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2008 Acura RDX Full Review
Date Published: 5/08/08
Also in the 2008 Acura RDX Review:
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Acura RDX Full Review
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2008 Acura RDX Review
The 2008 Acura RDX gets no major changes following its 2007 introduction. This premium compact SUV seats five and has all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain teams a 240-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb. Standard safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, 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, priced as a separate model, includes a rearview camera and navigation system.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact SUVs are luxury SUVs that are compact in size. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.
We have no Best Buys in this class. Our Recommend Pick is the Infiniti EX35.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Infiniti EX35 and Land Rover LR2.
We have no Best Buys in this class. Our Recommend Pick is the Infiniti EX35.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Infiniti EX35 and Land Rover LR2.
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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2008 Acura RDX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| All-wheel drive | Interior materials |
| Handling/roadholding | Steering feel |
| Rear-seat comfort | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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 sec 0-60 mph. Throttle response suffers from some turbo lag.
| 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 sec 0-60 mph. Throttle response suffers from some turbo lag.
Fuel Economy
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.
| 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
Ride quality is firmer than expected overall, with some nervous jiggle and bucking on cracked or patchy road surfaces.
| 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
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.
| 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
Some testers notice turbo whine during acceleration, while others cite elevated engine note at idle. Wind rush is not an issue. The tires are noisy even on smooth asphalt.
| Base w/Tech. Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.3 |
Some testers notice turbo whine during acceleration, while others cite elevated engine note at idle. Wind rush is not an issue. The tires are noisy even on smooth asphalt.
Controls
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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 is sufficient for most adults. Visibility is slightly pinched to the right-rear and dead-astern.
| 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 is sufficient for most adults. Visibility is slightly pinched to the right-rear and dead-astern.
Room/Comfort (rear)
A slightly reclined seatback angle allows tall riders to sit without their heads touching sunroof housing. The bench is quite firm. Legroom and kneeroom is tight with front seats well aft. Slightly narrow doorways squeeze entry and exit.
| Base w/Tech. Pkg. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.3 |
A slightly reclined seatback angle allows tall riders to sit without their heads touching sunroof housing. The bench is quite firm. Legroom and kneeroom is tight with front seats well aft. Slightly narrow doorways squeeze entry and exit.
Cargo Room
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 | 67 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 61 | |
| Average Score | 67 | |
| High Score | 73 |
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2008 Acura RDX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/08/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon | $33,195 | $30,505 | $670 |
|
|
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| Base 4-door wagon w/Technology Pkg. | $36,695 | $33,714 | $670 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
|||
| RDX | 0.9%-2.9% financing. | Customer | 06/30/08 |
|
|
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| RDX | $1500 dealer incentive. | Dealer | 06/30/08 |
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, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, 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, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, digital-media connection, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic 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 w/one year service, rearview camera, DVD Audio.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2008 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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
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Also in the 2008 Acura RDX Review:
5.
6.
Acura RDX Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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