2019 Acura RDX the Most Advanced and Powerful Compact SUV in Honda History

2019_Acura_RDX_Grill
2019 Acura Precision Performance Diamond Grill

 

2019 Acura RDX SUV is the most advanced and powerful 2-row SUV in Honda history. The Advanced Car takes a closer look.

After a week behind the wheel of arguably the sportiest tech rich 2-row SUV in North America The Advanced Car Team walks away with an impression or two. Read on to discover what we do and don’t like about 2019 Acura RDX.

Acura launches a totally redesigned 2019 RDX 2-Row SUV that blows the doors off the competition through advanced engineering, tech driven driver to vehicle connectivity, and turbocharging. This is the first RDX in Acura history to feature an Acura exclusive manufacturing architecture. Gone is the universal compact Honda CR-V platform, as well as the mechanically bulletproof Honda engineered 3.5 Liter V6.

Instead, for 2019, RDX employs a high performance 2.0L VTEC turbocharged 4 cylinder gasoline engine for the heavy lifting while transferring torque to a primary front differential Via a proprietary 10 speed automatic transmission.

Also returning to the RDX mark is a re engineered torque vectoring  SH-AWD (super handling all wheel drive) option as found in MDX, as well as Acura’s first application of advanced scroll and tap mouse-like accessory command.

The back story

Acura presents a 2019 RDX Crossover injected with Precision Performance. What consumers see on the exterior of RDX is an accurate preview of things to come while driving RDX. “Dynamic performance” is an understatement.

For 2019, Acura delivers a total redesign of the best selling compact premium 2-row SUV in North America. Gone is the 3.5 Liter port injected SOHC V6  replaced by a responsive turbocharged 2 liter 4 cylinder gasoline engine matched to an NSX inspired dial drive mode select 10 speed automatic transmission — the engine and transmission pairing is exceptional.

For drivers requiring optimal all weather traction, Acura offers SH-AWD (super handling all wheel drive) a first in the segment — resulting in a compact SUV exhibiting track like traction and road handling characteristics more akin to a  full time all wheel drive premium sport sedan.

2019 Acura RDX presents premium features at an attainable price point

Viewing the most advanced and premium interior in RDX history The Advanced Car discover a redesigned contrast stitched and trimmed 16 way power adjusted leather seats, available real wood accents, a near intuitive driver to control interface, via an advanced center consul positioned point and tap touch pad, and a much improved tablet-like dash mounted floating monitor. 2019 Acura RDX at any trim level gives Lexus and the European imports a true run for The money.

2019 Acura RDX retains attractive pricing with a beginning MSRP of $37,300 * base RDX FWD, to the top of the line $45,500 RDX SH-AWD. At all trim levels consumers discover an exceptionally equipped personal driver with accommodations for 5. I first discovered 2019 Acura RDX here.

2019_Acura_RDX-2-Row
Redesigned 2019 Acura RDX 2-Row.

No stranger to Acura RDX

This is my 5th Acura RDX drive review in as many years. Frankly, the last generation Acura RDX topped the compact premium Crossover segment with reasonable fuel economy, 3.5L V6 engine power, in town maneuverability, and ease of parking. One of many RDX road trips took us down to Tucson Arizona in style and comfort.

The most torque rich drivecentric Acura RDX in history

For 2019 Acura’s iconic V6 RDX gives way to a slightly longer, quieter, more powerful and sophisticated RDX. While returning RDX buyers may miss the subtle dynamic of the V6, other’s will marvel in new found mid-range torque, a much improved user interface, and a ride and drive experience generally associated with much larger Crossovers.

The bonus for me is a much improved driver’s seat, greater second row legroom, and a full panoramic glass roof. Also for 2019, Acura continues a tradition of feature rich premium packaging with a quality ride not generally associated with a compact SUV. Thanks to a slightly longer and wider track 2019 Acura RDX drives and rides like a larger SUV while retaining the ease of parking and maneuverability inherent to a compact vehicle. When equipped with optional SH-AWD, RDX handles all road and weather conditions with  track-like stability and minimal body roll. 

Thanks to advanced VTEC turbocharged engine technology, not only is RDX fuel efficient, but exceptional in low to mid RPM torque output. While I do find the 10 speed transmission to be a tad “busy,” I do appreciate the overall performance and reasonable interior quiet found behind the very smart wheel of Acura’s latest RDX offering. I recommend RDX to any consumer that prefers ease of vehicle ingress and exit as well as a higher truck-like seating position.

Highs: Reasonable fuel efficiency, outstanding turbo power, available AH-AWD, Tech Package, Acura Watch.

Lows: A bit noisy when accelerating, the interior could be quieter, touch pad learning curve.

No engine or transmission options.

 

 

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

2 thoughts on “2019 Acura RDX the Most Advanced and Powerful Compact SUV in Honda History”

  1. I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not positive whether or not this publish is written through him as nobody else know such special about
    my difficulty. You’re incredible! Thank you!

Comments are closed.