In the wide, ever-evolving field of SUVs and crossovers, is the current RDX–on sale since 2018–still a relevant option?
The current platform for the Acura RDX was introduced in 2018, but, honestly–and unfortunately–it feels older than that.
Dynamically it’s pretty good, with decent steering and good response. But, alas, “decent” and “good” are barely enough to compete in this segment at the moment, which is full of popular vehicles with shockingly good dynamic tendencies and real-world usability.
So the Acura, which, in a less-competitive marketplace would be a really solid offering, is relegated to trying to compete with a bunch of other truly great SUVs with a limited set of tools.
In its defense, the RDX does give you a lot of tactile buttons to control basic functions. Unfortunately, it hides and overcomplicates most of them, sticking them on a techno-industrial dash that looks like a control console from an early-2000s sci-fi film.
Like most of those cool-looking consoles from those movies, though, the actual usability suffers in the name of style.
The seats are going to draw mixed reviews, likely based on the leg length of the occupant. My short little stumps did not appreciate the overstuffed thigh bolsters, but the upper body support and comfort worked for me.
A driver with longer legs will probably be just fine, but my shorts kings and queens might want to take an extended test-sit before making a decision.
So, yeah, the RDX is a bit of a victim of an extremely competitive market segment. Standing apart from the field takes a truly epic effort these days, and the RDX doesn’t quite deliver epicness. It does deliver goodness, however, so for the right price it might be a highly viable option.
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