Base 4dr All-Wheel Drive
2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX - Click above for high-res image gallery After three years on the market, the Acura RDX is getting its first comprehensive makeover for the 2010 model year. Unlike the automaker's new TSX V6, where the changes were largely restricted to the bits you don't see, the opposite is true of the RDX. Acura's cute 'ute gets a mid-cycle facelift to bring it in-line with the rest of the Acura line-up – meaning if you haven't warmed up to Acura's shield grille you might want to look elsewhere. If, on the other hand, you're partial to the new corporate beak, the RDX benefits from a few well-designed tweaks to boost its exterior appeal. The shape of the headlamp clusters remains the same, although the internal arrangement has been shuffled around, while below the bumper you'll spot a new air intake sitting in between the revised fog-lamp housings. Out back, the taillights receive a few minor revisions that most observers probably won't notice and the satin frame around the license plate pocket now matches the finish on the front grille. %Gallery-68940% Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc. The powertrain of the compact crossover is carried over intact, meaning propulsion still comes from a turbocharged 240 hp 2.3-liter four with a healthy 260 lb-ft of torque. Although a new six-speed automatic is likely to be fitted next year, the RDX retains its predecessor's five-speed 'box, complete with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The only mechanical change for 2010 is the addition of a front-wheel drive model to the RDX range. Unfortunately, Acura didn't have the FWD model on hand for our First Drive. On the road, the torquey four still provides reasonably brisk and responsive acceleration whether you roll into the throttle or stab the long pedal. Our drive loop didn't provide much opportunity to exercise the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system, but our past experience with the torque vectoring drivetrain has been positive, sending twist to the outside wheel to keep understeer at bay. The 2010 model retains its forbearer's ride and handling, with good steering feel from its hydraulic power assist and minimal roll. Acura has also made some changes to the brake actuation hardware with a new pedal ratio, vacuum booster and servo. The front brakes are unchanged and we didn't notice any significant difference in feel. The stoppers apply smoothly and were easy to modulate during our brief drive, although the changes should be more apparent when the CUV is driven hard and temperatures rise. The RDX receives a variety of technology upgrades for 2010, including new real-time traffic and weather data for the optional navigation system. The information is automatically retrieved via the satellite radio and routes are re-calculated on the fly if the system detects congestion between you and your destination. All new RDXs get a compass, automatic headlights and a rear-view camera as standard equipment, and for those that take a pass on the navigation system, the rear camera display shows up …
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