The RDX premium compact crossover is already one of Acura’s best-selling models, with sharp good looks and a reasonable price for a luxury SUV. But buyers of the 2021 model have been flummoxed by a slightly complicated ordering system of trims and packages with little flexibility. So, for 2022, Acura has simplified it, making many features standard equipment.
Pricing isn’t available yet, but the 2021 RDX starts at $38,900, plus a $1,045 delivery fee. The new RDX goes on sale in November, so we expect to see final pricing soon.
The RDX also gets a mild update that improves its already appealing look.
Sharper, Toned Looks
A reshaped front fascia includes a thinner chrome grille surround and larger air intakes. Acura says the look draws inspiration from its recently redesigned big brother, the 2022 MDX. The eye is still drawn to the grille thanks to a mesh pattern that radiates out from the Acura badge. It looks like the trails of stars in a movie starship going to warp. All but the sporty A-Spec trim get new rectangular dual exhausts.
Inside, contemporary aluminum trim is now standard. The Advance package adds open-pore wood and soft Milano leather. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. But the most significant addition to the interior is subtraction. A new Active Sound Control system counteracts noise to make the cabin dramatically quieter.
Drive Modes Tweaked
The 272-horsepower, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic transmission are unchanged. But Acura has retuned the drive settings to create a more noticeable difference between the Comfort and Sport modes and improved the electronic brake booster for a more consistent braking feel.
Lots of New Standard Equipment
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on every trim level, as is Amazon’s Alexa and wireless phone charging. Acura’s ambient lighting system, which lets you select from a remarkable 27 interior lighting schemes, is now standard, too.
Automatic braking with pedestrian detection is newly standard on every trim. Blindspot monitoring with lane-change assist, too. Engineers have also improved the side impact protection in the rear doors and added pre-tensioners and reminder chimes for the rear seatbelts.
Acura will build just 200 units of a limited PMC edition (that’s Performance Manufacturing Center). Handbuilt and shipped to the dealer in a closed container, the PMC wears a Long Beach Blue paint job and orchid Milano leather upholstery.
Acura reserves that color palette for high-performance cars like the 2022 NSX Type S.
Class of 2022: All the New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
