2022 Acura RDX | MotorWeek Road Test

[@acuraracingfan9155]

It’s the ideal SUV for the daily commute.

[@MetikalMan]

This deserves a Type S with the 3.0 Turbo 6.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

the single turbo Honda V6 is already underpowered vs the competition.... the TLX S is the slowest overall vs the rest... still FWD based platform too.... just like a Civic... fail

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@SantanKGhey1234 except the TLX Type S beat the Stinger GT and Genesis G70 3.3TT on a track. See Car&Driver's Lightning Lap for results.

[@AnthonyParrilloRI]

More so than the MDX did honestly

[@MidnightAspec]

@@TheBreakfastLover agreed! The TLX-S bests those other two as an overall performance pkg not solely a dragster.

[@SSC3034]

@@SantanKGhey1234 it's only underpowered because the TLX is heavy compared to the competition. The RDX is much closer in weight to its competition so an RDX Type S would most likely beat an SQ5 thanks to the 10 speed

[@20gravedigger11]

I strongly disagree with the statement that in 2019 this had an extremely firm ride. I have a pre-refreshed RDX and it is a better ride than some of the German offerings I test drove. If they made it even better, then way to go Acura. But I can't say that original version from 2019-2021 is extremely firm.

[@stevenr6279]

Yep, I drive the 2019 RDX, the ride is sport tuned which feels proper. Also, we have a sport+ mode that has been removed on the refresh; it now has: snow, comfort, normal, sport. Also, the refresh is a bit slower 2019 did 0 to 60 in 6 sec flat. The new RDX front bumper is much better but taming the power is a no, no. Regardless, it a superb SUV.

[@20gravedigger11]

@@stevenr6279 Exactly! Though, I will say that I think they mislabeled the Drive Modes from the start... at least from what I've read. If you compare to other current Acura products, the "sport" mode on the RDX is really "normal" mode... they used the term "sport" as a marketing ploy to push the "sporty-nature" of the vehicle, since it was the benchmark for Acura's new architecture and design language. Our "sport+" (2019-2021 version) is what "sport" is on the 2022 refresh, and our "sport" (which is really "normal") is now labeled as such for 2022. In the TLX, the drive modes are labeled as the 2022 RDX ("comfort", "normal", and sport"... with "individual" replacing "snow")... and they behave the same as our "comfort", "sport", and "sport+".

[@drivescene6747]

@@stevenr6279 the refresh is actually not slower than the 2019-2021. Motorweek always has slower times than the rest of the magazines.

[@drivescene6747]

@@20gravedigger11 spot on. Only Type S models have the sport plus mode now.

[@dohc1067]

Nice styling, great seats 💺, and the awd definitely makes a difference 👌

[@beb1527]

They gave me a FWD one as a loaner. Stick with the SH-AWD one if you can handle the extra $. Even on dry smooth pavement, the FWD is too easy to break loose. The SH-AWD one is a completely different vehicle

[@AD-sp5cv]

from a 30 roll the fwd will get the awd all day long though heh.. awd kinda falls on its face after second gear

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@AD-sp5cv I'm curious, what percentage of actual RDX buyers do you think would value a "30 roll" over SH-AWD?

[@AD-sp5cv]

@@TheBreakfastLover what percentage are actually going to use awd? It just adds weight and worsens fuel economy. Saps power 95% of soccer moms going to the grocery store won’t know the difference lol.

[@adams1696]

@@AD-sp5cv good point lol it also makes for more moving parts to break.. more expensive to fix too lol

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@AD-sp5cv where I live there's snow 6-7 months of the year. I used to drive FWD and even with winter tires I've been stuck in snow multiple times. I had to do the rocking method at least twice a year, and even had to shovel myself out of a snow rut every couple years. Never even been stuck once with AWD. Before AWD and FWD, I drove a RWD 540i. Never going RWD again. Constantly fighting oversteer and even fishtailed a couple times. If you live in Canada, AWD is definitely worth it. In fact, in Canada FWD RDX sales were so poor that Acura only sells the RDX (and TLX & MDX) with SH-AWD now.

[@generaldzaster2022]

I love my 2022 rdx aspec advance! no problems so far

[@jws15]

I have this exact car 2022. The good: very fast, great handling, stunning paint, amazing sound system. The bad: terrible gas mileage, grinding brakes are horrible. Zero to 60 all out is 6 seconds flat and pulls hard.

[@NO-END]

I haven't experience any of the bad you listed other than bad gas mileage you have to drive like a grandma to achieve mpg. I love this car but it has the worst gas mileage I have seen my 2008 CRV and this get the same mileage. To be fair I drive like a maniac but an 08 CRV to 22 RDX it should be a liitle better for my lead foot.

[@Slim1986]

One of the best in its class!!

[@aaronchase38]

Im betting the rdx type s will have the same 2L but tuned to make 310hp 320 tq..basically a ktuner version but factory. .hopefully bigger brakes too

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

My buddy has this but the ASPEC in white with red interior and it is very nice! I’m not a huge fan of Acura but this is one is different. The handling has been updated and runs smooth

[@rahimi4762]

U weren’t a huge fan cuz u never experienced one till now. Try out others and other generations.

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

@@rahimi4762 I drove a 99 Legend and I loved it! I grew up with Toyota (and never had a reason to look elsewhere) but I love the space too..

[@fleipeg]

We love our 2021 RDX, but absolutely hate the entertainment system. It's a distraction when driving. Once Acura addresses that issue, it'll be perfect!

[@lgmediapcsalon9440]

If a 1:1 touchpad is distracting to you, you're an elder. That thing took max 10 seconds to get used to. plus no fingerprints on the screen.

[@fleipeg]

@@lgmediapcsalon9440 you're a real genius mediaPC. The '21 RDX doesn't have a touchscreen. Oh brother....

[@lgmediapcsalon9440]

@@fleipeg Where did I say it had a touchscreen? Brother.

[@naveenthemachine]

6.8 is very conservative. I’ve seen it go as low as 5.7 seconds

[@richardgarriga6766]

Motorweek doesn't abuse their test cars during 0-60 tests as the magazines do.

[@lfsracer79]

5.7 is BS... Motor Trend got 6.4 with one foot rollout and they beat the shit out of the cars they test.

[@tracerit]

4.6 is where it's at

[@oldtwinsna8347]

That gas mileage is pretty dismal for a 4 banger small turbo. Honda really needs to package some hybrid tech into its premium vehicles.

[@gedaman]

You’re right. The Infiniti QX50 has similar EPA numbers.

[@oscararechiga6829]

I can only achieve 19.5 to 20 combined

[@mattdavenport533]

Hybrids from Acura never sold well. The clientele for acura is different than Honda. They dont want hybrid. We tried with the ILX, MDX and RLX they didnt sell well at all. They are niche models compared to the gas burners

[@lgmediapcsalon9440]

@@oscararechiga6829 funny how i drove the dealers' loaner with 15000miles on it... average says 24mpg. Learn to drive maybe?

[@oscararechiga6829]

I have a heavy foot, but that's why I got this car over others, for the turbo charged engine, don't get me wrong, I like it, and 20 mpg are better than what I get with my v8 truck, around 16

[@Honestandtruth007]

Nice design and Reliable, plus Fun 👍😂

[@christiancervantes311]

I had one as a rental and it was so nice and pretty fun to drive!

[@stedye]

Christian good day to you .Where did you rent an RDX ? Which car rental company?

[@ae747sp5]

How clear Led fog lights can possibly work as well as amber fog lights cutting thru the fog or rain?

[@rezneba101]

fogs don't do sh!t pal, whatever car or model or type. It's a gimmick, nothing more.

[@romanwalczak7748]

6.8 from 0-60 I seen it go like 5.6 at all other reviews

[@magneto8002]

Needs an all digital dash.

[@tomfaz4193]

All around great vehicle except for the antiquated track pad. Not liking the low profile tires on the A spec because they provide little traction in the snow and wear out faster than normal size tires.

[@billmulvihill8452]

Touch screens are antiquated!

[@oldatarigamer]

I like it, but that center console, ugh.

[@billseiler4952]

Major refresh?…..let’s call it a minor touch up to various areas

[@virgozulu5581]

Head's up display,lane keep assist?

[@oscararechiga6829]

They are available with the advance package

[@mattdavenport533]

Advance and A-Spec+Advance

[@royboswell9830]

Have lane keep assist on my ‘21 sh-awd tech package.

[@maxaudi2804]

Seems like nothing changed especially that awful media interface. And where is that hybrid engine?

[@chalangshingaly502]

RDX - is the best i have the first Gn ....

[@Ecuador006]

No

[@emmanuelalva6597]

So the last gen is faster then this one? The last gen doesn’t look as aggressive as this one so that’s surprising

[@mj8495]

It is plenty fast for what it is and most people just use as a daily driver 😊

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Will sell like hotcakes

[@davidrulnick7257]

I love mine. Great handling, beautiful high tech interior, awesome seats, roomy inside especially the cargo area. The drive modes allow you to drive either a cruiser or in sport mode an aggressive and very sporty suv.

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

What does this have over a fully-spec'd Mazda CX-5 Signature that comes in at 10 grand less?

[@ACitizenOfOurWorld]

It has the unique Super Handling AWD technology

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

@@ACitizenOfOurWorld Is that worth a 10 grand premium over Mazda's AWD system?

[@mattdavenport533]

@@Guy_de_Loimbard brand cache. Mazda is still a mainstream manufacturer. Acura is premium luxury/performance

[@lgmediapcsalon9440]

go drive one, you'll know.

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

@@lgmediapcsalon9440 I already did when I crossed-shopped both, and you can probably guess which one we bought. You'll have to pry me out of my CX-5 to get me into the Acura again. Really, the only knock I can think of against the CX-5 is NVH under high engine load.

[@ontarioman6301]

Heard mileage is not good from a friend

[@rezneba101]

it's about as advertised, aka not great.

[@frankie.d1127]

How do you guys get such terrible 0-60 times?! So many others manage to get at least 6.0 secs flat. Some get sub 6.0 secs. Not sure what you guys are doing

[@rezneba101]

I drove the '22 model and there is no way it does it under 6. Unless you brake boost, which i'm sure the car loves /s

[@MoMo-ve7yq]

Is nice suv , Just can’t believe, still use gas power.. no hybrid, overall 23 mpg, around $300-350 gas money., a month , maybe more .. Not including maintenance and payment .

[@mattdavenport533]

Hybrid acuras never sold well enough....We offered the MDX, RLX, and ILX as hybrids.....very niche models compared to their gas siblings

[@billyrock8305]

Minor refresh more like it. Massive turning radius. Crappy fuel economy. Terrible infotainment system.

[@ontarioman6301]

The cx 5 can do 0 to 60 in 6.4 sec

[@gedaman]

I like Mazda a lot more than Acura lately.

[@Busandrailfan]

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP does it at 6.6 sec

[@gedaman]

@@Busandrailfan What does that have to do with compact crossover vehicles?

[@mattdavenport533]

Mazda is not a premium luxury manufacturer either its a mainstream one....

[@mattdavenport533]

@@Busandrailfan gm garbage

[@Kiss__Kiss]

for $43k it has "Okay" power. For $50+ It is under powered.

[@b.f.378]

It’s one of the quickest in its class . Its German competitors are way more for less horsepower in its base trims

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@b.f.378 For a tiny bit more, a Stelvio(Alfa Romeo) is an AWD SUV, with 280hp/306ft lbs of torque.

[@b.f.378]

@@Kiss__Kiss I guess it depends on if you’re gonna keep the vehicle . If you’re financing , this is the way to go for reliability. If you’re leasing, there’s “better” options lol

[@garybaldwin1061]

@@Kiss__Kiss Which one would be more reliable?

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@b.f.378 Definitely.. Even if you are not leasing and just want to purchase, the stelvio is a great buy as well. Sure the Audi Q5 may "advertise" less power but is a little quicker, than this Acura. Although I also understand, output figures and 0-60/Quarter mile testing, are subjective to optimum environments.

[@PeteinMD]

It might be a good vehicle, but I think the center stack is hideous... sorry, Acura...

[@mj8495]

And other people find those monstrous tablet screens with few useful buttons or knobs to be a nightmare to use. Always test out what you might buy first to se if you like it 😊

[@jesseweirmalave]

Old wheels looked better

[@krellman7]

One thing that is not mentioned here is the all wheel drive system. It is not in line with the competition. If you live in a cold climate area, Lexus, BMW and Mercedes are all considerably better in snow. This is based on my personal experience and I have actually owned all four brands. Because of this, I will never purchase another Acura.

[@CM0N3Y2021]

Which Acura and year did you own?

[@krellman7]

@@CM0N3Y2021 I had a 2020 RDX.

[@nateisright]

Q5 gets 29mpg on the highway.

[@mattdavenport533]

and the cost of an oil change?

[@rezneba101]

@@mattdavenport533 a little less than a car payment 😆

[@93remix]

I don't understand THESE tiny 4 bangers in SUVs of this size for 1 And 2... Why are companies making SUV options for FWD? that makes no sense either.

[@93remix]

@TheAutomotiveMan 2.0L?? I like MAZDA, at least they have 2.5L

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

Modern engine tech is very impressive, and forced induction (turbocharging and/or supercharging) makes displacement mean far less than it used to. My car has 3.0L of displacement with a supercharger and makes 310hp/325lb-ft, those are similar figures to a big American V8 from like 15 years ago, but the engine in my car is lighter and more fuel efficient than those. I've driven cars with small turbo engines and they honestly feel more suited to heavier vehicles like this one. Why? They have an abundance of low-end and mid-range torque that helps you move that weight without needing to floor it. I'll try to use different words to summarize: These 2.0L Turbocharged engines make more power and torque below 4000rpm-ish than the larger 3.5L/3.6L/3.7L Naturally Aspirated V6's they're replacing, so they don't need to be revved as high for power.

[@blaise3121]

@@CrazyWeeMonkey I agree. My wifes 19 Sorento with the V6 feels slower over my 22 RDX until it hits a high RPM, but it does feel smoother, probably due to the lack of a TC, and less gears. Her Sorento sounds so much better though with the V6 growl. But the RDX is so much more fun to drive. Feels like a sporty car, vs. hers is very 'large SUV' like, even though our vehicles are pretty close is size and weight. Pretty crazy what Acura did with it.

[@Sklounst_Actual]

But still no hybrid. Very disappointing.

[@rezneba101]

who cares. you want to add 20k to the price of the car and get what 30miles of electric autonomy? Get problems of both powerplants? Add to an already 4000lbs car? Plug it in and out everyday to make your sub 6sec launch while you drive yourself to work everyday working to pay for all that? What is wrong with ppl

[@Sklounst_Actual]

@@rezneba101 What are you talking about? Can you read? I said hybrid, not PHEV. The CR-V, which the RDX is based on, has a hybrid. It's only $3,000 more than the ICE version. Not $20,000. Stop being ridiculous.

[@rezneba101]

@@Sklounst_Actual lol a hybrid crv, go home.

[@Sklounst_Actual]

@@rezneba101 Good answer good answer

[@rezneba101]

@@Sklounst_Actual rdx based on the crv, why is that? because 4 wheels?

[@alphabeta8403]

3:30 Weak transmission, so well-known by now by Honda products (auto trans) 22 Honda Passport with another weak trans (9 speed) is faster to 0-60 😆

[@chavisberrien4844]

Lincoln or gv80 for me

[@allentoyokawa9068]

gv80? yeah if you like trash lmao

[@drivescene6747]

The GV80 is in another segment above this vehicle, it’s a 3 row luxury suv, the RDX is a compact luxury suv

[@shivamarya5225]

@@drivescene6747 it's not a 3 row, it has a 3 row version but its 3rd row is just crammed in the boot, it's just a larger 2 row while this competes in the conpact segment like gv70

[@wongchai807]

People still buy lincolns?

[@mattdavenport533]

both junk

[@foxtrot685]

The pre refresh front fascia was better. The new one looks boring and the wheels are worse. If it’s one thing Honda does well it’s ruin the look of something.

[@bubblelex5051]

Well yeah since they were in their prime in the 90s and 00s. Sadly 😥

[@michaelallen2221]

Terrible company!!! My 19 ilx, gone rear main seal leak. And 2 ilx loaner cars same problem. Then traded for a 21 tlx. It had rear main seal leak. Which draws oil fumes into cabin. And!!! 3 TLX loaners same problem! And sadly our 21 rdx rear main seal leak. Oil fumes come into cabin. And guess what!!! Oil dilution is still here folks! Gas in the oil on 2.0 liter turbo. Was a honda person since 2014. Will never buy one again company is terrible to deal. Wont help you at all. If you read this which i hope you do, i just saved you!! Your welcome.

[@lgmediapcsalon9440]

something tells me *you're* the problem.

[@michaelallen2221]

@@lgmediapcsalon9440 huh?

[@AmericanTamilVibes]

I don’t like this color.

[@Busandrailfan]

The radio is trash.

[@rezneba101]

words from someone who never sat in one and turned the volume knob up.

[@Busandrailfan]

@@rezneba101 words from someone who assumes I’ve never been one

[@rezneba101]

@@Busandrailfan We're all assuming that since that sound system is very very far from trash.

[@Busandrailfan]

@@rezneba101 I said what I said!

[@rezneba101]

@@Busandrailfan go get your head checked.

[@Commander76]

For that kind of coin it needs a turbo 6...

[@rezneba101]

yeah, got 20 grand to spend for 2 cylinders? You could just ktune it (ots mind you) and get very decent and reliable performance for under 500$.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

Yawn... boring... Genesis GV kills this boring appliance

[@a32tl]

Kills it except in sales.

[@aceofspades6667]

I love the Genesis gv70 but the 3.5 is the special powertrain where the 2.5 isn’t. I much prefer the powertrain and handling in the rdx over the gv70 comparing 2.5 but the gv70 is a real looker.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

wait until the Type S arrives. Game over.

[@rahimi4762]

This RDX interior and feel is better as so is the AWD

[@SantanKGhey1234]

@@TheCarCrazyGuy Yeah single turbo and FWD architecture... fail

[@agustinurbano]

a 2006 crv gets better milage for like $5-8k thooo

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

with less power, less space, more road-noise, lower limits, lower safety...

[@rezneba101]

@@CrazyWeeMonkey ikr. wtf agustin. want fuel economy? go buy a prius