Often overshadowed by its more renowned counterparts, the RDX boasts a competitive edge with its exceptional build quality, affordable pricing, and stylish aesthetic. Bridging the gap between mainstream crossovers like the Honda CR-V and luxury contenders like the Lexus RX, the RDX presents a unique blend of practicality and sophistication.
For the 2019 model, the RDX has undergone a distinctive redesign, sporting a modern look accompanied by contemporary technology. While the previous generation was known for its reliability, it lacked personality. However, the latest iteration brings back the excitement with a punchy turbocharged engine and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Referred to as the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), this feature significantly enhances the RDX's cornering capabilities. With ample cargo space to boot, the 2019 Acura RDX makes a compelling case for itself in the luxury crossover landscape.
The 2019 Acura RDX's interior showcases a marked departure from the norm, adopting a sportier, more premium aesthetic. The cabin is swathed in soft-touch materials, and the seats are ergonomically designed to offer optimum comfort during long drives. A sport-themed A-Spec package is now available, adding a touch of athleticism to the mix with sport seats, unique gauges, and gloss-black accents. The redesign extends to the dashboard, creating an intimate space for front-seat passengers. The symmetrical layout is dominated by a rotary drive-mode selector that seamlessly integrates into a floating center console, lending the interior a futuristic appeal. Notable nods to Acura's supercar flagship, the NS, are subtly worked into the design.
The 2019 RDX also introduces a fresh infotainment system. A wide, 10.2-inch screen perches atop the dash, controlled by a touchpad located in the center console. While packed with features, the touchpad interface might require a learning curve for some users due to its unique absolute positioning setup. Nevertheless, once mastered, it provides a clean, user-friendly experience, bringing all your apps, navigation, and media controls at the tip of your fingers. Despite minor critiques about the infotainment system's usability, it adds to the overall modern and high-tech feel of the 2019 Acura RDX.
The 2019 Acura RDX has gone through a major makeover on the outside, offering a seriously good-looking package that blends sporty elements with elegance. The biggest change is up front, where Acura's diamond-pentagon grille steals the show, giving the RDX a confident and powerful look. The sculpted hood and swoopy headlight housings add to the drama, enhancing the assertive character of the SUV. Moving to the side, the RDX's dynamic silhouette is accentuated by the creases and angles that run along the body.
A distinctive design element is the D-pillar, which is crafted to give the roof a floating appearance, adding a sense of modernity to the design. Building on the sporty vibe, the RDX A-Spec model features darker elements and larger 20-inch wheels that replace the standard 19-inch variants. The 2019 Acura RDX's exterior is an intricate fusion of aggressive and refined design cues, making it a standout choice in the luxury crossover segment. Its contemporary redesign embodies a fresh and exciting direction for Acura's design philosophy.
The 2019 Acura RDX is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that outputs 272 horsepower. This unit is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to either the front wheels or, optionally, all four wheels via Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The engine responds eagerly to the pedal, and the vehicle accelerates from a standstill with convincing authority.
The turbocharged engine also adds a sense of sportiness to the RDX, mimicking Acura's NSX supercar with its high-pitched roar during hard acceleration, a sound that is artificially piped into the cabin through the audio system's speakers for a more immersive driving experience. This powertrain setup delivers a balanced performance that is both engaging and dynamic, making the 2019 Acura RDX not just a practical luxury crossover, but also a fun vehicle to drive.
The 2019 Acura RDX is a beast when it comes to performance and power. But guess what? It doesn't compromise on fuel economy either. And that's something to cheer about, especially in the luxury SUV world where gas mileage isn't always a priority.
The front-wheel-drive version of the RDX is estimated to get around 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. If you go for the all-wheel-drive version, those numbers drop slightly to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Oh, and don't forget, the A-Spec package with its sportier look and bigger wheels shaves off another 1 mpg in both city and highway driving. But hey, even with that, the 2019 Acura RDX still manages to deliver respectable fuel economy, especially when you consider the power and performance it brings to the table.
The SUV has been awarded a Top Safety Pick+ title by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an independent crash-test agency. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the IIHS, a testament to Acura’s commitment to safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also recognized the RDX's safety features, giving it a perfect five-star rating. Every 2019 Acura RDX comes equipped with a suite of standard driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Optional safety features, available as part of different packages, add even more layers of protection. These include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which help the driver be more aware of their surroundings and potential hazards. The 2019 Acura RDX’s comprehensive safety features and top-notch safety ratings put it at the forefront of the luxury SUV market, making it an ideal choice for safety-conscious buyers.
There you have it! In the land where luxury and practicality intertwine, the 2019 Acura RDX confidently takes the throne. It impresses with a bold and attractive redesign, both inside and out, and packs a turbocharged punch under the hood to keep your heart racing. The RDX doesn't lose sight of tech, either. Its all-new infotainment system might test your patience at first, but once you've tamed the beast, it's a loyal companion for the road.
Fuel efficiency is another feather in its cap, making this SUV an economical choice in its segment. Let's not forget the stellar safety ratings and features, making it a solid bet for the safety-conscious. In the A-Spec version, it even throws in a bit of sporty swagger, because who said practical can't be fun? A few minor quirks aside, the 2019 Acura RDX offers a well-rounded package in the compact-luxury crossover segment. So, would we recommend it? In the words of those car salesmen we all know and love: "You bet your airbags we would!"
