Acura RDX, 2007: The Weekly Driver

Not even experts agree on the definition of "crossover." But in general terms, consumers seeking the combined best components of a sport utility vehicle and a car are increasingly purchasing "crossovers."

The term, however, isn't even en vogue anymore for some industry experts.

""We don't call them crossover. We call them car-based SUVs, because that's what they are," Gabriel Shenhar, senior auto testing engineer for Consumer Reports magazine, said in a recent article on the web site bankrate.com. "These are vehicles that are usually derived from passenger cars, not trucks."

Crossover vehicles also often have fully independent suspensions and more adept for road travel and lighter cargo loads rather than off-road treks and heavy cargo hauls.

And however defined or labled, Acura has entered the mix with its 2007 RDX. It features all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, an impressive array of features and an automotive oxymoron. It's a compact SUV that with its various "bells and whistles" options can exceed more than $37,000.

My weekly driver was the RDX Tech version. It includes a 240-horsepower, 2.3-liter 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. It has a fully independent suspension with Independent MacPherson front struts and rear multilink suspension.

The compact version of the Acura's seven-passenger MDX, the RDX has a wheelbase two inches shorter and is eight inches shorter overall than its more established sibling. Yet its so-defined compact state is a misnomer. The RDX is an efficiently spacious vehicle that drives with relative quietness and confidently motors down the road. It offers good cargo room and features a wealth of standard features and good innovative.

Standard features include: HID headlights, moonroof, leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, a six-CD changer audio system with an auxiliary jack and a 6.5-inch LCD display. Antilock brakes, stability control, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are also standard.

The "Tech" package adds an 8-inch LCD screen, navigation with real-time traffic information in 31 metro areas, a premium Acura/ELS surround sound audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and additional display and control features.

The vehicle's interior features two designs of particular note: The primary console storage bin is deep, but it also features a hidden second level and the entire box in lockable.

Many new cars feature an odd combination of instrument panel colors - bright red to lime green. The RDX panel features a pleasing blue background with white lettering and illumination. The gas gauge is inset inside the panel and it's magnified making for an easy-to-read face.

Despite the RDX's compact status, there's plenty of front and back seat head and leg room. But like other SUVs, the only drawback is the small perspective for the driver looking through the rear view mirror. And lastly, a V6 engine would be a good option.

The Weekly Driver: 2007 Acura RDX

Safety Features - Driver and front-seat passenger dual front, side and side curtain airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) - 19 mpg (city), 23 mpg (highway).

Warranty - Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 6 years/70,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; Roadside (24-hour) assistance program, 4 years/50,000 miles.

Base Price - $36,495.00