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2007 Acura RDX Tech Package Road Test

There's an automatic association of refinement, class and well-craftedengineering when the word Acura comes to my mind. With vehicles including the TSX, TL, RL and MDX, it seems that the brand's product lineup continues to get better. And with the introduction of the all-new 2007 RDX, not only does Acura's product lineup strengthen, but it also taps into an area of the market that it has yet to compete in; the entry premium SUV segment. And this vehicle is good. Really good.

The new benchmark vehicle marks another first for the Japanese automaker. The long-anticipated and exclusive 2.3-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine produces 240-horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. We've seen and felt what the brand's engineers have been able to do with normally aspirated i-VTEC engines, but it was time for a boost; a boost that was developed in conjunction with Mitsubishi, confirming that two heads are better than one!

Even with the RDX weighing in at 3,935 pounds, which

At home in the city, or on the open road. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

isn'tnecessarily light, the horses eagerly anticipate their release. The 240 hyped-up horses are coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission with F1-style sequential sportshift paddle shifters and grade logic control (most in this class sport six-speed automatics, but other than a potential improvement in fuel economy it wasn't lacking in performance). Not only is the engine smooth-revving and oh-so-quiet, but the torque-sensing, variable power-assist rack-and-pinion power steering makes maneuvering easy and enjoyable. Furthermore, a 4-wheel disc anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and P235/55R18 all-season tires with 18-inch aluminum-alloy

Subwoofer provides a rich, deep backdrop of bass. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

wheels provide a good grasp of the ever-changing road surfaces and textures. The RDX is an ideal vehicle for all weather conditions, as I'll elaborate later.

Style-wise, the RDX looks like no other vehicle in itsfamily, or for that matter its close Honda relatives, since it has a completely new unibody structure. While it's built at the same plant in Marysville, Ohio as the TL, it mimics none of its qualities other than impressive performance. I wouldn't call it the most visually stimulating lux-ute I've ever seen, but the lines are clear, defined and refined.

The same goes for the interior. As soon as I sat in the cabin I knew I was in the lap of luxury, literally. From the placement of the high-quality buttons and knobs,

Cargo space is generous for a compact-sized utility vehicle. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

to the firm, comfortable and supportive leather upholstered seats, to the placement of the paddle shifters on the multi-functional steering wheel, I knew Acura was doing what it needed to do to attract the upwardly mobile that flock to compact luxury SUVs.

After my initial impressions, I grew extremely comfortable with the RDX's interior, not only because ofthe obvious reasons just mentioned, but more so because of how everything is so well laid out for ease of use. I had the opportunity to test out both available models, which are more or less trim packages, and found it easy to pick a winner. While both trims have the same engine and mostly the same features, the Technology Package offers a thoroughly impressive navigation system with voice recognition (one of the best in the business), a rearview camera, a 10-speaker, 410-watt

Super Handling AWD minimizes understeer in all conditions. It's a wonderful system, especially on slick surfaces. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Acura/ELS premium surround sound system with a 6-disc in-dash CD and DVD audio changer, with MP3 and WMA compatibility, plus DTS. It also featured a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with location and pressure indicators, and more for an additional $3,500. Of course, I would opt for this package because the stereo system is fantastic, the GPS is extremely user-friendly with a well-placed and readily visible screen, and the rearview camera comes in mighty handy when parallel parking or backing up. But, I suppose that I'd still be happy without all these bells and whistles, considering the substantial savings that come with the base SUV.

In order to make full use of the RDX,I stole away with my boyfriend, Dave, for a weekend getaway to one of our favorite local destinations and back. Up highways, side roads, windy backroads, you name it, we experienced all kinds of road surfaces and all

Technology central! Nav, DVD audio, reverse camera... you name it, the RDX has it. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

types of weather patterns. Truly, we hit snow, sleet, sun, ice, rain, hail... the whole works. Was I a little worried about driving in these not so favorable weather conditions? Not a chance. Let me tell you, I couldn't have asked for a better vehicle to brave the ever-changing West Coast weather with than the RDX. The standard state-of-the-art super handling all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD) is brilliant. Not only does it aid in maximizing traction during takeoff on dry or wet pavement, but it also assists stability and maneuverability at higher speeds. Furthermore it distributes the most advantageous amount of torque between the front and rear axles, but more so it also shifts torque between the left and right rear wheels for optimal adherence to the ground below. Confidence inspiring? Absolutely.

Also enhancing the ever-changing road and weather patterns was aset of standard P235/55R18 all-season 18-inch alloy wheels. They look great and deliver a nice compromise between ultimate grip and ride comfort. The grip/comfort

Every little detail in the RDX is well thought out. As a whole, this is one comfortable car to pilot. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

equation has much to do with the suspension linking the tires and the all-wheel-drive system together, mind you, and to that end Acura has equipped the RDX with a MacPherson strut front setup and rear trailing arm, double-wishbone suspension; a conventional albeit effective combination. Add standard vehicle stability assist (VSA) on top of an already capable mechanical setup and the RDX is just that much safer.

What really sold me on the vehicle was, well, not just one thing but quite a few. Among the features mentioned above, the following strengthened my testimony. First off, I'm a nervous wreck when it comes to leaving valuables in my car. I hate doing it and would rather carry around my gear than think of the possibility that someone might break in (trust me, I'm speaking from past experience). My worries were put at ease thanks to the RDX housing a massive center console, which was big and deep enough to fit my laptop in, not to mention my rain boots and a whole bunch more (...you've actually had your rain boots stolen? - Ed.). Did I mention it was lockable? This was reassuring when leaving the

240 horsepower output is generated by the 2.3-liter inline-four with a variable-flow turbocharger, Acura's first. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

car in off-the-beaten-path parking lots before a hike or long walks on the beach. That feature alone is hands-down brilliant.

Second, the powerful dual climate control: I'm usually cold and David is usuallyhot so the dual climate feature kept me warm and him cool. Plus, the standard seat warmers were amazing after going surfing! Yes, I went surfing in the freezing cold water with snow on the ground. Needless to say I was pretty chilly afterwards and the seat warmers were the equivalent of a hot chocolate for my body. Then again, I love seat warmers period.

I spent a lot of time in the cabin, more time than I've spent in any vehicle in a long time so I felt quite acquainted with it. And even though the interior had a lot of features, which could potentially be distracting, I still felt connected with the scenery around me thanks to excellent visibility from the driver's seat, even out the rear. With or without the Technology Package (which once again includes that handy reverse camera), it's easy to maneuver when backing up and parallel parking. Convenience and luxury features like keyless entry, a power sunroof and an all-leather interior also help improve the RDX's case.

Cargo room

Acura is showing the world that SUVs can be fast, fun and frugal. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

is plenty at 60.6 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rearseats folded down. While we didn't have that much gear, it was nice to know that extra room was available. Truly, we easily made do with the rear seats upright, with a full 27.8 cubic feet of cargo space available.

I'm sure if I had loaded it up more I might have been at the pumps more often, but it would probably still beat out most rivals when overall fuel use comes into play. Still, Acura's estimates aren't far off of what I experienced, at 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

While I would have liked to keep the RDX for a longer period of time, alas it had to go back. As you can appreciate from what I've said so far, it appealed to all aspects of my lifestyle. Whether I was driving it to and from work, or up and down the West Coast I truly liked being behind the wheel. Some may find it's price a bit high, but I believe it's important to relegate its compact dimensions out of the equation (size = prestige should be a bygone consideration in today's eco-friendly world anyway) and factor in its impressive list of standard features and driving dynamics, the latter of which are second to none. While its unique styling won't be for everyone, the vehicle on the whole is excellent.

Specifications (Acura RDX):

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