2019 Acura RDX Compact Luxury SUV Surpasses Competition
I was thrilled to be allowed to test drive the 2019 Acura RDX in Whistler, British Columbia. My first luxury car was a 1995 Acura Legend, which I adored for its style, comfort, and reliability. It was perfect for someone in their early twenties like me. When I sold the car on eBay, a man from South Dakota purchased it and drove to Atlanta, GA to pick it up. I was curious why he went through all that trouble, and he explained that Acuras are in high demand in South Dakota because they are known for their excellent features and body style, and are generally free of salt damage found in “salt belt states”. As a result, Acuras sell for much more than their blue book value. Hearing this made me feel even better about my purchase, as I knew that I had bought a great car.
2019 Acura RDX
2019 Acura RDX
Extensive Product Redesign
The all-new Acura RDX is a first-of-its-kind. It marks the most extensive redesign of Acura products in the last ten years, ushering in a new era for Acura design, performance, and luxury. Since its first launch in 2006, the RDX has been the top-selling nameplate in the compact luxury SUV segment. The RDX boasts of an Acura-exclusive platform, a powerful new turbo engine, available next-generation SH-AWD™, and the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, resulting in the quickest, best-handling RDX yet, resulting in the quickest, best-handling RDX yet.
Acura Precision Concept
2019 Acura RDX
Designed in America
Developed at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California, and inspired by the Acura Precision Concept, the all-new RDX presents a more emotional, athletic, and aggressive form to match its premium performance-luxury SUV image. It is the first all-new Acura model to be designed around the bold new face of Acura and its signature design element, Acura's diamond pentagon grille, from which the design intentionally flows outward.
Advance Interior
What's Inside?
The RDX's NSX-inspired high-deck floating center console – lends the cabin a more intimate “sports cockpit” atmosphere while providing a higher level of utility for the accompaniments of daily life, including cups, cell phones, handbags, tablets, and charging cords. It also houses key elements of the Acura electronics interface – its prominent drive mode dial for control of the 4-mode Integrated Dynamics System, and Acura's revolutionary new True Touchpad Interface™.
Advance Interior
One of the things that I loved most, is the open and airy feeling of the new ultra-wide panoramic moonroof which is among the largest in a compact-luxury SUV and offered standard on every new RDX.
Key New Technologies
The 2019 RDX hosts a suite of advanced new technologies, including the Acura True Touchpad Interface™, featuring an all-new Android-based operating system, a high-mounted 10.2-inch full-HD display, and an innovative touchpad with the first-ever application of absolute-positioning in a driving environment. Absolute positioning departs traditional touchpad interfaces, using one-to-one mapping to deliver a more intuitive and driver-oriented user experience. The new True Touchpad Interface™ is standard and all grades of RDX will include Apple CarPlay™ compatibility, plus Wi-Fi-enabled over-the-air system updates. Android Auto™ compatibility will be introduced later, pending release and certification of touchpad specification by Google.
HMI Screenview Samples A-Spec Interior
Sound System
You have to hear it for yourself to believe how amazing it is! The 2019 RDX debuts the Acura/ELS Studio 3D™ premium audio system, tuned by Grammy-winning music producer Elliot Scheiner. The 710-watt system utilizes 16 discrete sound channels and 16 speakers, including four ceiling-mounted Highline™ speakers to create a more natural and omnidirectional high-fidelity listening experience – the most advanced audio system ever offered by Acura.
Advance Interior
Advance Interior
Hidden Storage
Need extra storage space? The Acura RDX has got you covered! Hidden underneath the cargo area floor is a best-in-class 1.7 cu. ft. of additional storage. Flipping the multi-folding floor panel up and forward reveals a storage area 16 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 6 inches deep – enough to hold folding chairs (bag type) or two laptop computer cases. Flipping the cover up a second time reveals two additional storage bins. In addition, a handy open storage bin that can accommodate six wine bottles (yes, they tested this out), six beverage cans, or a gallon of milk is positioned at the left side of the cargo area behind the rear seat. Two incandescent bulbs illuminate the storage area when the tailgate is open.
Test Driving the 2019 Acura RDX
They said to put the pedal to the metal to test it out, so I did! Check out the video here:
RDX Performance
The 2019 RDX is powered by a direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter, 16-valve powerplant with DOHC VTEC® valvetrain mated to the segment’s only 10-speed automatic transmission (10AT). Peak output of 272 horsepower (SAE net) and 280 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) bests RDX’s key competitors, including Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Volvo, and delivers 40 percent more low-end torque than the outgoing 3.5L V6 for powerful acceleration.
Safety and Driver Assistive
As a mother of two, safety is extremely important to me. The third-generation 2019 RDX offers the highest level of standard safety and driver-assistance features in the model's history – and in its class. The AcuraWatch™ suite of technologies is now standard on all RDX grades, along with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, while the Technology Package and higher grades add blind spot information (BSI), front and rear parking sensors and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor. The RDX with Advance Package includes a Head-Up Display and Surround View Camera System for the first time.
Pricing
The pricing of the 2019 Acura RDX undercuts several other category competitors. Fully loaded, it comes in at just a little more than $47,000, a reasonable price compared to less powerful, less spacious, and less technically advanced competitors.
- RDX base model (adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking) – $37,300
- RDX AWD (adding all-wheel drive, panoramic sunroof, and LED headlights) – $39,300
- RDX A-Spec (adding a sports package and exclusive design details) – $43,500
- RDX Advance model (adding hands-free liftgate, heads-up display, surround-view camera, and 16-way ventilated front seats) – $47,400
- Delivery charge for all models- $995
Overview
The Acura RDX Compact Luxury SUV is going to give its competitors a run for the money. The RDX has the latest and greatest in technology, enhanced safety features, a striking design both inside and out, a superior sound system, and impressive value for the cost. All this combined with the history and reputation of the Acura brand behind it, it is going to be one of the best car purchases you can make.
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance, representing the original values of the Acura brand – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance, and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability.
The Acura lineup features six distinctive models – the RLX premium, luxury sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America's all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar as a new and pinnacle expression of Acura Precision Crafted Performance.
Five of the six models in the Acura lineup are made exclusively in central Ohio using domestic and globally sourced parts, including the ILX and TLX luxury sports sedans (Marysville Auto Plant), the RDX and MDX luxury SUVs (East Liberty Auto Plant) and the Acura NSX supercar, which is built to order at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.
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We hope you enjoyed Simply Amazing Living's “2019 Acura RDX Compact Luxury SUV Surpasses Competition” post.
Disclosure: I was Acura’s guest for this test drive; travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own.
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93 Comments.
It’s definitely a good looking car, no doubt! Liked learning about its function too.
Thank you for reading!
Wow very nice! I don’t know much about cars but it sounds like you know what you’re talking about!
I am learning! LOL
Looks like an exceptional car to have. How cool that you were able to test drive it!
It was an amazing experience!
Wow, there is lots of room inside the car, and the big moonroof is so awesome, and the extra hidden storage is a big bonus, nice looking car for sure!
It is a well-designed car that I loved driving!
What an amazing car, I love the style, interior and all the functions it has.
It has a lot of great features for the price!
oh my gosh what a gorgeous car and how awesome to find out more information about it! ready to ride!
It truly is gorgeous inside and out!
Oh boy, the interior looks very spacious and luxurious! I would not have thought it was a compact suv.. I wasn’t in the market for a new car … but maybe now I should be!
You should at least test drive it to see how you like it!
Wow This is such a fantabulous stylish SUV! The interiors look so spacious and good.
I would like to do a test drive 🙂
I hope you get the chance one day!
I always love to know about different kinds of cars, Love to read about the functions of this car. 🙂
Me too! The more you know helps in making decisions for when you are in the market to buy a car.
Now this is a CLEAN car. I love the interior as well. Might look into an Acura for my next car!
I love the Acura brand. Next time you are in the market for a car, you should definitely test drive the Acura RDX!
The US design amazes me for cars inside dimensions: you can feel at ease as if you were at home, and this car seems to be no exception to this.
It is definitely a comfortable ride!
Looks like a great car. I love the smaller SUVs.
Me too!
Wow I do love the panoramic roof. My car has one and I do love the feature. The car sounds lovely and safe which is important.
Yes, safety is key when it comes to buying cars!
I had a teacher who used to brag about her Acura. I’ve never owned one personally, but it seems like a pretty good car and a reliable brand.
I love the Acura brand. They definitely are reliable vehicles for the money!
That is a gorgeous car! And what I love about it is that it’s the perfect mix of luxury and practicality. Though it has all these great features, safety and otherwise, it has enough room for your family, the pets, the hockey bags and suitcases, etc. What a great find!
It truly is a great car for families!
The panoramic moonroof and the storage are my favorite features! What a sharp vehicle!
I think so as well!
Wow, this looks great! The hidden storage is a great idea, as I always kind of thought it was wasted space otherwise.
I personally need the extra storage space for my kiddos and all of their sports equipment. Comes in handy for me!
This car looks so nice! I may have to give a test drive !
I hope you do take it for a test drive. You will love it!
This car looks amazing! I love renting cars and splurging on the upgrades! 😀
Wow what a great car! It looks super stylish and also really spacious inside too. Amazing photos!
Thank you!
This car looks amazing! My first car was a 1994 Acura Vigor and it’s still my favorite car ever 🙂
The Acura brand is the best!
Beautiful looking car in snide and out. Where we live we need a truck
I love trucks as well! They have so many useful purposes.
It looks like an amazing car. But I definitely love the moon roof. It would add to the dimension of feeling like you had a lot more space in the car.
woow that a nice car and what a luxurious interior ! i would love to test drive this gorgeousness around !
I hope you get the chance one day!
This looks like a great option for a family vehicle, and outdoor adventures. And those mountains, stunning!
Beautiful features! How can this not surpass the competition when it has everything you need in a car plus more. It’s perfect for every day use or for road trips!
That’s so much fun that you got invited to test drive this car! It doesn’t look too badly priced and it looks pretty comfortable inside.
It really is reasonably priced for what you get!
Pretty car! But not enough space for my brood 🙂
It is pretty, but looks like you need more seats!
Wow, what a nice looking car! My husband is looking for something around this size, I’ll make sure to pass on your review.
I had no idea there was even such a thing as salt damage for a car. Wow! This definitely looks classy and packed full of features! Holy cow! And yes it definitely appears to be quite roomy!
Yes, indeed. The features in this new Acura RDX are amazing!
Nice! When I’m in need of a new car I’ll have to keep Acura in mind… I love all of the features and style!
I hope you get the chance to take it for a test ride!
Wow, the new Acuras are really nice! They remind me of an Audi.
This new SUV is amazing!
I really want an SUV for my family but I wasn’t sure which one but after seeing this post I think I’m going to have to make this my goal car!! I love everything about it plus it’s still super cute!
You should at least take it for a test drive!
That sounds like a sweet ride. I would love to take one for a test drive one of these days.
I hope you get the chance!
Oh how I wish this came in a ten passenger capacity. This however looks like an incredible ride.
It truly is a wonderful SUV!
That is a sweet looking car! I think it’s spacious enough for our family, and the safety features gives me peace of mind.
Safety is key when purchasing a car!
This is a beautiful SUV! With the addition of advanced tech, and safety features, it’s not a surprise the Acura RDX is a popular car!
It was so much fun to drive!
I love the look of that car and taking it on a road trip sounds amazing. It has so many great features like safety, sound and vision a real luxury.
It truly is the best in its class!
Yes, a very nice car indeed. I love all the features, but like the Hidden Compartment the best. The color is very nice too.
Thank you!
Looks like a great car! I would love an suv like this one. Looks roomy and that sunroof is awesome.
It really is an awesome ride. I love the huge sunroof!
We are currently in the market for a luxury midsize SUV and the RDX is now my front runner. I am in LOVE! To say this is a gorgeous ride is an understatement and it is priced lower than the other vehicles in its class.
I completely agree!
We take a lot of road trips, so that extra storage would be a blessing! The car looks stylish and luxurious, but would also make a wonderful family car, I would think!
Extra storage is what I look for when purchasing a vehicle!
I have always heard good things about Acura. They seem like reliable and well-made cars, perfect for a family or anyone on the go.
Acura was my first luxury car brand and I love it still!
That looks like an awesome vehicle to take the kids in! Our family would definitely feel comfortable in this car!
It is perfect for families!
I love that SUV! I have always loved large vehicles because I don’t like to feel cramped. The console is fantastic! If we were in the market for a new vehicle, we’d seriously consider this Acura suv.
You should definitely test drive one when you are in the market for a new car!
That car looks awesome. My mom is looking for something new, I’ll have to send her this link.
I hope she likes it as much as I do!
That Accura looks amazing. Love the sleek design and would love to ride this!
It truly is an amazing driving experience!
I was here on vacation last summer. I would like to note that this country is well suited for road travel. We were able to rent a cheap car here and visit for a short time several cities
I love driving in this area! Good to know that rental cars are cheap here!
This car is beautiful.
I think so as well!