TL AUTOS RDX Brings Back Fun Acura's Compact Luxury SUV Improves Driving Dynamics By Derek Price clunky, separate control for my hand That said, the technology in the RDX is first rate. It uses the Androld operating system to run the large 10.2-inch sereen, with beautifu graphics, a logical design and a blank sheet of paper to re-cast the RDX for a third generation, they had a critical exhilarating, like the first-generation nRDX that sold in greater their choice was unequivocal: Acura Should they make it sporty a Pricing starts at $37.300 for the front-wheel drive RDX and ranges up to $47.400 for the all-wheel-drive version with the Advance Package. versiont Or should they make it more boring and comfostable, like the A quick drive is all it lakes isee What was tested? 2019 Acura RDX AWD Advance (S47.400), Options: None. Price as tested (induding $995 for 2019, the RDX's emphasis on you look, starting under the hood. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ACURA ROx destination charge): $48,395 Acura's popular RDX gets an all-new design for 2019. It seems to draw inspiration from the NSX Acura opted for a 20-liter turbocharged enginejust like many supercar, both from its aggressively drawn body lines and its sense of mechanical connection to the road. of its luxury-hrand competitors including the BMW X3, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo Wheelbase: 108.3 in make it handle better than ever, especially when fitted with Acura mpressive all-wheel drive system that can rouie up to 70 percent of he engine's torque to the rear wheel making its cabin feed impressively oomy in front and rear, with a decent ump in output that propelsi Height: 65.7 in but tuned it to produce e power and torque than any of those. gher,e rigid body with gusto. amount of space left for cargo in the back. Combined with solid Powertrain: 2.0-iter turbo charged four cylinder (272 hp. It makes 272 horsepower and 280 suspension feel and wider stance costruction and premium materials, verall impression is snaay What excites me the most abt Transmission: 10-speed this new RDX isn't the fact that it comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission cars have been ona being signiflicantly faster and more gear-count race for years- buutpowerful, lightweight construction how perfectly suited that transmission and a well-engineered powertrain feels for sporty driving Shifts are fas mean the gas mileage ratings are up precise and decisive, never fishig around to find the correct gear Anotser is fuel economy, Despite automatic 28 hignway RATINGS The big question in my mind is To dsive home the sporty message, whether I could ever completely get Style: 8 the new body is more aggressive than comfortable with Acura's digital ever with sharp, angular creases and interface in this vehicle. It uses a Acura's new Eace that it deems a touchpad on the center console to diamond pentagon grille. 1 think it's subely attractive and far less polarizing than the brand's previous slab-of control a sereen mounted high on the The basic idea makes perfect sense. The screen is up high where or your hand to move. But in reality truggled to get the interface to react Quality: 9 Overaii: 9 To be Eair, the new RDX isn't sibility is best, and the controls are entirely abour looking and feeling more exciting. 80 percent of the emphasis. The remainder went into some practical down low where it's most comfortable 1 found it a bit fussy to use and the way I wanted, even after a week of That, to me, feels like A completely new design for 2019 features that help with day-to-day driving The RDX's cabin is noticeably larger now. It has a premium feele not just from the sense of spaciousness, but also from the solid construction and upscale material choices. makes the RDX roomier, faster Just like on new Lexus models that more efficient and dramatically One is its size, The ne RDX is bgger in virtually every dimension.are trying the sae idea, I stll prefer more engaging to drive