Drive Time – 2024 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec Advance
Remember when you tried on a pair of jeans or swung new golf clubs and instantly felt like you’ve had them your entire life? No conjuring rationalizations to justify the purchase, and zero buyer’s remorse. In fact, you want to hoard a bunch in reserve fearing the company quits making them down the road.
The 2024 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec Advance crossover SUV is a ride that does many things well. It’s a smooth, responsive performer that feels confidently solid in all the important areas of comfort, performance and value. It immediately felt comfortable like that favorite pair of denim. And, given Acura’s excellent reliability and safety ratings, the RDX should provide miles of smiles for years.
SKIN
The RDX tester’s eye-catching Apex Blue Coral is flawless. Exterior character lines are clean and unobtrusive. The package is sleek with nary a body part out of place. Long gone is the controversial front beak, now replaced by a subtle darkened Diamond Pentagon Grille and exceptionally bright Jewel Eye LED headlights.
The pronounced 3D front grille fits the RDX well, while the rear houses LED brake taillights. Dual chrome exhausts finish the rear. Seriously, the overall ensemble grows more attractive with each passing gaze.
PERFORMANCE
The smooth 10-speed transmission is an absolute pleasure to drive. It’s solid, responsive, quick and agile – especially in Sport mode. The 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivers 272 horses and 280 lb. feet of torque, providing more than enough oomph for daily driving. Acceleration is surprisingly quick without trying hard. The 2024 model only offers Acura’s popular Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (that’s a good thing for safety and grip). Maximum towing is 1,500 lbs.
Like many crossovers, the RDX is built like a car and drives like one—even with 20” rubber. The suspension feels responsive while soaking up the road bumps. Winding roads are a delight and braking is superbly confident. In addition, the smaller footprint makes it easy to park.
Gas mileage is good at 21/26 with a generous 465-mile range. Life is all about choices (cheaper gas or more horsepower), so you can choose 87-Octane fuel if desired (premium petrol adds 8-10 more ponies). Pretty sweet.
CABIN
The lovely interior casts an upscale feeling with nice materials, including attractive metallic trim. It’s spacious, comfortable and neatly laid out. The fit and finish compare favorably to other rides in its class. Even backseat room is ample for this segment. Acura has quieted the cabin noise as well with improved insulation in the glass and tires. Generous windows provide excellent visibility.
The comfy and supportive perforated Two-Toned Orchid Milano leather and UltraSuede insert seats are heated and cooled in the front (heated in the rear). Seriously, the seats, including adjustable thigh support, are some of the best I’ve experienced – just like those buttery jeans. The driver receives 16-way power adjustments and lumbar support. I enjoyed the headrests, too, as they tilt just right instead of jamming your head forward. A sporty flat-bottomed textured steering wheel feels good in hand and offers most of the typical controls to keep your mitts focusing on the road. Rear seat room is better than most in this class.
The gear shifts are unique vertical buttons below the infotainment screen, freeing up storage in the middle console, and a handy Dynamic Mode knob changes the drive settings. Knickknack storage under the floating console includes a handy wireless charger.
The Head-Up Display is clear. Visibility is generous with large sideview mirrors. A handy Surround View camera simplifies parking in tight spaces, while a generous Panoramic roof illuminates the cocoon.
You can fit two golf bags sideways in the sizeable trunk (with the drivers, too), and the rear seats fold down for ample total storage of 59 cubic feet. A handy power tailgate and low sill assists loading cargo. Oh, Acura smartly utilizes expansive cubby holes underneath the trunk floor for even more stuff. Very efficient!
TECH TALK
Acura brings its usual treasure chest of techie toys, and the RDX Advance package offers a nice bag of tricks. You receive a new 10.5” high-resolution NAV screen, displaying a handy rearview camera and Real-Time Traffic, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and Alexa Built-In voice commands. The upgraded ELS Studio 3D 16-speaker sound system is incredibly clear with plenty of wattage. You’d be hard-pressed to hear something better in this price class.
Navigating the infotainment menus takes some practice as it’s controlled via a laptop-like True Touchpad interface (instead of a touch screen), requiring a deft touch – especially when driving. A thoughtful padded resting place for your wrist allows for more comfortable operating.
The highly rated AcuraWatch suite of safety features include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control (with low-speed follow), lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Added features in the Advance Package include Adaptive Cruise Control, ample Collision warnings, Remote Engine Start and adjustable 27-theme LED ambient lighting.
The government gave the RDX their highest five-stars in NHTSA crash test ratings.
Yes, the 2024 RDX SH-AWD A-Spec Advance is a terrific option in the Acura fleet at a delightful price in the luxury category. The company succeeds well in the crowded SUV market for a great many reasons. Add in the customary Acura high resale value and reliability history with all the accompanied dealer perks, and it makes the new RDX worth investigating when searching for your next high-line crossover. It’ll wear well for years – just like those favorite pair of jeans.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: At least four with the rear seats folded.
Curb Appeal: Wallet-appealing luxury ride
0-60: 6.5 seconds
Gas Mileage: 21/26. Observed 23 overall.
Must-Haves: Advance package
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles
Base Price: $54,150
Price as Tested: $56,100
Who Buys It? Young, upwardly mobile techies
Finish Line: Solid daily driver that feels more expensive than its price point
To test-drive the 2024 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec Advance, contact James Comport at 972-964-6027 at Park Place Acura in Plano.