2008 Acura RDX

Charging Forward

The Acura RDX compact luxury SUV comes powered by the automaker's first-ever turbocharged engine.

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Built on a new light-truck platform that will form the basis for future Honda and Acura models, the Acura RDX features a muscular-looking exterior with oversize wheel arches, a steeply raked windshield, and a short rear overhang. The rear hatch features an easily replaceable body panel that not only adds to its potential for customization, but it potentially reduces the cost of repairs in a low-speed rear-end collision.

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Under the hood is a new, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers about 50 percent more horsepower than the non-turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder in the Honda CR-V. Turbocharging delivers extra horsepower without the added weight and size of a six-cylinder engine. The new Acura RDX exhibits virtually no turbo lag, which is a delay that some turbocharged engines suffer from before the extra power kicks in. It also provides the most torque in the Acura lineup, which helps in swift lane-changes and when merging onto highways. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard in the Acura RDX, with manual gear selection possible via a pair of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that Acura calls SportShift. The EPA rates the RDX’s fuel economy at an estimated 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

The RDX also has Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive, which debuted in Acura’s RL luxury sedan. The system aims to maximize road-holding on both dry and wet pavement. It distributes the optimum amount of torque between both the front and rear, and left and right rear wheels as needed. Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control keeps the Acura RDX tracking on the path where it’s pointed. Handling is sporty and relatively smooth, but the RDX can feel harsh over potholes compared to other SUVs.

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The roomy and well-designed interior of the Acura RDX includes a 60/40-split rear seat that expands cargo capacity when folded flat. Front side and side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats are included. The side-curtain bags deploy if a sensor determines the vehicle is about to roll over.

Multiple storage compartments include a lockable center console big enough for a briefcase. Standard features also include heated front and rear seats and a high-powered audio array, with a multi-format CD changer, satellite radio, and an auxiliary input jack for portable devices.