Flash Drive

2015 Acura RDX

January 19, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Acura RDX AWD Tech

The handsome 2015 Acura RDX is available in front wheel and all wheel drive models.
The handsome 2015 Acura RDX is available in front wheel and all wheel drive models.

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 273 horsepower 251 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 19/City—27/Highway—22/Combined

Base Price: $39,995

As Tested: $40,890

Performance:

Excellent, smooth Acura V-6 engine

Equally smooth automatic transmission with paddle shifters

Lively acceleration

Pleasant highway ride

Pretty sporty for a compact crossover

The sole RDX engine is a smooth 273-hp 3.5-liter V-6.
The sole RDX engine is a smooth 273-hp 3.5-liter V-6.

Good city-size vehicle

No manual 4×4 controls

Comfort:

Stretch-out front legroom

Excellent rear leg and headroom even with front seats all back

Thick, contoured leather steering wheel with excellent auxiliary controls

High quality interior materials

Soft headrests

Utility:

Big console bin

Interior materials and features are excellent.
Interior materials and features are excellent.

Flat cargo floor

Power liftgate

Big, wide hatch opening

Rear seats don’t fold very flat

Considerable step between cargo deck and folded seat backs

A wide hatch opening and a flat floor make cargo loading easy.
A wide hatch opening and a flat floor make cargo loading easy.

Smallish front door bins

Two seatback pouches

WOW Factors:

Notable quality

Impressive engineering

Sharp styling

Versatile Tech Package

Whines:

Overly small sunroof

Small, oddly shaped rear door bins

Bottom Line:

The 2015 Acura RDX is a high-quality compact crossover SUV that offers a nice mix of luxury and utility. The interior is roomy and well appointed. The driving characteristics lean toward the car side of the equation, which is what most SUV owners prefer.