2011 Acura RDX

An additional package called the Technology package is available which adds some attractive features. Both these models are available in the reliable SH-AWD drivetrain as well. All RDX models are powered by a turbocharged 2.3 L Inline-4 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at $32,895 while the top-end model costs more than $37,995. The Acura RDX competes with the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Volvo XC60.

The 2011 Acura RDX is available in only one trim, which is the Base. It carries a price tag of $32,895 and it comes with a great set of features. Acura offers the Technology Package with the RDX that will increase the starting price to $35,995. It unlocks features like solar-sensing automatic climate control, a navigation system, voice controls, 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system, a rearview camera, a larger screen for the infotainment system, real-time traffic and weather notifications, etc. 

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The Acura RDX doesn’t have a whole lot of options to choose from. A notable point about the RDX is that it's cheaper than its rivals. Hence, our recommendation is to choose the fully-loaded Technology package with the AWD drivetrain which will cost you just under $38,000. The Tech Package adds some significant extra features over the base trim.

The standard engine fitted in the 2011 Acura RDX is a 2.3L Turbocharged Inline-4 which produces 240 hp @ 6000 RPM and has a peak torque of 260 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM. This engine is coupled to a 5-speed automatic gearbox and the standard drivetrain is an FWD. However, you have the option to equip AWD. The engine is decently powerful and it doesn’t disappoint when it reaches high speeds. The problem occurs when you get from low speeds to high speeds. The Turbocharger lags when the SUV is pushed through vigorous acceleration. 

Unlike its competitors that offer either a 6-speed automatic or 8-speed automatic transmission, the RDX offers a 5-speed automatic in order to bring out the best engine output. Furthermore, the standard FWD drivetrain is satisfactory at best. The SH-AWD offered by Acura is when it feels alive around cities, highways, and tight corners. With the latter, the handling improves by a significant margin. The steering is light-weighted which makes it easy to maneuver. However, the ride is stiffer than expected. The bumps are felt even during city rides. 

The 2011 Audi Q5 has the smallest sized engine in the segment. When compared to other cars in the segment, it is well underpowered as well but it manages to deliver a good fuel economy. The turbocharger in the RDX helps it attain a class-leading torque while the RDX, X3, and XC60 have the same power figures. The BMW X3 is undoubtedly the most engaging one to drive while also being the fastest and most expensive. 

The 2011 Acura RDX comes with a standard fuel economy compared to the average in the segment. But, opting for the SH-AWD will reduce the mileage to 17/22/19 MPG (city/highway/combined), which is the least in the segment. In the FWD configuration, the fuel economy is satisfactory but when the SH-AWD is equipped it lags behind the rivals. The SUV which delivers the best fuel economy is the 2011 Audi Q5 which provides a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG.

The 2011 Audi Q5 not only has a class-leading fuel economy but also a class-leading fuel tank capacity. With a capacity of 19.8 gallons, it attains a range far better than its competitors. It is clear enough to say that the Q5 is the clear winner when it comes to fuel efficiency. The more powerful BMW X3 is also a superb option considering that it comes in an AWD configuration and still delivers impressive efficiency. 

The interior of the 2011 Acura RDX is filled with modern amenities and a well-organized setup. The use of hard plastic is more than what is seen in its rivals, but it is elegant nonetheless. The seating position and driving position is one of the best in the business with plenty of exterior visibility. The dashboard and center console have a sleek and contemporary design with plenty of hidden storage compartments. The dual-zone automatic climate control provides a calm and relaxing environment inside.

There’s ample headroom, shoulder room, and legroom in both the front as well as the rear row of seats. The leather upholstery enhances the seating comfort of the seats. The driver’s seat is 8-way power-adjustable while the passenger’s seat is 4-way power-adjustable. Both these seats have heated functionality. The cabin experience is not exactly quiet. At times, there is a fair amount of road noise.

Overall, the RDX provides the best interior dimensions. However, it does not do so well in terms of cargo space, but it still provides plenty of cargo area. The figures mentioned above are for the space behind the second row of seats. Out of the 4 SUVs, the 2011 Volvo XC60 provides over 30 cubic feet of cargo space. Some of the highlight features inside the Acura RDX are the following-

• Sports seats with a perforated leather-trimmed interior
• Dual-zone automatic climate control system with air filtration
• Driver’s 10-way power seat (8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support)
• Front passenger’s 4-way power seat
• Heated front seats
• 60/40 split flat-folding second-row seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

How intuitive is the 2011 Acura RDX’s infotainment unit?

The infotainment system fitted in the Acura RDX provides an array of features. The Base is fitted with a LED screen while the Technology package gets a bigger touchscreen display. The display is fitted deep in the dashboard. Some controls might be too small to read which could be problematic for the driver to use them while driving. 

A premium 7-speaker audio system comes standard in the Base trim. The Technology package upgrades this sound system to a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound system. The Technology package also adds a navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic and weather notifications. Some of the standard features offered by this infotainment system are:

• Navigation (Technology package)
• Voice controls (Technology package)
• iPod/USB interface
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Satellite Radio
• 7-speaker audio system
• AMFM Stereo
• CD player

The exterior styling of the 2011 Acura RDX is something that you don’t see every day. Its out-of-the-box design is somewhat awkward and will take getting used to. The front fascia especially has been called “the angry chicken”. This is because of its uniquely shaped grille and automatic xenon headlights. The front bumper has a simpler design with basic fog light housing. The hood is sculpted in such a way that it amplifies the styling effect of the grille. 

The side profile is characterized by some curvy body lines and a slightly sloping roofline which give the RDX a boost in personality. Other features that are seen are 18-inch wheels, body-colored heated power-adjustable mirrors which have integrated LED directional signals, a power moonroof, and a comparatively low ground clearance of 6.3 inches. The rear end continues its unique styling thanks to its large taillights. Other features that are in the rear end are rear privacy glass, body-colored tailgate spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets.

The RDX is the lightest among the four SUVs mentioned above by a significant margin. Apart from that, it also has the lowest ground clearance in the segment which is only 6.3 inches. The SUV with the tallest stance is the 2011 Volvo XC60 with a ground clearance of 9.1 inches. Some of the key exterior features of the Acura RDX are-

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic xenon headlights
• Body-colored heated power-adjustable side view mirrors
• Power moonroof
• Body-colored tailgate spoiler
• Fog lights

Unfortunately, neither the NHSTA nor the IIHS has crash-tested the 2011 RDX. Hence it is not decisive that the RDX is an extremely safe car but with the amount of safety and driver-assist features standard on it, it should be among the safer small crossover SUVs on the market. The list of safety tech that is incorporated into the RDX inspires confidence. Some of the safety features on offer are:

• Blindspot alert system
• Lane departure warning system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Rearview camera
• Cruise control
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Daytime running lights

To start off, the 2011 Acura RDX is clearly not a looker. Its rivals offer much more stylish and modern exterior personas. It doesn’t match up with the fuel economy of its rivals as well. Its turbocharged engine lags a bit in acceleration and the ride is stiffer than most of its rivals. Despite these negatives, the Acura RDX is a good package. The Technology package offers some exciting features at a price much cheaper than its competition. The SUV is definitely worth the price which makes it a practical purchase.