We drive the 2016 Acura RDX

2016 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX was introduced in 2007 and it stood out because of its turbocharged engine and sporty nature. The RDX was given a total redesign in 2013 and it lost some of its sportiness but was bigger and smoother. For 2016 the RDX gets freshened up with some more changes and we wanted to see what direction the RDX was headed. What we discovered was that the RDX is smoother, more luxurious and just more of what you would expect from an Acura.

The 2016 RDX gets a significant performance boost in performance, fuel efficiency and refinement courtesy of its new 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with a new generation of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). Peak output of 279 horsepower at 6,200 (versus 273hp at 6,200 rpm in the 2015 model) is up six horsepower, while peak torque of 252lb.-ft. at 4,900 rpm (versus 251lb.-ft. at 5,100 rpm in the 2015 model) is up one lb.-ft. More importantly, the engine boasts a broader torque curve for more immediate and powerful acceleration response across the engine's full operating range.

[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]The new VCM cylinder deactivation system allows for deactivation of three of the engine's six cylinders under light engine loads, helping the more powerful 2016 RDX receive increased EPA highway fuel-economy ratings, rising one mpg on the highway to 19/28 mpg (city/highway) for AWD models (19/27mpg on 2015 models) and 20/29mpg for FWD models.

Most RDX buyers could not care less about the technical aspects of the engine but what really sells the RDX is the interior. It is a sweet place to be and it is a pleasure to be inside for a long trip. The leather seats are soft yet firm and all of the materials ooze of quality.

Nicely appointed interior

There are lots of luxury features everywhere as is expected in a premium SUV. Our Advance package and technology package RDX came with SMS text message functionality, Pandora internet radio, navigation system, multi angle rear view camera, real time traffic display, 360 watt 10 speaker surround sound system, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic monitor, ventilated and heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and so much more.

The RDX seats five and there is plenty of luggage space behind the second row. The rear seats fold down with one touch and transform the RDX into a huge cargo carrier with a total passenger area of 103.5 cubic feet. You can now visit Home Depot and Costco in the same day.

[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]Acura is known for its safety and the RDX does not disappoint. Active safety features can help the driver avoid a collision or mitigate its severity, and the RDX includes numerous standard active safety features, including the enhanced visibility of the Multi-View Rear Camera and Expanded View driver's mirror, along with standard Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control and 4-wheel anti-lock disk brakes with Brake Assist that enhance vehicle control.

For 2016, the RDX receives the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies which includes adaptive cruise control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist System.

The rear looks better now

The best part is that Acura keeps things affordable with so much technology offered in the RDX. The base RDX starts out at $35,270 with front wheel drive. Add AWD and the price goes up to $36,770. Our top of the line AWD with everything was $43,420. While $40,000 is a lot of money, it is a bargain for what you get.

The RDX has matured and it is not the same frisky child that it used to be. The new car is safer, more efficient, faster and roomier. It is also affordable and for a family looking for a luxury vehicle, it is an excellent choice.

SPECIFICATIONS