2007 Acura RDX Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Acura RDX includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Acura RDX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Acura RDX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Acura RDX help you decide if a 2007 Acura RDX is right for you.

2007 Acura RDX Road Test

Pros	Cons

All-wheel drive	Interior materials

Handling/roadholding	Steering feel

Rear-seat comfort

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
6	4.6

Not neck snapping, but more than adequate in most situations, especially once turbo kicks in. Test model did 6.8 sec 0-60 mph. But throttle response suffers from some turbo lag.

Fuel Economy

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
4	5

Test RDX averaged 21.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, 14.3-17.6 with more city work. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
4	5

Good compliance on big ruts and bumps, but firmer than expected overall, with some nervous jiggle and bucking on cracked, patchy surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
6	4.8

Firm-ride suspension makes for an agile little SUV. SH-AWD furnishes secure grip on wet or dry surfaces. Body lean modest in fast turns. Steering has solid road feel, but some testers find effort too heavy at low speeds. Turning circle rather wide, too. Good stopping control, but pedal action slightly spongy.

Quietness

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
6	4.5

Some testers notice turbo whine during acceleration, others cite elevated engine note at idle, though it's nicely muted while cruising. Wind rush not an issue. Tires noisy even on smooth asphalt.

Controls

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
6	5.6

Some testers think dashboard puts style over function. Most controls logical and handy, but audio/climate settings are undersized readouts in a distant dashtop slit. Some audio-control markings a bit small, too. Instruments large, clear. A big central knob and dashboard screen set navigation, audio, and other functions. Screen can be hard to read by day, and some operations distract with many steps, though included voice control simplifies some tasks. Cabin decor a trendy mix of textures and shapes, and though there are too many hard plastic surfaces for this price level, assembly quality is laudable.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
7	6.1

Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel and power driver seat, but some tall testers still couldn't get comfortably settled. Head and leg room sufficient for most adults. Well-bolstered seats keep occupants secure. Visibility slightly pinched to right-rear and dead-astern.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
5	4.8

Slightly reclined seatback angle allows tall riders to sit without heads touching sunroof housing. Seat quite firm. Leg, knee room tight with front seats well aft. Slightly narrow doorways squeeze entry/exit.

Cargo Room

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
7	7.2

Good room behind rear seats. Rear seatbacks split 60/40, fold without removing headrests to create nearly flat load floor. Center console a handy, two-tier design big enough for a laptop or briefcase. Large door pockets, clever door armrest bins offer plenty of small-item storage.

Value within Class

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
4	5.5

RDX aims to be as sporty and upscale as Acura's TSX compact sedan, which it is. But the choice of a turbo 4-cyl engine is debatable for a small SUV, especially one that starts at almost $33,000. Acura's record for reliability and resale strength help offset premium pricing, but RDX comes across as more a marketing tactic than a strong SUV value.

Total Score