The Acura RDX Continues to be the Right "Right Sized" SUV for Today's World
07/07/2010
Acura
In tough economic times, choosing the right vehicle has never been more important. Blending a smart balance of sport and utility, the 2011 Acura RDX offers a "right sized" package matched with a turbocharged powertrain and the available sure-footedness of Acura's acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) - all wrapped in supple luxury.
The evolution of the luxury performance SUV took a significant leap forward with the arrival of the Acura RDX turbocharged crossover vehicle. The quick response of power from Acura's first-ever turbocharged engine along with the breakthrough technology of SH-AWD(TM) combine to deliver adrenaline pumping performance in an efficient SUV package.
"The RDX has always offered a unique mix of great performance, good utility, lots owner relevant technology and sharp looks," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "The availability of a 2WD model with improved fuel economy and a lower price also makes the 2011 RDX an exceptionally smart choice."
The RDX continues to be the compact luxury SUV of choice for drivers with energetic lifestyles who need a responsive and sporty vehicle with plenty of utility and leading edge styling. With two models available in two trim choices, the 2011 RDX offers something for everyone. The RDX comes standard with a two-wheel-drive drivetrain which is appealing to those who live in warmer climates and who don't need the all-weather capability all-wheel drive offers. For those looking for sportier performance or all-weather capability, the RDX with SH-AWD(R) will be right choice for them. Both models come standard with a wide array of features and available is the Technology Package.
Externally, the 2011 RDX has an aggressive, sporty appearance thanks to bold front and rear fascias, Acura's signature grille, pronounced wheel arches, 18-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels and upscale trim accents. On the inside, the RDX makes use of a rich blend of leather, artful stitchwork and flowing curves- paired with lots of cutting edge technology.
True to Acura's leadership in the application of advanced technology, the RDX incorporates a class-leading array of features that keep passengers informed, entertained and in control. Every RDX features as standard Bluetooth(R) HandsFreeLink(R) connectivity with Bluetooth(R)audio capabilities, a 7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System and a USB port that allows the connection (and charging) of items such as an iPhone(R) or iPod(R). For those who want to be even more connected to the world around them, an available Technology Package includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM), AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting(TM), and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather(TM) with radar image maps.
Based on Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative, the RDX incorporates leading safety technologies including Acura's renowned Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure, a wide array of airbags (including front, side and side curtain airbags), Vehicle Stability Assist (TM) (VSA(TM)), ABS with Brake Assist, and front seats with active head restraints.
Powertrain
The RDX is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine incorporating computer-controlled "intelligent" i-VTEC(R) for the intake valves that delivers enhanced performance across a broad powerband. The heart of the RDX's performance is its Variable Flow Turbocharger (VFT) that delivers an unusually broad powerband with virtually no lag in response. The turbocharger works in concert with i-VTEC(R) to deliver outstanding acceleration and efficiency while driving at a variety of speeds.
Rated output for the 2.3L I-4 engine is 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The RDX has an EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy rating* of 19/24/21 mpg (RDX 2WD) and 17/22/19 mpg (RDX SH-AWD(TM)) along with meeting EPA TIER 2 - BIN 5 and CARB LEV-2 ULEV emissions standards. Due in part to the decreased weight of the two-wheel-drive model, the RDX gets improved fuel economy versus the SH-AWD(R) model - resulting in an improvement of 2 mpg in both city and highway fuel economy.
A performance-minded Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on the RDX and an electronically-controlled Drive-by-Wire(TM) throttle system works with the transmission to execute exceptionally quick and smooth gear changes. The Sequential SportShift feature allows the transmission to function in a conventional automatic mode or can be manually controlled via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Chassis
The design goal for the RDX chassis was to simultaneously provide the sporty handling of the Acura TSX sports sedan with the versatility of an SUV. The RDX comes standard in two-wheel-drive form that offers a lighter vehicle weight, improved fuel economy and a lower purchase price.
Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)) system is available on the RDX, helping it to maximize available traction while improving handling balance and responsiveness in a variety of weather conditions. SH-AWD(TM) distributes optimum torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels. In addition, SH-AWD(TM) utilizes torque vectoring to help reduce understeer by overdriving one of the rear wheels to create a yaw moment that enhances steering accuracy and improves cornering ability.
Precise and responsive handling is generated by fully independent front and rear suspension. The MacPherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension system is tuned for compliant control, and the suspension is assisted by large-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars for flatter cornering. Standard to the RDX is Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA(R)) with traction control to further enhance vehicle controllability.
Exterior
RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the crossover SUV's sporty athleticism. Large wheel arches, aggressively styled body sides, steeply raked windscreen and a short rear overhang generate an RDX with a taut and muscular presence. A unique rear hatch allows for a smooth transition of the body to the rear bumper- a transition that delivers a more custom look as well as eases loading and unloading of cargo.
HID front headlights (controlled by a standard Auto on/off function) team with sharp body lines, bold 18-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels, rectangular exhaust finishers and satin body trim to give the RDX a crisp look.
Interior
Inside every RDX, leather trimmed front seats deliver a luxury feel as well as a high outward visibility "eye point" that provides a confident field of view. The RDX has soothing blue low-level ambient lighting in the ceiling that illuminates the front center console area along with ambient blue footwell lighting. The 3-passenger rear seat has a 60/40 split-folding capability and, when folded flat, significantly expands the load area- increasing the total cargo volume to 60.6 cubic feet.
Multiple storage compartments are positioned throughout the RDX interior, including a lockable dual-level center console (that is large enough to accommodate a laptop) conveniently located between the front seats. Within the center console is a movable tray along with a coin holder and a place for holding credit or gate cards.
Acura interior design has always made intuitive functionality a priority, and in the 2011 RDX all important systems and controls are intuitive and easy-to-read. The systems used most frequently - audio and cruise control - have switches positioned on the steering wheel and the HVAC buttons are located close to the driver.
The 2011 RDX has as standard an Acura Premium Sound System with AM/FM tuner, 6-disc in-dash CD player, MP3, WMA, XM(R) Radio, 7 speakers and a 360 watt amplifier. The audio system also features USB port and AUX jack connections for items such as an iPod(R), MP3 music player, or a "jump drive" memory stick.
All 2011 RDX feature as standard a rear view camera system. A base RDX has a viewing screen that is integrated into the auto-dimming rearview mirror while a RDX with Technology Package displays the rear view image on the 8-inch color screen used for the navigation system.
With the Technology Package's AcuraLink(TM) Satellite Communication System and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic(TM), the RDX driver can easily navigate busy freeways. In addition, the navigation system includes Traffic Rerouting(TM) that allows automatic rerouting around problem areas. Also included is AcuraLink Real-Time Weather(TM) with weather radar image maps that provide weather tracking for area-specific, continually-updated weather conditions between your current location and the final destination.
Part of the RDX Technology Package is a spectacular Acura/ELS Surround(R) 410-watt Premium Audio System with 10 speakers, 6-disc DVD-Audio, CD/MP3/WMA player, DTS(R), AM/FM tuner, XM(R) Radio with Note function music reminder and Dolby(R) Pro Logic(R) II. The Acura/ELS(R) audio system was designed by 6-time Grammy(R) award winning sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. When playing DVD-Audio discs (DVD-Audio delivers 500-times higher resolution than traditional CD audio), this advanced system uses eight discreet audio channels (up from the usual two channels) to create an exceptionally accurate listening experience. The Acura/ELS Surround(R) audio system also features a Note function for XM(R) Radio that allows the driver to later recall the song title, artist, a short excerpt of the actual song along with the XM(R) channel that played the song.
The Technology Package includes a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, automatic climate control system. In total, these advanced technologies position the RDX at the cutting edge of the Entry Premium SUV segment.
Safety and Security
The RDX's technology leadership also extends to safety, where a long list of advanced features are used- including an Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure. ACE(TM) employs a network of interconnected front frame structures that work to absorb and redirect frontal collision forces away from the passenger cabin while helping improve crash compatibility with vehicles of different sizes.
In addition, a special frame member located below the RDX's front bumper is designed to engage the front bumper of a lower vehicle, allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles to attenuate crash energy more efficiently. A specially engineered hood, collapsible hood hinges, breakaway wiper pivots and other features help mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision with the vehicle.
Inside, the RDX has a full complement of passive safety features. Key technologies include the latest generation of dual-stage, multiple-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags for the driver and front passenger, along with side curtain airbags (with a rollover sensor) for all outboard occupants. The front passenger's side airbag features an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) to prevent airbag deployment if a child or small-stature adult leans into the deployment path. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat mounting systems allow the quick and convenient installation of child seats in the rear seats.
Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2011 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.
The 2011 Acura RDX is assembled in Marysville, Ohio and is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care(R) (TLC(R)), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
*Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.