2022 Acura RDX Review
2022 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance
Price as tested: $52,845
2.0 Liter Turbo 4 Cylinder
272 HP / 280 TQ
MPG as observed: 22.8
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
Media: Manufacturer
You want to point to a definitive turning point in the history of Acura? It’s the introduction of this generation RDX. Back in 2019, the Acura brand was thriving and by thriving I mean…sinking it’s way into oblivion. Their entire lineup was filled with mediocrity and it was surviving by a mere thread thanks to that generation (who was still long-in-the-tooth) MDX.
While the third generation RDX help refocus Acura, it was the MDX that saved Acura for those dark years.
After the first quirky and slow selling first generation:
And the sleepy second generation:
The third generation could have been slotted to follow the same route…but it didn’t.
Instead of the hallowed NSX being a glimpsed into Acura’s future, it was this RDX that led the way forward for Acura. It ushered a new way forward in design, thinking and style instead of being relegated as a mere volume seller. Yes, the NSX is meant to pull at your heartstrings and you into the dealer…but that 2019 year RDX was the one that made people sign the paperwork.
Using what Acura learned from the RDX and applying those lessons in the new TLX and MDX, one can see the RDX’s DNA imbued into those vehicles. From their styling, to their handling to their interiors…the RDX is felt everywhere.
So for 2022, comes the obligatory mid cycle refresh for this model. For most manufacturers that means, slapping a new taillight on a vehicle and calling it a day but this RDX actually feels different.
It feels like their engineers went through the entire vehicle and retorqued every bolt, nut and screw just a wee bit more and all those ‘bit mores’ add up! The entire RDX just feels tighter. That tightness is on the road is felt immediately, while the prior RDX was fun to fling around…this RDX is borderline a blast to fling around! The steering is more communicative and direct, the front end dives into the corner with more confidence and while I would like ‘more’ brake, it does engage with more bite and sharpness. The interior is quieter than before and while the infotainment system’s touchpad still causes me to cry at night…at least there is wireless CarPlay. Oh and the ELS audio system is still one of the best audio systems on the road today.
Acura didn’t stop at the chassis…the drivetrain had some of that ‘bit more’ sauce sprinkled on it to boot! The throttle is sharper and the transmission is snappier than before, dial the RDX into Sport Plus and it is just a fun! So much fun…I’m going to talk directly to Acura now:
“Please produce a Type S version of the RDX. Do it and the sales will come...straight from MB, Audi and BMW. I promise you!”
So what do I think of the 2022 Acura RDX? Let me put it this way…right now there is a Genesis GV70 in my driveway. For all intents and purposes, it’s supposedly a ‘better’ vehicle with it’s superior power, upscale interior and striking design. But every time I slip behind the wheel a part of me misses the RDX.
