2009 Acura RDX: Road Test
2009 Acura RDX ▼
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- MSRP: $33,895 - $37,195
- Invoice: $31,164 - $34,190
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Our road test for the 2009 Acura RDX includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Acura RDX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Acura RDX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Acura RDX help you decide if a 2009 Acura RDX is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/Technology Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.2 |
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/Technology Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.1 |
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/Technology Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.6 |
Ride quality is firmer than expected overall, with some nervous jiggle and bucking on cracked or patchy road surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/Technology Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.2 |
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/Technology Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6 |
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
| Base w/Technology Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.8 |
We think the dashboard puts style over function. Most controls are logical and handy, but audio/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/Technology Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.8 |
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/Technology 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/Technology Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.2 |
A slightly reclined seatback angle allows tall riders to sit without their heads touching sunroof housing. The bench is quite firm. Legroom and knee space are tight with the front seats well aft. Slightly narrow doorways squeeze entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/Technology 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/Technology Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.3 |
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/Technology Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 61 | 68 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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