Road Test: The 2011 Acura RDX

Acura (and parent company Honda) don't regularly build turbocharged engines but rather they prefer to use VTEC variable valve timing technology that is decidedly more advanced and controlled than what essentially amounts to attaching a blow-drier to the combustion chambers. (Note: A turbo recycles exhaust gas and blows it back into the combustion chamber thereby creating more power. You know, kind of like blowing on a camp fire to get it going?)

As such, the 2011 Acura RDX is a bit of a wild child in the Acura lineup. It's not quite as mainstream and roomy as an MDX so if you have more than two kids or coach Little League you will probably want to upsize. It also looks and drives more like a really tall VW GTI which makes it a rather rare proposition in the luxury compact SUV segment.

Yes, dear readers, the 2011 Acura RDX's main selling point is the fact that it rides and handles much like a hot hatchback like the Golf based GTI. And in case you were wondering if a turbo removed all of the glorious "Acura-ness" from the RDX's standard 2.3 liter 4-cylinder then I will tell you that it did not.

In fact, this little turbo Acura engine has more spunk and charisma in just 4 of its 16-valves than any velvety V6 used in a competing SUV. So the question is, can you handle a luxury SUV with an engine that actually makes a sporty noise or are you going to buy a Lexus?

Exterior Styling

While the RDX lacks a bit of the fluid grace of the MDX it is still handsome in that "they're everywhere" SUV fashion. I will admit one preference with the RDX's color as I didn't think the gray exterior or interior hues of my test model flattered the design work done on this vehicle.

Last year I tested a black on black RDX and that coloring really helped the chrome door handles pop and made the proportions seem chunkier. The RDX is an easier car to understand visually in a really dark color but that is, of course, just my opinion. In black I thought the RDX looked like Darth Vader's luxury SUV. In gray I didn't really get that feeling of ominous cool.

Interior Design and Quality

Now, again, I was not as big a fan of my test RDX with the gray interior in light of how stylish and elegant it looks in black. Perhaps I just think the chrome and matte gray trim that adorn the interior are best highlighted by a black backdrop. But some people just prefer to live a gray existence.

I will at least say that Acura does a much better job with gray than Lexus with its relentless pursuit of battleship hull colored interiors. Also, there are plenty of cubbies to store all of your junk inside the 2011 Acura RDX and the center console between the driver and passenger also boasts one of the largest storage black holes I have ever seen in any SUV.

The center console is so deep that it even has a false bottom which meant that when I reached my hand down in there I found that last missing Chilean Miner. Seriously, it's that cavernous and my apologies to anyone who thinks it is too soon to joke about missing Chilean Miners.

As per the usual everything in the 2011 Acura RDX is very easy to figure out, read and manipulate while driving. As I have driven a lot of Acuras lately my only wish is that they would update the navigation system as the screen is looking small in comparison and it lacks features you find with the latest TL, TSX and MDX Tech Packages.

Pricing, Features and Fuel Economy

Acura always keeps it simple when it comes to features and pricing because they give you most everything standard and then let you choose if you want SH-AWD (all-wheel drive) and/or the Tech Package (in-dash navigation, back-up camera, Acura/ELS premium audio). My tester had the Tech Package but no SH-AWD and stickered at a reasonable $35,720.

Now, if you think that is a lot of money you have to consider that competing SUVs from mainstream brands like the 2011 Ford Edge, 2011 Nissan Murano or 2011 Toyota Highlander all easily cross that price into the low $40,000 range. A fully loaded 2011 Acura RDX with the Tech Package and SH-AWD costs $37,720 which still undercuts SUVs that really should cost less.

Prices for base 2011 Acura RDX models start at $32,620 and that price includes leather upholstery, dual zone automatic climate control, a back-up camera in the rear view mirror, power moonroof, power windows, power door locks and mirrors, keyless entry, Bluetooth, USB/iPod connectivity, a 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters, a 350-watt 7-speaker audio system, a power driver and passenger seat and stylish 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

Now, when I drive an RDX I do so with my eye on the turbo boost gauge because I just love making it move for some oddly childish reason. As such I drove the 2011 Acura RDX hard which makes its 21.7 mile per gallon average over the week all the more surprising. EPA estimates are 19 city/24 highway.

Driving Impressions

My test RDX was front wheel drive and performed admirably during cornering and frequent Southern California freeway emergency maneuvers. But quite frankly I missed SH-AWD even in my dry climate thanks to its lightning quick ability to apportion power to whichever wheel needs it most. The tenacity of the RDX's grip to even dry tarmac is heightened with the SH-AWD system so I really do recommend you tick that option box if you budget will allow it.

The turbocharged 2.3 liter 240 horsepower/260 lb. feet of torque 4-cylinder may seem down on power (and cylinders) compared to the competition but you will never be left needing forward thrust. There is a tiny bit of lag before the engine comes on boost but it's nothing that will leave you in the lurch in a passing situation.

The engine revs out hard to the 6,800 RPM redline and makes a ferocious growl as it does so. Again, you will hear the engine when you really push the RDX but at freeway speeds it quiets down nicely. There is only a bit of wind roar around the oversize side mirrors at speeds admittedly above 70 miles per hour. So that legally shouldn't count against it.

The steering is rather heavy for an SUV but to my eyes that helped me feel like I was in more control thanks to that and plenty of feedback from the communicative suspension. Body roll is top 10% in the SUV class for control so the RDX really revels in being driven hard even on twisting highway. There aren't many SUVs that can make that claim.

How Dog and Kid Friendly Is It?

As with any Acura SUV the quality of materials used in the interior is excellent and feels built to survive 10-15 years of hard family labor. This fact is easily proven just by looking at any 10-15 year old Acura. Their interiors just survive abuse (be it from canines or children) better than those from most other luxury brands. Ever been in a 15 year old Infiniti or Mercedes recently?

Utility is also high on the RDX's list of priorities with a 27.8 cubic foot cargo area with the rear seats in place and a whopping 60.6 cubic feet with the second row of seats folded flat. With the rear seats up and the cargo cover in place the RDX also has a nicely wide and deep square cargo hold. That isn't always the case with SUVs like the VW Tiguan, Jeep Liberty and Infiniti EX35 to name a few.

One odd storage quirk in the interior of the RDX is the fact that there is that there is a sunglass holder cubby in each front door rather than just one above your head by the moonroof controls. It took me forever to figure out where Acura wanted me to put my sunglasses.

Trust me also when I say that the rear seats fold flat. I thought they didn't and as I am a man I refused to read the directions to make sure. Suffice it to say it made the groceries from my Costco visit slide around the cargo hold precariously. How silly of me to assume Acura could make a mistake.

Final Thoughts

The 2011 Acura RDX might not be as quiet as a Lexus RX or as roomy as a 7-passenger luxury SUV but for most people it will feel fun to drive and engaging with just enough passenger/cargo room to handle your weekend HomeDepot duties. Also, you can't deny that the RDX is bargain priced even when compared to the mainstream competition.

Now which would you rather have? An Acura or a mainstream "Brand X" SUV which will also require that you go to that same said dealership for warranty/maintenance work. Trust me, I own an Acura and there is serious value in how luxury dealers like Acura treat you in comparison to other lesser brands.

Now, you may not be a badge snob and this may all be in my head because I live in the ever so label conscious South Orange County. Yes, the very same home of the original "Real Housewives of Orange County?" Here you are what you drive but the beauty of the 2011 Acura RDX is that no one needs to know how little it costs or how much fun you are having.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Acura RDX with Tech Package

Price as Tested: $35,720

Options on Tester: (Tech Package-Acura/ELS Audio System, Back-Up Camera, In Dash Navigation System with Voice Activation, XM Traffic and Weather)

Engine: 2.3 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Power: 240 horsepower/260 lb. feet of torque

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

0-60: 6.0 seconds (estimated)

EPA Fuel Economy: 19 city/24 highway

Economy as Tested: 21.4 miles per gallon

Gas Tank Size: 18 gallons

Runs on: Premium Unleaded

Cargo Space (behind second row): 27.8 cubic feet

(Second Row Folded): 60.6 cubic feet

Crash Test Ratings (IIHS) 2010: "Top Safety Pick"

Warranty: 4 years/50,000 mile bumper to bumper

6 years/70,000 mile powertrain

Vehicle Provided by: Acura

Assembled in Marysville, Ohio

North American Parts Content: 70%