2016 Acura RDX

With its latest iteration, the 2016 Acura RDX brings with it a host of major enhancements that makes it a capable and versatile SUV to compete with its rivals. The RDX comes in only one trim, but it offers two sub-trims which only differ by the drivetrain configuration. The FWD variant comes for $35,370, while the AWD version comes for $36,870. The RDX comes with one engine and gearbox option. Being offered in one trim, it is loaded with features, yet Acura has thrown in a few optional packages in case you feel you are missing out on something.

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Acura offers only 1 trim but offers an option to choose from AWD or FWD versions. To get the best value for the money, we recommend getting the AWD version as it offers better traction and handling. The available AcuraWatch Plus package can also be opted for as it brings with it a great array of advanced driver-assist and safety features.

Under its hood, the 2016 Acura RDX comes with a big 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine along with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The setup puts out a respectable 279 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels as standard, while the AWD is available. The engine feels powerful, refined, and offers punchy performance. The engine not only feels more responsive but also is intelligent as it shuts off the cylinders in pairs to conserve fuel when it senses less power demand. That said, the Acura RDX is no slouch, and it can sprint from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds.

All the rivals of the Acura RDX come with a 2.0-liter turbo-four under their hood, and out of them, the BMW X3 puts out the best 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The result is that it remains quicker than the RDX by one-tenth of a second in the 0-60 mph run, while both the Audi Q5 and Lexus NX 200t took 0.7 seconds more than the RDX to scoot from 0-60 mph.

Despite having a big V6 under its hood, the 2016 Acura RDX managed a respectable gas mileage. As per EPA estimates, the FWD Acura RDX returns 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. While going for the AWD drivetrain, you can expect a drop of one mpg across the three parameters. As standard, the 2016 RDX comes with a 16-gallon fuel tank, and a range of 320 miles in the city and 464 miles on the highway is expected from the standard RDX.

The rivals offer smaller engines, yet none managed to beat the highway gas mileage offered by the Acura RDX. Although in the city, the Lexus NX 200t manages 2 mpg more and BMW X3 manages 1 mpg more compared to the Acura RDX. The Audi Q5 returns almost similar gas mileage as the RDX but gets the largest fuel tank among all of 19.8-gallon capacity and thus offers more range from a full tank of gas.

A great place to be, the interior of the new RDX feels well built with lots of room in it that can easily accommodate 5 adults. From textures to the design and placement of the controls on the center console, the interior looks like a perfect mix of modern design and luxury. The front seats feel well-bolstered and comfortable and can easily fit a 6 ft. tall person. The rear seats offer enough legroom to stretch and relax. Also, due to its slightly raised height, it gives a nice outward view and still leaves some inches in the headroom.

Overall we can easily pass off the Acura RDX as the one with the most spacious cabin. When it comes to boot space, the RDX offers a spacious boot space of 26.1 cubic feet, though a little less than the Audi Q5’s 29.1 cubic feet and BMW X3’s 27.6 cubic feet of boot space. The Lexus NX200t offers the smallest boot space of just 17.7 cubic feet. Key interior features include:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Available ventilated front seats
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
• Leatherette upholstery

How intuitive is the Acura RDX’s infotainment system?

The Acura RDX offers a two-screen display inside its cabin. The top display can be used for navigation, while the lower one is used for playing audio. The setup has its pros and cons as the navigation display is perfect, but the screen for audio is too small and can be distracting to operate while on the go. That said, the overall implementation is flawless, and there is a rotary knob and buttons to control both the screen in case you don’t want to use the touch. Key infotainment features include:

• 5-inch display
• Seven speaker sound system
• Bluetooth
• Pandora
• Siri Eyes Free
• USB audio interface
• Auxiliary audio jack

This year the Acura RDX has received a thorough refresh on the outside. Now the RDX comes with an attractive profile. The 2016 RDX stands as a car with bold looks and aggressive styling along with smooth lines that blend in a way to give the car a perfect crossover look. Its large fenders give the crossover a muscular and beefed-up look. Apart from that, the ice-cube LED headlights and the new grille at the front give this car a modern and future-forward look.

Except for the longer 184.4-inches of length, the RDX is smaller than the rivals. The BMW X3 is overall the widest and the tallest SUV here. It also gets the highest ground clearance and the longest wheelbase among all. You would be surprised to note that the RDX that is 1-inches longer than the X3 has around 5-inches shorter wheelbase compared to it. Key exterior features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• All-LED exterior lights
• Sunroof
• Heated side mirrors
• Automatic headlights
• Power liftgate

The 2016 Acura RDX has scored well in the crash tests conducted by both agencies. The NHTSA gave the 2016 RDX a score of five out of five stars in the overall crash test while the IIHS gave the RDX a rating of ‘Good’ in all its five parameters. IIHS went a step further and awarded the RDX with the ‘Top Safety Pick+.’ That said, Acura additionally offers the AcuraWatch package that comes with a host of driver-assist and safety features to ensure maximum safety. Key safety features include:

• Rearview camera
• Traction and stability control
• Blind-spot monitor
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure and intervention warning
• Forward collision mitigation system w/ automatic braking

When the rivals are going the way of turbocharging to downsize their engine, the Acura RDX is still going strong on its big V6. The engine offers sufficient pull and performance. The fuel economy of this engine is surprisingly close to what the smaller turbocharged four-pot engines offer. As for being a luxury offering, the cabin is top-notch, and so are the overall materials used. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, while the rear bench is a bit firm. So in the luxury compact SUV segment, the 2016 Acura RDX remains an attractive proposition.