The RDX was redesigned in 2019 and carries into 2020 without many changes. The luxury crossover defines the sport genre of the five-seat compact luxury segment, offering a wonderful ride, strong capability, and a sizable interior.
Standard features are plentiful in the 2020 RDX, but packages can offer a lot more. Technology is a key point in this new Acura and may also be on of its weak points. Dollar for dollar, though, the Acura RDX offers more for the money spent than do most German competitors and it is expected to be less troublesome to own as well.
When introduced last year, the new generation of the RDX brought eye-catching style and a great interior experience. Our subsequent time in the 2019 model showed that it's far more capable off the pavement and in snow and ice than anyone could expect. These solidified it as a favorite in the segment. We don't see that changing for the 2020 model year.
The 2020 RDX is a five-seat, compact luxury crossover available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. There is only one engine and trim to choose from, but three optional packages can add what buyers may want as upgrades.
The all-new 2019 Acura RDX is a roomy 2-row, five-passenger crossover. For the new model year, Acura made the RDX longer and wider and increased its footprint substantially. This is an all-road crossover, not an off-roader built for mud and rocks.
Acura positions its RDX in the premium segment, rather than the full-luxury market. Generally, this is where those shopping upscale can find the best value, but with the mainstream brands offering more and more content for less, that is now debatable. What isn't is that the new RDX is hard to top if one's priorities include a sporty ride and a modern feel.
Not much is new with the RDX for the 2015 model year and to our way of thinking if it wasn't broke in the first place then why on Earth should Acura try and fix it? We frankly had quite a time coming up with three complaints about this SUV so happy were we with its performance, roominess, handling and style especially in our tester's burgundy exterior hue. Seriously consider buying your 2015 Acura RDX in that color because it makes the SUV look far more expensive than it really is. Or as much as a comparably equipped Lexus RX, Cadillac SRX, Audi Q5, Volvo X660 or BMW X3 would be that's for sure.
But is the 2015 Acura RDX as good as those exemplary luxury compact SUVs what with an onslaught of ever more capable newcomers like the Lincoln MKC, Audi Q3, pricey Porsche Macan and Lexus NX to name just a few? Well, while the new Porsche Macan may be the choice of sports car drivers there are still many more buyers out there who value things like interior room, a logical dash layout (which the Macan lacks) as well as a somewhat sensible price tag. Come one, people who buy these kinds of SUVs most likely still have to work for a living. They will not be cross-shopped with the upcoming Bentley or Rolls Royce SUVs.
If you are still reeling from the notion that both Bentley and Rolls Royce are developing luxury SUVs then hopefully now you can see that the concept of a "regular grade" luxury SUV is somewhat sensible. And few come as sensibly priced as the 2015 Acura RDX while striking a truly deft balance between overall luxuriousness and avoiding self-parody. It may not be optionally available covered in Swarovski crystals but we figure that market will be filled by Mercedes when they turn one of their SUVs into a Maybach.
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