2020 Acura RDX: find your unique destination

When you first look at this 2020 Acura RDX, you will like the sharp and sporty design language that’s absolutely unique in comparison with the “overpopulated crossover market.” It’s not blended like most of the crossovers out there, and that’s definitely a good thing.

Under the hood

Under the hood, you’ve got a 2.0L 272hp engine, and it can be either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the trim level you pick (all of them come with 10-speed automatic transmission). The base price starts from $37,800, and our test A-Spec package came with every possible option and a $46,795 price tag. It all sounds like just a bunch of numbers until you drive it. So let’s figure out what this RDX is all about… Shall we?

What to expect inside

Charming interior with beautifully crafted red leather seats. Love it! Overall, you get a good looking interior despite a few minor issues. Let’s say, the center console has this big drive mode selector. How often would you use your radio volume, and how many times would you switch driving modes? Lots of times, when manufacturers try to do something “different,” they think about design first, and usability second. A little bit more balance on this front certainly wouldn’t hurt.

The driver’s dash with this old looking speedo and RPM gages reminds me of cars like Subaru or Mitsubishi, where you would see a modern design with old dated things like this. But this is also where the things that I don’t like about this interior end.

The new RDX A-Spec is quite spacious and comfortable inside. You get almost 60 cu.ft of cargo space when you fold the rear seats down. Rear seats have enough headroom. The panoramic moonroof looks great!

Features

I know the True Touch interface was criticized a lot by other people, but I think it’s totally usable if you spend some time reading the manual and try to connect your phone while you’re parked, taking some time to learn new things. No, seriously, it’s not bad if you understand the basic concepts, like placing your finger on the right corner if you want to choose something on the right side of the screen.

With the new RDX, you’ll get both Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and several USB’s to charge your phone. Plus, big armrest storage where you can fit a lot of things. By the way, it’s also got a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the software can be updated using a cellular data plan so your car can get updates on the go.
Stereo has Acura’s ELS badge with a fancy 3D logo. It sounds good, but we know better systems from Boss in the same price range.

Driving dynamics

The new RDX is really good when you’re talking about handling. For the past week we had this car, for at least two days we had wet, rainy weather. I’ve noticed exceptional wet grip, even if you try to take corners hard. The suspension is very comfortable, thanks to the Adaptive Damper System and the whole suite of safety features called AcuraWatch, which comes standard for every RDX. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision braking system, blind-spot monitors… All are pretty standard for this class, but you get it with every Acura RDX at any price point, which is an impressive and bold move from Acura.

Is the RDX A-Spec worth it?

Despite the few minor things here and there, the 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec is one of the best looking crossovers in its class. Plus, it’s got unique driving dynamics and an excellent AWD system. Snow or rain, the RDX won’t leave you disappointed. The safety features that come standard for every single trim will make the new Acura RDX A-Spec your ideal companion for everyday errands, and more. This is a nice-looking crossover inside and out, and if you’re on the market for one of those, find your unique destination and check this one out!

Photo credit: Dennis Bindarau, LiveFEED

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