The 2010 Acura RDX is one of the most engaging compact luxury crossovers available, thanks in a large part to a segment-unique turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With its sporty style and athletic handling, the 2010 RDX is stealing some thunder from the BMW X3 and is worthy of very serious consideration indeed.
About the size of the popular Honda CR-V, the RDX also offers a generous list of standard features, a nicely designed cabin, excellent crash test scores, competitive passenger and cargo space, and Acura's sport-oriented and renowned "Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive" (SH-AWD).
And new for the 2010 model year, the Acura RDX now has a base front-wheel-drive model, a backup camera, ambient footwell lighting, automatic headlights, revised exterior styling, Bluetooth streaming audio compatibility and a USB jack.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Acura RDX is a compact five-passenger luxury crossover SUV offered in a single trim. The well-equipped RDX comes with such standard features as leather upholstery, full power accessories, a sunroof, power driver and passenger seats, driver memory functions, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, 18 inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, ambient interior lighting, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity, and a 7-speaker sound system with a 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, a USB connection and satellite radio.
The optional Technology package includes a navigation system with real-time traffic, solar-sensing and GPS-linking features for the climate control and a 10-speaker Panasonic/ELS surround-sound audio system.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive forms, the 2010 RDX is powered by a turbocharged 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine that produces a robust 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. The very capable all-wheel-drive SH-AWD system ensures optimal traction by transfering power not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right wheels.
An all-wheel-drive 2010 RDX is one of the fastest in its class, going from a standstill to 60 mph in a very quick 6.8 seconds. This quickness does come at a sacrifice to some fuel efficiency, however. The EPA-estimated gas mileage for front-wheel-drive models comes in at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway, a little below average for the segment. The RDX SH-AWD is rated at 17 mpg city and 22 highway.
Safety:
Standard safety equipment on all 2010 Acura RDXs include stability control, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
The new RDX also excelled in government crash tests, earning perfect five-star-ratings across the board for frontal and side-impact protection for both the driver and passengers.
Interior:
The RDX's cabin is another impressive attribute with its sleek design, standard leather and blue gauge illumination. The seating is comfortable and supportive, the instrumentation is well-placed and user-friendly, and there's a versatile deep center storage compartment between the front seats big enough for a laptop or briefcase.
The storage capacity is adequate with 28 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. This can be expanded to 61 cubic feet by folding down the 60/40-split rear seatback. While rear legroom is generally very good, the rear seats do not recline or slide forward and backward.
Drive:
The 2010 RDX's drive is another top attribute. This four-cylinder packs plenty of acceleration-power and minimal turbo lag. The transmission's gearing is also quite smooth and well timed.
The RDX is at its best taking on those curvy back roads, thanks to its firm suspension to control body roll and the impressive SH-AWD system that optimizes grip and cornering abilities. This athleticism, however, does come with some sacrifice to ride smoothness as the sport-biased suspension can make the ride quality a bit bumpy on rough pavement. But overall, most drivers will likely be pleased with the driving experience.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower RDX Prices:
Acura's sales have been on the weak side for months now, right along with the other carmakers and evidence of a continuing slow economy. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with fierce dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down great deals.
How To Buy A New RDX At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 Acura RDX, here's exactly how to buy one at the lowest price.
Prices:
2010 Acura RDX:
Base, FWD: list price: $32,520, invoice price: $30,303
Base, FWD, w/Tech Pkg: list price: $35,620, invoice price: $33,146
SH-AWD, AWD: list price: $34,520, invoice price: $32,137
SH-AWD, AWD, w/Tech Pkg: list price: $37,620, invoice price: $34,980
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