Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is Acura’s first compact luxury crossover SUV. The RDX was initially built upon the same platform Honda uses for its Civic and CR-V passenger cars. However starting from its third generation, the Acura RDX is built on its own platform according to Acura.[1]

Acura RDX
Overview
ManufacturerAcura (Honda)
Production2006–present
Model years2007–present
Body and chassis
ClassCompact luxury crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
RelatedHonda CR-V
Honda Civic

First generation (TB1/2; 2007)

First generation (TB1/2)
2007 Acura RDX
Overview
ProductionJuly 2006–2012
Model years2007–2012
AssemblyMarysville, Ohio, United States
Marysville Auto Plant
DesignerJon Ikeda (2004)
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD)
Powertrain
Engine2.3 L K23A1 Turbo I4
Transmission5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase104.3 in (2,649 mm)
Length2007-09: 180.7 in (4,590 mm)
2010-12: 182.5 in (4,636 mm)
Width73.6 in (1,869 mm)
Height65.2 in (1,656 mm)
Curb weight3,968 lb (1,800 kg)

Originally previewed as the Acura RD-X concept car, the production RDX had its debut at the 2006 New York Auto Show and went on sale on August 11, 2006. A face-lifted 2010 model went on sale in August 2009, which featured the addition Acura's "power plenum" grille and a Front-wheel drive option.

Engine

The first-generation RDX is powered by a 2.3-litre straight-4 turbocharged gasoline engine, rated at 240 bhp (179 kW; 243 PS) at 6,000 rpm with a torque peak of 260 ft⋅lbf (350 N⋅m) at 4,500 rpm. At the time, this was uncommon among Honda vehicles.

The K23A1 engine has all-aluminum construction, an i-VTEC head, and dual balance shafts. It was also one of the only four-cylinder powered luxury SUVs of its generation. Honda's variable flow turbocharger reduces turbo lag by using a valve to narrow the exhaust passage at low rpm, increasing the velocity of the exhaust flow and keeping the turbine spinning rapidly. At higher rpm, the valve opens to allow more exhaust flow for increased boost. The engine also features a top-mounted intercooler which receives air from the grille, channeled by ducting under the hood.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated fuel mileage is 19 mpgUS (12 L/100 km; 23 mpgimp) city and 23 mpgUS (10 L/100 km; 28 mpgimp) highway miles per gallon. An updated EPA mileage estimate in February 2007 rated the RDX at 17 mpgUS (14 L/100 km; 20 mpgimp) city and 22 mpgUS (11 L/100 km; 26 mpgimp) highway.

Drivetrain

The first-generation RDX featured a version of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and a five-speed automatic transmission with Acura's SportShift sequential shift capability, activated by paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The paddles can be used in Drive (D) to make a gear change with the transmission returning to automatic mode as soon as the vehicle resumes a steady-cruise state. The Sport (S) setting has higher shift points and quicker downshifts, and using a paddle in “Sport” immediately puts the transmission in fully-manual mode. The first-generation RDX all use a timing chain, whereas subsequent years (2013-2018) all use timing belts due to the 4-cylinder engine being replaced with a 6-cylinder engine.[2]

Interior

The vehicle's interior includes standard leather seating, a moonroof, automatic climate control, and all the expected power features. The RDX 7-speaker audio system features XM Satellite Radio, along with an in-dash 6-CD changer, which is capable of playing standard Audio CDs, and Data-CDs burned with either MP3 or WMA files, it also plays DVD-A type CDs.

Much of the interior technology originally introduced in the RL sedan was equipped in the optional "Technology Package". This package included Acura's navigation system, a backup camera, XM Nav-Traffic real-time traffic monitoring, and Zagat restaurant reviews. The package also featured a 10-speaker ELS Surround audio system with DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound. Both stereos included a 1/8" (a 3.5mm) auxiliary input jack used to plug in external sources such as iPods. For 2007, Acura also offered an iPod adapter for the RDX, which was wired into the glove box, and allowed the iPod to be controlled through the RDX's sound system interface. Due to hardware incompatibilities, the Honda/Acura iPod music link was discontinued for the 2008 model year. The 2010-12 models featured a USB connection that interfaces with iPods and other USB mass storage devices, such as flash drives that contain MP3, WMA6, or AAC music files while being stored in the center console.

Safety

The first-generation RDX was the second Acura vehicle to feature the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which is designed to absorb energy from a collision. Standard safety features include six airbags, including dual front airbags, front side airbags, and dual-side curtain airbags. The front airbags use a dual-threshold, dual-stage technology that can adjust the timing and speed of each airbag deployment depending on the degree of impact and the driver's or front passenger's seat belt usage. If sensors deem the front passenger is too small (less than 65 lb (29 kg)), the front airbag is designed not to deploy. The front passenger's side airbag is also designed to shut off if a child or small-statured adult is leaning into the airbag's deployment path. In the event of a sufficient side impact or roll-over, the side curtain airbag deploys from above the door frames of the affected side, with coverage for both the front and rear occupants on that side, and stays inflated longer than if there were a collision.

Front seats feature active head restraints and their seat belts are equipped with pre-tensioners and force limiters. In November 2006, the RDX was crash-tested by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, resulting in a perfect "5 Star" rating for driver and passenger frontal crashes, and front and rear side impacts, along with "4 Stars" for rollover.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI) gave the 2007-12 RDX the grade of Good "G" for moderate overlap front test and side impact test. The grade of Marginal "M" was given for roof strength evaluation.[3]

Second generation (TB3/4; 2013)

Second generation (TB3/4)
2013 Acura RDX
Overview
ProductionMarch 2012–2018
Model years2013–2018
AssemblyEast Liberty, Ohio, United States
East Liberty Auto Plant
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L J30Y1 V6 (China Only)
3.5 L J35Z2 V6
Transmission6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase105.7 in (2,685 mm).
Length183.7 in (4,666 mm)
Width73 in (1,854 mm)
Height64.2 in (1,631 mm)
Curb weight3,717 lb (1,686 kg) (FWD)
3,838 lb (1,741 kg) (AWD)

The second generation RDX was revealed during January 2012 at the North American International Auto Show going on sale in April.[4] The turbocharged four-cylinder engine was replaced by a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic, improving gas mileage to an EPA estimated 20/28/23 mpg (city/highway/combined) by using variable displacement (VCM).[5] The SH-AWD system was replaced with a simpler and less costly AWD setup.

2013 Acura RDX
2016 facelift Acura RDX
2016 facelift

A 5-inch display, tri-angle rear-view backup camera are standard, as well as keyless entry with push-button start. Also, standard Bluetooth hands-free calling and Pandora music can be streamed wirelessly into the audio system. When upgrading to the Technology package, a power tailgate is included,[6] along with an upgraded 60-gigabyte hard disc (HDD) based navigation system with 8-inch screen, this system enables 15GB of music to be stored.

In China, the RDX is offered with two engines. A 3.0-liter SOHC V6 produces 263 hp (196 kW; 267 PS) at 6700 rpm and 220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m) of torque at 4600 rpm, while the 3.5-liter SOHC V6 produces 273 hp (204 kW; 277 PS) at 6500 rpm and 254 lb⋅ft (344 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm. Both engine choices come with either FWD or AWD.

2016 Facelift

The refreshed 2016 RDX was introduced at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show,[7] sales began in mid-April.[8] The updated RDX uses a slightly more powerful revised 3.5-liter SOHC V6 that produces 279 horsepower (208 kW) and 252 lb⋅ft (342 N⋅m) of torque. The exterior adds LED headlamps (low and high beams, DRL pipe and amber turn signals) and LED taillamps. Additionally, the 2016 RDX includes several driver assists in the AcuraWatch package including Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).[9] AWD was also updated to send up to 50% torque to rear wheels (on wet surfaces) opposed to up to 25% in the previous model.

Marketing

Acura and Marvel Entertainment, LLC, announced a joint promotional campaign with Marvel's The Avengers movie. Throughout Marvel's The Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents drive various Acura vehicles, including the MDX, ZDX, and TL models; the completely redesigned 2013 RDX was to make a cameo appearance in the movie but the scene did not make it in the final movie. However, the Acura NSX concept convertible sports car made an appearance in the movie.[10]

Safety

NHTSA 2014 RDX:[11][12]
Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover FWD: / 16.4%
Rollover AWD: / 15.5%
IIHS scores:[13]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset (2013–15) not tested
Small overlap frontal offset (2016–present) Good1
Side impact Good
Roof strength Good2
1 vehicle structure rated "Good"
2 strength-to-weight ratio: 5.48

Third generation (TC1/2; 2019)

Third generation (TC1/2)
Overview
ProductionMay 2018[14]–present
Model years2019–present
AssemblyUS: East Liberty, Ohio
China: Guangzhou
DesignerRandall Smock[15]
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive (SH-AWD)
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L K20C4 (turbo)
Transmission10-speed Sequential SportShift automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase108.3 in (2,751 mm)
Length186.7 in (4,742 mm)
Width74.8 in (1,900 mm)
Height65.7 in (1,669 mm)
Curb weight3,783–3,829 lb (1,716–1,737 kg)(FWD)
4,019–4,068 lb (1,823–1,845 kg)(AWD)
Rear End of the RDX

Acura debuted the 2019 RDX Prototype, on 15 January 2018, at the North American International Auto Show.[16] Production of the RDX began in May 2018 at East Liberty, Ohio.[17] The 2019 model arrived at dealerships across North America on June 1, 2018.[18]

Equipment

An A-Spec trim offered which adds aggressive body modifications, metal paddle shifters, larger rims, and optional red leather interior with black alcantara inserts. This was the first Acura car to feature the company's True Touch Pad Interface infotainment system which features a 10.2 inch[19] widescreen HD display. It is operated by a touchpad which operates differently from a traditional touchpad (like the one found on a laptop). The touchpad uses absolute positioning, which would mean that the finger placement corresponds with the position of the screen.

New features include Active Damper system using continuously adjustable valving within the struts,[20] 360-degree surround-view exterior cameras, panoramic glass moonroof, acoustic front door glass, automotive head-up display and 4-way power lumbar front seats, and 16-way power front seats. For the 2021 model year, Acura included a new limited-edition trim level, called the PMC Edition. This limited-edition RDX combines the visual enhancements other trims, as well as exclusive Thermal Orange paint, gloss black treatment for the wheels, roof, grille, wheels, side mirrors and exhaust tips, and orange seat stitching.[21]

Engine

The 2019 RDX is powered by a direct-injected 16-Valve, DOHC VTEC turbo 2.0-liter engine, producing 272 hp (203 kW; 276 PS) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque. The 2019 RDX is more efficient with the front-wheel drive model receiving an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined mpg, while the SH-AWD® model did nearly as well, receiving a 21 / 27 / 23 mpg rating.[22]

Transmission

The 2019 Acura RDX is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. According to Honda, this allows the RDX to take the turbocharged engine to its maximum capabilities during low-end torque. There are wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

SH-AWD

The 2019 Acura RDX can be equipped with Acura's SH-AWD system. Acura had dropped the SH-AWD system in the second generation RDX for a non-torque vectoring AWD system. With the upgraded system, 70% of torque can be sent to the rear wheels with up to 100% of that torque applied to either rear wheel.

Safety

The 2019/2020 RDX has been given an overall "G" or good rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Highway Loss Data. It was rated an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in all trims except the Advance for 2019. The Advance trim's headlights only managed an "A" or acceptable rating.[23]

Motorsport

A one-off RDX made a run at Pike's Peak in Colorado featuring a 350 hp (261 kW) engine.[24][25][26]

Sales

Calendar year US[27]Canada
2006 9,164 1,415
2007 23,356 4,104
2008 15,8453,573
2009 10,1532,869
2010 14,975 3,163
2011 15,1963,070
2012 29,5204,726
2013 44,750 6,112
2014 44,865 6,557
2015 51,0267,380
2016 52,3618,047
2017 51,295 8,101
2018 63,580 8,890
2019 62,876 9,716
2020 52,785

References

  1. Motor Trend: Seven Questions With Acura Boss Jon Ikeda - Motor Trend, accessdate: 30. August 2018
  2. Palatine, Arlington Acura In. "Does My Acura Have A Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? | Arlington Acura In Palatine". www.arlingtonacura.com.
  3. "IIHS-HDLI: Acura RDX". Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Archived from the original on 8 August 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  4. "Acura 2013 – It's time to resurrect Honda's "A" game". New Cars for 2013. 29 November 2011. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  5. Gritzinger, Bob (April 30, 2012). "Change-Up". Autoweek. 62 (9): 36.
  6. 2013 Acura RDX News and Photos, Car and Driver News Online.
  7. Lienert, Anita (January 21, 2015). "2016 Honda Pilot, Acura RDX Bound for 2015 Chicago Auto Show". edmunds.com. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  8. "Ready for Liftoff: 2016 Acura RDX Launching with More Performance, Luxury Appointments and Advanced Safety Technology than Ever Before". Honda Newsroom. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  9. "Ready for Liftoff: 2016 Acura RDX Launching with More Performance, Luxury Appointments and Advanced Safety Technology than Ever Before - RDX - Honda News". Acuranews.com. 2015-04-15. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
  10. "Acura and Marvel Entertainment Announce Exclusive Co-Promotion Campaign for Marvel's The Avengers". 2012-04-05. Archived from the original on 2012-06-22.
  11. "2014 Acura RDX SUV FWD". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  12. "2014 Acura RDX SUV AWD". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  13. "2016 Acura RDX Midsize luxury SUV / 2014 Acura MDX 4-door 4wd". IIHS. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  14. NBC4 Staff (2018-05-15). "Honda starts production of 2019 Acura RDX at East Liberty plant". Nbc4i.com. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
  15. Schweinsberg, Christie. "Acura Sets Sights on Europeans With New RDX". Wards Auto. Retrieved 3 February 2019.
  16. "2019 Acura RDX Prototype". Acura. Archived from the original on 10 January 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2018. [...] the Acura RDX Prototype, debuting at the 2018 North American International Auto Show on January 15.
  17. Sven Gustafson May 16th 2018 at 10:00AM (2018-05-16). "Production of 2019 Acura RDX crossover begins in Ohio". Autoblog. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
  18. "First in a generation: all-new 2019 Acura RDX arrives in showrooms June 1 - Automotive World". www.automotiveworld.com. Retrieved 2018-06-01.
  19. "Acura Has Finally Made an Easy-to-Use Infotainment System". WIRED. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  20. "Active Damper System | 2020 Acura MDX | Acura.com". www.acura.com.
  21. Rogers, Cameron (August 10, 2020). "2021 Acura RDX Prices, Reviews, and Pictures | Edmunds". Edmunds.com.
  22. "2019 Acura RDX Build & Price". Acura.com. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
  23. "2019 Acura RDX 4-door SUV". IIHS-HLDI crash testing and highway safety.
  24. "2019 Acura RDX Gets 350 HP for Pikes Peak Hill Climb". motortrend.com. 8 June 2018.
  25. Ramey, Jay (2020-07-31). "Acura TLX Type S to Hit Pikes Peak with 355 HP". Autoweek. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  26. Acura. "2021 TLX to Make Racing Debut at Pikes Peak Hill Climb; TLX Type S Prototype Serves as Official Pace Car". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  27. Honda Digital Factbook
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