Bringin’ the Heat: 2017 Acura RDX SUV
The newly refreshed and energized Acura RDX luxury sport-utility was originally introduced at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, sporting a host of significant upgrades to performance, luxury prestige and styling. The RDX received key elements of Acura design DNA with restyled front and rear fascias, including the addition of Acura's signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and LED taillights with light-pipe design on all models and a new three-dimensional grille treatment. The lower front and rear fascia areas also support the new look with fresh luxury details while all models receive new wheel designs.
The RDX gets an important performance boost courtesy of its new 3.5L i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology. Peak horsepower and torque output are up +6 hp and +1 lb.-ft., respectively, while sporting a broader torque curve for more immediate and powerful acceleration response—right where it counts. Variable Cylinder Management™ allows for deactivation of three of the engine's six cylinders under light engine loads, helping the more powerful RDX increase its highway EPA fuel-economy ratings by 1 mpg. Torque is communicated to the pavement through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Driving refinement is further enhanced by new active front and rear engine mounts, updates to the steering control system and increased suspension mount stiffness.
Additionally, the RDX's all-wheel-drive system – AWD with Intelligent Control – has been tuned for greater rear torque bias to further enhance dynamic stability and all-weather performance.
Inside the passenger cabin, the new RDX gets a fresh look with a high-contrast silver and black trim plus significant upgrades to both standard and available luxury features and technology, including standard heated front seats and new second-row air-conditioning vents. The RDX with Technology Package adds a new eight-way adjustable power passenger's front seat (four-way power in base models), Acura's intuitive dual-screen On-Demand Multi-Information Display (ODMD), HD Radio®, blind spot information (BSI) and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.
A new Advance Package for the RDX adds rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, Bi-Directional Keyless remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming driver's side mirror, and AcuraWatch™ advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Both the Technology and Advance packages are equipped with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™.
All RDX models with AcuraWatch™ also get a new 4.2-inch full-color TFT Multi-Information Display with expanded, customizable information readouts such as average vehicle speed, fuel economy, fuel range, tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) and turn-by-turn navigation.
While offered as standard equipment on the new Advance Package, all RDX models can now be equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ and Lane Keeping Assist, along with a standard Multi-View Rear Camera and Expanded View driver's side mirror.
AcuraWatch™ uses sensor fusion technology, the cooperative operation of a millimeter wave radar system and a windshield-mounted monocular camera to expand both the scope and fidelity of its sensing capabilities, including the ability to sense and respond to numerous road hazards, including a pedestrian detected in the roadway.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 105.7; overall length: 184.4; width: 73.7; height: 65.0
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 3.5L V6 – 279 hp at 6200 rpm and 252 lbs-ft of torque at 4900 rpm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 20 city/30 highway
Cargo capacity: 76.9 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags with rollover sensor, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, traction control, vehicle stability assist, motion adaptive steering, multi-view rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, theft-deterrent system with engine immobilizer, hill start assist, automatic headlamps, Bluetooth hands free phone system, HomeLink, keyless entry system, push button engine start, and tire pressure monitoring system with location and pressure sensors.
Optional safety features include rear cross traffic monitor, adaptive cruise control, front/rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, navigation system, AcuraLink, remote engine start, and fog lights.
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Acura RDX SUV starts from $35,570 for the RDX FWD upto $43,720 for the RSX AWD with Advance Package. Destination charges add $940.