A BRIEF LOOK AT THE 2020 ACURA RDS WHICH HITS DEALERSHIPS
The 2020 Acura RDX has arrived on the showroom floor with a MSRP starting at under $40,000. This current generation RDX was designed and built to Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance motto, but it has undergone an extensive overhaul. The 2020 RDX is equipped with a VTEC turbocharged engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and torque vectoring all wheel drive.
A-Spec is for those who like a little more flare and flash.
The 2020 Acura RDX also comes with some clout, having been recently named by U.S. News and World Report as “Best Compact Luxury Suv for Families”. News and World Report and Autotrader’s “Best New Car of 2019”. Business Insider named the Acura ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System “Car Audio System of the year”. During this short walk-around, we’ll give you a look from top to bottom at the 2020 Acura RDX.
Design & Technology
The 2020 RDX will be the first vehicle to fully embrace Acura’s interior and exterior design language. Acura Precision Concept or Acura Precision Cockpit may be familiar to diehard fans; this is a combination of these two elements. Acura chose a more athletic stance. This was achieved through the longer wheelbase and shorter front overhang. Platinum White is the new exterior color for 2020.
Brushed aluminum, stainless steel and Olive Ash Wood accents complement the sport seats and panorama moonroof. Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, located atop of the center console, combines touchscreen and remote-based controls.
Add-On Packages and A-Spec Treatments
Upgrades to the 2020 RDX include the Technology Package or Advance Package, which is available in all trim levels. New features available, depending on trim level, include heated and ventilated 16-way power adjustable front seats, 10.5-inch Heads-Up display in full color, and Acura ELS Studio premium audio. Safety and convenience features include a blind spot monitor, cross traffic monitor, and surround-view cameras.
The onboard 4GLTE WiFi also enables services such as emergency roadside assistance and remote locking/unlocking.
A-Spec includes gloss black exterior accents and larger exhaust finishers. The 2020 RDX ASpec features an interior that is available in red or black with black Ultrasuede.
2020 Acura RDX interior layout. Photo: Acura.
Power & Performance
The 2020 Acura RDX has icing on top of it. Under the hood, a turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection is the icing. The powerplant, a 2.0-liter 16-valve engine with DOHC VTEC and its timeless technology, produces 272 horsepower. Acura claims that its 10-speed auto delivers 40 percent greater torque at the low end than the V6 engine found in the RDX. The 2020 Acura RDX is estimated to have an EPA rating of 22/28 highway/city and 24 combined with front-wheel drive.
The RDX is really sweet with the Super Handling All Wheel Drive (also known as SH-AWD), a torque vectoring system that can be ordered. This system increases the rear-wheel torque by 40 percent compared to the previous generation. The torque available can be shifted to the rear wheel up to 70%, and the torque can also be shifted to the left or right rear wheel to 100%. The driver will have better control and stability, especially in rough weather. EPA ratings drop to 21/27 for city/highway, and 23 when combined with SH-AWD.
Snow, Comfort and Sport+ are available drive modes. Each one changes the vehicle’s overall dynamics to fit different road conditions. Drive modes use the Drive-by Wire throttle, transmission and electric power steering. They also utilize traction, sound and sound control and, if equipped, SH-AWD.
2020 Acura Rdx with SH-AWD. Photo: Acura.
Pricing & Manufacturing
The 2020 Acura RDX is priced between $39,000 and $49,000 (including destination), depending on the model. The entry-level RDX comes with front-wheel-drive and starts at 38 595. The top-end 2020 RDX comes with the Advance Package, SH-AWD and starts at $48.695. A-Spec with front-wheel-drive starts at $44,795 and 46,795 for SH-AWD.