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2007 Acura RDX Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2007 Acura RDX Review:
2007 Acura RDX Review
Acura introduces its first compact SUV for 2007, a five-seat wagon powered by the company's first turbocharged engine. RDX is 4 inches shorter in wheelbase and 10 inches shorter overall than Acura's seven-passenger MDX. RDX's only engine is a 240-hp turbo 4-cyl. It links to a 5-speed automatic transmission. RDX has Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) that apportions power between the rear wheels to enhance cornering stability. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard, as are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery with heated front seats, and a 6.5-inch dashboard screen that displays audio and climate information. A Technology Package version includes wireless cell phone link and a navigation system.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.
Our Best Buys include the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Patriot, and Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Our Best Buys include the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Patriot, and Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
News
The RDX may be in line for a "clean diesel" engine that Honda plans for U.S. sale by 2009. Actually, Honda is developing both 4-cyl and V6 diesels for a variety of vehicles in an effort to reduce CO2 emissions across its entire fleet. Honda hasn't yet said which if any diesel the RDX might get, but we'd bet on the 4-cyl unit, possibly with a turbocharger.
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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
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.
| 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
Test RDX averaged 21.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, 14.3-17.6 with more city work. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel.
| 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
Good compliance on big ruts and bumps, but firmer than expected overall, with some nervous jiggle and bucking on cracked, patchy surfaces.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
| Base w/Tech. Pkg. | Class Average |
| 55 | 53.1 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 60 |
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2007 Acura RDX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon | $32,995 | $30,159 | $615 |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon w/Technology Pkg. | $36,495 | $33,436 | $615 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, digital-media connection, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler, xenon headlights, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/55VR18 tires, alloy wheels.
Base w/Technology Pkg. adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system w/voice recognition, traffic information, AcuraLink assistance system, rearview camera, DVD Audio, wireless cell phone link.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2007 Acura RDX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Acura RDX 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3924 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 60.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.3 /140 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 240 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 260 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 19/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Acura RDX 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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