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Acura RDX - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Acura RDX ranks 4 out of 7 Luxury Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Acura RDX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

With a sporty ride and a turbocharged engine, the 2010 Acura RDX is a worthy and less expensive competitor to the high-performance BMW X3. For 2010, it receives an exterior makeover, updated brakes and new interior technology.

Test drivers thoroughly enjoy driving the RDX, with most praising the fact that it drives more like a sports sedan than an SUV. However, reviewers are disappointed in the RDX's new front end, which carries Acura's disproportionately large, shield-like grille. "On the road since 2006, the Acura RDX was about due for a makeover," says Motor Trend. "...The RDX now sports Acura's controversial new corporate styling and has picked up a host of minor improvements that put it back on par with modern luxury crossovers." Though the updates may seem minor, they add up to a lot. The RDX now drives better than ever and is definitely worth waiting for - just as long as you can live with its controversial exterior.

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 line-up, 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." -- Autoblog
• "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)." -- Car and Driver
• "A nice-handling little SUV with useful cabin tech features, the 2010 Acura RDX is plagued by an inefficient power train." -- CNET
• "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." -- Jalopnik
• "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." -- MarketWatch

RDX Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)

The 2010 Acura RDX shines with its lively turbocharged engine and sporty handling, which earn it comparisons to the high-performing BMW X3. However, a downside is that all-wheel drive is no longer standard since the lineup now includes a new front-wheel-drive base model (on the plus side, that model comes with improved fuel economy). Of the AWD model, Autoblog says, "The 2010 model retains its forbearer's ride and handling, with good steering feel from its hydraulic power assist and minimal roll. Read More

RDX Exterior - 6.7 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Acura RDX's exterior styling has changed radically with its 2010 makeover - and not for the better. Most reviewers strongly dislike the new front end, which features Acura's new shield-like grille. "Yes friends, this is the 2010 Acura RDX and it's a special kind of ugly only imagined in the worst kind of horror films," says Jalopnik. The RDX also gets minor revisions to its rear, which are much less noticeable. Read More

RDX Interior - 7.7 (Good)

The 2010 RDX's cabin receives technology upgrades for 2010, but still suffers from the same disappointing materials as last year. "Actually the only area that garnered any real reaction from me was the less than satisfying materials and interior design," says the Chicago Sun-Times. "The logos and nameplates on the inside said Acura but looked and felt like Suzuki." New features for this year include real-time traffic and weather data for the optional navigation system as well as a standard USB port. Read More

RDX Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Acura RDX performs extremely well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests. It also earns rave reviews for its impressive standard safety gear, although it no longer comes standard with all-wheel drive. Read More

RDX Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Acura RDX reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The RDX comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Read More