A-Spec Package 4dr SH-AWD
2020 Acura RDX

2020 RDX Photos
 Editors' Pick
Autoblog Rating
7

Redesigned for 2019, the Acura RDX drives well, has stylish good looks, and is packed full of technology — though opinions are divided on its infotainment system. Above all else, it's an excellent value. A fully loaded RDX costs as much as $10,000 less than its German peers.

Industry
7.5
The 2020 Acura RDX is a bold compact luxury crossover that represents a return to its roots – providing some athleticism and adrenaline to a segment not known for either. We think this is a positive development, as the previous RDX lost its way a bit. However, that last RDX’s biggest strength was its very spacious interior for its overall size, which carries over to the new version despite the increased athleticism. These aren’t usually attributes that go together; sporty vehicles can be smaller, with poor space utilization. That isn’t the case here. The turbocharged engine and advanced all-wheel drive system mean the RDX is as lively as any crossover buyer could want. The bottom line is that it has more character and a superior combination of attributes than many of its sport-luxury competitors. What’s new with for 2020? The RDX carries over mostly unchanged for 2020 after receiving a complete redesign last year. There’s a turbocharged engine under the hood again, instead of the V6 in the last-generation model, and the technologically-advanced Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system also makes a return. On the outside, the chrome grille “beak” has thankfully vanished, and there’s some nifty tech in the slick interior – although its signature touchpad infotainment controller is a mixed bag. More on that below. You can read about last year's changes more fully in our 2019 Acura RDX First Drive, but in short, it's sportier, more distinctive and more luxurious than its predecessor. Part of that is the fact it's no longer based on the same vehicle platform as Honda's CR-V.   What are the interior and in-car technology like? The RDX’s interior is a nice place to be. In the upscale A-Spec trim we tested, most surfaces are covered with soft, premium-looking materials, including perforated leather, soft-touch plastics, and classy-looking vinyl. The RDX introduces Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, which controls the infotainment system and its 10.2-inch screen with a center-console-mounted touchpad rather than a touchscreen interface. While it’s certainly a step in the right direction, the system has a relatively steep learning curve and lacks any haptic feedback. It’s ultimately not as intuitive as we’d like, and that is important because it’s an interface you’ll be using all the time in an RDX – including to interface with the standard Apple CarPlay functionality. Note that, as of this writing, Android Auto is not supported. Acura promises to roll this feature out in an update for all TTI-equipped RDXs soon. You can read our full impressions of the system here. Other than the TTI system, the RDX has an excellent sound system courtesy of the ELS Studio-branded system offered with the $3,200 Technology Package (or bundled in the A-Spec package). A head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, and fancy trim (“Natural Olive Ash Burl Wood”) is available on the $4,900 Advance Package, which requires the Technology Package. The bottom line here is that if you want the fancier stuff inside, it’s not going to be cheap. Video ID: 5df4421c-21ac-3ddf-9182-60cbea17d391 …
Full Review
The 2020 Acura RDX is a bold compact luxury crossover that represents a return to its roots – providing some athleticism and adrenaline to a segment not known for either. We think this is a positive development, as the previous RDX lost its way a bit. However, that last RDX’s biggest strength was its very spacious interior for its overall size, which carries over to the new version despite the increased athleticism. These aren’t usually attributes that go together; sporty vehicles can be smaller, with poor space utilization. That isn’t the case here. The turbocharged engine and advanced all-wheel drive system mean the RDX is as lively as any crossover buyer could want. The bottom line is that it has more character and a superior combination of attributes than many of its sport-luxury competitors. What’s new with for 2020? The RDX carries over mostly unchanged for 2020 after receiving a complete redesign last year. There’s a turbocharged engine under the hood again, instead of the V6 in the last-generation model, and the technologically-advanced Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system also makes a return. On the outside, the chrome grille “beak” has thankfully vanished, and there’s some nifty tech in the slick interior – although its signature touchpad infotainment controller is a mixed bag. More on that below. You can read about last year's changes more fully in our 2019 Acura RDX First Drive, but in short, it's sportier, more distinctive and more luxurious than its predecessor. Part of that is the fact it's no longer based on the same vehicle platform as Honda's CR-V.   What are the interior and in-car technology like? The RDX’s interior is a nice place to be. In the upscale A-Spec trim we tested, most surfaces are covered with soft, premium-looking materials, including perforated leather, soft-touch plastics, and classy-looking vinyl. The RDX introduces Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, which controls the infotainment system and its 10.2-inch screen with a center-console-mounted touchpad rather than a touchscreen interface. While it’s certainly a step in the right direction, the system has a relatively steep learning curve and lacks any haptic feedback. It’s ultimately not as intuitive as we’d like, and that is important because it’s an interface you’ll be using all the time in an RDX – including to interface with the standard Apple CarPlay functionality. Note that, as of this writing, Android Auto is not supported. Acura promises to roll this feature out in an update for all TTI-equipped RDXs soon. You can read our full impressions of the system here. Other than the TTI system, the RDX has an excellent sound system courtesy of the ELS Studio-branded system offered with the $3,200 Technology Package (or bundled in the A-Spec package). A head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, and fancy trim (“Natural Olive Ash Burl Wood”) is available on the $4,900 Advance Package, which requires the Technology Package. The bottom line here is that if you want the fancier stuff inside, it’s not going to be cheap. Video ID: 5df4421c-21ac-3ddf-9182-60cbea17d391 …
Hide Full Review

Retail Price

$46,000 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 2.0L I-4
MPG 21 City / 26 Hwy
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 10-spd auto w/OD
Power 272 @ 6500 rpm
Drivetrain SH-AWD all wheel
Smart Buy Program is powered by powered by TrueCar®
Autoblog Advertisement