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| 2014 Acura RDX Release Date, Specs, Price, Pictures |
Already into its second year since a complete redesign, the RDX last year found compared to the first-generation RDX that preceded it a milder personality that more shoppers should like. With the first-generation RDX, Acura had been pretty much the first one out the gate among sporty luxury-brand crossovers. It got a few things right like the just-right size, nimble handling, and attractive design but it offered plenty of rough spots, too, including a rough ride, laggy power delivery, and surprisingly lackluster gas mileage.
Interior :
The RDX is closely related to the Honda CR-V, and so it inherits much of the CR-Vs excellent interior packaging sensibilities including a low cargo floor, well-designed front and rear seats, and good versatility. Front seat space is ample for even those over six feet tall, yet an eight-way power adjustable seat and tilt/telescoping steering column offer adjustability for most heights and body types. The cabin itself is very quiet, and comfortable from the back seat, too. The RDX is right in the zone for its compact crossover class, with 26.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, 61.3 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, and 76.9 cubic feet including under-floor storage.
The 2014 Acura RDXs cabin is a pleasant place to be, as it feels spacious and has a straightforward control layout. A dual-cockpit dash design and two-tone dash/upholstery color schemes add visual flair, and materials quality is high throughout. The RDXs various tech features, including the navigation system, are user-friendly, while the powerful ELS sound system should please most audiophiles with its clarity.
In terms of features and value, the 2014 RDX undercuts BMW and Mercedes, and offers even more than Lexus, if you extend a half-size up to the RX 350. Yet you wont find the high end goodies that most of those models offer like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and parking assistance. But dual zone climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, ambient lighting, a seven speaker sound system with USB/MP3/Auxiliary support, Bluetooth handsfree calling, and more are all standard features.
Standard features include 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), heated front seats, leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, Pandora radio interface, an iPod/USB audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Technology package adds xenon headlights, foglights, a power liftgate, a navigation system (with real-time traffic and weather), voice controls, GPS-linked and solar-sensing automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with 15GB of music storage.
Exterior :
On the outside, the RDX is good looking but hardly extroverted more mature is what wed call it next to the previous generation, as well as some other models in this class. Pronounced fender arches help punctuate an otherwise smooth shape and generally attractive profile. The cabin has characteristically Acura form and function, with a tech style and a central pod of dash controls, and there are plenty of soft-touch and matter elements to lend an upscale look and feel. If anything, there are a few too many bright finishes for the dash.
You should also look for features that reflect comfort, versatility and value. A spacious cabin makes the RDX easy to live with day to day. Rear legroom and maximum cargo capacity are among the best in its class. Ride quality is also agreeable, as the Acura is endowed with refinement that befits a luxury hauler. Also, the RDXs long list of standard features makes it a value-oriented choice in a market segment that typically puts little emphasis on value. The RDX includes many standard amenities, including a sunroof and heated front seats, that cost extra on competing models.
Engine :
Powering the 2014 Acura RDX is a 3.5-liter V6 with 273 hp and 251 pound-feet of torque. Power routes through a six-speed automatic transmission, and there is a choice between standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.
The current RDX bucks the former models turbo four in favor of a large, 3.5-liter V-6. And although that might seem an odd decision at a time when a number of rivals are dropping their sixes, Acura says that its actually more fuel efficient, slightly more powerful (at peak), and noticeably smoother in its power delivery compared to the former powerplant. Fuel economy ratings benefit, too, with up to 5 mpg compared to the previous engine a respectable 28 highway with front wheel drive.
In the past, performance took priority over efficiency in the luxury crossover SUV class, but these days consumers should expect strong acceleration that doesnt come at the expense of respectable fuel economy. And indeed, the 2014 Acura RDX offers one of the best compromises in this class. Its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine is rated at 273 horsepower. And not only is the RDX capable of hitting 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, it earns EPA estimates of 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined (front-wheel-drive version).
