The 2019 Acura RDX is one of the best-selling compact luxury SUV’s and the brand’s most popular model. A complete redesign for this year brought with it more daring styling inside and out, plenty of tech features, and a turbocharged 4-cylinder in lieu of the prior generation’s naturally aspirated V-6.
The RDX and Acura brand as a whole, occupies a middle ground in the market somewhere above mainstream and below full-on luxury automakers. Acura lands in the same gray area as Lincoln, Volvo, and, to some extent, GMC and Mazda.
As a value leader, items like Acura’s reputation, lackluster dealership experience, interior material quality, and lack of engine options are forgivable when the RDX has a starting MSRP of $37,400. That is significantly less than the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Exterior:
The 2019 RDX has been imbued with expressive styling with its redesign, so a bold exterior color is fitting given its mission to shake things up and stand out from the crowd. Select Apex Blue Pearl to nicely set off the sporty bodyside sculpting, flowing roofline, and chrome grille surround. This color is a $400 option and is only available with the $3,000 A-Spec Package, which requires the $3,200 Technology Package. So essentially right out the gate, the RDX’s price inflates from $37,500 to $44,000 even.
Interior:
With the A-Spec package comes a selection of black or red interior options. While the black interior looks fine, it’s a tad boring. We’ll proceed with the red interior in keeping with this RDX’s flashy exterior color.
Wheels:
When equipped with the A-Spec package 20-in Shark Gray wheels come standard on the RDX. Hopefully, these won’t look too outdated in a few years as shoppers grow tired of the dark wheel trend that has swept the industry.
Powertrain & Drivetrain:
A 272-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine comes standard and is matched up with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Although front-wheel drive is standard, you’ll want to upgrade to the excellent $2,000 Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system for added handling prowess and capability in poor driving conditions. That brings the price to $46,000.
Packages:
Three packages are available on the 2019 Acura RDX. To start, shoppers can select from the aforementioned Technology and A-Spec packages. The Technology Package brings with it equipment like advanced safety features, an upgraded infotainment system, and upgraded leather seats.
The A-Spec package gives the RDX personality. With unique front and rear bumpers, a unique grille design, and darkened headlamps and taillamps, Acura did a solid job of making this package differentiated and compelling. Inside, the A-Spec RDX has upgraded materials, heated and ventilated front seats, and other extras that create a modern ambiance.
The third and final package is the Advance Package, which requires the Technology Package but is not available with the A-Spec Package. The Advance Package includes features like adaptive dampers, acoustic from glass, wood trim, upgraded front seats, heated rear outbound seats, and other luxury features.
Overall, the A-Spec package better suits the RDX’s sporty design and costs $1,900 less, so we’ll stick with that.
Summary:
This nicely equipped RDX comes out to $46,995 after destination. That compares favorably against competitive models from Audi, Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, which cost thousands more when comparably equipped and lack the RDX’s fresh styling.
