2013 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is offered in only two trims- Base trim and the Technology Package. Both the trims available are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Moreover, they come standard with an FWD system and can be upgraded to an AWD system. Though they might gauge equally in performance, enrichment and sub-system complexity are far stretched in the Technology Package as it add-ons the Navigation system and 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound system. The Base meanwhile gets Dual-zone climate control for ambiance regulation.

It is evident that the elder sibling is superior but the Base does not lag behind too far as the musical notes reverberate with the 7-speaker sound system. The feel remains premium with its leather upholstery. On top of that, XM satellite radio and HandsFreeLink Bluetooth have also been incorporated into it. The power-assisted and lumbar support seats with heating and driver memory function can also be entailed in their practicality.

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Both trims of the 2013 Acura RDX are quite similar with very few differences between them and it would be logical for us to not let them hinder the Base imagery. The Base is easily a cost-effective deal that allows you to have the same thrill, necessary handling dynamics, and basic comfort. There is no need for an advanced audio unit as the standard is self-sufficient. The feel and temperature regulation are also at par with the higher one. So, save those extra dollars and invest somewhere else.

Talking about fuel economy, the 2013 Acura RDX returns impressive figures which are 20 mpg in the city, 28mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The AWD configuration drops fuel economy by 1mpg as compared to the FWD layout. It also features a 16-gallon fuel tank which is way smaller than its other competitors thus hampering its overall range to the confinement reading of up to 432 miles only. 

The BMW X3 tops the segment with figures 21 mpg for the city, 28mpg for the highway, and 24 mpg combined but the cylinder deactivation in the RDX has clearly painted the portrait that ranking is not safe enough for too long. Even the Audi Q5 manages to impress with its delivery which gets better when it becomes a subject of range coverage as it is capable to hit 554 miles at the max and that leaves all the other machines behind by at least 50 miles and that is a fair deal. 

Arguably the make-or-break aspects in this segment are the interior class and the concerned accents. The 5-seater RDX can be rated quite satisfactory as it gets a 10-way power-adjustable seat with driver memory function. The heat recirculation in the seats along with the Dual-zone dual-mode automatic climate control has also been bestowed inside the cabin. The cushioning is exaggerated by leatherette trim. The cabin is nicely isolated and features a Maintenance minder system in conjunction with the HomeLink universal remote as the interior tech-ends.

The 2013 Acura RDX offers a spacious cabin with no compromise in the legroom, specifically, in both the rows with which the egress and ingress are hassle-free. In addition to that, with the foldable rear seats, the RDX can offer 61.3 cu-ft of cargo space which enhances its utilitarian image. Among the competitors, the BMW X3 is the one offering the most balanced spacious cabin followed by the Audi Q5 and RDX parallelly. While the Volvo XC60 shines somewhere else as it offers the largest cargo capacity of 30.8 cu-ft among all.

Standout interior features:

• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Leather upholstery
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Sunroof
• 8-way adjustable driver’s seat

How intuitive is the 2013 Acura RDX’s infotainment unit?

The Acura RDX is as content as its interior as it gets all necessities with which one can be engaged inside for hours. The story begins with the standard 7-speaker audio system which can be upgraded to the 10 speaker audio system, both being competent and loud enough to echo your playlist in your surroundings. 

The Navigation unit levels up the stature with other tech-assist like the Speed-sensitive volume control and XM satellite radio. In the end, the standard bucket is filled by the drops of Bluetooth Connectivity, iPod Connection, USB, and AM/FM/CD Player. Standout infotainment features in the 2013 Acura RDX include:

• Navigation
• Bluetooth
• AM/FM/CD Player
• USB Connectivity
• iPod Connection
• Add on -10 speaker audio system

For the 2013 model, the Acura RDX gets new exterior styling with a fresh yet simple silhouette. The design language begins with sleek headlamps on a wide front fascia which is complemented by the 18" x 7.5" alloy wheels when viewed isometrically. Unfortunately, the chrome-accented grille is not something that gives any drastic impression but it gets reversed for the back of the machinery as the rear gets a tailgate-based spoiler along with dual-outlet exhaust. Moreover, it also gets a power moonroof on the top and heated power mirrors on the sides.

Talking about the external dimensions and weight category, among all the rivals the Acura RDX is the longest and lightest one to measure and both of which when analyzed together translate for improved space management inside the cabin and reduced lateral and longitudinal stress on the frame and axles respectively. 

It has a decent ground clearance of 8.1 inches as well. All in all, design might not be that appealing but boundary limits make up for that. The other competitors are also comparable to one another to a large extent and thus are equally desirable. Standout exterior features in the 2013 Acura RDX include:

• Sunroof
• Heated mirrors
• Automatic Headlights
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Xenon headlights
• Power Liftgate
• Fog Lights

The 2013 Acura RDX has not been crash-tested by the NHTSA but has been given tough times by the IIHS. In the crash test conducted by IIHS, it scored an overall ‘good’ rating in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and other important sectors. All these are achievable because of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure which allows enough area for the impact to distribute and negate. Further assisting to the structural integrity are the standard safety tech features in the RDX include:

• Stability and Traction Control
• LED daytime running lights
• Rear-view camera
• Rollover Sensor
• 4-wheel ABS 
• Front and side airbags

The completely redesigned RDX boasts impressive driving dynamics along with a solid structure to keep the occupants safe. Also, the fuel efficiency of the 2013 RDX is better than its predecessor and at par with its competitors. Overall the 2013 Acura RDX would be the right choice for someone looking for a decent family SUV with a comfortable cabin, impressive performance, and decent fuel economy.