Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Acura RDX Sport Utility Vehicle. Hot digedy dog this is sweet. I had just returned from 4 days of golf on the Alabama Trail and if you play golf they are designed by Robert Trent Jones. Very fun but exhausting – and after 17 hours of golf and travel to get home this beauty was waiting for me at Los Angeles International airport like the luv that it is. She didn’t say a word all the way home, but you could hear her purr.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 65%, Japan 25%
Assembly – Marysville , Ohio , USA
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: – RDX, MDX, RL, TL and TSX
Handling & Performance:
Watch that you don’t get whip lash from the variable flow turbocharger that will turn this 4 cylinder engine into much more. But it will come with a price of poor fuel economy. Performance is quick and it handles more like a passenger car which, of course, is why they refer to it as a crossover.
Fit and Finish:
Outstanding! I just love those folks who have a first rate work ethic. The Japanese continue to consider assembly important and I believe it spills over to their plants in any country.
Cost:
Competitive for the class and similarly equipped. The AT model is about $4,000 less and excludes the nav system and Cassette player.
Conveniences and comfort:
Everything you could want and need minus an entertainment system… that I particularly like. Why, because I have grandchildren and that is the best child sitter ever while you’re driving. No more will you hear – “Are we there yet?”
Consumer Recommendation:
If you don’t need “BIG” this 5-seat crossover provides the comfort of a passenger car with much of what an SUV has become so popular for.
Recognized Competition:
Acura RDX $33-36,000, BMW X3 $36,800, Nissan Murano $28-32,000, Mazda CX7 $24-28,000, Mercury Mariner $21-27,000.
Good News:
An elegant mid-size SUV, great turbo performance and car like handling coupled with all wheel drive, well appointed and quality construction.
Bad News:
Poor fuel economy and pricey albeit competitive with cars in its class.
Standard Equipment:
2.3 liter 240 hp 4-cylinder turbo engine, 5-speed auto trans w/ paddle shifters, all wheel drive, 4-wheel power ABS disc brakes with electronic brake distribution, 4-wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bars, power steering, “drive by wire throttle”, front and side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, vehicle stability assist, tire pressure monitor system, remote entry with security, immobilizer theft deterrent, child latch system, navigation system, communication system with ‘real time traffic’, leather, surround sound w/ 10 speakers and 6 disc DVD, CD, DTS, steering wheel audio controls, XM Satellite radio, climate control, driver 8-way power seats, heated front seats, power windows and locks, hands free telephone interface, multi information display, power moonroof with tilt, fog lights, intermittent wipers, heated power mirrors w/ turn indicators.
Gas Stats:
$2.53/ Gal avg.
19 City and 23 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $36,495.
