Acura raised the bar in the luxury crossover segment in 2006, when it launched RDX. Redesigned for its third generation in 2019, RDX essentially stands pat for 2020 except for a new Platinum White exterior paint scheme and a few cosmetics. Even without massive changes, RDX has received industry accolades including taking home a “2020 Best Family Luxury Car” honor by Parents magazine; earning “Best-Buy” status from Consumer Guide® and receiving top-safety pick recognition by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Preferring to load the basic vehicle and allow buyers to modify and tailor the vehicle to fit personal needs and desires, the 2020 RDX is packaged as a single model with no trim levels, but as a model that can be equipped with appropriate upwteaking packages.

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

Last year, RDX became 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, the current RDX generation model is the first RDX model to be designed and engineered in America, with styling design conducted in the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California. Its development was 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.

The 2020 RDX commands the road with an aggressive and athletic pose, long and wide stance, wheels pushed to the corners and sharply sculpted design details. RDX exterior highlights include exceptional aerodynamics with specially shaped front-end components, a rigid, lightweight and acoustically sealed chassis, purposely positioned rear spoiler, and a rounded in-motion demeanor. 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. Measuring a robust 186.8 inches long, 65.7 inches high and 74.8 inches wide on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, RDX weighs in with curb weights of 3783 lbs. to 3829 lbs., depending on added packages. Ground clearance is a generous 8.2 inches.

The RDX power system is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, and the luxury SUV delivers with an attentive 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, the set-up delivers a peak output of 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The system shows virtually no lag, with solid off-the-line acceleration, and passing is power-plus. Uphill dominance is effortless and around-town smoothness is the order of the day. In track tests, RDX performs much better than one would expect, with steady and exciting time trials -- 5.7-second (hand-timed) zero-to-60 dash and a 14.4-second (hand-timed) quarter-mile.

While not an autocross champion, RDX handling was above average for the segment, with aggressive steering compliance, predictable understeer, a smooth and confident surface ride and average body sway and top wobble during autocross maneuvers.

From a fuel-efficiency perspective, RDX did well for the niche and met its EPA rating of 22mpg/city, 28mpg/highway and 24mpg/combined, with a mixed-use test average of 23.8 mpg.

The RDX cabin offers a high level of convenience and technology in a comfortable environment. High-end appointments fill the interior and include authentic brushed aluminum accents, available genuine Olive Ash wood trim, hand-wrapped and stitched leather trim, and soft full-grain Milano leather seating surfaces. Filled with tech, infotainment and comfort, the RDX cabin affords ample room for five, providing 40.0 inches of front headroom and 38.0 inches in row two; front legroom is 42.0 inches and rear legroom is 38.0; while shoulder room is 60.0 inches up front and 57.0 inches in the rear seats.

The 2020 Acura RDX has earned the highest possible safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).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 2020 Acura RDX starts at $37,800 in Front-Wheel Drive. Apex Blue Pearl exterior paint required several package upgrades including changing the standard Ebony interior to Red and the standard 19-in Glitter Silver Wheels to A-Spec 20-in. Shark Gray Wheels. The change also added the $3200 Technology Package with Navigation, Premium Sound, Leather Seats and Driver Assistance; and the $3000 A-Spec® Package with Exterior Design and Interior Detail tweaks, Surround Sound and 20-Inch Wheels. I am a believer of All-Wheel-Drive in most cases, and we upgraded to Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ for $2000. With a Destination Charge of $1025, my 2020 Acura RDX test vehicle stickered at $47,425.

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.

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