This vehicle drives nice and offers decent performance. However, the build to quality is poor. I have developed several rattles in areas of the car. The leather is cheap and should be better. Gas mpg is now in the mid 22's after a year of ownership. The sound system is excellent. Wish there was a better choice when I bought it. The BMW x3 was too small and Mercedes and Audi didn't have there small crossover available
For a small premium SUV this beats the others by a mile. I considered the BMW X3 as the alternative.
This is the best drive I've had - very comfortable seats, the turbo kicks in just when you need it, everything is beautifully designed and placed well. The technology is intuitive and easy to use.
Upon introduction, the 5-Spd AT is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4, 240-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. The 5-Spd AT SH-AWD w/ Technology Package is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4, 240-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.
Standard feature highlights include stability control, leather seating, heated seats, xenon headlights and a 260-watt audio system with a six-CD changer. An optional Technology package adds a navigation system (with voice activation and real-time traffic reporting), sun-sensing climate control system and a rearview camera. The stereo also gets upgraded to a 410-watt surround-sound system with 10 speakers and speed sensitivity control.
The 2009 Acura RDX comes with a single powertrain combination: a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter VTEC four-cylinder developing 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with F1-style Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters.
The engine gives the crossover an energetic feel, but it comes across as a bit spastic. Acura’s Super Handling AWD is also standard and does a good job handling the frenetic power of the turbo engine. Turbo lag is evident, and when it does kick in, it comes on strong, making it difficult to modulate the power. One advantage of a turbocharged engine, at least in EPA estimates, is better fuel economy with ratings of 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. TheCarConnection.com notes that those ratings are quite optimistic, however, and most drivers will see figures in the upper teens.