Hard to believe, but the 2019 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec sports utility is entering its third-generation of production.
Which means the perennial bestseller is getting even better.
Designed and engineered in America, A-Spec boasts distinctive sports appearance detailing inside and out. The 2019 RDX is also the quickest, best-handling RDX ever, and with its new longer and wider platform, also boasts top-class cabin and cargo space with exceptional comfort, utility and versatility.
The RDX redesign features a new-from-the-ground-up, Acura-exclusive platform — powerful, responsive and efficient new powertrain as well as a premium, tech-savvy cabin. With its new turbocharged engine, segment-first 10-speed transmission and the newest generation of available Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), the RDX hits the ground running.
New Acura features and technologies being introduced for the first time on the new RDX include next-generation Acura sport seats with up to 16-way power adjustability, Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, natural language voice recognition and the first-ever deployment of Acura’s “True Touchpad Interface,” an intuitive, easy-to-learn user interface designed from a clean slate around the driver and the driving experience.
The sound system was incredible. The best I’ve ever experienced. And the touchpad interface, after a brief lesson, was easy to maneuver, even for an old man that cut his teeth on manual typewriters and carbon paper.
My tester was powered by a direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, inline-4-cylinder engine with VTEC valvetrain. The engine generates 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, and has the highest power output among key competitors.
The drive-by-wire throttle, 10-speed transmission and available SH-AWD are all tied into the RDX’s new four-mode integrated dynamics system, controlled from the drive mode dial on the vehicle’s center console. With Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Snow modes, the system allows drivers to select desired dynamic performance characteristics.
The interior is more spacious, luxurious and tech savvy, providing customers with a higher level of comfort, connectivity and convenience than ever before. High-grade, authentic and premium material treatments abound, including hand-wrapped, stitched leather surfaces on the soft-touch instrument panel, doors and center console, set off by brushed aluminum or available Olive Ash wood accents.
Best of all, the RDX interior is exceptionally quiet, keeping road noise to a minimum, and allowing conversations and the 710-watt sound system with 16 discrete sound channels and 16 speakers — including four ceiling-mounted Highline speakers — to shine.
RDX offers the highest level of standard safety and driver-assistance features in the model’s history – and in its class. The AcuraWatch suite of technologies is now standard on all RDX grades, along with a multi-angle rearview camera, while the Technology Package and higher grades add blind-spot information, front- and rear-parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic monitor. The RDX with Advance Package includes a head-up display and surround-view camera system for the first time.
Base Price: $46,595
Price As Driven: $46,595
Base price includes destination fee. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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