When Acura introduced the first Acura RDX in 2006, the Japanese manufacturer boasted that it was one of the most fun to drive compact SUV on the market. And they were not wrong.
When Acura introduced the first Acura RDX in 2006, the Japanese manufacturer boasted that it was one of the most fun to drive compact SUV on the market. And they were not wrong. The older generation RDX offered a dynamic handling and a focus on sporty handling, but it came at the expense of a slightly higher than average fuel consumption.
In 2012, Acura introduced an all-new Acura RDX which incorporated some elements of the older generation, but with several points of improvement. Today, the 2014 Acura RDX is still a fun vehicle to drive, but it is also more comfortable and spacious, as well as more economical. In short, the second generation retained the right characteristics of the first RDX while offering features that buyers of luxury compact SUVs mainly look for.
The most significant change in the new RDX is found under the hood. If the older generation was powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the new generation of the model receives a more traditional engine. Indeed, the 2014 Acura RDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine developing 273 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. If the trend in the automotive industry is to swap the V6 for four-cylinders, it is much less apparent in the segment of compact luxury SUVs that are usually best served by a six-cylinder due to their weight.
On the road, the 2014 Acura RDX offers performances that seem as dynamic as the old model, if not more, but the greatly improved refinement of the present generation is such that performance is delivered in a much more linear way. There is power at all speeds and, whether driving in town or on the highway, you will always be satisfied when pressing the right pedal of the RDX.
In addition to being more powerful than most of its competitors, the 2014 Acura RDX is also relatively economical for its class. According to Acura, the average advertised consumption of the RDX in the city is 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers while, on the highway, the average consumption is 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers. Owners of the 2014 Acura RDX can expect an average of 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers, still according to the manufacturer.
There is only one transmission in the RDX catalog. It is an automatic 6-speed transmission with manual mode and paddle shift on the steering wheel. This transmission sends power to all four wheels through a sophisticated all-wheel drive system providing stability and traction at all times, regardless of road conditions.
As noted above, the 2014 Acura RDX is much more spacious than the model it replaced two years ago, in addition to being more welcoming than most of its rivals. Up front, the driver and passenger have interesting head- and legroom while the rear seat can accommodate large families comfortably. The advertised trunk load volume is 739 liters with the seats in place and 2178 liters when they are lowered.
The 2014 Acura RDX is still fun to drive, but it is also much more comfortable and inviting than the previous model. It is a vehicle that should definitely be considered if you are looking for a compact luxury SUV. Come try it today at Sainte-Julie Acura!
