Feb 14, 2019, 10:16 AM by Mike Blake

Acura revamped and upleveled its luxury SUV lineup in 2001, when it replaced the SLX with a newly initialed mid-size crossover that was created to supply “Multi-Dimensional luXury," or MDX. In other Acura initialese, RDX hit the scene as Acura’s first luxury crossover SUV in 2006, and for 2019, RDX is all-new for its third generation. Now, RDX may mean Rapid Detonating Explosive in military terms, but RDX letters have no special meaning -- just a marketing grouping of letters. However, RDX is special, as the 2019 version is the first in a new generation of Acura models designed and engineered around Acura's innovative Precision Crafted Performance brand values. A top-seller in the premium compact SUV niche, RDX’s new generation model the first to be designed and engineered in America, with styling design conducted in the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California, and development conducted by Acura’s engineering team headquartered in Raymond, Ohio, adjacent to the RDX's manufacturing home in East Liberty, Ohio where RDX is produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.



New for 2019  are such powertrain items as a VTEC Turbo® 2.0-liter, DOHC direct-injected inline-4 engine, 10-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential SportShift, Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ and 4-mode Integrated Dynamics System.



But the first things you see are exterior changes that include: improved aerodynamics with specially shaped front-end components, a more rigid, lightweight and acoustically sealed chassis, repositioned rear spoiler, and a rounded in-motion demeanor. Interior augmentations include Acura True Touchpad Interface™ with 10.2-inch HD display, Acura sports seats with available full-grain perforated Milano leather and up to 16-way power adjustment (12-way standard), Natural Language Voice Recognition, Frameless interior rearview mirror with integrated HomeLink™, available heated steering wheel and available Surround-View Camera System.



The 2019 RDX strikes a more aggressive and athletic pose with a long and wide stance, wheels pushed to the corners and sharply sculpted design details. Premium exterior details include all-LED lighting featuring the next generation of Acura's Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and an ultra-wide power tilt and slide panoramic moonroof, standard on all grades. Gaining length, width and height, RDX now measures 186.8 inches long (up 2.4 inches), 65.7 inches high (0.7 inches higher) and 74.8 inches wide (1.1 inches wider) on a 108.3-inch wheelbase (2.6 inches longer) and weighing in at about 3783 lbs. (47 lbs. lighter). Ground clearance is about the same at 8.2 inches.



The new RDX has changed its muscle delivery system for an interesting approach to more power and better acceleration. Available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, RDX is now powered by a new direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-4-cylinder engine with VTEC® valvetrain. Mated to a niche-first 10-speed automatic transmission, there is a peak output of 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. That’s down seven ponies from the last-gen 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-8 model, but that’s made up for by the increase of 28 lb-ft of torque. What you get is better off-the-line and passing acceleration, and higher efficiency. Reliable on uphill grades, passing at speed and low-end around-town performance, RDX surprised me at the track with a (hand-timed) 5.8-second zero-to-60 sprint and a 14.5-second quarter-mile.



Fuel efficiency was solid for the segment with an EPA rating of 21mpg/city, 27mpg/highway and 23mpg/combined. My 400 miles of mixed-use tests showed an average of 22.2mpg; and handling was also better-than-expected for the segment, with little understeer, a smooth ride and average body sway and top wobble during autocross maneuvers.



The new RDX offers a high level of convenience and new technology in a more spacious cabin. High-end appointments, including authentic brushed aluminum accents and available genuine Olive Ash wood trim, hand-wrapped and stitched leather trim, and softer, more durable full-grain Milano leather seating surfaces. Filled with tech, infotainment and comfort, the RDX cabin affords ample room for five, providing a 0.9-inch gain in front headroom, at 39.6 inches, and 0.2 in. more in row two at 38.3; legroom lost 0.4 inches in front, at 41.6, but gained 0.1 in the rear at 38.4; and shoulder room increased by an inch up front at 59.7 inches, with rear shoulder room down 0.6 at 56.6 inches.



The third-generation RDX offers the highest level of standard safety and driver-assistance features in the model's history – and in its class. The AcuraWatch™ suite of driver-assistance technologies is now standard on all RDX grades, along with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, while the Technology Package and higher grades add Blind Spot Information, front and rear parking sensors and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.



The 2019 Acura RDX starts at $37,400 in Front-Wheel Drive. White Diamond Pearl was my no-charge exterior color, matched to an Ebony interior. The standard 19-inch Glitter Silver wheels beat spending $2000-$3000 for cosmetic wheel upgrades. Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ was added for $2000; and  the Technology Package added $3200 for  Premium Perforated Milano Leather-Trimmed Sport Seats, GPS-Linked Climate Control, Rear Doors, Smart Key Entry, Premium Audio System with 12 Speakers, Acura Navigation System with 3D View, HD Radio™, Song By Voice®, Traffic Rerouting, AcuraLink®, Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, and oh yeah, I got a wheel upgrade anyway -- 19-in Pewter Gray Metallic Machine-Finished Wheels. All-Season Floor mats added $175, Silver Cross Bars added $299 and Destination charges of $995 put the sticker-as-tested at $44,629.


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Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.