Best Car Models & All About Cars: Acura 2013 RDX

Acura 2013 RDX Rear View

What's New for 2013

For 2013, the Acura RDX is absolutely redesigned, getting a replacement look, a replacement engine, a roomier interior, improved fuel economy and a revised all-wheel-drive system.

Introduction

The 2013 Acura RDX gets a complete overhaul in an endeavor to supply wider appeal and better potency. A naturally aspirated 3.five-liter V6 engine replaces the previous turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, and it provides a lot of power together with improved fuel economy. Though the old turbo-4 was a spirited performer -- it made 240 horsepower -- it didn't provide the fuel economy and refinement one may expect.

By contrast, the new V6 version makes 273 hp, nonetheless earns EPA estimates of 20 mpg city/twenty eight mpg highway and 23 mpg combined (front-wheel-drive version), compared to the 19/twenty four/twenty one ratings of last year's RDX with the smaller engine. The roomier, a lot of powerful and better-performing RDX accomplishes this impressive feat via numerous fuel-saving measures like cylinder deactivation whereas cruising and a brand new six-speed automatic that replaces the old 5-gear unit.

The all-wheel-drive version of the new RDX uses the system from Honda's CR-V, retuned by Acura for higher performance. Acura says the new AWD system is lighter and costs but the outgoing SH-AWD system offered within the previous RDX. It's most likely a sensible move on Acura's half, though the enhanced handling capabilities provided by SH-AWD that helped the RDX stand out in this phase may be missed by a lot of serious driving enthusiasts.

That switch to a easier AWD system is another indication of the different tack the 2013 Acura RDX takes. Though the newer RDX loses some sporty flavor in terms of ultimate cornering prowess, it gains considerably additional within the means of ride refinement, cabin atmosphere and luxury options. The new styling strikes us as an improvement over its more generic predecessor, with a cleaner grille and a additional sculpted body that's highlighted by a rather tapered greenhouse. Our previous gripe that the RDX lacked some key luxury options has been largely addressed, as keyless ignition/entry and a power liftgate, for example, are currently on the market.

Thanks to this shift in focus that brought thus several key improvements along with a pleasing driving demeanor, the 2013 Acura RDX finds itself in good standing in an exceedingly very competitive phase. There's a lot of ancient Acura value here, too, with the RDX providing more cargo space together with some customary luxury features -- such as a power sunroof, heated front seats and keyless ignition/entry -- that value additional on a lot of expensive rivals. But if the RDX's suite of skills does not quite match your needs, we tend to conjointly highly suggest the fashionable Audi Q5, the sporty BMW X3, the feature-packed Cadillac SRX and also the family-friendly Volvo XC60.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2013 Acura RDX small luxury crossover SUV is out there in two trim levels; base and base with Technology package. Each is out there with front- or all-wheel drive.

Commonplace features include eighteen-in. wheels, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats (eight-method driver, four-approach passenger), heated front seats, leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, Pandora radio interface, an iPod/USB audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Technology package adds xenon headlights, foglights, a power liftgate, a navigation system (with real-time traffic and weather), GPS-linked and solar-sensing automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with 15GB of music storage.

Powertrains and Performance

Powering the 2013 Acura RDX may be a three.5-liter V6 with 273 hp and 251 pound-feet of torque. Power comes through a six-speed automatic transmission, and there is a choice between standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.

In Edmunds testing, an all-wheel-drive RDX accelerated from zero to sixty mph in vi.5 seconds, that is quick for cars in this class. In terms of fuel economy, the RDX is sort of good for its category, with the EPA rating the front-drive RDX at twenty mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. The AWD version drops slightly to 19/27/22.

Safety

The 2013 Acura RDX comes normal with antilock brakes, stability and traction management, front aspect airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is commonplace further. In Edmunds brake testing, an all-wheel-drive RDX came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet, some feet longer than average for this class.

Acura 2013 RDX Interior