates as of February 2007 are 17 city and 22 highway. The recommended fuel is premium unleaded.

The Acura RDX comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Acura SportShift sequential manual shift capability, activated by paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The paddles can be used in Drive (D) to make a gear change with the transmission returning to automatic mode as soon as the vehicle resumes a steady-cruise state. The Sport (S) setting has higher shift points and quicker downshifts, and using a paddle in immediately puts the transmission in full manual mode. The RDX also has a version of Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), first seen on the flagship RL sedan. The system can vary the front/rear torque distribution from 90/10 to 30/70, depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating, cruising, hill climbing, taking a curve, or encountering poor road conditions. When taking a curve, a pair of magnetic flux clutches in the rear differential can transfer as much as 100% of the available rear torque to the outside wheel. That torque transfer, combined with a 1.7% rear over-rotation of the rear wheel helps rotate the RDX through a turn.

This is camera.

The RDX seats five and comes standard with leather seating, a moonroof, automatic climate control, and all the expected power features. The RDX 7-speaker audio system features a 6-CD changer, which is capable of playing standard Audio CDs, and Data-CDs burned with either MP3 or WMA files. The RDX’s sound system also includes XM Satellite Radio with a complimentary 3-month subscription.

Much of the interior technology introduced in the RL sedan is found in the optional “Technology Package”. This package includes the latest version of Acura’s navigation system, complete with a rear view camera, real-time traffic, and Zagat restaurant reviews. The package also features a 10-speaker Acura/ELS audio system with DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound. The audio system plays DVD-Audio discs as well. Both stereos come with a 1/8″ auxiliary input jack, which may be used to plug in external sources such as iPods. Acura also offers an iPod adapter for the RDX, which is wired into the glove box,allows the iPod to be controlled through the RDX’s sound system interface.

Almost all of the ELS sound system’s operations can be activated by voice command, as can most of the operations for the navigation and climate control systems. In addition, the vehicle will interact with most Bluetooth-equipped cell phones. The driver can initiate or receive calls through verbal command. During the call, the sound system will mute and channel the call through the speakers while caller and signal information is displayed on the instrument cluster.

The tailgate opens over six-feet high and 60/40 rear seatbacks fold down for a flat cargo area. A hard cargo cover can fit flush on the floor when not needed and is reversible to carry wet or dirty cargo. The cabin includes several storage areas including a lockable center console that can hold a standard size laptop computer.

The Acura RDX is the second Acura vehicle to features the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure which is designed to absorb energy from a collision. The RDX comes standard with six airbags, including dual front airbags, front side airbags and dual side curtain airbags. The front airbags use a dual-threshold, dual-stage technology that can adjust the timing and speed of each airbag deployment depending on the degree of impact and the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt usage. If sensors deem the front passenger too small (less than 65 lb.), the front airbag is designed not to deploy. The front passenger’s side airbag is designed to shut off if a child or small statured-adult is leaning into the airbag’s deployment path. In the event of a sufficient side impact or roll-over, the side curtain airbag deploys from above the door frames of the affected side, with coverage for both the front and rear occupants on that side, and stays inflated longer than if there was a collision.

Front seats have active head restraints and their seat belts are equipped with pre-tensioners and force-limiters. As of November 2006 the RDX was crash tested by the NHTSA, resulting in a perfect “5 Star” rating for driver and passenger frontal crashes, and front and rear side impacts, along with “4 Stars” for rollover.

We saw the RDX concept at the Detroit show a few months ago and here in NY Acura debuted the production version of its BMW X3 fighter. The RDX houses underhood Acura’s first ever turbocharged engine (a 2.3L i-VTEC four-cylinder that generates 240 hp and 260 ft-lbs. of torque) as well as the brand’s trick Super Handling All-Wheel Drive hardware. The RDX can be had with paddle shifters for the 5-speed auto, an Acura/ELS premium sound system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs and a nav system with real time traffic monitoring.

Turbocharged Acura RDX Debuts at 2006 New York Auto Show
All-New Entry Premium SUV features Super Handling All-Wheel Drive

NEW YORK, April 12, 2006 –The all-new 2007 Acura RDX Entry Premium SUV, made its production debut at the New York Auto Show today. RDX combines Acura’s first-ever turbocharged engine with the breakthrough Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™), for sports sedan-like handling in a SUV package.

“The all-new RDX is an exciting entry to the Acura light truck lineup for 2007,” said John Mendel, senior vice president, auto operations, “The RDX’s innovative powertrain coupled with SH-AWD provides this SUV with excellent fuel economy and outstanding performance.”
The RDX is aimed at high-energy urbanites that spend the work week in the confines of the city, and then decompress on the weekends by getting away from it all. Regardless of where they go, these drivers expect the ultimate in responsiveness, control and adaptability.
Built on a new global light truck platform, the RDX concept was first designed in California and then developed in Japan. Besides featuring precedent-setting engineering features including Acura’s first turbocharged and intercooled engine and the first adaptation of a SH-AWD™ system to an SUV, the RDX also offers Acura’s first standard 18-inch wheels and tires.

True to form for Acura, the RDX incorporates a class-leading array of sophisticated electronic technologies that are seamlessly integrated to keep its passengers informed, entertained and in touch. The RDX also introduces new safety technologies based on the fundamentals of Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative.

As Acura’s first Entry Premium SUV, the RDX was the focal point of the development of a special powertrain that would blend 4-cylinder efficiency and 6-cylinder power. The ideal solution came in the form of an innovative new variable flow turbo (VFT) that delivers an unusually broad powerband with little or no lag in throttle response. The RDX is equipped with an all-new 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve in-line four-cylinder engine with i-VTEC valve control that combines Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Timing Control (VTC). With the variable flow turbo working in concert with i-VTEC, the RDX delivers strong power and torque, excellent fuel economy and very low emissions.

Rated output for the RDX engine is 240 horsepower SAE net* at 6000 rpm. In terms of torque, the RDX has the highest output of any engine in the Acura lineup, with 260 lbs.-ft. of torque SAE net* at 4500 rpm. The RDX is expected to return an EPA-estimated 19/24** City/Highway mileage, while meeting strict CARB LEV-2 ULEV and EPA Tier-2 Bin-5 emissions standards.

Standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with traction control further enhances controllability and grip.
The RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the SUV’s sporty athleticism. It has a taut, muscular presence with standard 18-inch wheels and tires that work together with large wheel arches, aggressively raked body sides, a steeply raked windscreen and a short rear overhang. A unique rear hatch, finished with a replaceable panel to reduce the cost of accident repair, allows the rear of the body to smoothly transition to the rear bumper. This permits a more custom look and also eases the act of loading and unloading cargo.

A 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift is standard. The electronically controlled drive-by-wire throttle and transmission work together to execute shifts, resulting in exceptionally quick and smooth gear changes. The transmission can function as a conventional automatic transmission or, at the driver’s option, can be shifted manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

Inside the RDX, the front-seats feature a high “eye point” that provides a confident field of view. The 3-passenger rear seat has a 60/40 split-folding capability and, when folded flat, significantly expands the load area and increases the cargo volume to 60.6 cubic feet of storage. There are multiple interior storage compartments positioned throughout the interior, including a large (and lockable) dual-level center console located conveniently between the front seats that can securely accommodate a briefcase.

The RDX features an array of electronic features that set it apart from the competition. These include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a Multi-Information Display (MID), and LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination. Also standard is an impressive 360-watt 7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with a multi-format 6-disc changer, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, and the convenience of an MP3/auxiliary input jack for easily connecting audio devices such as an iPod.

Just one optional package is offered on the RDX. The Technology Package heightens the RDX’s appeal to technology-savvy customers with a range of advanced features. The centerpiece is a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround™ Premium Sound System designed by legendary recording engineer Elliott Scheiner. When playing DVD-Audio discs (DVD-A), this advanced 410-watt system delivers eight discreet audio channels (instead of the usual two) to create an uncannily accurate listening experience. With its multi-format 6-disc DVD-A changer, AM/FM tuner and XM® Satellite Radio, the system is as versatile as it is powerful.

The Technology Package also includes several information and communications such as HandsFreeLink™ and the Acura Navigation system. HandFreeLink is a wireless telephone interface that is designed to work with many Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones (sold separately).

In addition, the AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic allows for 2-way communication between Acura and the vehicle, providing customers with the latest information specific to their vehicle.

The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ can display up-to-the-minute traffic information including flow, accidents, construction and weather conditions on freeways in 31 major metro areas (where available). When the transmission is placed in reverse, the Navigation screen displays the image from a rearview camera to make parking easier. In addition, the AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic allows for 2-way communication between Acura and the vehicle, providing customers with the latest information specific to their vehicle.
Technological leadership also extends to safety engineering. The RDX’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure substantially contributes to passenger safety. ACE™ distributes collision loads through the body structure, leaving the passenger cabin more intact for improved occupant protection. Specially designed frame members make the RDX more compatible with smaller vehicles in the event of a vehicle-to-vehicle frontal collision. Likewise, a specially engineered hood and other components help reduce the chances of pedestrian injury in the event of a collision with the vehicle.

Inside the RDX is a full complement of passive safety features. Key technologies include the latest generation of dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, plus side airbags for the driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all outboard occupants. Child-seat mounting systems, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), allow the quick and secure installation of a child seats.

The RDX will be assembled in Marysville, Ohio, on the same line as the Acura TL sedan. It is the first Acura light truck to come from the facility.

Like all Acura models, the 2007 RDX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

Shawn Church of The Temple of VTEC tests Acura’s all new turbocharged 2007 RDX at the world famous Tail of the Dragon (US-129) in Tennessee.

The RDX is powered by Acura’s first turbocharged engine. The 2.3-liter I4 K23A1 engine has all-aluminum construction, an i-VTEC head, and dual balance shafts. Acura’s variable flow turbocharger reduces turbo lag by using a valve to narrow the exhaust passage at low rpm, increasing the velocity of the exhaust flow and keeping the turbine spinning rapidly. At higher rpm, the valve opens to allow more exhaust flow for increased boost. The engine also features a top-mounted intercooler which receives air from the grille, channeled by ducting under the hood. The Acura RDX engine is rated at 240 bhp @ 6000 with a torque peak of 260 ft\lbf. @ 4500. The EPA estimated fuel mileage is 19 city and 23 highway miles per gallon. Recommended fuel is premium unleaded.

The Acura RDX comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Acura’s SportShift sequential manual shift capability, activated by paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The paddles can be used in Drive (D) to make a gear change with the transmission returning to automatic mode as soon as the vehicle resumes a steady-cruise state. The Sport (S) setting has higher shift points and quicker downshifts, and using a paddle in ‘Sport immediately puts the transmission in full manual mode. The RDX also has a version of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel DriveTM (SH-AWD) TM, first seen on the flagship RL sedan. The system can vary the front/rear torque distribution from 90/10 to 30/70, depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating, cruising, hill climbing, taking a curve, or encountering poor road conditions. When taking a curve, a pair of magnetic flux clutches in the rear differential can transfer as much as 100% of the available rear torque to the outside wheel. That torque transfer, combined with a 1.7% rear over-rotation of the rear wheel helps rotate the RDX through a turn.

The Acura RDX seats five and comes standard with leather seating, a moonroof, automatic climate control, and all the expected power features. The RDX 7-speaker audio system features a 6-CD changer, MP3 player input, and XM Satellite Radio with a complimentary 3-month subscription.

Much of the interior technology introduced in the Acura RL sedan will be found in the available RDX Technology Package. This package includes the latest version of Acura’s acclaimed navigation system, complete with a rear view camera, real-time traffic, and Zagat restaurant reviews. The package also features a 10-speaker Acura/ELSTM audio system featuring 5.1 channel surround sound with DTS and Dolby Prologic II. Both stereos come with an auxilary input which is used to plug in an MP3 player.

Almost all of the ELS sound system’s operations can be activated by voice command, as can most of the operations for the navigation and climate control systems. In addition, the vehicle will interact with most Bluetooth-equipped phones. The driver can initiate or receive calls through verbal command. During the call, the sound system will mute and channel the call through the speakers while caller and signal information is displayed on the instrument cluster.

The tailgate opens over six-feet high and 60/40 rear seatbacks fold down for a flat cargo area. A hard cargo cover can fit flush on the floor when not needed and is reversible to carry wet or dirty cargo. The cabin includes several storage areas including a lockable center console that can hold a standard size laptop computer.

The Acura RDX is the second Acura vehicle to features the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure which is designed to absorb energy from a collision. The RDX comes standard with six airbags, including dual front airbags, front side airbags and dual side curtain airbags. The front airbags use a dual-threshold, dual-stage technology that can adjust the timing and speed of each airbag deployment depending on the degree of impact and the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt usage. If sensors deem the front passenger too small (less than 65 lb.), the front airbag is designed not to deploy. The front passenger’s side airbag is designed to shut off if a child or small statured-adult is leaning into the airbag’s deployment path. In the event of a sufficient side impact or roll-over, the side curtain airbag deploys from above the door frames of the affected side, with coverage for both the front and rear occupants on that side, and stays inflated longer than if there was a collision.

Front seats have active head restraints and their seat belts are equipped with pre-tensioners and force-limiters.