2010 Acura RDX Crossover utility with performance and handling. By New Car Test Drive

Review Pages ---------------------------------------- 1. Overview 2. Walkaround and Interior 3. Driving Impressions 4. Summary, Prices, Specs     Compare Vehicles     Email to a Friend     Print version Select A Make Select A Model

The Acura RDX is a premium crossover SUV designed for sporty driving. It features a 240-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters, and a firm independent suspension made for winding roads.

The 2010 Acura RDX offers a choice of front-wheel drive or Acura's proven Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, called SH-AWD. The all-wheel-drive system delivers a higher proportion of power to the outside rear wheel under hard cornering, thus keeping the car balanced and enhancing cornering performance. The front-wheel-drive version gets better fuel economy (by about 2 mpg) and lowers the purchase price $2000.

RDX comes trimmed in leather, no cloth interior is available. Standard equipment includes a power moonroof and dual-zone climate control.

In short, the RDX is designed for drivers who do not want to compromise cornering for a comfortable ride (hence, the firm suspension), but want upscale accommodations.

The 2010 RDX features revised front and rear styling, cabin upgrades and additions. It's also a bit quieter. The addition of the front-drive model is the most substantial change since the launch of the RDX as a 2007 model.

Model Lineup

The Acura RDX ($32,250) comes with leather upholstery, heated front seats, power moonroof, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, USB input, XM satellite radio, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, xenon HID headlights with fog lamps, rear camera display in rearview mirror. The RDX SH-AWD model features the all-wheel-drive system ($34,250).

The RDX with the Technology Package ($35,620) upgrades with a 10-speaker, 410-watt sound system, navigation system with voice recognition, rearview camera, GPS-linked solar-sensing climate control and the AcuraLink satellite communication system with real-time traffic and weather. The Technology Package is the only available option and is also available on the SH-AWD model ($37,620).

Safety features standard on all models include dual-stage frontal airbags, side airbags in front, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, active front head restraints to help protect against whiplash, tire-pressure monitor, VSA electronic stability control, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist. All-wheel drive is optional.