What Is It?
Acura RDX
What's Special About It?
Two thousand six marks the second time Acura has shown its RDX concept which means it's very close to the final production SUV which will go on sale this year.
The big news with the RDX is its engine, which is the first ever boosted engine from Acura. The turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter, four-cylinder i-VTEC mill makes 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The variable-flow turbo reduces lag and maintains flow over the engine's entire rev range to produce consistent torque and significant power. It also uses a top-mounted intercooler to decrease intake charge temperatures.
"The new engine makes the torque of a 3.5-liter V6 with better fuel economy and emissions," said Gary Evert, RDX's chief engineer. "We could have used a large V6, but we prefer the intelligent performance we get from the turbo engine."
RDX uses the all-wheel-drive system from Acura's RL sedan. The system, which is capable of splitting torque front to rear as well as left to right (in the rear only) is known for endowing the RL with superb handling. The RDX also uses a five-speed automatic transmission actuated with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
"It's an unbelievable vehicle to drive," Evert said. "It feels more like a sedan than an SUV, especially with the paddle shifters which allow you to keep the engine in its sweet spot."
With seating for five over two rows, the RDX's interior is a mix of luxury and function. There's plenty of technology: Acura's voice recognition navigation system, AcuraLink satellite communication with real-time traffic and HandFreeLink, Acura's wireless telephone interface. There's even room for a laptop computer in the center console.
Slated to go head-to-head with the BMW X3, the RDX is dimensionally similar to the German. It's also the first vehicle on Honda/Acura's new global light truck platform which has four-wheel independent suspension. RDX will come standard with 18-inch wheels, 19-inchers are optional.
Acura is being intentionally vague about pricing, admitting only that the RDX will start in the mid-$30,000 range. The X3 starts at $36,800 so we suspect it will be less than that. Expect to see RDXs at dealers next summer.
What's Edmunds' Take?
When asked if the RDX was a crossover SUV, John Mendel, senior vice president of Honda/Acura auto operations, insisted it was more truck than car and that crossovers are really a combination of the two.
We're not sure what that says about Honda's new truck platform since the company's engineers rave about the RDX driving like a car. It doesn't really matter since most people won't buy the RDX to tow or drive off-road anyway. Call it a car. Call it an SUV. Just don't call it a crossover.
The RDX should be a winner. — Josh Jacquot
Acura RDX
What's Special About It?
Two thousand six marks the second time Acura has shown its RDX concept which means it's very close to the final production SUV which will go on sale this year.
The big news with the RDX is its engine, which is the first ever boosted engine from Acura. The turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter, four-cylinder i-VTEC mill makes 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The variable-flow turbo reduces lag and maintains flow over the engine's entire rev range to produce consistent torque and significant power. It also uses a top-mounted intercooler to decrease intake charge temperatures.
"The new engine makes the torque of a 3.5-liter V6 with better fuel economy and emissions," said Gary Evert, RDX's chief engineer. "We could have used a large V6, but we prefer the intelligent performance we get from the turbo engine."
RDX uses the all-wheel-drive system from Acura's RL sedan. The system, which is capable of splitting torque front to rear as well as left to right (in the rear only) is known for endowing the RL with superb handling. The RDX also uses a five-speed automatic transmission actuated with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
"It's an unbelievable vehicle to drive," Evert said. "It feels more like a sedan than an SUV, especially with the paddle shifters which allow you to keep the engine in its sweet spot."
With seating for five over two rows, the RDX's interior is a mix of luxury and function. There's plenty of technology: Acura's voice recognition navigation system, AcuraLink satellite communication with real-time traffic and HandFreeLink, Acura's wireless telephone interface. There's even room for a laptop computer in the center console.
Slated to go head-to-head with the BMW X3, the RDX is dimensionally similar to the German. It's also the first vehicle on Honda/Acura's new global light truck platform which has four-wheel independent suspension. RDX will come standard with 18-inch wheels, 19-inchers are optional.
Acura is being intentionally vague about pricing, admitting only that the RDX will start in the mid-$30,000 range. The X3 starts at $36,800 so we suspect it will be less than that. Expect to see RDXs at dealers next summer.
What's Edmunds' Take?
When asked if the RDX was a crossover SUV, John Mendel, senior vice president of Honda/Acura auto operations, insisted it was more truck than car and that crossovers are really a combination of the two.
We're not sure what that says about Honda's new truck platform since the company's engineers rave about the RDX driving like a car. It doesn't really matter since most people won't buy the RDX to tow or drive off-road anyway. Call it a car. Call it an SUV. Just don't call it a crossover.
The RDX should be a winner. — Josh Jacquot
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