2009 Acura RDX

The 2009 Acura RDX is largely unchanged from last year‘s model. But for those who are unfamiliar with this premium compact SUV, know that it seats five passengers and boasts All-Wheel Drive. And you didn’t hear it from me but Acura RDX is actually a sport sedan disguised as a small SUV.

The only powertrain offered is a potent (240-horsepower) 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo motor flowing torque to a sequential five-speed automatic transmission replete with paddle shifters. Without bogging down in details, suffice it to say this is a very sophisticated power plant that wrings nearly every drop of horsepower out of a gallon of gas. RDX speeds from zero to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, a reasonably quick elapsed time for a crossover of this class. The intercooler turbo kicks in with a whoosh and big burst of power that sends a thrill upon and down my spine.

You should also know Acura uses a variable flow turbo that combine the best qualities of both small and large turbochargers. In other words, it spools up quickly and flows massive CFMs of air. I also appreciate the fact that when the engine is turned off, coolant continues to circulate and cool the turbo, preventing fried bearings.

Fuel economy is just OK, with an EPA estimate of 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. I averaged 18 mpg. You also need to know turbo motors drink premium fuel. Towing capacity is a modest 1,500 pounds.

Handling manners are nimble thanks to a firm suspension and big tires (P235/55R18 Michelin Pilot on alloy wheels) that grip the road like there’s no tomorrow. Long and winding roads are an absolute delight. In a parking lot RDX turns tight little circles. RDX is so responsive the car qualifies as one of the best handling SUVs. As far as comfort is concerned the ride is undeniably firm. Rolling over a deep pothole you‘ll feel the bump.

I am particularly fond of Acura’s Super Handling AWD for the way it not only distributes torque between the front and rear axles, but also selectively between the left and right wheels. That maximizes traction and substantially improves cornering. More specifically SH AWD flows a higher proportion of power to the outside rear wheel under hard cornering, keeping the car on track.

Thanks to leather seating, metallic accents, blue gauge illumination and symmetrical dash design, RDX’ interior fulfills the promise of a premium car. The ambiance is quite pleasing. Though cabin space is a little tight for both the passengers and cargo. But thanks to the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and the ten-way adjustable power seat with memory I was able to dial in a very comfortable position. The deep center storage compartment strategically located between the front seats secures either a briefcase or a laptop bag. Another plus, the passenger seat is also power adjustable. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seat opens cargo room, more than a sedan but less than some competing crossovers. Rear passenger seats don't recline or slide fore and aft, which is a limitation.

Crash results tests are excellent RDX earned a top five-star rating for protection of its occupants/crash test dummies in both frontal and side-impact crashes. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the RDX a top score of Good in its frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing. Safety items include front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, active front head restraints, antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control and traction control.

Acura RDX, the base model, boasts leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moon roof, a Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, XM satellite radio, Xenon high intensity headlights with fog lamps, and four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brake-force distribution. A seven-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an auxiliary audio jack is also standard

For only a little more money the RDX Tech model that I tested features the Technology Package. It features a 10-speaker, 410-watt sound system designed by legendary recording engineer Elliot Scheiner, a navigation system with voice command, rearview camera, and the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic (A valuable commodity in downtown Solon during rush hour). Seriously, the Real Time Traffic system covers 76 major metropolitan areas with 32 more coming on line soon.

Finally, the basic Warranty term runs for 48 months or 50,000 miles with the power train term running for six years or 70,000 miles. Worried about rust-through? The body gets a five-year no mileage limited warranty.

Wheelbase 104.3“
Engine 2.3L I-4
Power 240 @ 6000 rpm
Transmission 5-spd automatic
Fuel capacity 18 gallons
Mileage 22/17 mpg
Curb weight 3933 pounds
Base price $33,695
As tested $36,995