2009 Acura RDX is a spirited, athletic crossover

• By STEVE WHEELER
• Advocate Wheels editor
• Published: Jul 3, 2009

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Smaller sibling to the MDX, the Acura RDX combines the performance of a turbocharged engine with Acura’s super handling all-wheel-drive system for a quick and sure-footed ride.

Who would have thunk — a crossover with spunk?

Forgive me for the above, but the RDX is clearly a CUV that can impress with its performance and comfort features. The 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder cranks out 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic with sequential shift and paddles.

Acura designed the RDX as a vehicle for drivers who want a smaller and sportier weekday ride, with the ability to morph into a recreational weekend getaway car, and they pretty much hit the target with this crossover.

Not much has changed in the vehicle since it was introduced two years ago, but new for 2009 are a standard four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and four new exterior colors: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pear, Grigio Metallic and Palladium Metallic.

I tested the RDX equipped with the only optional package available: the Technology Package, which super sizes the sound system and incorporates navigation and the AcuraLink Satellite Communication system, which has real-time traffic, 2-way communication between Acura and the RDX systems and a rearview camera. The Technology Package adds $3,300 to the RDX price of $33,895.

I was able to take the RDX on a 3-hour road trip, and found the little crossover could hold its own with the big rigs on the highway. Road and tire noise was noticeable, and the car could use a little more soundproofing. But with a curb weight of 3,942 lbs. and a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, the RDX heavier than it looks, and the ride felt planted and secure.

Mileage estimates are 17 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, which is near average for the segment. The safety record for the five-passenger RDX is quite good. It earned five out of five stars in the government’s crash tests for all passengers and in front and side crashes. Rollover protection is four stars, and the car earned a “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The RDX has a strong, athletic stance that would make any linebacker coach proud. The standard 18-inch wheels are tucked into large wheel arches that are close to the corners, especially in the back. Fit and finish was excellent, as was attention to detail inside. 

The strength of the RDX lies, however, in its ride. The MacPherson struts in front and the multi-link rear suspension help give the vehicle precise and responsive handling, with only a hint of body roll in the turns. The all-wheel drive system is impeccable, delivering torque as needed between the front and rear axles as well as between the right and left rear wheels.

The RDX is a crossover that is just as happy being a daily driver as it is taking its owner to fun spots for the weekend. And with the new RDX, half the fun is getting there.