Acceleration

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
6	6

Acceleration isn't neck snapping but is more than adequate in most situations, especially once the turbo kicks in. A test RDX did 6.8 seconds 0-60 mph. Throttle response suffers from some turbo lag.

Fuel Economy

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
4	4.5

In Consumer Guide testing, RDX models averaged 21.2 mpg in mostly highway driving and 14.3-17.6 with more city work. Acura recommends premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
4	5.5

Ride quality is firmer than expected overall, with some nervous jiggle and bucking on cracked or patchy road surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
6	6.3

Firm-ride suspension makes for an agile little SUV. Standard AWD furnishes secure grip on wet or dry surfaces. Body lean is modest in fast turns. Steering has solid road feel, but some testers find effort too heavy at low speeds. RDX's turning circle is rather wide, too. The brakes provide good stopping control, but pedal action is slightly spongy.

Quietness

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
6	6.3

Some testers notice turbo whine during acceleration, while others cite an elevated engine note at idle. Wind rush is not an issue. The tires are noisy even on smooth asphalt.

Controls

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
5	6

We think the dashboard puts style over function. Most controls are logical and handy, but the audio and climate settings are undersized readouts in a distant dashtop slit. Some audio-control markings are a bit small, too. Instruments are large and clear. A big central knob and dashboard screen set navigation, audio, and other functions. The screen can be hard to read by day, and some operations distract with many steps, though included voice control simplifies some tasks.

Details

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
5	6.5

Cabin decor is a trendy mix of textures and shapes. Assembly quality is very good. However, the interior makes liberal use of cheap-looking, hard plastic surfaces, which is disappointing for both an Acura and for this price level.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
7	6.8

RDX has a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel and power driver seat, but some tall testers still couldn't get comfortably settled. Headroom and legroom are sufficient for most adults. Visibility is slightly pinched to the right-rear and dead-astern.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
5	5

A slightly reclined seatback angle allows tall riders to sit without their heads touching sunroof housing. The bench is quite firm. Legroom and kneeroom are tight with front seats well aft. Slightly narrow doorways squeeze entry and exit.

Cargo Room

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
8	8

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

Value within Class

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
5	5.8

RDX aims to be as sporty and upscale as Acura's TSX compact sedan, which it is. But the choice of a turbo 4-cylinder engine is debatable for a small SUV, especially one that starts at more than $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 value, even among premium compact SUVs.

Total Score

Base w/Tech. Pkg.	Class Average
61	66.7

Scores for all Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		61
Average Score		66
High Score		72