- Acura has redesigned the RDX compact crossover from the ground up for 2013.
- The 2013 RDX is based on the new Honda CR-V, but is equipped with a V6 engine.
- The V6 in the new RDX will have more power than the turbocharged four-cylinder in the current model, with best-in-class fuel economy.
LAS VEGAS — Acura has redesigned the RDX compact crossover from the ground up for 2013, using the new Honda CR-V as the base, but equipped with a V6 engine in place of the turbocharged four-cylinder in the current model. The 2013 Acura RDX will make its world debut next month at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and will go on sale in the spring.
Acura started with the redesigned CR-V, wrapping the 2013 RDX in new sheet metal that is said to be "more elegant, refined and sophisticated."
The new V6, according to Acura, will be more powerful than the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder in the 2012 RDX, which makes 240 horsepower and is rated by the EPA at 19 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive variant and 17/22 mpg with all-wheel drive.
The 2013 RDX will have best-in-class fuel economy, Acura says — even better than the current four-cylinder model.
The new RDX also will borrow the CR-V's on-demand real-time all-wheel-drive system, retuned by Acura for better performance. Acura officials say the CR-V system is lighter and less costly than the SH-AWD system that's offered on the 2012 RDX.
Inside Line says: More powerful, more frugal, with cleaner styling. What's not to like about this under-rated crossover?
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kurtamaxxxguy says:
12:32 PM, 01/05/2012
That CR-V AWD system Acura's going to use (instead of SH-AWD) was soundly trounced a few years back by Subaru and others during a test on Catalina Island. CR-V's weren't able to cope with the island hills while the Forester had no trouble with them.
I wonder if the RDX suspension was retuned for 2013? Older models were known for flat cornering and flinty ride quality.
jmess says:
06:49 PM, 01/03/2012
A few MPG better is even better if it will run well regular grade gas?
aston_dbs says:
02:02 PM, 12/13/2011
@blurglide:
The shown picture is the current version. The new ones are still unveiled...
Many times, people too underestimate a 'few mpg' difference.
With 'only' 2 mpg difference, times the tank gallons (let's say 20) meaning that you could actually drive 40 miles further.
That's a lot...
Also, RDX's acceleration is MUCH faster than Tahoe (I've driven both).
blurglide says:
08:25 AM, 12/13/2011
Wait...so this means the CR-V chassis can handle a V6. Wow. I REALLY hope they offer it. That's really surprising though, because that means the CR-V is carrying around extra bulk to support that engine.
I really like the RDX. SH-AWD handling was awesome. The only reason I didn't buy it is the mpg is only a couple mpg better than a Tahoe, and that's on premium. They should have just dropped in a turbo DI, like Hyundai has.
Styling...the current one isn't great, and neither is the new one. I can't believe they're keeping the chrome beak. I'd probably have to paint that body color if I got one, or find an aftermarket grille.
slakedragon says:
07:57 AM, 12/13/2011
Lots of news on new Hondas and Acuras, but no word on the refresh for the MDX? Its into 6 years for the current model cycle and 3 years since mid-cycle refresh. Wonder if they are going to push it for another year or load up that many new models in 2013 model year?
Still a class leader in many respects, but 7 years is a long time.
openeyes1 says:
06:46 PM, 12/12/2011
"rated by the EPA at 19 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive variant and 17/22 mpg with all-wheel drive"
Maybe the new six in the 2013 model will get a whopping 21 MPG in the city cycle, instead of 17-19 MPG for the 2012 model. Here's a thought Honda, if you reduced these vehicles size, and removed 500lbs from these hogs you could easily get better MPG.
easym1 says:
05:47 PM, 12/12/2011
It resembles a Ford Escape.
hotrodw says:
04:30 PM, 12/12/2011
With the exception of the discontinued SH-AWD, this is good news. The current turbo four makes plenty of power, but it's not linear and poorly suited to a luxury nameplate. And it's a gas hog! I have nothing against turbos, but they make little sense when they're more expensive, less refined, and less efficient than a V6 making similar power. The RDX screamed for a V6 from day one, and if Honda addresses the styling I will certainly put this new version on my shopping list.
coolb944 says:
12:37 PM, 12/12/2011
It's shame Acura or Honda never did anything with that turbo engine. Why engineer it if you're not going to use it?
paulvincent1 says:
10:56 AM, 12/12/2011
"17/22 mpg with all-wheel drive" I would certainly hope that the 2012 gets better mileage than this.