2019 Acura RDX Review

The third-generation compact SUV heralds new direction for Japanese luxury brand. We review the range-topping Advance model, including driving impressions, interior, overall pros & cons, and more.

The arrival of the NSX in 2016 was the first sign that Acura was attempting to get back to some of the dynamic, driver-focused ethos that was a characteristic of early cars like the Integra. The brand’s new tagline is ‘Precision crafted performance’ and the all-new, 2019 RDX luxury compact SUV is the first model to be developed according to the new mantra.

Here, we review the top-of-the-line 2019 RDX Advance trim (specifically, RDX Platinum Elite in Canada – same trims with different names).

The RDX changes for 2019

2019 acura rdx rear white in mountains
2019 Acura RDX Advance / Platinum Elite. Photo: Acura

The new RDX replaces a vehicle that’s been on sale since 2012. It features the return of the torque-vectoring SH-AWD drivetrain (standard in Canada, optional in the USA) and the same 272-horsepower, 2-liter turbocharged engine and 10-speed transmission that’s found in the latest Honda Accord – no V6 for now.

We tested a top-of-the-line Platinum Elite model, which retails for C$57,161 and is roughly equivalent to the SH-AWD with Advance Package in the US (US$47,400). Trims:

United States:

  1. Acura RDX Standard
  2. Acura RDX Technology Package
  3. Acura RDX A-Spec Package
  4. Acura RDX Advance Package

Canada:

  1. Acura RDX Standard
  2. Acura RDX Technology Package
  3. Acura RDX A-Spec Package
  4. Acura RDX Elite Package

Acura RDX Redesign: Bolder Look

2019 acura rdx review in mountains with blue sky
2019 Acura RDX Advance / Platinum Elite. Photo: Acura

Acura has gone for a bolder look for the new RDX. There are styling themes here from the attractive Acura Precision Concept that was first shown at the Pebble Beach Concours in 2016, such as the side crease that rises from behind the front wheel arch to the rear light cluster.

The front and rear detailing is nice, too, but there are also some me-too elements such as the chrome insert in the C-pillar to create the illusion of a floating roof. We’ve been seeing that for some time on SUVs from other brands including Nissan, Lexus and GMC.

How each customer responds to a car’s styling is a question of personal preference, but I would suggest that, while the latest RDX is more distinctive than the old model, the restrictions of SUV packaging and aerodynamic necessity mean that it’s not quite as radical as Acura might want it to be.

2019 Acura RDX Interior

2019 acura rdx interior cabin sunroof
2019 Acura RDX Advance / Platinum Elite. Photo: Acura

Instrument Panel

There’s a new look in the cabin, too. The old dual-screen design is gone from the instrument panel, replaced by a 10.2-inch landscape screen that sits high in the center, BMW-style. It’s controlled by Acura/Honda’s new True Touchpad Interface, which is designed to marry smartphone-style intuitive control with the safety and practicality concerns of an in-car installation.

The screen’s high position and its simplified, app-based functions are aimed at minimizing driver distraction.

Tech

True Touchpad works through relative positioning – if you slide your finger to the top-right of the pad, for example, the cursor moves to the app icon or function control that’s top-right of the central screen.

A push of the pad the selects the icon or operates the function. We like the principle, although it took time to get accustomed to the pad, which needs a push-button-style shove rather than a touchscreen-style tap to complete the desired operation.

Centre Stack and Controls

The nicely styled centre stack also incorporates regular push buttons for the HVAC controls, a prominent and slightly out-of-place volume control for the high-end ELS Studio audio system, and buttons to operate the transmission.

We’re still not quite convinced that buttons are the best alternative to a regular shifter – a rotary dial, Fiat Chrysler or Jaguar Land Rover style, seems to be a more elegant alternative.

Steering-wheel paddle shifters are fitted if you want to a manual shift option. With a 10-speed gearbox to shift through, however, the novelty soon wears off.

Overall RDX Interior Impressions

2019 acura rdx interior cabin and sunroof
2019 Acura RDX Advance / Platinum Elite. Photo: Acura

The RDX’s cabin is beautifully built and full of very high-quality materials, including ash wood trim – good enough to worry any of the RDX’s luxury rivals. The 16-way adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats of the Platinum Elite model are extremely comfortable and rear legroom is good.

The trunk, too, is a little narrow but surprisingly practical due to a decent amount of underfloor storage. The car was large enough to accommodate four passengers and their luggage on an airport run during the test week.

Driving Impressions

Acura’s current TV commercial for the RDX shows it pulling donuts around a skid pad and racing Baja-style along a twisty desert road. Calgary, Alberta, is sadly lacking in either tire-shredding skid pads or dusty desert racetracks, so I’m unable to substantiate those specific performance claims!

The more relevant question is however: is the RDX the dynamic driver’s car that Acura wants us to think it is?

The answer isn’t straightforward. There’s lots of good stuff here. The RDX rides very well on its sophisticated adaptive dampers. There’s little roll, even when you change direction quickly, assisted by the clever SH-AWD system.

2019 Acura RDX in white driving by green trees
2019 Acura RDX Advance / Platinum Elite. Photo: Acura

What’s Missing

For me, the missing piece in the ride and handling puzzle is the steering feel. The best driver’s cars have a good on-center feel that gives you a sense of where the wheels are and how they’re responding – or will respond – to your input.

At low speeds, the RDX was vaguer around the straight-ahead than I would have preferred – no worse than similar SUVs, but out of step with the desired dynamic image. The steering is accurate, however, and well weighted at speed. Note that switching to Sport+ Mode increases the steering weight and sharpens throttle response.

Engine Noise

This particular RDX, fitted with 19-inch Continental CrossContact LX Sport tires, suffered from excessive tire noise in the cruise. Otherwise it’s good on the highway, where the engine spins quietly, and Acura/Honda’s excellent AcuraWatch driver-assistance systems help keep you safe.

Takeaway

Pros:

  • Smooth ride
  • Beautiful interior
  • Surprisingly roomy

Cons:

  • Struggles to match up to marketing hype
  • Steering lacks feel
  • Too much tire noise

Judged in isolation, the 2019 Acura RDX is an attractively styled, luxurious compact SUV that rides and handles well. Its fine interior, in particular, makes it a worthy contender in a competitive segment. It is not, however, the sports car that Acura’s marketing would suggest it to be.

Make no mistake: Acura/Honda knows how to build fantastic driver’s cars, as we have seen recently with the Civic Type R. That hot-hatch even shares a base engine with the RDX, but the Type R’s immediacy of response and connection to the road is some distance from what you’ll feel in an RDX.

But then, who takes their luxury family transport to a track day? The RDX is good at what it will do every day, and that’s fine with us.

2019 Acura RDX Advance Specs and Images

2019 Acura RDX Advance
Engine2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower272 horsepower
Torque280 lb-ft of torque
Transmission10-speed automatic transmission
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive (FWD) or Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
Fuel TypePremium unleaded gasoline
Fuel Economy (City/Highway)Approximately 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway (FWD) or 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway (SH-AWD)
Length186.7 inches (4,742 mm)
Width74.8 inches (1,900 mm)
Height65.7 inches (1,669 mm)
Wheelbase108.3 inches (2,751 mm)
Curb WeightApproximately 4,015 lbs (1,821 kg)
Cargo Capacity (Rear Seats Up)29.5 cubic feet (836 liters)
Cargo Capacity (Rear Seats Folded)58.9 cubic feet (1,667 liters)
Infotainment System10.2-inch dual-content center display
Sound SystemELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers
NavigationGPS-linked navigation system
Safety FeaturesAcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies
SunroofPanoramic moonroof with tilt and slide function
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Author:
Graham Heeps
Graham Heepshttps://www.grahamheeps.com/
Based in Calgary, AB, Graham’s outlets include Autocar, TractionLife.com, Canada Drives and several CAA magazines. A lifelong motorsports fan, he’s a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and speaks German. Graham also collects Matchbox cars and contributes to the leading toy-car blog, LamleyGroup.com.