2022 Acura RDX Test Drive Review: Sharp, Stacked, And Satisfying

If you want a luxury and somewhat sporty compact crossover in 2022, there are a lot of choices, including the freshly updated Acura RDX. What the RDX brings to the table over its German competition like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a reputation for reliability and a price they can't match. The RDX's attractive pricing doesn't mean it's a cut-rate vehicle, though. It comes stacked with standard features and competitive onboard technology, premium build quality, a plush interior, and a smooth ride. Add to that a rock-solid 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making 272 horsepower, Acura's (optional) refined Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system, and engaging driving dynamics, and the Acura RDX sounds like a steal at a starting price of just over $40,000.

2022 RDX Exterior

Dimensions

2022 RDX Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Acura is keen to point out that one of the RDX's major improvements for 2022 is the cabin's sound insulation. However, the difference is marked enough that it doesn't need to be pointed out, particularly at freeway speeds. Add that to the suspension's ability to deal with different textures and bumps in the road and, despite the A-Spec's 20-inch wheels on our test vehicle, you have a reasonably comfortable ride. However, we found larger lumps and bumps tend to crash through the cabin. That can be improved with the smaller 19-inch wheels equipped to the Advance model. Like the A-Spec Advance, the Advance has adaptive dampers.

Around town, the steering is weighted nicely for both relaxed driving and hustling, and the engine and transmission are well refined. Getting out of town, the engine is responsive and punchy and can be honed even more when in Sport mode, which changes the RDX's disposition drastically. The crossover becomes sharper and more aggressive, and the SH-AWD's torque vectoring kicks in to help change direction quickly, aided by precision from the steering wheel. While the RDX isn't as sharp and grippy as its Porsche or BMW competition, it's fun to kick down a winding road and carries itself with confidence for the most part. The only thing we would want to improve at the RDX's price point is the brakes, which aren't as consistently firm as we would like.

2022 RDX Interior

2022 RDX Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2022 Acura RDX A Good SUV?

If you have a tighter budget but want a comfortable, stylish, well-built crossover designed with the driver in mind as well as passenger comfort, the Acura RDX should be on your test-drive list in the USA. As a value proposition, the standard safety specification is certainly impressive, as is Acura's build quality and reputation for dependability. As the 2022 model is a refresh, any small issues will have been ironed out, and it's a perfect time to buy. When cross-shopping, we would take a long, hard look at the Genesis GV70 in terms of value and performance or the Audi Q5 if technology is important to you.

2022 Acura RDX Comparisons

2022 Acura RDX vs Acura MDX

If you're interested in a top-spec RDX A-Spec Advance, you might as well have a glance at the mid-tier MDX. The latter retails for more or less the same at base level, and there are a few reasons why you should take it over the RDX. First, it has a tow rating of 5,000 lbs (with AWD) and seating for seven, so there are more seating and cargo configurations to choose from. It's the go-to alternative if you need more space for people or towing something more significant than a jet ski. The MDX uses the same clunky infotainment interface, but you get a larger screen. It also replaces the RDX's analog dials with a more modern digital gauge cluster.

The MDX uses an old-school NA 3.5 liter V6 engine producing 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, mated to the same ten-speed gearbox. The RDX's turbocharged engine produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Not only does the smaller engine feel more spirited, but it also consumes less fuel. Choosing between the two depends entirely on what your needs are. If you have a larger family or need to tow something heavier regularly, the MDX is the way to go. For everything else, the RDX is the better option.

2022 Acura RDX vs Honda CR-V

The CR-V is the RDX's slightly smaller, cheaper cousin. You wouldn't be able to tell the size difference on the inside, however. The Honda's trunk offers 39.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, easily beating the RDX's 29.5-cube trunk. The top-spec Honda is also around $4,000 cheaper than the base RDX. So, what do you have to give up? Well, the Honda isn't as powerful. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-pot only produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid model gives you 212 hp. Naturally, you get better fuel economy, but the performance isn't exactly stunning. But that's not precisely the point of an SUV, is it? We'd much rather have the Honda because the quality is nearly as good, it comes with all of the goodies at a much lower price, and you get a regular touchscreen interface.