2021 Acura RDX
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Overview
When Acura engineers set out to design the next-generation RDX crossover SUV, they decided to start a revolution. And, it's clear that they've achieved that goal. The RDX was received by consumers and industry experts as a remarkable evolution to the Acura lineup. Featured industry-leading technology blends well with the luxurious materials and elegant design aesthetic of the RDX, creating an unstoppable machine.
The Perfect Ride for…
The 2021 Acura RDX is everything. It has the versatility of an SUV, thanks to the available Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). It has the efficiency of a compact, thanks to the responsive yet fuel-conscious turbocharged powertrain. Plus, it has the luxurious comfort and style of an Acura, thanks to the brand’s impressive new direction with both the Acura Precision Concept and Acura Precision Cockpit philosophies. This luxurious SUV has it all.
Powertrain
The latest-generation RDX crossover SUV features a modern engine, which feels as comfortable on paved city streets as it does on rocky, unbeaten paths. The 2.0-liter inline-4-cylinder engine is direct-injected, so it makes efficient use of fuel, and it’s turbocharged, so it responds quickly to the driver’s demands. The VTEC® valvetrain also ensures intelligent output, offering a healthy 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, which keeps up with the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Acura vehicles are envied for the brand’s exclusive VTEC valvetrain technology, and in this year's RDX, it pairs with the Sequential SportShift 10-speed transmission to deliver jolt-free and lag-free shifting. More importantly, this combination of innovations results in greater savings at the pump, offering an 11% reduction in fuel consumption over previous generations. The 2021 RDX returns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.**
The RDX comes standard with a capable front-wheel drive, but it can also be had with Acura’s cutting-edge Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). This power distribution technology constantly monitors driving characteristics and road conditions to determine the most efficient use of torque. The onboard computer provides dynamic torque vectoring as needed, sending as much as 70% of engine torque to the rear wheels in normal driving scenarios, as well as 100% of that torque to either rear wheel, all providing bolstered driver confidence in all weather and road conditions.
Key Features
Comfort
It wouldn’t be an Acura without luxury, and the RDX uses every square inch of the interior to bathe drivers and passengers in top-of-the-line materials and features. The standard trim level includes heated sport seats with leatherette-trimmed interior appointments. Available upgrades include perforated Milano premium leather seats with heating and cooling abilities, Ultrasuede®-trimmed interior with contrast stitching and piping, and even performance-inspired A-Spec® seats.
Another standard comfort feature is the dual-zone automatic climate control system. This smart system offers set-it-and-forget-it climate controls. Simply activate the system, and it will automatically control temperature level and fan speed to achieve your desired comfort level. Plus, the standard system includes both humidity control and air filtration. You can upgrade to the advanced GPS-linked climate control system, which pairs the automatic climate controls to the vehicle’s satellite navigation system, automatically adjusting inside temps to respond to outside temps.
Safety
The latest generation of Acura models offers the latest generation in safety and driver-assistance technology. The standard multi-view rear camera includes dynamic guidelines, which animate and move to show you how to steer into tight parking spots. The Advance Package includes a surround-view camera system, which combines the views of multiple external cameras to create a top-down, birds-eye-view of the vehicle, allowing the driver to see the surroundings in every direction; plus, it includes a camera washer system to keep your view clean and clear.
Of course, the RDX offers the latest features in the AcuraWatch™ suite of driver-assistance technology. AcuraWatch uses the vehicle’s cameras, external proximity sensors, and the onboard computer to continuously monitor the road and vehicle surroundings and alert the driver to potential hazards. Not only does AcuraWatch provide an extra set (or dozen) of eyes to watch the road; it can also take over vehicle controls in some instances and prevent collisions before the driver has time to react. For example, the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) can detect vehicles in the road ahead and determine distance and closing speed. If the CMBS senses a potential collision, it will send audible and visual alerts to the driver, and if the driver fails to apply the brakes in time, the system will automatically assist in slowing or stopping the vehicle.
Alternative Options
The RDX is the crossover option for Acura, which means it offers the versatility of an SUV with the size and efficiency of a compact. If you need the full off-road capability and size of a three-row SUV, consider the larger Acura MDX. If you want the modest size of a sedan, the TLX offers the performance sport sedan option for the Acura lineup of luxury vehicles.
Whatever your needs are, we’ll help you meet them. Contact our sales staff today to get on the right path to a life of luxury on the road with Acura.
** Based on 2021 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.
Image Credit: Acura