2017 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX SUV comes in two drivetrains - FWD and AWD, with prices starting at $35,670 for the base trim and going up till $43,820 for the top trim. Under both, the RDX SUV is offered in 5 different packages namely Base, Technology Package, Advance Package, Acurawatch Plus Package, and Technology and Acurawatch Plus Package. Every successive package is offered with the same standard powertrain while an optional AWD drivetrain is also provided. 

Trim	Base	Acurawatch Plus Package	Technology Package	Technology and Acurawatch Plus Package	Advance Package
MSRP(FWD)	$35,670	$36,970	$39,370	$40,670	$43,320
MSRP(AWD)	$ 37,170	$38,470	$40,870	$42,170	$43,820
Key Features	Rearview camera LED headlights	Forward Collision Warning (FCW) System	Dual-Zone, Automatic Climate Control with Air Filtration	Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines	Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback
	Cruise control	Collision Mitigation Braking System	GPS-Linked Climate Control	Rear Cross Traffic Monitor	Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column
	Rear privacy glass	Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System	Rear-Passenger Ventilation		Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror
	keyless ignition and entry	Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)	Push button Ignition		Retained Accessory Power for Windows and Moon roof
	Power lift gate	Blind spot information (BSI) System	Sport Seats with Leatherette-Trimmed Interior
	Sunroof	Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)	Driver's 10-Way Power Seat with Power Lumbar Support
	Dual-zone automatic climate control		Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback
	Heated power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger)		Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob
	leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery		Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls
	a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel		Active Sound Control
	auto-dimming mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio, and a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio		Ambient Cabin Lighting
			Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror Retained Accessory Power for Windows and Moonroof
			12-Volt Power Outlets (center console and front armrest

We Recommend 

The Compact SUV provides plenty of features in the base model but the Advance Package, which is also the top-trim and with a price difference of almost $8000, is the recommended model for it comes equipped with a plethora of features and safety components.

"Automotive journalists agree that the V6 is plenty powerful for spirited highway cruising, providing smooth acceleration and throttle response. The cabin remains quiet, however, shielding passengers from most exterior noise."-Cars.USnews

Engine and Transmission 

Powered by a 3.5L V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the RDX produces 279 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. The power delivery is optimal and has no hiccups in low-end torque delivery for quick acceleration. It makes for a comfortable drive and cruising the highway is a joy. The transmission is well optimized and responsive to the engine speed and has no hassle of cutting or shifting to greater gears. 

Every other car in this field puts the Acura to shame. They all offer better engine output and torque, while also beating it in 0-60 mph and quarter mile tests. In particular, the Audi SQ5 leaves every other car in the dirt. It’s the most powerful and quickest car amongst the competition.

Models	Acura RDX SUV	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Infiniti QX50
MSRP	$35,670	$39,395	$53,300	$34,650
Engine	3.5L 6cyl	3.6L V6, DI, VVT	3.0 TFSI 6 Cylinder	3.7L V6 24-Valve DOHC
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	7-speed automatic
Horsepower	279 hp	310 hp @ 6600 rpm	354 hp @ 6000 rpm	325 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque	252 lb-ft	271 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	346 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	267 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

Acceleration

The 3.5L V6 with 6-speed transmission churns out 279 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque, which takes 6.2s to reach 0-60 mph and 14s in the quarter mile. These are quick and decent for the sort of powertrain offered. The Infiniti QX50 and Cadillac XT5 come with a better powertrain and a tad better torque. The QX50 is quicker in 0-60 mph test, but falls behind in the quarter mile; similarly, the Cadillac falls behind in both tests against both its competitors.

Models	Acura RDX SUV	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Infiniti QX50
0-60 MPH	6.2 sec	6.6 sec	5.1 sec	5.8 sec
Quarter mile	14.0 sec	15.1 sec	13.1 sec	14.3 sec
Engine	3.5L	3.6L	3.0L	3.7L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.7	8.0	9.3	8.9

The Audi SQ5 is another league entirely; it offers the most powerful displacement and torque in the field and leaves the other cars in the dust. Although, it also costs almost $20,000 more than the Acura and Infiniti and $15,000 more than the Cadillac.

Handling and Steering

The Acura RDX SUV is one of the most stable and balanced compact SUVs in the market. It handles extremely well, offers excellent nimble suspension and maneuverability, and greatly responsive to the input given. It sticks rather well to the road, without weaving towards any direction.

The car is very smooth and comfortable to drive. While steering, it turns accurately at the same time feeling light. The Acura, by no means, feels sporty or screams any sporty perception. It feels like a well-built car with precise craftsmanship.

Braking

The Acura takes 121ft to come to a standstill from 60 mph, the average for this class. The Cadillac takes 128ft which is below average while the Audi SQ5 takes a similar time as the Acura. The Infiniti has a decent braking system, where it takes 114ft to come to a standstill.

Model	Acura RDX SUV	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Infiniti QX50
Brake Front (in.)	12.3	13.6	15.0	12.6
Brake Rear (in.)	12.0	12.4	13.0	12.1
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3737	3985	4442	3855
60-0 MPH (ft.)	121	128	123	114

Even with a 3.5L V6 engine, the Acura returns a decent fuel economy which is actually quite average for the class. In the city, it delivers 20 mpg while on the highway it returns 28 mpg and the Acura has a combined mpg of 23. Its rivals, the Cadillac XT5, the Audi SQ5, and the Infiniti QX50 all return worse fuel economy compared to the Acura. The Cadillac comes closest, yet the Acura wins overall as it is a tad more pocket-friendly.

Model	Acura RDX SUV	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Infiniti QX50
MPG (city)	20	19	17	17
MPG (highway)	28	27	24	24
MPG (combined)	23	22	19	20

"On the upside, the front seats are as firm and supportive as those in the best European models, while the backseat offers more legroom than most competitors, making it easy for a pair of 6-footers to sit comfortably in both rows. One notable ingredient here is the elevated height of the rear bench, which affords both excellent thigh support and a commanding outward view, while still leaving ample headroom. There's also enough width for three adults to share the space during short trips."-Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

Once you enter inside, there’s plenty of space and feels solidly built. The cabin is elegant in amalgamation with sporty design elements and neatly arranged buttons. The front and the rear seats are very comfortable with generous legroom and headspace. It can accommodate 5 passengers, where the rear seats can easily accommodate 3 adult passengers, a feat some similar but taller sized SUV’s struggle with. The Acura RDX SUV has excellent interior spacing and comfort, unlike some similar priced cars and type.

Model	Acura RDX SUV	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Infiniti QX50
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.7/58.7/42.0	38.4/58.3/41.2	39.4/57.7/41.0	38.7/54.8/44.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.1/57.2/38.3	36.0/56.2/39.5	39.0/56.4/37.4	37.7/55.0/35.3

Interior features

The 2017 Acura RDX comes equipped with the following interior features -

• Power Moonroof
• Backup camera
• Heated front seats
• USB Connectivity
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming

Cargo Volume

With an offering of 26.1 cubic feet, the Acura has a generous boot space behind the 2nd and 3rd rows. But fold the rear seats and you would find a spacious 61.3 cubic feet of cargo volume at your disposal. The car comes standard with a power liftgate. The RDX has one of the most generous and spacious boot space in its price range. Only the Cadillac comes close to the Acura, while the Audi SQ5 almost matches it but still falls behind.

Model	Acura RDX SUV	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Infiniti QX50
Cargo Volume 3rd row up (ft.3)	26.1	N/A	29.1	18.6
Cargo Volume 2nd row up (ft.3)	26.1	30.0	29.1	18.6
Cargo Volume rear 2nd  row folded (ft.3)	61.3	63.0	57.3	50.1

"Fresh from an update last year, the 2017 Acura RDX SUV carries over its subtle tweaks that bring it in line with the more modern design language of the brand. Brilliant Jewel Eye headlights flank a revised 3-dimensional grille design, while around back the RDX’s taillights have the same signature look as the rest of the Acura lineup."-KelleyBlueBook

Dimensions and Weight

The Acura measures neither too long, wide, nor short. It offers the shortest wheelbase nonetheless but measures longer than the Audi only, whose wheelbase is 0.5 inches longer. It is wider and taller than the Infiniti and weighs the lightest at 3737 lbs. In terms of ground clearance, the Acura is quite down to earth, measuring 5.4 inches tall while the Audi SQ5 is tallest.

These measurements really do make the Acura a compact car with great maneuverability, but its shorter ground clearance may cause concern to the drivers.

Model	Acura RDX SUV	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Infiniti QX50
Curb weight (lbs.)	3737	3985	4442	3855
Length(in)	184.4	189.5	183.0	186.8
Width(in)	73.7	75.0	75.2	71.0
Height(in)	65.0	66.0	65.3	62.7
Ground clearance (in)	5.4	7.8	8.2	6.9
Wheelbase (in)	105.7	112.5	110.5	113.4
Track width (in) F/R	63.1/63.4	64.4/64.4	64.2/64.0	60.4/61.0

Exterior features

The 2017 Acura RDX comes with a striking and unique exterior design which boasts the following features -

• 18-inch aluminum wheels
• Automatic LED headlights
• All LED headlights and taillights
• 3D grille design
• Heated side mirrors
   

In crash and safety tests conducted by the NHTSA and IIHS, the 2017 Acura performed quite well, acing the 5-star criteria. Under IIHS’ crashworthiness, the Acura scored “Good” and scoring “Superior” in Crash Avoidance and Mitigation. These results undoubtedly make the RDX a safe car to own.

NHTSA Rating

Overall rating	5 star
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	5 star
Overall side crash rating	5 star
Side barrier rating	5 star
Side pole rating driver front seat	5 star
Combined side rating rear seat	5 star
Rollover rating	4 star
Side barrier rating driver	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	5 star
Combined side rating front seat	5 star
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5 star

IIHS Rating

 

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	N/A
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

 

Crash Avoidance & Mitigation
Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Headlights	Acceptable
LATCH	Acceptable

Cadillac XT5 SUV VS Acura RDX

Priced a bit more at $39,395, the XT5 is powered by a 3.6L V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain produces 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, which does 0-60 mph in 6.6 second and the quarter mile in 15.1s. It is less powerful, while being a tad less on fuel economy, provides less cargo volume and below average braking. While it does offer standard features which are missing on the base Acura, the price it’s offered for is similar to the higher trims offered by Acura. Overall, it is still a worthy alternative to the RDX SUV.

Audi SQ5 Premium Plus VS Acura RDX

Belonging to a different league altogether, the Audi is more than 10 thousand dollars more the highest RDX trim. Starting at $53,300, the Audi pretty much justifies the price difference. It is way more powerful, elegant and luxurious, great seating handles like a charm and is equipped with a plethora of features and safety conveniences. Granted that it is rather expensive, but having said that, it truly does provide a good package for the price. If you still are not convinced with the price jump, the Advance package AWD costing $43,820, offered by Acura is an excellent alternative.

Infiniti QX50 VS Acura RDX

The Infiniti starts at a cheaper $34,650 and offers a more powerful powertrain similar offering better performance than the Acura. It has a spacious interior with a nicely designed cabin and can accommodate 5 passengers comfortably. Low fuel economy and poor cargo volume make up for the biggest drawbacks of the car. Yet, the Infiniti is a fun-to-drive car and has quite a number of similar features compared to the base Acura RDX, but higher safety rating makes the Acura a more compelling choice.

The Acura is an excellent deal for what it offers; a compact and spacious luxurious SUV offering a good amount of features and excellent drivability with above-average fuel economy for its price range. While not being sporty on the performance side, it is still quick to drive.

The AWD drivetrain is recommended if anything, while the Advance Package is the choice-of-trim for it comes packed with a plethora of features and safety conveniences. The RDX is also one of the safest cars to drive in the market which all the more makes it a top choice to buy.