Reader Review: 2022 Acura RDX Elite A-Spec

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As an owner of a 2016 Acura RDX, Glenn Ruskin was curious about the facelifted-for-2022 model.

“We love the ’16, but there are probably other owners out there thinking about replacing theirs,” Ruskin says. “If you were wondering if it’s worth trading the ‘16 in on the ‘22 version, absolutely. Some incredible advances (have been made) not just in terms of tech but also in driveability, interior sound and (overall) fit and finish of the vehicle.”

Acura’s RDX, first introduced in 2007, was updated in 2013 for the second generation and again in 2019 with the third generation. Ruskin’s 2016 RDX is powered by a 279 horsepower V6 engine. When Acura released the third-generation RDX, the V6 was replaced with a 272 hp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood. That same powerplant remains in 2022.

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“The turbo four versus the V6 is interesting, because the horsepower is virtually identical,” Ruskin says of the performance of the new engine. “The biggest difference in the powertrain is the 10-speed transmission. The V6 (is backed up) by a 6-speed, and those four extra gears make a world of difference in the drive.

“The engine is always in the right rev range, and the fuel economy was always in the area of 10L/100km.”

Ruskin’s tester was the well-equipped RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec, finished in the $500 extra Majestic Black Pearl with red leather interior. If he’d bought it and driven it off the lot, he’d have shelled out almost $61,000 including freight and PDI, but before taxes. The A-Spec trim adds sportier features including an active damper system and large 20-inch alloy wheels. Prominent at the back end, Ruskin says, are the oversized dual exhaust pipes. All RDX trims are equipped with paddle-shifters and Acura’s SH-AWD, or Super Handling All Wheel Drive.

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“What’s most striking to me about the exterior design is the back end,” Ruskin says, and adds, “I know that sounds silly, but it helps define the sporty nature of the RDX, and thanks to those massive exhaust pipes of the A-Spec trim, it’s very striking.”

As a five-passenger vehicle, the RDX slots into Acura’s SUV range just below the larger MDX. But, as Ruskin notes, “The ’22 RDX is bigger in virtually every direction than the ’16. And it seems the quality of materials is even better – the way the doors slam shut sounds even more solid.”

Once inside the RDX, Ruskin says there have been changes. For example, “The push-button gear selector and the trackpad (True Touchpad Interface) are things you have to learn how to use, but after a few days it becomes second nature.” Controls on the steering wheel and driver’s door are similar to the 2016 model, he says, and they are intuitive to use.

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Overall, Acura has imbued the RDX with even more comfort, Ruskin explains.

“My wife said the seats feel more comfortable and I think that’s a refinement Acura has made,” Ruskin says. “She also really liked the panoramic sunroof, which helps light up the interior and makes the RDX feel even bigger.”

During his week with the 2022 RDX, Ruskin drove it both in the city during his 20-kilometre one way commute, and on the highway. He was impressed with the four drive modes – Snow, Comfort, Normal and Sport.

“At the flick of a button, you can change the steering, shock dampening, shift points – even the look of the dash,” Ruskin says. “The drive modes really do completely change the vehicle and the way it drives.”

Ruskin feels the four-cylinder turbocharged engine offers plenty of power. With three adults and luggage on board, Ruskin took the RDX to Canmore for a two-night stay. The RDX performed admirably.

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“With the 10-speed transmission, the ’22 RDX actually feels more powerful, more driveable, and tighter,” Ruskin explains. “It really feels like there’s more performance here, and there are improvements throughout. But the four-cylinder does feel a bit buzzy, although there’s no turbo lag and it’s quieter in the cabin, both in terms of engine and wind noise. “

His adult daughter was the rear seat passenger on the Canmore run, and she had no complaints about overall comfort. Cargo area capacity behind the second row seats in the 2016 RDX is 739 litres. That’s expanded to 835L in the 2022 model, and Ruskin says there’s “a slightly more usable storage compartment back there, too.”

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Who best suits the 2002 RDX? Ruskin thinks Acura’s designed the model for someone with an active family but doesn’t need a full-size SUV with third-row seating or a minivan.

“It’s a very practical vehicle,” he says, and concludes, “When you look at overall expense, performance as well as cost of upkeep, Acura gives you a luxury brand without some of the premium costs. The 2022 RDX A-Spec is clearly a winner.”

DRIVER’S JOURNAL

Day 1

The back end of the vehicle is THE highlight, particularly the over- sized exhaust pipes. Driving away I was distracted with the heads up display, never have had one of these. Didn’t know that you could customize the position of this as well as the brightness until I got home, now feeling more comfortable. Setting up the vehicle was intuitive.

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Day 2

Drove to work and back today. Plenty of power from the turbo four. Has winter tires appropriately for the time of the year, but, dry conditions, I think it would have driven even better with the right rubber. Feels great to drive, tight, good sight lines. Great that you can turn off ‘idle stop.’ Interesting that the dynamic choices do not include the ‘individual’ option providing an ongoing idle control without having to push this button each time you start the engine up.

Day 3

Highest temperatures of 2022 today, decided to put the RDX in Sport mode and tilt the sunroof. With a choice of Snow/Comfort/Normal/Sport, putting the Dynamic controls into Sport mode makes a dramatic change. I liked it.  I don’t think my fuel economy liked it, but I wouldn’t be surprised more owners don’t shift to this every time they start up the RDX.  Yes, you have to select this every time you start the vehicle, does not remember your last setting, instead always defaulting to Normal. One interesting thing is that the idle stop is disengaged when you’re in Sport mode or Snow mode, one less button to push, I guess.

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Day 4

Starting to understand why all the reviewers of this car rave about the sport steering wheel. Shaped extra padding, a square bottom and combined with the A-Spec metal exposed foot pedals, makes you feel you’re in a sports vehicle. I’m also starting to look more closely at the interior, great material used, nothing looking too plastic. Continue having this in Sport mode, though starting to tire of just how firm the ride is and how high the revs are in terms of shift point. With the higher rpm’s, sounds ‘buzzy,’ not the throaty sound of the previous V6.  Haven’t decided which I prefer.

Day 5

Woke up to freezing temperatures with some snow and ice on the pavement. Decided to try out the Snow dynamic mode. I always thought this drive mode dial in the middle of the dash was a gimmick. Nope.  There is a real difference in the shift patterns as well the overall feel of the vehicle is ‘slowed down.’ Once out of the neighbourhood getting onto the Deerfoot, changed this over to Normal and again, noted a change here, bringing back familiarity. Interesting that the lighting scheme changes on the dash as well as floor and side lighting when you change modes, maybe also gimmicky but kind of cool when you’re in Sport mode, the interior is bathed in red.

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Little to not like about this vehicle.

Day 6

Drove to Canmore this afternoon for a weekend getaway with my wife and adult daughter. The Acura packs well, nice to have that split back seat. We voted to put the RDX into Comfort mode and it certainly smoothed out the ride and the shifting while on the highway.   This vehicle does not lack in power, even when loaded up. My wife noted the passenger seat is noticeably more comfortable than the passenger seat in the 2016 model. Maybe it’s the A-Spec model that gets an upgrade, but I agree with her. Little to not like about this vehicle.

Day 7

Still in Canmore, parallel parking is helped by all of the onboard cameras. Heated seats on the passenger side I’m told are hotter than the 2016 RDX version. Leaving Canmore, noted the fuel consumption gauge, while the manufacturer says you can get it under 10L/100km, didn’t happen for us, even on the highway, always around 10.3L/100km. Still decent. I think a lot of this has to do with the 10-speed transmission.