2019 Acura RDX A-Spec?
Third Gen RDX Designed and engineered in U.S.
Since its introduction in 2006, Acura?s RDX has become one of the biggest players in the compact premium CUV market segment. A Two-Wheel Drive model for those consumers who had no need for Four-Wheel Drive bowed for the 2010 model year. the RDX continues to evolve, offering. Power came from a 2.3-liter 240 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Now, continuing its evolutionary progression, the 2019 model year serves up an all-new 2019 Acura RDX that represents the most extensive Acura product redesign in a decade, heralding a new era for Acura design, performance and luxury. It has been the top-selling nameplate in the compact luxury SUV segment since its launch.
OVERVIEW
The 2019 Acura RDX is the first RDX to be designed and developed totally in America, designed at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California, and developed in Raymond, Ohio. The new RDX is manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio.. The RDX?s 2.0-liter VTEC? turbo engine is produced at the company?s Anna, Ohio engine plant6, and the new SH-AWD? system is manufactured at the company?s Russels Point, Ohio transmission plant6. The 10-speed automatic transmission is manufactured in the company?s Tallapoosa, Georgia facility.
This latest iteration Acura RDX is based on an exclusive Acura platform developed from the ground up around Acura?s Precision Crafted Performance brand direction and is powered by a new, more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the segment?s only 10-speed transmission available fourh-generation SH-AWD?, and class leading power-to-weight ratio that results in the quickest, best handling RDX ever.
GET UP AND GO
The front transversely-mounted 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve VTEC? four cylinder turbocharged and direct-injected inline engine delivers a peak output of 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, along with 280 pound feet of torque in a range from 1,600-4,500 rpm. Motive force is geared to the driving wheels via the electronically controlled 10-speed automatic transmission with sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters. This tops key competitors Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, pumping out 40 percent more low-end torque than the outgoing 3.6-liver V6 for enhanced acceleration.
The next-generation of Acura?s SH-AWD features improved rear-wheel torque capacity, up 40 percent over the previous-generation?s system, amplifying the performance enhancing capabilities of Acura?s dynamic torque vectoring technology, now with up to 70% of torque available for distribution to the rear wheels, and up to 100% of that torque distributable to either the right-rear or left-rear wheel, creating improved control and agility. The 2019 Acura RDX is the first model to utilize this new generation SH-AWD.
All RDX models are equipped with Acura?s Integrated Dynamics System ? featuring Snow, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes ? providing an expanded range of dynamic experiences to suit the driving environment. The system interacts with the Drive-by-Wire? throttle, 10-speed transmission, electric power steering, SH-AWD (if so equipped) with torque vectoring, traction control, Active Damper System (on Advance grades) and Active Sound Control to provide a wider range of driving experiences and dynamic capabilities based on the needs of the driver and driving conditions.
8 CHOICES
There will be a total of eight Acura RDX trim levels including: a FWD RDX; a FWD RDX with the Technology Package; for the first time, an A-Spec model variant in either FWD or SH-AWD; a FWD RDX with the Advanced Package; a base SH-AWD RDX; an RDX SH-AWD with the Technology Package; and RDX SH-AWD with the Advanced Package.
The 2019 Acura RDX went on sale nationwide June 1, 2018. with a starting MSRP of $37,300. (excluding $995 destination and handling) and ranging to $47,400. The Acura RDX comes standard with an g array of premium features and technologies. The price is the same as the outgoing model, but now comes equipped with AcuraWatch?, as a standard feature.
There is an extensive inventory of standard luxury features and technologies, including AcuraWatch? safety and driver-assistive tecnhnology, an ultra-wide panoramic moonroof, next-generation Acura JewelEye? LED headlights and the new True Touchpad Interface?, Acura?s groundbreaking new user interface tailored around the driving environment.
The new Acura RDX may be upgraded with the Technology Package and top-of-the-line Advance Package. Available new premium features, depending on trim, include 16-way power adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a 10.5-inch full-color Head-Up Display, 16-channel Acura ELS Studio 3D? premium audio, Surround View Camera System, Cross Traffic Monitor and blind spot information System.
TOP TRIM
The RDX becomes the first Acura SUV available with the A-Spec sport appearance package, which includes 20-inch wheels and low-profile 245/45R20 tires, gloss black exterior accents, large-diameter exhaust finishers, A-Spec badging and exclusive interior upgrades including an available red or black leather interior with black Ultrasuede? inserts.
The 2019 Acura RDX is the first all-new model to showcase Acura?s new exterior and interior design direction that debuted first in the Acura Precision Concept and Acura Precision Cockpit. The new RDX boasts a more athletic stance with a 2.6-inch longer wheelbase, shortened front overhang and wider track. The new design leads off Acura?s signature diamond pentagon grille, next-generation Jewel Eye? LED headlights and NSX-inspired front air curtains.
CABIN AMBIENCE
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Moving into the interior, the new RDX provides luxurious interior appointments, including available authentic brushed aluminum, stainless steel and Olive Ash wood accents, supportive sculpted sport seats, an ultra-wide panoramic moonroof and a high-deck floating center console that features the new True Touchpad Interface and the NSX-inspired drive mode dial. The cabin space is expanded with class-leading rear legroom, a fully-flat rear floor, and a larger (+3.4 cubic feet) cargo area with an additional 1.7 cubic-feet of compartmented underfloor storage.
The new RDX cabin?s connectivity and infotainment is top-notch, with the first application of Acura?s True Touchpad Interface? that combines the advantages of both conventional touchscreen and remote-based approaches. The True Touchpad Interface? features a 10.2-inch full-HD center display mounted high atop the center console, and a center console-mounted touchpad, precisely mapped, one-to-one, with the action on the center display. Also debuting the available Acura ELS Studio 3D? premium audio, a 16-channel, 710-watt system featuring four ultra-slim Highline? ceiling-mounted speakers. Another Acura first is the new natural language voice recognition system. Yet another feature is the latest generation of AcuraLink?, with in-vehicle 4GLTE Wi-Fi, available over-the-air software updates and a wide array of cloud-based services, including emergency roadside assistance, remote locking/unlocking and engine start, stolen vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, geofencing, speed tracking and more.
My test 2019 Acura RDX during the press preview was an A-Spec trim model with SH-AWD. The exterior was finished in Apex Blue Pearl metallic with a two-tone Madder Red and Black Ultrasuede interior with contrast stitching. The Wheels were 5-?tri-spoke? Black Painted alloys. The MSRP read $45,500 with the only extra cost incurred being the Destination and Handling charge, raising the final total to $46,495 before tax and license. I later was able to spend more time on my home turf with essentially the same trim A-Spec level, but with a White Diamond Pearl exterior finish and the two-tone Madder Red and Black Ultrasuede interior with contrast stitching. The procing structure was also the same as my launch test unit.
PERFORMANCE
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The 2019 Acura RDX The ride quality leans to the firm side of the scale without being harsh, and the handling attributes are nimble and instantly responsive.
The acceleration and performance capability is a superlative improvement over that of the outgoing model.
The overall driving experience of this 5-passenger SUV is more like that of a sumptuous sport sedan. The RDX positions itself below Acura?s larger MDX SUV as a luxurious CUV. It is more intimate in its packaging and form, making it the ideal size for many consumers, without sacrificing performance or comfort.
OURAUTOEXPERT?S TAKE
In the final scope of things, The 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec with SH-AWD will prove itself to be a just right-sized Crossover for many consumers that is luxuriously comfortable, while delivering a sporty, fun-to-drive persona.
As with all other Acura models, the 2019 RDX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care?, which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing. This protection coupled with Acura?s reliability factor, renders the RDX as ideal choice in the CUV marketplace.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec SH-AWD
Base Price: ??????????? ?????$45,500
Price as Tested:??????????? ?$46,495.
Engine Type and Size: ???????2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve VTEC, turbocharged 4-cylinder with Direct Injection and Drive-by-Wire Throttle System.
Horsepower (bhp):??????????? 272 @ 6,500 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.):??????????280 @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
Transmission:??????????? ??? Electronically controlled 10-speed automatic with sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters.
Drive Train:??????????? ?????Transversely mounted front engine / Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
Suspension:??????????? ??????Front: MacPherson strut with Adaptive Damper System and 30 mm stabilizer bar
Rear: Multilink with Adaptive Damper System and 23 mm stabilizer bar.
Brakes:??????????? ???????????Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS,EBD, BA, Hill Start Assist and TPMS.
Tires:??????????? ??????????? Goodyear Eagle RSA 255/40 R20 111V mounted on 5-?tri-spoke? Black alloy wheels.
Wheelbase:??????????? ????????108.3?inches
Length Overall:??????????? ???186.8?inches
Width:??????????? ??????????? ?74.8?inches
Height:??????????? ??????????? 65.7?inches
Curb Weight:??????????? ??????4,015?lbs.
Turning Circle:??????????? ????38.9?ft.
Fuel Capacity:??????????? ?????17.1?gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates:???????????21?mpg city / 26?mpg highway
Drag Coefficient:??????????? ???Not listed
0 – 60 mph:??????????? ?????????Not tested
<a href=”http://www.tflcar.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Arv_Voss.jpg”><img class=”alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image 21472 alt=” src=”http://www.tflcar.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Arv_Voss.jpg” alt=”” width=”150″ height=”144″ /></a>Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.
