2015 Acura RDX

2015 Acura RDX

A sporty yet smooth driving feel, quiet interior, and top-tier safety all add up to a lot of appeal for the 2015 Acura RDX, although its lack of features and flair stop it short of greatness.

• Interior / Exterior »

The Acura RDX was completely recast two model years ago as a far more conservative, straight-laced vehicle than its predecessor had been. With it, Acura is no longer seeking young professional males looking for sportiness; instead it’s going for those with kids–and empty-nesters. That edge was tough to see go, and styling is part of it, for sure, as the current RDX is smart inside and out but hardly bold.

On the outside, the RDX is good looking, but it definitely looks less extroverted than it feels behind the wheel—and far more mature than the last-generation model, which is now fading to memory as a bold, original statement, but one that wasn’t as popular as this current model. The shape of the RDX is smooth, and the profile is attractive, punctuated by pronounced fender arches. From the front, the new RDX is at its most muscular, but the somewhat controversial bright ‘beak’ grille is toned down here. More powerful fenders and a standard crossover ride height give a sense of off-road capability, though the RDX is no true SUV–its roofline is low and arched, really more like that of a wagon.


Inside, there’s a characteristically Acura form and function, with a central pod of dash controls, plus lots of soft-touch materials and matte surfaces that bring an upscale look and feel. If we could point to a flaw, it’s that for the dash it relies too much on bright finishes. It’s more mature, and there’s there’s none of the claustrophobic wrap-around feeling you get in some sporty crossovers–even though the center controls are positioned out a bit toward the driver.

• Performance »

Call it a mystery. With the last redesign given to the Acura RDX, the brand decided to buck the trend toward turbocharging and downsizing in favor of a large, 3.5-liter V-6.That might come as an odd decision from a company that’s known for technology and efficiency, although the V-6 does return a decent 28 mpg highway.

The benefit of going with a big engine is readily apparent from the driver’s seat; the RDX feels peppy, smooth, and strong for everything from urban stop-and-go to rural high-speed passing. Under full throttle, the RDX willingly moves quickly without requiring dramatic multi-gear downshifts from the six-speed automatic (good, because the automatic can be hesitant when you really need it)

The 2015 RDX also handles the road well, and thanks to two-stage dampers it stays composed on twisty sections yet easily absorbs potholes and general harshness. It still ranks on the sporty side. but it’s not as crisp as the pre-2013 model, but it’s not as brittle either. The RDX leans a bit in hard corners; then an ingenious new double-piston design engages, increasing damping force and making for a surprisingly capable crossover. Steering feel is a little too light and vague at lower speeds, but the system has a nice weighting at the speeds you’d drive on highways or two-laners.
Brakes are very strong, with a strong capable feel in around-town drivine–although modulation isn’t great in sportier driving and harder stops.

The all-wheel drive system is no longer of the SH-AWD variety (that’s left to the MDX), but as the angle of ascent changes or wheel slip in front is sensed, more torque is delivered to the rear.

If you can admit you need a crossover wagon for the family, yet you want something that’s right-sized and not frumpy, then, fashion-conscious parents, you should probably consider the 2015 Acura RDX. With it you’ll find a vehicle that won’t let you down in performance, safety, or features — even if it’s hardly a paragon of excitement.

On the outside, the RDX is good looking, but it definitely looks less extroverted than it feels behind the wheel—and far more mature than the last-generation model, which is now fading to memory as a bold, original statement, but one that wasn’t as popular as this current model. The shape of the RDX is smooth, and the profile is attractive, punctuated by pronounced fender arches. Inside, there’s a characteristically Acura form and function, with a central pod of dash controls, plus lots of soft-touch materials and matte surfaces that bring an upscale look and feel. If we could point to a flaw, it’s that for the dash it relies too much on bright finishes.

The 2015 RDX bucks trends toward turbocharging and downsizing in favor of a large, 3.5-liter V-6. And although that might seem an odd decision, the V-6 does return a respectable 28 highway with front-wheel drive. From the driver’s seat, the RDX feels peppy, smooth, and strong for everything from urban stop-and-go to rural high-speed passing. Under full throttle, the RDX willingly moves quickly without requiring dramatic multi-gear downshifts from the six-speed automatic (good, because the automatic can be hesitant when you really need it); it also handles the road well, and thanks to two-stage dampers it stays composed on twisty sections yet easily absorbs potholes and general harshness.
What’s inside is surprisingly space-efficient and well-laid-out. That’s in part because the RDX is closely related to the Honda CR-V—so you get the CR-V’s low cargo floor, well-designed front and rear seat layout (although better seats themselves), and good versatility. You’ll find front-seat space in the RDX that’s ample even for those over six feet tall, yet an eight-way power adjustable seat and tilt/telescoping steering column offer adjustability for most heights and body types. The RDX is right in the zone for its compact crossover class, with 26.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, 61.3 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, and 76.9 cubic feet including under-floor storage. Even for those seated in back, the cabin itself is very quiet.

The Acura RDX has some great crash-test ratings—as well as a top-notch set of safety equipment. Front, side, and side-curtain airbags are standard on the RDX, along with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, daytime running lights, a backup camera, and a rollover sensor to trigger appropriate airbags. The RDX is missing some of the advanced active-safety features of the larger (and pricier) MDX, however.The 2015 Acura RDX undercuts BMW and Mercedes in pricing, and offers more value, in terms of features for the money than most vehicles in this class—even the Lexus, which is admittedly a half-size up. Dual-zone climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, ambient lighting, a seven-speaker sound system with USB/MP3/Auxiliary support, Bluetooth handsfree calling, and more are all standard features. Yet what’s missing are the high-end goodies that most of those other models offer—like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and parking assistance.

An available Technology Package adds navigation with voice controls, real-time traffic and weather, a GPS-linked climate control, SMS texting support, and Pandora app functionality. Also part of it is a ten-speaker Acura/ELS audio system that produces clear, enveloping sound even at very low volumes. There have been no significant changes for 2015, although we’d like to see a somewhat more straightforward and modern-looking infotainment and navigation setup.
Photo Gallery: Acura

Tweet