It appears Acura's RDX didn't get the engine memo.
The industry trend these days is to downsize the cylinder count for better fuel economy and then bolt on a turbocharger for power. The 2013 RDX is having none of it.
Doing exactly the opposite, this tony compact crossover for 2013 employs a new, naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 that elbows from the engine bay the 2.3-liter turbo four that's powered every RDX, front- or all-wheel drive, since its debut in 2007.
But this all-new 2013 edition exhibits righteousness with its rebelliousness.
Despite a politically incorrect 52-percent increase in displacement, which increases power by 33 horses, the new six pack enhances overall fuel economy by nearly 10 percent compared to the outgoing four-banger. For that, thank such engineering tweaks as seamless cylinder shut-down in relaxed cruising and a new six-speed automatic transmission that replaces the former five-cog unit.
The result is an RDX the EPA rates in front-drive trim at 20 city/28 hwy/23 combined, compared to 19/24/21 for the outgoing four-cylinder model. For the record, in 350 miles, predominantly — though not exclusively — on the interstate, we got 27 mpg in our front-driver.
With more power and better fuel economy, most folks won't find much to squawk about. The only hand-wringing likely to be evident over this new RDX will come from fans of the original who'll miss its boy-racer demeanor and performance-oriented Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
As part of its new engineering regimen, RDX jettisons its SH-AWD hardware in favor of the simpler and lighter four-corner traction system employed by its more humble corporate cousin, the Honda CR-V.
While the ultra-sophisticated SH-AWD was capable of passing torque around like grandmas pass around photos of grandkids, this new system simply shifts up to 50 percent of the power to the rear if the front wheels start slipping. Simple, but effective.
On the road, RDX, you might say, feels more adult than its zippy turbo-four predecessor. Only wind noise at the A-pillar in our front-driver detracted from the good vibes. RDX feels enthusiastic off the line, and accelerates smartly at-speed.
Room is good up front in well bolstered seats, while rear-seat room is remarkable. A six-footer can sit behind a six-footer, even though this 2013 model increases exterior dimensions by just an inch or less all around, save a 1.4-inch stretch of the wheelbase.
The cargo hold is generous by segment standards, but the folded seats don't offer anything like a flat floor. Handy, however, are a pair of levers in the cargo bay that drop the spring-loaded rear seats.
Boasting more formal styling, RDX offers a host of technologies, including Active Sound Control, which uses audio waves to reduce cabin noise, Pandora internet radio, SMS text messaging, keyless access, three-view rear camera and an optional Tech Pkg. that includes surround-sound audio, AcuraLink communication, navigation with voice recognition, real-time weather and traffic and a 60-gig hard drive with 15 gigs for music storage.
Maturing with age, the new RDX starts at $35,215, a $1,425 increase over 2012.
Courtesy of StlToday.com
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