Picture Gallery: 2007 Acura RDX
Day 1:
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This week I get to test out the new Acura RDX. Almost exactly one year ago at the North American International Autoshow in Detroit, I was front row, anxiously awaiting what was to be revealed by Acura. Rumours had it there was an all-new vehicle to be revealed or possibly the new MDX, and I believe there were rumours of a turbocharged engine at the time. Those rumours came to fruition and here we have it, the new 2007 Acura RDX.
This is the first North American Honda vehicle powered by a turbocharged engine, so this is a significant model. Perhaps the RDX will pave the future for further Honda vehicles to produce gobs of torque and power from a small four cylinder engine.
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It is purely by chance that I get to drive these two vehicles back to back but a unique opportunity to put myself into the shoes of buyers in this segment.
Both the Legacy GT and Acura RDX are powered by turbo-charged four cylinder engines, both vehicles have an all-wheel drive drivetrain and both are of similar size and cargo capacity; one comes in a standard wagon format while the other, the RDX, combines a wagon and SUV into a CUV platform.
The similarities do not end with the drivetrain and vehicle dimensions, though. Interior trim and features are also near identical, including moonroof, leather, heated power seating and dual zone climate control. Perhaps not coincidentally, the pricing of both vehicles are within a few hundred dollars of each other.
2007 Acura RDX
MSRP as tested: $42,430
For more information on Acura and the RDX visit Acura Canada
Updated November 21st 2006
Day 2:
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I want to get to the drivetrain layout and feel right away for this blog as I feel it is significant; sometimes I just run out of space or time to get all my thoughts down. I have so far only tested the RDX on dry pavement, so I cannot completely comment on the SH-AWD system. That said; from what I have felt in aggressive driving, the ability for the system to increase the speed of the outer wheels on corner entry does seem to help significantly. The RDX turns in sharply like a sports car and does not have the lag or cumbersome feel of an AWD sport-ute.
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I am still adjusting to the engine in the RDX. It feels like it is from an entirely different world than anything else I have driven in the past. Yes, it is a turbocharged four-cylinder which is very much similar to the Subaru Legacy GT I drove last week, but something about this engine feels different.
The engine almost feels supercharged. As the RPMs climb through the rev band power begins to increase and it constantly increases and pulls to the 6500rpm redline. You never want it to stop; it has the typical Honda feel and free-revving nature that gives the impression it could go on forever.
For those that are concerned about fuel economy, I’m sorry but the whine of the turbo and the pull to redline is just too much fun in the RDX; you may be disappointed in my results on day four.
Updated November 22nd 2006
Day 3:
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The interior of the RDX is very well laid out. All the buttons are within arms reach, the seating position is typical Honda / Acura and I was instantly comfortable in the eight-way adjustable seat with lumbar on the drivers side. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel also helps with comfort, as I like having the steering wheel closer to my body for sporty driving.
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There is certainly nothing wrong with the RDX: it feels great to drive and handles exceptionally. I had the chance to get the VSA and traction control lights flashing away at me today and noticed no change in vehicle dynamics as the systems turned on. I guess I have this feeling that I expect more from a luxury brand such as Acura, that “je ne sais quoi”.
All that said, I’m still addicted to the power of the turbo four-cylinder in the RDX. Putting down 240hp and 260lb-ft of torque makes for an addictive driving experience, even with the RDX tipping the scales at 1782 kg (3 928 lbs). The RDX also has steering wheel paddles that allow you to manually shift the 5 speed automatic transmission.
The paddles are not as quick as the DSG transmission in the Jetta GLI I drove a few weeks ago, but it certainly is faster than one would expect. And in sport mode the transmission will hold a gear right up to redline and bounce off the limiter. Unfortunately, to test this, you’ll need a long highway as second gear tops out at 120km/h.
Updated November 23rd 2006
Day 4:
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My average fuel consumption for the week was 14L/100km. Unlike last week when I purposely took a few longer highway runs at reasonable speeds (in the name of science) I did not get a chance to do so this week. Most of my mileage was city, although I did cover some highway kilometers this week.
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I believe there are a few reasons for my higher-than-estimated fuel consumption over the course of the week, the first being the weight of my right foot. Perhaps it got heavier over the weekend or perhaps the turbocharged rush of the RDX caused it to push a little harder than normal. It has also gotten considerably colder over the past few days here in Ottawa, which could certainly contribute to the higher-than-average fuel consumption.
And then there is the fact that this vehicle has only 534km on it in total (Many vehicles won’t achieve peak fuel efficiency until the mechanicals are fully broken in. -Ed) It was delivered to me a little over 200 kilometers on it, having been driven directly from the Montreal offices of Acura. The trip B computer actually matches the total number of kilometers on the vehicle and shows a lifetime fuel consumption average of 13.4L/100km. That number is a little disconcerting when you realize those are mostly highway miles.
In the name of science and education I promise to report back after a weekend highway trip to determine a more realistic consumption average. In the meantime, we have 14.0L/100km.
I enjoyed my week in the RDX. It’s a sporty alternative to other CUVs and most definitely a competitor to the Mazda CX-7 and the Subaru Legacy GT Wagon. Good value,too, at only $43,000 and well equipped for the type and price range. Definitely a must drive if you are shopping in this market.
*Rating out of 5:
| 2007 Acura RDX | |
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Acura RDX
MSRP as tested: $42,430
For more information on Acura and the RDX visit Acura Canada
Update November 25th 2006
Fuel Mileage Update:
I was able to take a trip of approximately 300km all highway driving today and averaged 11.5L/100km. Not stellar, a little disappointing actually.
to our site.
November 21, 2006, 09:53:24 pm
- Acura wasn't moving from the MSRP price. This month, dealers in the US have started letting them go near invoice because the were piling up on their lots. Don't know what dealers in Canada are doing though.
- Acura is also targeting BMW X3 customers. BMW customers tend to lease a lot and BMW have more aggressive lease rates. Acura? 7.5% this month after being 8% last month
- Mazda is aggressive and selling below MSRP with better rates with the CX-7. You can get a loaded CX-7 much cheaper on a lease than a RDX right now.
So I feel is that the RDX is kind of stuck between the CX-7 that attracts customers looking for the best bang for the buck and BMW X3 that attracts customers that want to pay a bit more to get the "prestige". BMW also has free maintenance for 4 years so when all is added up, you can get an X3 for about the same or just a little more on a decent lease deal. Want a great handling CUV but don't want to pay the premium of luxury brands and people go with the CX-7.
If Acura really wants to move them they will have to offer aggressive rates like their competitors...otherwise, the RDX will kind of fall in the "too expensive" class or "I prefer getting a BMW for the money" kind of situation.
I'm in the market right now and I can tell you there's no way I'm paying MSRP or near MSRP at high rates when I can get a loaded CX-7 for less or an X3 for a little more with free maintenance.
I know that for people that buy it might actually be a better deal but for people that lease, Acura is not making it attractive right now.
That's just my opinion BTW
November 22, 2006, 02:09:24 am I guess you didn't get a tester with the Tech package? The centre of the dash looks a little bare without the interface knobby that most promo pics show.
November 23, 2006, 02:30:23 pm Is this the NON-TECH version? The instrument displays are different from my RDX Tech version. Just wondering.
November 23, 2006, 02:34:47 pm Yes this is the non-tech version.
November 23, 2006, 03:00:09 pm
Care to comment on how you are enjoying your new RDX?
November 24, 2006, 09:14:55 am James - thanks again for the spin yesterday. The RDX certainly is an impressive vehicle, especially in the corners. Wow. Thoroughly impressed by almost everything except the lack of a power passenger seat, and by the one piece of trim you pointed out (above the gauge cluster, it seems that one certain plastic piece just doesn't belong... kinda like the Sesame Street song "One of these things just doesn't belong here..."). Overall though I would say it is a very good vehicle and certainly a lot sportier than the CR-V. There's no comparison, really.
November 24, 2006, 09:26:46 am Can I get a ride?
November 24, 2006, 09:29:20 am Me too.
November 24, 2006, 02:42:00 pm Have over 7000km on my RDX so far... fuel consumption based on the read out is averaging 14l/100km... however I do drive hard and accelerate fast.. the turbo is very lively and too much fun not to rev.
Love the RDX... perfect balance of utility, handling, power, style and techy gadgets! Fuel mileage could be better but if you drive I bit more conservatively, which I don't, you might be able to get average to good fuel economy.
November 24, 2006, 02:51:19 pm That's a thirsty beast. I average about that (13.4 or so for summer months) in the MDX. Winter has been taking that number up a bit. Last tank was 15.1L/100km.
November 24, 2006, 03:16:17 pm
MdX5, do you burn regular or premium?
November 24, 2006, 03:17:36 pm
MdX5, do you burn regular or premium?
Burnin' fancy gas.
November 24, 2006, 08:05:31 pm
Love the RDX... perfect balance of utility, handling, power, style and techy gadgets! Fuel mileage could be better but if you drive I bit more conservatively, which I don't, you might be able to get average to good fuel economy.
November 24, 2006, 09:21:12 pm Filled up 14.1L/100km from the pump 13.8L/100km on the computer read-out. That's pretty close. I will as promised take a highway trip tomorrow to see if I can get lower.
November 24, 2006, 10:05:09 pm If I run totally in town, that's about what I get with the Highlander - around 13 to 14L/100.
November 27, 2006, 09:55:02 am The worst I've ever seen from my RAV4 V6 is 11.8 L/100 km from a tank of mostly short trips in cold weather - and it uses regular. Good thing the RDX's fuel tank is a bit larger.
November 27, 2006, 10:59:38 am From most of the reviews that I have read the fuel economy is generally poor than
advertised. Part of it I am sure is that the Hp numbers are a little underrated (tofVtec).
The bitter is because it takes premium, you can subtract another 10% off the fuel economy
compared to a regular burning cuteute because of cost.
I love the interior and all the acuratype gadgetry. Lots of room. But I find the exterior
disappointing. The front is too busy. I guess they wanted to differentiate it from the
MDX but I wish it had a more TSX like grill. I would still buy one thou.
November 28, 2006, 02:31:28 pm In the US the RDX's MSRP is about 33K and if you add 15% for the exchange rate you still only get around 38K. Why is this car 4.5 K more expensive in Canada?
The worst part is that all of the major car companies have the same cost premium in Canada compared to there American cost.
Is there a way around this?
How hard is it do buy a car in the states and bring it over?
For a savings of 4.5k it might be worth it.
November 28, 2006, 06:52:24 pm
The worst part is that all of the major car companies have the same cost premium in Canada compared to there American cost.
Is there a way around this?
How hard is it do buy a car in the states and bring it over?
For a savings of 4.5k it might be worth it.
Hi Zombie, welcome to the forum! If you do a search for this topic, you'll find loooooots of thread. This topic is a popular topic of discussion.
One thing though, Acura Canada does not honor the warranty of cars bought in the States. Subaru seems to be the only one who still does, and it appears they are bleeding sales to the US in some areas. Especially since the price differential seems to be even larger than for the Acuras.
November 29, 2006, 08:44:10 am Mrs. W. and I visited a local Acura dealer to look at an RDX for her. She was enormously disappointed finding it way too small, particularly behind the rear seat where she piles her shopping. She rejected it out of hand. I was mucho relieved because there is no way on God's green earth this car is worth the $45,000+ asking price relative to the Mazda CX-7 or Toyota RAV V6.
The showroom car's front seats were in the most forward position and could not be adjusted because the battery was flat or disconnected. I couldn't get into the car with the seats in that position, though wifey fit. The rear doors were locked and the salesman didn't know how to unlock them. Nor did he know how the rear seat folds. He offered to bring a car from the storage compound for us to look at but we balked at standing outside in the dark and rain to look at a $45,000+ car.
Wifey also wanted to look at the 2007 MDX but the available one was also outside, though there was a 2006 MDX demonstrator car in the showroom. Go figure! We may look at an MDX at a later date but at a quoted price higher than the Lexus RX350 and much worse resale value I doubt it will be a contender.
November 29, 2006, 09:54:53 am
Check the trim that they offered you. An MDX starts in the low $50's, roughly the same price tag as the RX...but the MDX can offer more equipment at the price points. My $55K MDX was going to be over $60k in Lexus badge....with similar equipment. Lexus forces nice packages on ya....multiple times.
November 29, 2006, 11:16:11 am Disappointing reviews of the RDX I must say.
I am about to part with my 2003 Acura 3.2TL and was eager to see the arrival RDX but I am so unsure now after the less than impressive reviews. I would love for someone to test drive (long term) the Mazda CX-7 and the Acura RDX back to back and report.
I myself will be test driving the CX-7 and the RDX back to back one day for sure.
Caul
G'town, Ont.
November 29, 2006, 11:21:01 am I think the reviews are pretty good on the RDX, it's the pricing that has the negative comments.
November 29, 2006, 11:53:29 am
It may prove to yeild some discounts in a few months. If I could get a RDX for the same price as a RAV4 Limited, I *may* go RDX.
November 29, 2006, 12:48:18 pm If it means anything, there was one on the side of the 401 last night with the hood up.
When approaching I was sure it was going to be something European. Dunno the issue.
cbrowne, Edmunds Inside Line did a few evaluations of RDX and CX-7 recently. I wish they would do a comparo. I really like reading Inside Line, as I hear a story that's different (and more detailed and accurate) than other places IMO.
CX-7/RAV4 V6 Sport/Santa Fe 3.3L
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=116618
RDX/RAV4 V6 Limited/CX-7
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suv/112_0610_crossover_comparison