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2022 Acura RDX first drive


LOS ANGELES, Calif. – AcuraThe most recent brand new models – TLX and MDX – pushed us against authority to let us know that Acura as a luxury and performance brand is doing well and is indeed back in great form. Redesign RDX tried to do the same thing in 2019and while it was an above-average overhaul, it didn’t push us as hard as TLX and MDX have since then.

Now, 2022 Acura RDX here, and it’s packing a bunch of improvements to try and both enhance the driving experience and ensure it doesn’t play second to other Acura products in terms of technology or luxury. A shortcoming and also a major shortcoming is the continued lack of the Type S variant. Both TLX and MDX offers a high-performance Type S version with a turbocharged V6 and the RDX will continue to have no such model in 2022. Unfortunately, the RDX’s smaller size means it can serve as a Quality background for a performance intersection to compete with others like BMW X3 M40i, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and Audi SQ5.

That’s not to say Acura has ditched the driving experience for 2022. The only performance improvement comes in the form of re-tuned adaptive dampers on the Advance, both stiffer in Sport mode. sportier and softer in Comfort mode. Plus, the cabin is much quieter than before thanks to additional muffler materials and an enhanced Active Sound Control system. Acura says the standard car offers a 20% improvement in NVH, while the Advanced Package cars have an even more jarring sound to deliver a 30% improvement over the 2021 model.

You’ll be able to tell the updated RDX apart from its pre-refresh version by looking at the new grille pattern and the thinner chrome grille surrounds. Looking further down, you’ll notice larger side intakes and a new fog light design. It’s hard to tell that anything is new from the rear, but look closely, and you’ll see a reworked lower bumper and rectangular exhaust outlets on every model but the A-Spec – attached to the ends. its round dual exhaust. Several new wheel designs complete the exterior updates, while the interior gets a new copper-like finish to the aluminum trim on the lower trims.

Perhaps one of the most important changes Acura made to this year’s RDX was made on the equipment side, as it overcomes one of the limitations we’ve had with Acuras over the past few years. Finally, you can also equip the Upgrade Pack on A-Spec trim cars. That’s important, because Acura has long produced adaptive dampers specifically for Advance Package cars, meaning that the sportiest-looking A-Spec trim may never be fitted. suffer from the best suspension parts. That’s still the case on the TLX, but now we’re hoping that Acura will fix this bug for its sedan, just like it did with the RDX.

Some of the in-car technology we are familiar with Another new Acuras join RDX this year. That means it’s currently rocking wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa voice service, USB-C charging port, wireless phone charging, customizable ambient lighting (27 hosts). subject to change), power folding mirrors and extended range on remote engine start up to a quarter of a mile. The annoying lack of digital speedometer in the 7-inch digital gauge cluster has also been rectified, as you can now choose to see big speeds in that area.

All of the above made for a welcome addition to our drive through Los Angeles and some of the neighboring canyon roads. On departure, we immediately noticed – or more precisely, didn’t notice – the noise in the cabin. Our test car is the A-Spec Advance Package with the highest sound reduction available, and road and engine noise levels have been noticeably reduced compared to the old RDX. The Acura’s normally large and annoying 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder fades to the rear, and the tire growls are at a perfectly acceptable level on the highway. The newly softened dampers – Acura says it’s the same dampers as before, but with new zeros and ones that tell them what to do – are made for a luxurious yet well-appointed ride. planted on poor roads. However, it’s hard to make a final judgment on how this compares to a refresh before driving the crossover on familiar roads.

Gorge etching in RDX is good but not great. The turbo-four produces the same 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque as before, enough to be powerful, but not enough to get you the racing pace of the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. in TLX Type WILL. The RDX also comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission, powering the powertrain’s true star: Acura’s SH-AWD system. Nothing about this genius-torque all-wheel drive system has changed for 2022, but it doesn’t have to be. The system still expertly shuffles power front and rear, then left and right in the rear (torque vector bit), driving the rear outer wheel to bend you around corners one by one. interesting and engaging way.

Noting the AWD system for reasons RDX is also a willing partner to be jumping around. Acura’s additional activism in adjusting its damper is noticeable before you’ve even turned the steering wheel, as turning the drive mode dial in the center position to Sport mode brings the change in. Instant attitude change during RDX ride. It’s nowhere near AMG or M hard car, but the ride “Sport” is much clearer than before. However, this doesn’t turn the RDX into a physics-defying intersection number like a Porsche Macan or BMW X3 USA. Its weight – just 11 pounds heavier than last year’s Advance model – is evident when you start pushing, and the low-traction all-season tires make this crossover unpopular. Newly adjusted brake giving it a nice, stiff pedal, and a reworked audio control system (fake engine noise) means it’s going to sound the part. Still, there’s potential for something even a shaper, something like a hypothetical RDX Type S, even if this current range-top processing effort is much better than many same kind.

If you only use the RDX for casual SUV duties, it’s a lovely cruiser, and you might as well look more stylish this year. Sweet ghost The Violet Pearl (purple) paint that debuted on the TLX will join this year’s RDX palette and the black/white two-tone Orchid Milano leather interior seen on the TLX. NSX Also available as an option. Those looking for additional safety features will be pleased to know that Acura is adding low-speed front and rear emergency braking, a new traffic sign-reading camera, and an enhanced blind-spot warning system. with a larger range. Acura says it will crash better with additional door structure and new seatbelts.

The new RDX comes with a premium, but it’s only $900 more than before, which comes with a base price of $40,345 for the front-wheel drive model. However, this is one of those vehicles where we strongly recommend four-wheel drive, as it completely transforms the vehicle’s handling for the better. The AWD surcharge gets you $42,545, but Acura makes it difficult to stop there. Being able to combine the A-Spec looks with the Advance’s performance and technology features is tempting, but you’ll have to pay for it, as that model is the RDX’s top-of-the-range offering at $52,345. la. We will also note that the A-Spec cars hit the worst energy saving for a total of 26 mpg combined.

If you really want the most exceptional RDX out there, Acura is doing a PMC Edition painted in NSX’s Long Beach Blue Pearl (picture above). It is limited to just 200 pieces, featuring Berlina Black wheels (also a NSX color), has an Orchid leather interior with blue stitching and is handcrafted at NSX’s factory in Marysville, Ohio. Every other RDX was built eight miles away in East Liberty. All of the PMC will cost you $55,295, but you’ll definitely have the best-looking 2022 RDX available.

Even if you fully load an RDX like the PMC model, this SUV is still a value proposition compared to a similarly loaded German compact crossover that will easily take you well over $60,000 with options. choose. Meanwhile, Acura is able to deliver a truly luxurious interior using quality materials and offers a competitive driving experience at launch. The 2022 updates make the RDX even more appealing than before and further cement Acura’s position as a leading concern in the performance luxury space. Now, about that Type S.

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