2013 Acura RDX
The Acura RDX received a complete overhaul for the 2013 model year. The 2013 RDX only comes with a V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the 2012 model isn’t available anymore, and test drivers are particularly glad Acura chucked the dated five-speed automatic transmission. Following these changes, test drivers think the 2013 RDX has a comfortable ride along with a powerful engine, but say it lacks the tight steering feel of its rivals.While the wheelbase is up only 1.4 inches, and the new RDX grows an inch or less in every other direction, it looks larger and more elegant. Likewise, the cabin feels more expansive despite modest leg-, hip-, and shoulder-room increases in front.Acura resisted as long as they could to the SUV now CUV trend, but eventually caved in. The MDX knocked the socks off its competition and so, they returned with a compact version and dubbed it RDX. If the MDX was mainstream, the RDX wasn't.
Combined with a 6-speed automatic, the 2013 Acura RDX is very quiet on the highway; at 100 km/h, the V6 spins at 1,700 rpm. Fuel economy has also improved, as we observed an average of 10.8L/100km over the course of the test, better than what we achieved with the old RDX which was already fuel efficient.Starting on the outside, the RDX, like all modern Acuras, has moved away from the brand’s controversial styling cues of recent memory. Its lines are unlikely to wow anyone, just as they’re also designed not to offend, with far too much CR-V in the window design. Larger than its predecessor, it’s now much harder to distinguish it from the MDX. That perception of exterior size will, likely, help sell a few extra units.
Combined with a 6-speed automatic, the 2013 Acura RDX is very quiet on the highway; at 100 km/h, the V6 spins at 1,700 rpm. Fuel economy has also improved, as we observed an average of 10.8L/100km over the course of the test, better than what we achieved with the old RDX which was already fuel efficient.Starting on the outside, the RDX, like all modern Acuras, has moved away from the brand’s controversial styling cues of recent memory. Its lines are unlikely to wow anyone, just as they’re also designed not to offend, with far too much CR-V in the window design. Larger than its predecessor, it’s now much harder to distinguish it from the MDX. That perception of exterior size will, likely, help sell a few extra units.
After a year and two road trips, here are my general impressions. Pros: Great mileage (28 mpg on the road), comfortable ride, good acceleration, good audio system, good dash/control layout, great ergonomics. Cons: Interior finish uninspiring, fit and finish from factory not in the same class as other luxury brands, rear hatch can only be opened with dash control after all the doors have been unlocked.The RDX doesn't have the road-carving dynamics or towing power of some in this category, but its jack-of-all-trades character and overall good nature make it a welcome competitor to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5.Pricing starts at $35,205 for the front-wheel-drive base model, a $1425 hike,The 2013 Acura RDX has become "more" to or for a broader audience. It's got appreciable styling, decent fuel economy and, what Acura calls "high density packaging" or lots of stuff in a compact package.On the other hand, the lower dash panels in the 2013 Acura RDX aren’t as recessed as before, and their rough plastic feel is obvious from the moment you climb in. Since the engine start button is located in this power portion, you’re bound to touch it.
