Plush cabin, smooth power, quiet at highway speeds, slightly sporty edge
Pricey, missing some key features such as a panoramic sunroof and a blind spot monitoring system, no high-mileage hybrid or diesel option
There are no major changes to the 2015 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. It therefore makes sense to save money on the purchase and save gas during ownership by choosing the front-wheel-drive version. Unless you're all about premium audio and factory navigation, we'd say to skip the Technology package.
Find a used Acura RDX for sale
The 2015 Acura RDX comes in one trim with no stand-alone options.
The front-wheel-drive RDX ($35,790) 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 control, cruise control, keyless access with push-button starting, a tilt-telescopic steering column, a 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 ($39,490) 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 version.
The GPS-linked, solar-sensing dual-zone climate control system seemed a bit gimmicky and didn't provide any noticeable benefit to cabin comfort. Credit goes to Acura for adding the automatic 3-flash turn-signal function for lane changes to the RDX. This is a handy feature that remains uncommon among Asian vehicles, although American and European brands have embraced it for some time now.
| Sport Utility | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDX AWD 4dr | $36,495 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 273 | 19 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX AWD 4dr Tech Pkg | $40,195 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 273 | 19 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX FWD 4dr | $35,095 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 273 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX FWD 4dr Tech Pkg | $38,795 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 273 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
To be sure that the RDX achieves the highest possible safety scores, Acura has packed it with high-strength steel. In fact, 65 percent of the body is made of high-strength steel, compared with 47 percent in the previous generation. 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 strength. Knee bolsters under the dashboard help keep occupants in optimal position so that 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 2015 Acura RDX performed 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 that the brand can take, even though the new TwinPower turbo engine delivers exactly the same hp as that of the previous Acura RDX turbo.
Mercedes-Benz GLK -- The 2015 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.
