2013 Acura RDX new car reviews

The RDX may look like a tarted up CRV, but it actually uses a completely different platform.
Acuras still aren't pretty, but this one is at least inoffensive.
The driver's seat is a comfortable place to be, and steering feedback is surprisingly good for a car like this.

Better than: Honda CRV
But not as good as: BMW X5
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 73.91

We recently tested this 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech, which is Acura's newest luxury SUV. It's surprisingly fast, fairly comfortable (though too stiffly sprung), isn't very ugly, and appears to be built well. Acura may be coming back from the dark side. At 3800 pounds, this is actually light compared to many of its competitors. There may be hope for new cars yet.

Oh, and though this looks like a tarted up CR-V, it's actually a completely different car.

Other staff views

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

Either I'm getting more used to Acura's beak treatment, or they're toning it down a notch.

Tim Suddard
Tim Suddard
Publisher Emeritus

I loved the Acura RDX. This is a fairly economical, very practical SUV with the heart of a Formula 1 car. The updated version of the 3.5 liter drivetrain that struggles a bit in my Honda Ridgeline sings in this lighter weight Acura. The interior appointments are all BMW or Mercedes-esque, and the chassis is the best I have ever driven in an SUV, with razor sharp, perfectly weighted steering, great turn in and a perfect balance between handling prowess and ride comfort.

Ergonomically, the RDX is almost perfect. Everything is logical and falls to hand and other than the seats, which are a little flat for long trips, this thing is real comfortable. The transmission shifts smoothly and the power comes on like an Indy Car with smoothness and ferocious power.

I liked his vehicle, and despite the $40,000 price tag for what looks like a gussied up Honda CRV, I could see myself owning a new RDX.

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Comments
Tom Suddard
Tom Suddard GRM+ Memberand Associate Editor
12/10/13 12:00 a.m.

We recently tested this 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech, which is Acura's newest luxury SUV. It's surprisingly fast, fairly comfortable (though too stiffly sprung), isn't very ugly, and appears to be built well. Acura may be coming back from the dark side. At 3800 pounds, this is actually light compared to many of its competitors. There may be hope for new cars yet.

Oh, and though this looks like a tarted up CR-V, it's actually a completely different car.

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