The masses are on the move: back into big-city dwellings, toward active lifestyles, and away from large, gas-guzzling SUVs. The 2007 Acura RDX accommodates all of that—a sporty, compact SUV that is as quick and agile as a top sports sedan, but with enough flexibility to captivate bikers, hikers, and kayakers. (Of course, inactive lifestylers with $35,000 in hand might want one, too.)
Honda started the category of upscale Japanese autos with its Acura line 20 years ago. The RDX affirms the company’s intention to take on BMW in the “performance luxury” bracket, leaving the “normal” luxury segment to Mercedes and Lexus. To do it, Honda has put into the Acura RDX some of the best features of its siblings: the utility of the larger MDX, and the high-tech 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine from the TSX sports sedan, but downsized to 2.3 liters and fitted with a turbocharger, Honda’s first in a production car.
The turbo four provides all the power of a V8 or V6, but with four-cylinder fuel economy, thanks to an ingenious variable split-channel intake. It speeds up low-volume exhaust to spool up the turbocharger at low RPMs, eliminating the usual “turbo lag” during acceleration. The 240 horsepower is impressive, and the RDX’s 260 foot-pounds of torque is more than you’ll find in the Acura RL’s superb 3.5-liter V6. The automatic transmission has thumb paddles on the steering wheel to allow clutchless-manual shifting but also manual downshifting when in drive; in “D,” the car will return itself to normal automatic shifting after a few seconds.
One do-not-miss option in the RDX is Panasonic’s ELS DVD-surround audio upgrade. It improves on Acura’s TL system, which I consider the best in the industry.
2007 Acura RDX compact SUV
The Specs:
2.3-liter dual-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine with i-VTEC variable valve-timing and variable intercooled turbocharging; 240 horsepower at 6,000 RPMs, 260 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 RPMs. Meets LEV II ULEV emissions standards. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. Five-speed automatic transmission with manual overrides, SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system. Length 180.7 inches, wheelbase 104.3, height 65.2, width 73.6; curb weight 3,950 pounds.
Strong Points:
Active-lifestyle utility and room for four or five people, with the power and handling of a top sports sedan. Fun to drive using thumb paddles to shift manually. SH-AWD for winter driving. The 10-speaker ELS audio upgrade can flap your pants-leg with crystal-clear bass notes.
Weak Points:
This nontraditional vehicle must overcome the traditional “bigger is better” U.S. mentality. But the 70 percent male target market should find that performance and handling beats massive hauling capacity.
Competition:
Mazda CX-7, BMW X3, Mercedes ML350, Infiniti FX35.
Base Price:
$32,995.
