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2016 Acura RDX AWD Review with video

2016 Acura RDX AWD Review (with video) -

Acura was a high mark and downs for a while. The MDX is a perennial bestseller while their large sedans have largely sat unsold. RDX, meanwhile, has had an interesting history.

The first attempt to Acura to a passage in 2 rows was ahead of his time with a 2.3L turbo engine producing 240 hp and AWD system Acura Super Handling capable of sending 0 percent the power of the engine rearward. The trip has been criticized by Motor Trend as "hard" and people complained of turbo lag of only turbocharged four-cylinder segment.

As the segment increased most inputs used naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engines and RDX sales failed to reach orbit. All indications are that compact Acura crossover was designed to be a low-volume niche player in one of the fastest growing segments. While Acura did something unexpected.

For the 2013 model year, the turbo engine small displacement had become a staple in the segment, but Acura has chosen to reverse the trend by replacing their turbo 2.3L V6 with a 3.5L in the redesign. The engine change wa s not the only thing that surprised the Acura fans. Engineers RDX stretched in all directions, softened the suspension, have raised the two-inch ride height, compounds on the "sport", removed the SH-AWD system fitted Electric Power Steering. Prove that the compact luxury crossover shopper does not seek TL Type-S on stilts, sales of RDX has more than doubled and remain on an upward trajectory, outselling its former BMW enemy and defeating all 2-row luxury crossover save Lexus RX and Cadillac SRX.

outside
Being a refresh and not a redesign, changes to the exterior are scalable. 2016 brings full-LED headlamps signature Acura and turn signals that sport three projector arrays LED and two LED reflector arrays for beam. (There was some confusion on the high beam is halogen or LED lamps. The high beams and bass are both full-LED but they use different optics to focus the light.) In addition to new beams, there are more folds, "beak" restyled and some additional chromium. At the rear, new LED taillights join the party with a bumper coverage redesigned RDX to make the look a little more like the MDX and ILX.

Before going further, we must talk about how this crossover segment is summarized. In practical terms, there are three classes of 2 crossove r luxury ranks of different size. At the top end we have the Cadillac SRX, Lincoln MKX and Lexus RX, which are all 186-0 inches long. Then we have the half segment where the RDX played with the likes of the GLK, MKC, Q5, NX 0t, XC60 and X3. At the small end of the scale are the Evoque, Q3, GLA and X1. You can consider the RDX a "tweener" in some ways, because it is at the other end of the middle segment, but 6 inches shorter than a Cadillac SRX.

inside
Like many companies, Acura limit interior color options depending on the exterior color you select. Unlike most other companies, however, the choices are more limited. In basic RDX models, all colors except "Silver Slate" are linked to a single interior color. Intensify $ 38,970 RDX with Technology Package allows more exterior color and added an additional choice of interior color for the exterior black and dark gray. This is a far cry from the level of customization you get in the competition, especially the Evoque, MKC and X3.

Spanning from $ 35,270 to $ 43,420, the RDX is one of the cheapest cars in this segment. Accordingly, it should not surprise you that you have to step up to model for $ 38,940 leather seats and the passenger seat 8-way power adjustments. As with the rest of the Ac ura line in the United States, real wood trim is unavailable at any price, even if we now get the standard rear climate vents.

Although the RDX is about the same size as the X3 outside, youll find four inches of combined space in the Acura, distributed fairly evenly in and out, making it easier for drivers with long legs to find the ideal driving position. Unfortunately, some great drivers notice the RDX has a little less margin before the X3. The compromise for roomier digs behind the second row, where the loading capacity reaches 26.1 cubic feet, a cube below the X3, 20% smaller than the XC60 and 45% smaller than in the cargo hold the Lexus RX.

Infotainment
base and "AcuraWatch" models get a sound system 7 speakers with a color LCD screen 5 inches in height in the dashboard. USB, Bluetooth and iDevice integration are all standard, as Sirius / XM Radio and Pandora (a smartphone is needed to Pandora). Because the RDX uses the same parts of the base dashboard for all models, the small LCD screen is a bit lost in the dash

Adding the Technology Package brings the biggest change to inside the RDX 2016 :. The AcuraLink 2-screen infotainment system. Here is how Acura described the purpose of the split screen: the screen of 8 inches h igh in the dashboard is used for navigation, leaving the touch screen of 7 inches below to manage climate and audio functions. However, in reality, you end up using both screens and their interaction takes some getting used to. It is true that you can switch between audio sources with the lower screen while simultaneously watching the navigation map on the top screen, if you want to browse a playlist, this is done only with the upper screen. Entering an address for navigation can be done using either the screen with the wheel / joystick control or on-screen keyboard on the 7-inch screen. The overall design is not as well integrated as the Infiniti Q50 in the InTouch system, but it grew on me since I met and extended voice control system is one of the best in the segment.

Training
instead of starting with a 2.0L turbo engine as most entries in this segment, all models use the RDX same engine. 2016 brings a revision in the light Acura 3.5L V6 naturally aspirated, bumping power to 279 horsepower and 252 lb-ft. Acura twisted one segment of the cylinder deactivation system to be more aggressive, switching mode often three cylinders to improve fuel economy on the highway. Unfortunately, the 2016 revision did not bring the direct injection system found in the TLX, RLX and MDX.

The first indications are that the RDX would get the same automatic transmiss ion ZF 9 speed the MDX and TLX. However, for 2016 at least, the RDX continues to use the same Honda / Acura 6-speed automatic as last year. In addition, the same as last year is an AWD system that is different from the SH-AWD system in the MDX and TLX. In a nutshell, the MDX can send 0% of engine power to the rear by completely blocking the central coupling and cause the rear axle-vs forward. SH-AWD also has a function of torque vectoring that can send 100% of the power on the back of a single rear wheel axle. RDX is not like that.

To reduce the weight and cost of the second-generation RDX, Acura chose to install a more conventional AWD system. The current AWD system is somewhat unusual in this segment because the majority of systems are completely locks a central coupling to distribute power to roughly 50-50 front to rear. The RDX will not send more than 40% of the engine power to the rear axle, leaving 60% to the front. Without the axle torque vectoring found in Acuras SH -AWD, the RDX is based on an open differential and traction control brake function to keep things in check on the free surfaces.

Drive
the absence of SH-AWD means while AWD MDX is a dynamic competitor for a base X5 AWD RDX is not a vigoro us competitor to X3 in the same way. Speaking of the MDX, despite having a similar balanced 60/40 weight and weighing 300 pounds more, three rows Acura crossover actually feels more agile, especially on twisty mountain roads when energized. Indeed, the rear axle of MDX sends more power to the outside rear wheel to help turn the vehicle and compensate for heavy weight before balance. This does not occur in RDX. Because the front wheels in the RDX AWD manage the majority of the power of the engine, the front end feels light during heavy acceleration and, depending on the surface, you will experience smooth torque. The difference in feeling between the XC60 / MKC / NX and RDX in this regard is not huge, but it is notable. I temper that with the fact that FWD luxury crossovers are gaining sales success and RDX AWD is even more dynamic on the track the FWD model.

At 3,737 pounds, the base RDX is among the lightest 2-row luxury crossovers around, but adding the AWD system and all options will push the empty weight of 3946. If this sounds heavy, the Volvo XC60 is up to 300 pounds heavier and the Audi Q5 can be up to 500 pounds. The light curb weight pays dividends in terms of acceleration and braking with our running tester in seconds and braking from 60 to 5.8 60-0 in a short 116 feet. Regarding absolute grip, light curb weight helps, but it can not compensate for the softer suspension or increased working height and RDX spaces in the middle of the pack in terms of grip, but below average in terms of feeling when 8 / 10ths. On the flip side, the system design and off light cylinders enabled the RDX average about 24 MPG on the conduct of a week of 800 miles. This is better than most 4-cylinder entries in this segment.

All RDX models get "reactive dampers amplitude" Acura which are a twist on a normal strut design. The strut has two valves with different operating profiles. It remains closed unless the suspension meets a wide and fast moving - like hitting a pothole - allowing the suspension to "soak" the great road imperfections while normally using another valve to give a damper "more farmhouse "feel smaller imperfections. Either way you slice it, this suspension design and 8.1 inches of ground clearance circle the RDX more Lexus RX, BMW X3. To answer the complaint first generation RDX buyers noise in the cabin, Acura is active noise cancellation on all trim levels.

At $ 33,100 and $ 34,480, the 0t Lincoln MKC and Lexus NX (respectively) both start unless the RDX $ 35.270, but the Acura comes with more standard equipment and a V6 engine more powerful. Depending on your options, the RDX can come between $ 1,000 and $ 2,000 less than a comparable Lexus or Lincoln, although both offer more customization that can have in the Acura. As with the Acura ILX, Acura has consolidated their system "AcuraWatch" (speed control radar, collision warning, automatic braking and holding the channel) with more models than in the past, starting with a basic model with AcuraWatch for $ 36,570. The "best value" is in full charge RDX AWD for $ 43,420, which undermines Lincoln by $ 4000, the Lexus of nearly $ 5000 and the BMW more than $ 10,000.

obviously a BMW X3 comparison is fraught with problems. The X3 is in default RWD has a near perfect balance of weight and offers features and luxury customizations are not available on the Acura. However, improved dynamics and luxury worth $ 10,000 $ 12,000? Its not so easy to answer, but perhaps the key to understanding the success of Acura sales. Perha ps a better question: is the Lexus RX worth $ 10,000 plus $ 15,000? The RDX is more agile, more engaging, faster, has more space for legs and hair is significantly cheaper. The only real downside of the RDX is losing 15 cubic feet of cargo space.

refreshed 2016 Acura range suggests that became his mojo. The RDX 2013 was exactly what buyers were looking segment and bedbugs 2016 RDX on the mode LED lamps, love speed control radar and LCD real estate in the cabin. I would not say that makes it the best overall RDX crossover in the segment, but in my opinion it is the best hands down value. One thing is certain: the 100,000 people who are considering purchasing a Lexus RX in 2015 should visit the Acura dealership. Acura has perfected the classic RX 350.

Acura provided the vehicle, insurance an d a review of gas

Specifications as tested:

0-30: 2.4

0-60 5.8

1/4 Mile: 14.6 @ 96 MPH

fuel economy: 23.8 mpg