LOS ANGELES — Acura’s most up-to-date completely new fashions — the TLX and MDX — thwacked us upside the top with authority to tell us that Acura as a luxurious and efficiency model is effectively and really again in nice kind. The redesigned RDX tried to do the identical again in 2019, and whereas it was an above-average overhaul effort, it didn’t transfer us as strongly because the TLX and MDX have since.
Now, the 2022 Acura RDX is right here, and it’s packing a bunch of enhancements to attempt to each improve the driving expertise and make sure that it isn’t taking part in second fiddle to different Acura merchandise in tech or luxurious. The one omission, and it’s a giant one, is the continued lack of a Sort S variant. Each the TLX and MDX provide a high-performance Sort S model with turbocharged V6 engines, and the RDX continues to go with out such a mannequin in 2022. It’s a disgrace, as a result of the RDX’s smaller dimension means it may function a high quality platform for a efficiency crossover to compete towards others just like the BMW X3 M40i, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and Audi SQ5.
That’s to not say that Acura has uncared for the driving expertise for 2022. The one efficiency enchancment comes within the type of re-tuned adaptive dampers on the Advance trim which can be each stiffer in Sport mode and softer in Consolation mode. Plus, the cabin is way quieter than it was earlier than because of further sound deadening materials and an enhanced Energetic Sound Management system. Acura says the usual automobile gives a 20% NVH enchancment, whereas the Advance Bundle vehicles have much more sound deadening to ship a 30% enchancment over the 2021 mannequin.
You’ll be capable to inform the up to date RDX aside from the pre-refresh model by wanting on the new grille sample and thinner chrome grille encompass. Look additional downward, and also you’ll discover bigger aspect intakes and a brand new fog mild design. It’s tougher to inform that something is new from the again, however look intently, and also you’ll see a redone decrease bumper and rectangular exhaust shops on each mannequin however the A-Spec — that hangs on to its spherical twin exhaust ideas. A few new wheel designs spherical out the outside updates, whereas the inside sees a brand new bronze-like end for the aluminum trim in decrease trims.
Maybe one of the very important modifications Acura made to the RDX this yr is finished on the gear aspect, because it fixes one of many gripes we’ve had with Acuras over the previous couple years. You possibly can lastly equip the Advance Bundle onto A-Spec trim vehicles. That’s very important, as a result of Acura has lengthy made its adaptive dampers unique to Advance Bundle vehicles, that means that the sportiest-looking A-Spec trim autos may by no means be geared up with the very best suspension elements. That’s nonetheless the case on the TLX, however now now we have hope that Acura will treatment this improper for its sedan, similar to it’s performed with the RDX.
Among the in-car tech we’ve gotten used to in different new Acuras joins the RDX this yr. Meaning it’s now rocking wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wi-fi Android Auto, Amazon Alexa voice providers, USB-C charging ports, wi-fi cellphone charging, customizable ambient lighting (27 totally different themes), power-folding mirrors and expanded vary on the distant engine begin operate as much as 1 / 4 of a mile. The irritating lack of a digital speedometer readout within the 7-inch digital instrument cluster can also be fastened, as now you can select to view a giant speedo in that space.
All the above made for welcome additions in our drive by way of Los Angeles and a number of the neighboring canyon roads. Upon setting out, we instantly seen — or extra precisely, didn’t discover — the cabin noise. Our check automobile was an A-Spec Advance Bundle mannequin with the best quantity of sound deadening out there, and the extent of highway and engine noise is clearly lowered versus the previous RDX. Acura’s usually growly and grumbly 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder light additional into the background, and tire roar was at a superbly acceptable stage for freeway cruising. The newly softened dampers — Acura says it’s the identical damper as earlier than, however with new zeroes and ones telling them what to do — made for an opulent however planted experience over poor roads. It’s tough to come back to a closing verdict on how this compares to the pre-refresh experience with out driving the crossover on acquainted roads, although.
Canyon carving within the RDX is sweet however not nice. The turbo-four places out the identical 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque as earlier than, which is sufficient to be punchy, however not sufficient to get your pulse racing like the three.0-liter turbo V6 does within the TLX Sort S. The RDX additionally carries on with the identical 10-speed automated transmission, outputting energy to the true star of the powertrain present: Acura’s SH-AWD system. Nothing about this genius torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system modifications for 2022, however it didn’t should. The system nonetheless expertly shuffles energy back and front, after which left and proper on the rear (the torque-vectoring bit), overdriving the rear outer wheel to bend you round corners in a enjoyable and interesting method.
Credit score the AWD system as the explanation an RDX is such a keen companion to be danced round, too. Acura’s added aggressiveness in its damper tuning is noticeable earlier than you even flip the wheel, as twisting the centrally-located drive mode dial into Sport mode brings an prompt perspective shift within the RDX’s experience. It’s nowhere close to AMG or M automobile stiff, however the “Sport” experience is way more apparent than it was earlier than. Nonetheless, this doesn’t rework the RDX into some physics-defying crossover like a Porsche Macan or BMW X3 M. Its weight — of which there are simply 11 kilos extra of it than final yr’s Advance mannequin — is made apparent whenever you start to push, and the low-grip all-season tires do that crossover zero favors. Newly-tuned brakes give it a pleasant, stiff pedal, and a re-done sound management system (faux engine noise) means it sounds the half. Nonetheless, there’s the potential for one thing even shaper, one thing like a hypothetical RDX Sort S, even when this present range-topping dealing with effort is much better than many in its class.
When you simply use the RDX for regular SUV duties, it’s a beautiful cruiser, and you may look extra fashionable in it this yr, too. The candy Phantom Violet Pearl (purple) paint that debuted on the TLX is becoming a member of the RDX palette this yr, and the black/white two-tone Orchid Milano leather-based inside seen on the NSX can also be out there as an possibility. These searching for added security options can be joyful to listen to that Acura is including low-speed entrance and rear emergency braking, a brand new visitors sign-reading digital camera and an enhanced blind-spot warning system with better vary. Acura says it ought to crash higher with added construction to the doorways and new seatbelts, too.
The freshened RDX comes with a premium, however it’s solely $900 greater than earlier than, coming in with a $40,345 base worth for the front-drive mannequin. That is a type of autos that we’d extremely suggest ponying up for all-wheel drive, nonetheless, because it fully transforms the automobile’s dealing with for the higher. The AWD upcharge brings you to $42,545, however Acura makes it tough to cease there. Having the ability to mix the A-Spec seems with tech and efficiency options of the Advance is tempting, however you’ll pay for it, as that mannequin is the RDX’s top-end at $52,345. We’ll additionally notice that A-Spec vehicles obtain the worst gas financial system of the bunch at 26 mpg mixed.
When you actually need to have probably the most particular RDX on the market, Acura is doing a PMC Version painted within the NSX’s Lengthy Seashore Blue Pearl (pictured above). It’s restricted to simply 200 items, options Berlina Black wheels (additionally an NSX colour), has an Orchid leather-based inside with blue stitching and is hand-built on the NSX’s manufacturing unit in Marysville, Ohio. Each different RDX is constructed 8 miles away in East Liberty. The PMC will all value you $55,295, however you’ll undoubtedly have the good wanting 2022 RDX on the market.
Even for those who do totally load up an RDX just like the PMC mannequin, this SUV continues to be a worth proposition versus a equally loaded-up German compact crossover that may simply take you past $60,000 with choices. In the meantime, Acura is ready to ship a really luxurious inside utilizing high quality supplies and provide up a aggressive driving expertise in addition. The 2022 updates make the RDX much more compelling than earlier than and proceed to cement Acura’s place as a going concern within the efficiency luxurious house. Now, about that Sort S.
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