Plush cabin; smooth power; quiet at highway speeds; slightly sporty edge
Pricey; muddled brand image; generic look and feel; no high-mileage hybrid or diesel option
There are no major changes to the 2014 Acura RDX
Although SUVs are thought of as 4-wheel-drive off-roaders, most of us do fine with the cheaper, more fuel-efficient front-wheel-drive versions, especially when they're equipped with modern traction and stability control systems. So it makes sense to save money on the purchase and save gas while you own it by choosing the front-wheel-drive version. Unless you're all about premium audio and factory navigation, we'd say skip the Technology Package.
The 2014 Acura RDX comes in one trim with no standalone options. All-wheel drive is available with or without the advanced Technology Package.
The front-wheel-drive RDX ($34,415) includes a power moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, auto on/off headlights, an 8-way power front driver's seat with power lumbar support, a 4-way power passenger seat, leather seat trim, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls, cruise control, keyless access with push-button start, a manual tilt/telescopic steering column, 360-watt 7-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, a rear backup camera and the Active Noise Control interior noise cancellation system.
The RDX with the Technology Package ($39,115) brings the AcuraLink satellite communications system, voice-activated navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates, SMS text messaging, GPS-linked climate control and the ELS premium sound system with 410 watts, 10 speakers, DVD audio, Dolby Pro-Logic II and 15 gigabytes of hard-drive music storage.
All-wheel drive adds another $1,400 to the bottom line of either model.
The GPS-linked, solar-sensing dual-zone climate control system seems a bit gimmicky and didn't provide any noticeable benefit to cabin comfort. Credit goes to Acura for adding the automatic 3-flash lane change turn signal function to the RDX. This is a handy feature that remains uncommon among Asian vehicles, although American and European brands have long since embraced it.
| Sport Utility | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDX AWD 4dr | $35,920 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 273 | 19 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX AWD 4dr Tech Pkg | $39,620 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 273 | 19 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX FWD 4dr | $34,520 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 273 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX FWD 4dr Tech Pkg | $38,220 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 273 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
Acura has packed in more high-strength steel to armor the RDX for safety. In this Acura model, 65 percent of the body is made of high-strength steel, compared with 47 percent in the old model. The result is a 24 percent improvement in torsional rigidity for an extra-strong body shell. Extra reinforcement was added to the rear and to the roof pillars with the aim of better scores in new government tests for rear impact and roof crush strength. Knee bolsters under the dashboard help keep occupants in optimal position, so the numerous airbags and air curtains can do their jobs in the event of a crash.
In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the 2014 Acura RDX performs near the top of its class, earning five out of five stars in the front-end and side-impact tests, and four stars in the rollover test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also thinks highly of the RDX, handing it a Top Safety Pick rating.
| Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 6 Years/70,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
BMW X3 -- BMW has gone in the opposite direction, replacing a 6-cylinder engine with a turbocharged 4-cylinder. Because BMW is already on people's shopping lists, it is a risk the brand can take, even though the new TwinPower turbo engine delivers exactly the same horsepower as that of the previous Acura RDX turbo.
Mercedes-Benz GLK -- The 2014 Mercedes GLK offers a higher quality of materials and a more sophisticated information and entertainment system. A fuel-sipper diesel is also an option.
Audi Q5 -- Audi has quickly made itself the understated favorite in many vehicle categories, and the Q5 certainly qualifies. It has the curb presence and visible quality to state its case.
Here's a look at 10 of the best luxury SUVs you'll find for $20,000 or less.
