2019 Acura RDX A-Spec review

2019 Acura RDX A-Spec

Pros

Upscale Cabin

Cargo/Passenger Room

Sporty Driving Dynamics

Cons

Fuel Mileage

Automatic Transmission

94

EXCELLENT

The 2019 Acura RDX gets a complete remodel inside and out, giving the compact crossover jazzed-up styling. It sits lower and wider for 2019 with a new, five-sided grille it borrows from a concept car. Acura calls the 2019 RDX its sportiest compact crossover yet and claims the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 better watch out.

What’s New For 2019

Features & Options

Interior Highlights

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

Driving Dynamics

Conclusion

2019 Acura RDX A-Spec Gallery

What’s New For 2019

The RDX rides on a new chassis with 2.6 inches more length between the wheels for more rear legroom. It also gets a new turbo four-cylinder engine.

Features & Options

The 2019 Acura RDX comes equipped with a 10.2-inch center screen, automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay, keyless ignition, and a panoramic sunroof. There’s also a power, height-adjustable tailgate, and LED headlights; the nine-speaker infotainment system comes with USB ports, Bluetooth audio streaming, and satellite and HD radio.

The new RDX can be upgraded with the Technology Package and range-topping Advance Package. Available new features, depending on trim, include 16-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a 10.5-inch full-color Heads-Up Display, and a 16-channel Acura ELS Studio 3D premium stereo. Convenience and safety features include a surround-view camera, cross-traffic monitor, and blind-spot information system.

The A-Spec appearance package includes 20-inch wheels and low-profile 245/45R20 tires, gloss black exterior accents, and larger exhaust finishers. An available red or black leather interior with black Ultrasuede inserts are among the treatments inside for the 2019 RDX A-Spec.

Total MSRP, including destination, for our 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec tester: $45,900.

Interior Highlights

Stepping into the new RDX A-Spec reveals a contemporary cabin with high-tech metal trim and a racy two-tone black and red upholstery. We could get used to these supportive front seats on longer trips in the RDX. It took a little while to get used to the push-button gear shifter, but it does save space up front and provides extra storage in the console.

The cabin feels roomy and provides a lot of space for occupants in the front and rear. Taller passengers have plenty of headroom, even with the standard panoramic sunroof. The controls are logically placed. Like most crossovers its size, the RDX provides easy access and exit. Backseat passengers enjoy solid seat comfort even though the rear seats aren’t adjustable.

The cargo space is amply sized, and there’s handy in-floor storage back there now. The rear seats fold flat to expand the 29.5-cubic-foot cargo hold to 58.9 cubic feet. Acura moved the spare tire under the rear, so the RDX has an additional 1.7-cubic-foot compartment below its carpeted deck. That’s enough for a backpack of valuable supplies that should remain hidden from public view.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

The 2019 Acura RDX is powered by a new two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a new 10-speed automatic featuring steering wheel paddle shifters.

EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 21/26 city/highway and 23 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics

The new turbo four-cylinder engine has the power, bringing a sporty feeling to the newly-remodeled RDX. Its low-end torque gives the SUV a quick jump from a standing start, and it has plenty of power for getting past slower traffic even at high altitudes west of Denver.

We chucked the RDX around tight mountain curves, as we do with every vehicle we review. I

t has quicker steering and handling improves over the outgoing model. Driving enthusiasts will like the liveliness and sporty feeling when behind the wheel. Sharper steering and handling make it one of the more engaging crossovers in its class. It easily keeps up with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 when it comes to driving dynamics.

Steering wheel paddle shifters ramp up the driving experience and kept us interested in pushing the SUV a little farther than normal.

This RDX tester came with the optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, an available torque vectoring system often written as “SH-AWD.” This makes the RDX an

all-weather capable family hauler, suitable for winter ski trips to the high country. The system can route 70 percent of the torque to the rear improving fuel mileage. The “torque vectoring” comes in how the system splits power left to right, up to 100 percent, to improve bad weather handling.

Conclusion

Overall, we like the 2019 Acura RDX for its sharp steering and improved handling in the corners. The cabin is quiet and roomy, plus the A-spec adds an extra level of sportiness with its two-tone black and red upholstery. The RDX now has the styling, performance, and prestige to compete in its pricey segment. Add in the SH-AWD system, and you’ve got a capable all-weather family hauler.

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

2019 Acura RDX A-Spec Gallery

2019 Acura RDX Official Site.

Photo: Honda North America.