2022 ACURA RDX A-SPEC REVIEW
Intro
The third generation Acura RDX was first introduced in 2019. It features the most extensive Acura redesign in recent history. The clean sheet approach gives the new RDX a high-tech, dynamic vibe that attracts affluent younger buyers. This results in record setting sales and effective brand conversions after its debut. The 2022 model aims to build on that commercial success and features refined styling, more standard tech, a retuned suspension, and a quieter cabin.
Thanks to Acura Canada, I had the chance to test drive the 2022 Acura RDX A-Spec for a week. The A-Spec trim is particularly popular among younger buyers, responsible for more than double the sales of all other RDX lines combined for buyers younger than 45. Below is my unbiased review.
Exterior
The third generation RDX is already handsome, but the styling updates of the 2022 model makes this luxury compact SUV look more mature and sophisticated. Inspired by its big brother, the Acura MDX, the diamond pentagon front grille now features a thinner surround. Also, large vertical side intakes are added to emphasize the width of the car. The A-Spec trim features a gunmetal Diamond Pentagon grille, gunmetal fog-light trim, and a gloss-black grille surround.
The side profile remains largely unchanged. Sharp character lines and chiseled door panels gives the side profile more energy. The lower door panels are also decorated by a carved in black trim for a lighter, sportier side vibe. A black trim breaks up the C-pillar and gives the RDX a floating roof appearance. Our tester comes with 20” 15-spok Shark Grey alloy wheels that look classy and well proportioned.
The rear view of the 2022 RDX features sculpted liftgate and a diffuser accompanied by two large round gloss-black exhaust finishers. The LED tail lights have the same Jewel Eye look as the headlamps.
I really enjoyed the updated look of the 2022 RDX. It is less funky and more composed. The A-Spec provides a darker color scheme that adds to the seriousness of the overall design.
Interior
The interior of the 2022 RDX consists of the same luxurious and feature-rich cabins. For a more premium experience, the 2022 RDX receives extensive updates to reduce road noise in the cabin. This includes a new front fender liner and the Adaptive Sound Control (ASC) system.
The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim gets something extra and enjoys the quietest cabin in RDX history. This is achieved with added sound insulation in the ceiling, the dash, under the hood, over the drivetrain tunnel, in the rear doors, and around the cargo area.
The waterfall center console consists of a floating deck that houses a large drive mode selection dial, a button style gear switch panel, and a touchpad. The lower deck features a wireless charging pad, and USB charging ports. Premium materials are used throughout the cabin with the exception of piano black plastics around the center console. The use of real aluminum door handles, brushed metal dash inlays and suede surfaces with red accent stitching all elevate the premium feel of the interior. The leather front seats are soft and comfortable with plenty of adjustments and supports. On top of that, first-row legroom and headroom are superb. Our tester is equipped with the Red interior option, so the door and center console armrests are all covered with soft red leather. This gives the otherwise all dark interior a sporty, dynamic look. The rear legroom is one of the largest in class, and the headroom is above average. The roominess of the rear cabin is further emphasized by a massive panoramic sunroof. It is also worth noting that both front and rear doors open wide, making loading kids onto the child seats much easier.
Infotainment
For 2022, RDX adds an impressive list of connectivity features to its standard equipment list including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB-C charging port, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, and Amazon Alexa virtual assistant.
The dash mounted 10.2” infotainment display is controlled by the Acura True Touchpad Interface, What sets the True Touchpad Interface apart from other touchpad technologies is the absolute positioning mapping. In simple terms, the position on your touchpad, directly translates to the position on your screen. There is no scrolling, and you won't be seeing a touch indicator on the display. While I didn’t find the interface to be the most intuitive to learn, Acura seemed to have improved the accuracy and response time of the touchpad. Once you build the corresponding muscle memory, the Acura True touchpad interface is actually very easy to use.
A large color 7-inch Multi-Information Display sits between the analog speedometer and tachometer in the instrument cluster. I would prefer to see an all-digital instrument display instead.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Acura has always been good at including standard safety technologies compared to other premium brands. For 2022, more features are added to the standard list. They include:
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system
Front and rear low-speed Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Hill Start Assist
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
Blind Spot Information (BSI) system with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Traffic sign recognition
Many of these driver assist technologies will cost much more with other premium brands.
The 2022 RDX earns a 5 star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.
Driving
The 2022 RDX is powered by the same 2.0L VTEC inline 4 cylinder engine that produces 272 hp of power and 280 lb.ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The RDX comes in either the more efficient front wheel drive version or the SH-AWD version. The SH stands for super handling, and this AWD system is updated for 2022 to be quicker and more responsive. It sends up to 70% of the total engine torque to the rear wheels. That torque can then be directed either 100% to the left or right rear wheel. This dynamic vectoring system directs the torque to the outside rear wheel in corners to facilitate a quicker, smoother turn.
The new RDX employs a combination of front MacPherson struts and a rear five-link design, both utilizing more rigid subframes. The re-tuned suspension is firmer, which is great at handling corners. On the flip side, there is more road disturbance felt inside the cabin, but the ride never became too punishing.
The combination of a more rigid suspension and a quicker AWD torque vectoring system gives the RDX an even sportier ride. It handles corners with agility and composure. The steering is quick and precise, and the engine sounds lively at higher RPMs. 0-100km/hr happens in about 6.7 seconds. Elite A-Spec models also feature an updated Adaptive Damper System with more recognizable ride and handling in different drive modes.
I love the added sportiness of the 2022 RDX. It is a rare trait in this segment, and the RDX does so without sacrificing the ride comfort too much.
The 2022 Acura RDX A-Spec with the AWD system is rated at 11.3 L/100km city, 9.1 L/100km highway, and 10.3 L/100km combined. Through our rigorous city test drive, we achieved a combined fuel economy rating of 12.8L/100km.
Cargo Space & Storage
There is 881L of cargo space behind the rear seats. That number is increased to 2260L with the 60/40 rear seats folded. Under the trunk floor are large compartmented storage bins and a tire inflation kit.
There are plenty of in cabin storage options. While the front door pockets, the center console storage bin, and the glove compartment are all decently sized, the rear door pockets are smaller. Front cup holders can be covered by a sliding blind, so small items can be kept away from prying eyes. Rear passengers also enjoy additional cup holders inside the folding armrest.
Verdict
The 2022 Acura RDX is a welcomed upgrade to the already excellent third generation RDX. The new front fascia is exceedingly handsome, and the re-tuned suspension gives the RDX an athletic ride that matches its exterior. With more included standard features, the very reasonable sticker price of the RDX becomes even more appealing. I am confident that the 2022 RDX will continue the model's commercial success.
Test Vehicle 2022 Acura RDX A-SPEC
MSRP
$46,900 Base, $53,700 as tested
Color Liquid Carbon metallic
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