Acura RDX 2011

The 2011 Acura RDX ranks 8 out of 8 Luxury Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 72 published reviews and test drives of the Acura RDX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Acura RDX is a nimble and comfortable compact SUV that has plenty of high-tech features.  However, complaints about the interior and the engine’s power delivery may make you think twice.

The Acura RDX used to be the obvious choice for luxury compact SUV buyers. Fun to drive, stuffed with high-tech features and comfortable around town, the RDX was the go-to car for families who needed something practical, but wanted something upscale.

However, other compact SUVs have caught up to the RDX. And, next to the new competition, the RDX isn’t the slam dunk it once was.   Consumer Guide says, “While RDX is among the least expensive premium-compact SUVs, its non-linear power delivery, stiff ride, and subpar cabin appointments make it a weak value in this class."

Still, if you want something that’s fun to drive and has a luxury badge (but not quite a luxury price) the RDX won’t disappoint. Just know that if the RDX isn’t your first choice, you don’t have to settle. While you’ll probably have to pay more to get one, there are plenty of other great upscale small SUVs out there.
Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

If you don’t need the sporty feel of the RDX, consider getting the Volvo XC60. Like the RDX, it has plenty of high-tech safety features.  But, reviewers like its cabin better and it has more passenger space. Plus, it’s one of the few SUVs in the class that can come close to the RDX’s low price.

If you’re willing to spend more and want a premium interior, take a look at the Audi Q5. While the Audi Q5 used to lag the RDX when it comes to fuel economy, a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets the Q5 better fuel economy than the RDX.  It costs about $2,500 more, but many reviewers say it’s worth it.

Acura RDX

Details: Acura RDX
The RDX comes in two trim levels -- the base and the RDX with Technology Package. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

"Unlike the automaker's new TSX V6, where the changes were largely restricted to the bits you don't see, the opposite is true of the RDX. Acura's cute 'ute gets a mid-cycle facelift to bring it in-line with the rest of the Acura line-up -- meaning if you haven't warmed up to Acura's shield grille you might want to look elsewhere."
"A nice-handling little SUV with useful cabin tech features . . . plagued by an inefficient power train."

"The new RDX isn't just an ugly face though, it also gets decontented over the last version. Whereas the last RDX came with ‘Super-Handling AWD' only, the new version adds a front wheel drive version with the same engine motivating things. It should be faster, but it'll never outrun the ugly, and with a base price of $32,520, we'd rather wait for a bus."

"We think the RDX proves that driving fun doesn't necessarily take a back seat when you have to buy a sport utility. If you're in the market, this SUV's well worth a test drive." Read More!

Acura RDX 2010

With a sporty ride, turbocharged engine and great fuel economy, the 2010 Acura RDX represents a good value. For 2010, it receives an exterior makeover, updated brakes and new interior technology.

Test drivers thoroughly enjoy the RDX, with most praising the fact that it drives more like a sports sedan than an SUV. "The RDX has always represented strong value, and that's the case now more than ever, as heavier and pricier entries push the limit on what people will spend for small utes ($50,000-plus for a well-optioned BMW X3 is a stretch, even for the most ardent Bimmerphiles),” writes Car and Driver.

However, reviewers are disappointed in the RDX's new front end, which carries Acura's disproportionately large, shield-like grille. If you can live with its styling, the RDX is a great buy. Starting at around $32,500, it’s one of the most affordable cars in its class. On top of that, its 19/24 city/highway fuel economy rating is also the highest in its class.

It’s nearly impossible to find a more affordable and fuel-efficient compact luxury SUV. However, you have options if you’re willing to spend more. The Audi Q5 starts at about $5,000 more than the RDX and offers a slightly lower 18/23 base fuel economy rating. But for the extra money you’ll get standard all-wheel drive (a $2,000 option on the RDX), a less divisive exterior and a more powerful engine.

The RDX comes in two trim levels -- the base and the RDX with Technology Package. For this year, a front-wheel-drive base model is added to the lineup, which means all-wheel drive is now optional instead of standard.


"Unlike the automaker's new TSX V6, where the changes were largely restricted to the bits you don't see, the opposite is true of the RDX. Acura's cute 'ute gets a mid-cycle facelift to bring it in-line with the rest of the Acura line-up -- meaning if you haven't warmed up to Acura's shield grille you might want to look elsewhere."

"A nice-handling little SUV with useful cabin tech features, the 2010 Acura RDX is plagued by an inefficient power train."

"The new RDX isn't just an ugly face though, it also gets decontented over the last version. Whereas the last RDX came with ‘Super-Handling AWD' only, the new version adds a front wheel drive version with the same engine motivating things. It should be faster, but it'll never outrun the ugly, and with a base price of $32,520, we'd rather wait for a bus."

"We think the RDX proves that driving fun doesn't necessarily take a back seat when you have to buy a sport utility. If you're in the market, this SUV's well worth a test drive." Read More!

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Despite the TSX being a top choice in its class, Acura has not rested on its laurels, as a host of major updates have been made for 2011. Topping the list, the Acura TSX receives a freshened exterior look along with a wide array of new features and technology - with particular attention being paid to further improving quality and cabin quietness. In addition, significant improvements have been made to both the 2.4L I-4 and 3.5L V-6 engines that yield improved fuel efficiency and longer engine life.

While the TSX sedan receives significant updates for 2011, the big news is an all-new TSX variant - the Acura TSX Sport Wagon. With crisp styling and added utility, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon is a smart alternative for those considering a compact SUV. Besides offering better fuel economy, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon provides comparable cargo area to many compact SUVs. Plus, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon offers a multi-configurable rear cargo area (with numerous hidden storage areas), a low lift-over height allowing for easy loading and unloading, and an available power actuated tailgate.

"The all-new Acura TSX Sport Wagon is a smart alternative for those needing added utility," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "With the Sport Wagon, the customer simultaneously enjoys the benefits of sports-sedan performance along with SUV-like cargo capacity."

Acura's philosophy of smart luxury is well evidenced by the combination of great looks, a luxury interior available with a wide variety of technology features, and excellent safety - all for an exceptional level of value. Thanks to this great mix of attributes, the TSX has the largest percentage of buyers under 30 among all luxury sedans and has remained the volume leader within its segment according to Global Insight.

Exterior

On the outside, all TSX models receive a new front fascia, revised chin spoiler, new fog light garnish assembly and an updated grille. The updated front end teams with new underbody panels to improve aerodynamics. At the rear, revised taillights and a rear license plate garnish add more visual appeal for the TSX.

With the new Sport Wagon model, sport-sedan styling and added utility are combined- a perfect mix for those who lead an active lifestyle. For such customers, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon reflects their passion for performance and athleticism while also supporting their active social lifestyle with roomy, comfortable seating for five.

Incorporating a unique high-rigidity rear body structure with a special hoop-style cross section, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon simultaneously provides excellent body strength.

The standard 17-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels for the 2.4L 4-cylinder models (sedan and Sport Wagon) now incorporate a machined lip on the face of the spokes. Split 5-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels remain standard on the TSX sedan with 3.5L V-6 engine.

Interior

Inside, all 2011 TSX models receive a host of visual upgrades in the form of revised styling for the center console, darker trim pieces, brightly finished door handles, an updated parking brake handle and new garnishes for the steering wheel. In addition, contrasting-color stitching is new for the leather seats, door armrests and center console. Rear seat occupants will enjoy added comfort thanks to the addition of heating/cooling vents mounted at the rear of the center console, and the TSX's center console cargo compartment is now climate controlled.

The all-new Acura TSX Sport Wagon features an even greater level of utility over the TSX sedan. Besides offering a generous 60.5 cu-ft of rear cargo area (with rear seats folded down), the wagon's rear opening height of approximately 28-inches allows for the stowage of bulky items such as large boxes, furniture, bicycles, four full-size golf bags and even surfboards.

In addition, the Sport wagon features four hidden compartments for out-of-sight storage. A 2.4 cu-ft storage area is cleverly located beneath a lift-up hatch within the load floor. Smaller items can be placed in a 0.2 cu-ft storage area (hidden by a removable panel) located in the side panel on the driver side, or in one of two 13-inch long storage areas near the main in-floor storage area. With a low lift-over height of about 24-inches, loading heavy items is simplified. For increased security, standard is a retractable cover that prevents rear cargo items from being seen should a passer-by look into the rear windows.

Even with the second row seat in use, there is generous cargo space available in the Sport Wagon. The rear seats have a 60/40 fold-down design, so one section can be lowered to generate more cargo room while the other section can remain in the up position to accommodate a rear seat passenger. Or, both seats can be folded down to attain the maximum cargo area replete with a load-flat floor that is nearly 70-inches long. As expected, the Sport Wagon incorporates a variety of tie-down hooks for keeping cargo items secure.

The Acura TSX Sport Wagon's 60.5 cu-ft (rear seats folded down) of rear cargo area is more than most other wagon in the category- including the BMW 3-Series (54.7 cu-ft) and the Audi A4 (56.5 cu-ft). The Acura TSX Sport Wagon also rivals (or beats) the cargo capacity of some compact SUVs. Thus, the Sport Wagon is a smart alternative for those who are considering the purchase of a compact SUV - but who value the better fuel economy and the performance of a sports sedan.

Acura is known for its outstanding array of user relevant technology, and the 2011 TSX further expands on this concept. New for 2011, the TSX with available Technology Package now includes an LED backlit full VGA navigation screen (that generates 400-percent higher resolution than before), improved navigation system functions (faster performance, improved search ability and expanded map coverage), Song By Voice™ (SBV) user interface, a 60-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD), and the ability to download 15-gigabytes of personal music to the TSX's HDD. With the ability to store more than 3,500 songs, there is no longer a need to carry around bulky CDs.

Acura has always put much emphasis on building an interior that is exceptionally quiet, and for 2011 the TSX has even greater cabin serenity thanks to items such as a new acoustic glass front windshield, even thicker side glass, increased use of sound-deadening insulation, improved floor mats and new underfloor covers.

Drivetrain

The 2011 TSX remains fun to drive thanks to two powerful engine choices; a spirited 2.4L inline four cylinder engine and a torquey 3.5L V-6. For 2011, both engines receive numerous improvements to reduce internal operating friction which help improve fuel economy and increase engine life. As a result, the friction reduction measures are a significant element to improve fuel economy as evidenced by improvements in the EPA city, highway and combined fuel economy for both the 2.4L I-4 and the 3.5L V-6 engines.

New automatic transmission programming helps maximize the engine output by allowing for Shift Hold Control during cornering along with "smart shift" functionality that allows for semi-manual operation when in Drive- not just when in Sport Mode. In addition, the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission now features a fluid warmer that helps improve shift quality, transmission durability and engine fuel economy for TSX owners who live in colder climates. Read More!