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2009 Acura RDX

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Overview

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2009 Acura RDX Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

Combining sport sedan-like power and handling with the cargo versatility, high seating position and all-wheel-drive capability of an SUV, the premium-badged 2009 Acura RDX boasts a full arsenal of appeal. Upon its introduction for the 2007 model year the RDX's only true competitor was the BMW X3, a vehicle that essentially had the compact premium SUV segment all to itself since its introduction for the 2004 model year. With new and upcoming entries, such as the Audi Q5, Infiniti EX, Mercedes GLK and others, buyers will benefit from even more options.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for small, high-performance luxury SUV that also has an outstanding reputation for service, reliability and resale, the RDX make the perfect choice.

You May Not Like This Car If...

For true sport-sedan driving dynamics you still have to buy a sport sedan. The 2009 Acura RDX's SUV chassis might prove too heavy for those looking for car-like handling characteristics.

What's New for 2009

For 2009, Acura adds a power passenger seat to the RDX's standard equipment list, along with four new colors and an updated version of the AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic Update service.

Driving the RDX

Driving Impressions With its turbocharged engine, Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and fully-independent sport-tuned suspension, the 2009 Acura RDX indeed delivers acceleration and handling levels in line with some sport sedans. Responsive and...

eager around town, the RDX will even handle curvy roads with deftness and confidence – although it doesn't provide quite the same feel of integration between driver, machine and road as does the BMW X3. Like a sport sedan, highway ride is taut but comfortable. All-in-all, we enjoyed every mile spent behind the wheel of the RDX.

Favorite Features

DVD-Audio Sound System
In addition to compatibility with "just about every type of current audio format," according to Acura, the RDX's optional DVD-Audio system delivers impressive surround sound.

Real-Time Traffic Information
As part of the RDX's satellite communication system, the navigation screen can display real-time traffic speeds and accident information in 77 major cities, making it easy to see problems ahead and find the best way around them.

2009 Acura RDX Details

Interior

The athletic exterior design is complemented inside by sport-style seats covered in perforated leather, a sculpted three-spoke steering wheel and metallic trim. With or without the comprehensive Technology Package the RDX's interior features a dynamic, high-tech ambiance. One of the more functional features is a huge center console that's big enough to swallow a laptop computer. Most will find the back seat cozy without being cramped, while fold-flat rear seats extend the capacity of an already-generous cargo area.

Exterior

The RDX conveys its performance potential in the form of 18-inch wheels, a raked version of the familiar five-point grille, dual-outlet exhaust and a "turbo" badge on the back. A unique feature is the unconventional tailgate that is integrated into the rear bumper, unlike other SUVs, providing a smoother look to the rear end. HID headlamps are included as standard equipment.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2009 Acura RDX's impressive standard-equipment list includes a glass moonroof, HID headlamps, heated front seats, 18-inch wheels and a 360-watt sound system featuring an in-dash six-disc CD/MP3/WMA player, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free integration, seven speakers and an auxiliary input for portable MP3 players. A long list of standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and two-row side-curtain airbags plus electronic stability and traction control systems.

Optional Equipment

A comprehensive Technology Package is the only available option for the 2008 Acura RDX. It consists of a navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, GPS-linked solar-sensing climate control and a 410-watt, 10-speaker audio system that features XM Satellite Radio and a six-disc CD/DVD-Audio player with MP3/WMA capability plus DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II processing. Surprisingly, the tech-savvy RDX doesn't offer remote-sensing unlock and start.

Under the Hood

Featuring the first turbocharged engine to power an Acura (or Honda) automobile for sale in the U.S., the 2009 Acura RDX's 260 pound-feet of torque is the most ever for a Honda product – even more than the dear, departed Acura NSX. Thanks in part to a sophisticated variable-flow turbo, the four-cylinder engine delivers the quick response and minimal lag associated with smaller turbochargers plus the high-rpm boost of a bigger turbo. The Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system is able to transfer torque not just from front to rear, but also between the two rear wheels, providing both safety and performance advantages. Unlike the BMW X3, the RDX is not available with a manual transmission. The RDX has a maximum tow rating of 1,500 pounds.

2.3-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
240 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/22

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2009 Acura RDX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.4

Out of 5

Based on 156 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 Acura RDX models.

Review this car

Value

4.3/5

Quality

4.5/5
Reliability

4.7/5

Performance

4.6/5
Comfort

4.2/5

Styling

4.5/5

Great car and value!

By Pegster (PA) on Friday, January 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

Pros: "Value, fun to drive"

Cons: "It can't hold more than 5 people"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I heard Acura is doing away with the 4 cylinder turbo for the rdx. That is too bad, this little car has great get up and go. I am not much of a car person, but this was fun to drive! My lease is almost up and I am contemplating taking the buyout! I did miss the extra seats the mdx has at times, but there was plenty of space to haul my real estate signs around and have a couple of big kids in the car."

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comfortable, convenient, reliable, fun to drive

By psmurf (NJ) on Friday, January 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "fun to drive"

Cons: "gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"fairly priced poor man's small SUV compared to BMW X3 - jam packed with great feaures that work very intuitively without an engineering degree vs the BMW X3"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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