The 2018 Acura RDX marks a pivotal moment in the brand’s history. Born in Los Angeles and manufactured in the United States, this third-generation luxury SUV breaks away from its predecessors with bold styling choices and enhanced performance capabilities.
American roads shaped every aspect of this vehicle’s development. From its aggressive stance to its responsive handling, the RDX demonstrates Acura’s commitment to blending luxury with practical performance for the demanding North American market.
Design Evolution & Presence
The RDX turns heads with its Diamond Pentagon grille and sharp character lines that flow seamlessly from front to rear. Its muscular wheel arches and dynamic silhouette create an impression of motion even when parked. The LED headlights feature a distinctive signature that makes the RDX instantly recognizable in any rearview mirror.
Getting behind the wheel reveals Acura’s attention to proportions and visibility. The commanding driving position offers excellent sight lines, while the floating roof design maintains a sporty profile without compromising headroom.
“I switched from a German luxury SUV to the RDX and couldn’t be happier. The design looks fresh and distinctive – I get compliments at every parking lot.” – Michael Chen, RDX owner since 2019
The exterior dimensions strike an ideal balance between presence and maneuverability. Urban drivers will appreciate the tight turning radius and parking-friendly proportions, while the athletic stance ensures the RDX holds its own alongside larger luxury SUVs.
Performance & Driving Experience
Under the hood lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 272 horsepower with remarkable refinement. The powertrain shines in real-world driving, offering strong acceleration when needed and efficient cruising at highway speeds.
The following highlights showcase the RDX’s performance capabilities:
- direct and responsive steering feedback;
- confident cornering with minimal body roll;
- smooth power delivery across the rev range;
- well-damped suspension that absorbs road imperfections.
The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system deserves special mention. Unlike basic AWD setups, this system actively vectors torque between wheels to enhance handling and stability. The result is an SUV that drives more like a sport sedan when pushed.
Interior Comfort & Technology
The cabin welcomes occupants with high-quality materials and excellent build quality. Soft-touch surfaces and precision stitching demonstrate Acura’s commitment to premium craftsmanship.
“The attention to detail in the interior is impressive. Everything you touch feels substantial, and the tech features are intuitive to use.” – Sarah Martinez, RDX A-Spec owner
The True Touchpad Interface marks a bold departure from traditional infotainment controls. While it requires an initial learning curve, the system becomes second nature with use, offering precise control without reaching for a distant touchscreen.
Acoustic glass and enhanced insulation create a serene driving environment. Road and wind noise remain well-suppressed even at highway speeds, allowing passengers to enjoy conversations or the excellent ELS Studio audio system without raising their voices.
Practicality & Value Proposition
Daily usability stands out as one of the RDX’s strongest attributes. The cargo area offers 897 liters of space with all seats up, expanding to 1,951 liters with rear seats folded. These figures translate to real-world versatility for everything from grocery runs to home improvement projects.
The RDX proves that luxury features needn’t command stratospheric prices. Standard equipment includes:
- LED headlights with automatic high beams;
- panoramic sunroof;
- 12-way power adjustable front seats;
- AcuraWatch safety suite;
- wireless smartphone integration.
The value equation becomes even more compelling when considering the comprehensive warranty coverage and strong resale values that Acura products typically command.
Beyond the Expected
The third-generation RDX represents more than just another luxury SUV – it showcases Acura’s understanding of American buyers’ preferences and needs. Through thoughtful engineering and design choices, it delivers a uniquely satisfying ownership experience.
This SUV proves that precision crafted performance isn’t just a marketing slogan but a tangible reality that owners experience with every drive.
Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Powerful and efficient turbocharged engine delivers smooth acceleration | True Touchpad Interface requires adaptation period |
| Superior handling dynamics with SH-AWD system | Premium fuel requirement adds to operating costs |
| Spacious and versatile cargo area | Some interior materials don’t match German rivals |
| Comprehensive standard safety features | Ride can be firm with optional 20-inch wheels |
| Excellent value proposition in its segment | Wind noise becomes noticeable at higher speeds |
| Strong resale value and reliability record | Limited towing capacity compared to competitors |
| Premium audio system provides exceptional sound quality | Rear visibility could be better |
The Acura RDX stands out as a compelling choice in the luxury compact SUV segment. It successfully balances performance, comfort, and practicality while offering better value than many European competitors. Despite minor drawbacks, the overall package presents an excellent option for buyers seeking a well-rounded luxury SUV.