Overview

Introducing the thinking behind the feeling of exhilaration
The Acura RDX. From the advanced horsepower of its turbocharged i-VTEC® engine to an interior brimming with driver amenities – performance and luxury have never flowed together so freely. Far from just another Crossover Utility Vehicle, the RDX is where many innovative Acura firsts come to life in one exhilarating ride.

Exterior

Lighting & Visibility

Rearview Camera
When “Reverse” is engaged, a screen will display a view of the space directly behind the vehicle. The display can show items below the driver’s normal field of vision and assist when maneuvering in tight areas or parallel parking.

• For models with the navigation system, the image appears on the navigation screen.
• For other models, the display appears within the rearview mirror.
• A guide in the display indicates distances of 20.3 centimeters, 1 meter and 3 meters from the rear of the RDX.
• A camera located discreetly above the rear license plate provides clear visibility for short items, like garbage cans or low walls.
• The side mirrors also enhance rearward visibility by automatically tilting down when reverse is engaged to reveal low objects close to the side of the car.

HID Headlights
The RDX is equipped with Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights for the low beams.

 

• Xenon lights cast a whiter and brighter light for improved clarity.
• The HID lenses allow a broad beam pattern that increases road visibility, yet the upper edge of the beam cuts off sharply so as not to blind oncoming drivers.

ACCESS

Key Remote Functions
The RDX key remote was given a few extra convenience features beyond the usual door lock, trunk release and panic button functions.

• The RDX will read the driver’s seat and side mirror positions, as well as other personalized settings that are linked to the remote and activate those settings the moment the driver’s door is opened.
• The key folds into the remote, making it more compact for carrying.

Interior

Seating

Front Seats
The sophistication of the RDX interior begins with the plush feel of the seats, which are ergonomically designed to provide the support of a luxury sport sedan.

• Leather trim and breathable perforated leather on both front and rear seating surfaces create an impressive aura of modern luxury.
• Both front seats have dual-level heaters for cold days and are generously bolstered to keep you and your passenger secure during spirited driving.
• The perfect driving position is just a touch away with the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
• The driver’s seat features two memory settings, which also recall side mirror positions.
• In addition to the usual height and angle settings, there’s a power lumbar adjustment in the driver’s seat to keep your back content during long journeys.
• The front passenger can also ride in personalized comfort with a 4-way adjustable power seat.

Rear Seats
With room for three in the rear, the RDX is a premium five-passenger vehicle with soft, perforated leather for all.

• 60/40 split rear seatbacks allow for a variety of passenger/cargo combinations.
• Passengers enjoy plenty of leg and toe room with a flat floor (no hump) and generous space under the front seats.
• The center armrest folds down to reveal two built-in cup holders.

Storage

Cargo Area
The square shape of the RDX roofline allows for a wealth of easily accessible cargo space.

• There is 27.8 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats.
• When the rear seats are up, you can use the hard cargo cover lid to hide your belongings, and when you don’t need the cover lid, it can sit flat and flush with the cargo floor.
• The cargo cover is reversible, with either a carpeted or a smooth, wipeable surface for dirty or wet items.
• Tilt the rear seat cushions forward and the seatbacks down, and you have a long and wide, flat-load floor and 60.6-cubic feet of space.
• Sturdy cargo loops in each corner help strap items down and keep them secure.

Cabin Storage
Inside the cabin, there’s an impressive array of storage space that’s easily accessible by driver and passengers alike.

• The lockable center console storage is large enough to accommodate most 15- to 17-inch laptop computers and a carrying case. The compartment is configurable with dividers to create upper and lower levels, a 12V power outlet, built-in spaces for pens and coins, and a sliding upper tray for easily accessible items.
• The front doors have long pockets as well as a covered utility box built into the armrest that’s perfect for sunglasses or other small items.
• The rear doors each have a bin deep enough to hold a standard-size water bottle, and an angled bottom which positions the containers so they won’t tip over during acceleration and braking.

Climate control

Automatic Climate Control
The RDX dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system allows the driver and front passenger to create their own microclimates.

• Set your desired temperature and airflow distribution however you like. Your front passenger can set an entirely different temperature, and the system will maintain both.
• When alone, the driver can easily switch off the dual setting and set the whole cabin to a single temperature.
• Almost all climate control functions can be operated by voice commands.

GPS-linked Temperature Control
The automatic climate control system benefits from a GPS-linked solar sensor on models equipped with the Technology Package.

• The GPS link monitors the sun’s intensity and location relative to the vehicle, enabling the system to keep each side of the cabin at its designated temperature.
• The system is completely automatic and requires no manual adjustments, regardless of outside conditions.

Bluetooth interface

Bluetooth HandsFreeLink
The Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system works with many Bluetooth-enabled cell phones to let you receive and initiate phone calls through the RDX audio system without ever taking your hands off the wheel.

• The Multi-Information Display shows the caller’s name or number.
• The center panel display shows reception strength.
• A one-time pairing process on a compatible phone enables you to communicate wirelessly.
• A simple phone-transfer process allows you to upload frequently used numbers so that they can be dialed by voice command.
• The phone can then be operated through the vehicle audio system without ever leaving your pocket or purse.

Performance

Engine

2.3-liter i-VTEC Turbocharged Engine

The RDX 2.3-liter DOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine artfully combines the low weight and economy of a 4-cylinder with the power and authority of a high-performance V-6.

• The engine produces a smooth, robust 240-horsepower peak at 6000 rpm. Little revving is needed to access the 260 lbs-ft of torque, which occurs at a low 4500 rpm.
• The EPA Estimated Fuel Economy for the front-drive models is 19 city / 24 hwy and 17 city / 22 hwy for models equipped with SH-AWD.
• To reduce turbo lag and boost engine response, the variable flow turbocharger narrows its intake duct at low rpm, increasing the speed of airflow, which keeps the turbine spinning quickly at low rpm.
• Intelligent Variable Timing and lift Control (i-VTEC®) increases horsepower by advancing valve timing relative to engine rpm and opening intake valves longer and deeper at approximately 4500 rpm to enhance high rpm airflow.
• Noise vibration and harshness is reduced by the use of a timing chain and dual balance shafts, as well as a rigid aluminum-alloy die-cast block, aluminum head and oil pan.
• The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system varies throttle sensitivity to provide the appropriate throttle response and feel to different driving conditions.

Drivetrain

Sequential SportShift Automatic with Paddle Shifters
The 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic with paddle shifters gives you the best of both worlds by providing the convenience of precise and intuitive automatic shifting as well as shift-for-yourself control.

• Set the transmission to “Drive” for smooth gear changes with an emphasis on fuel economy. Select “Sport“ for quicker acceleration, as the transmission allows the engine to rev higher before upshifting.
• Tapping a paddle shifter while in “Drive” brings a quick gear change with automatic operation returning when reaching a steady speed. This allows you to make quick gear changes without changing in and out of manual mode.
• Using a paddle shifter in “Sport” puts the transmission into full manual mode, where you’ll have complete control during high-performance or hilly driving.
• For better climbing or increased downhill engine braking, Grade Logic Control instructs the transmission to hold a lower gear when encountering a steep uphill or downhill grade.
• To avoid disrupting the chassis or power delivery, Shift Hold Control will delay upshifting as you accelerate through a curve.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
Though it has the same all-weather attributes of conventional all-wheel drive, Acura developed its revolutionary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system to enhance high-performance dry-road handling. By continuously directing engine power to match weight distribution, available traction, and other conditions, SH-AWD provides seamless power transitions and supreme agility. The result is enhanced high-performance cornering that simply can’t be matched by front, rear, or conventional all-wheel drive systems.

• The system determines the ideal distribution of power to the front and rear wheels, and between the rear wheels based on an analysis of wheel speed, steering angle, lateral G-force and yaw rate.
• For better fuel economy, up to 90% of the power is sent to the front wheels when cruising in a straight line.
• As weight shifts to the rear of the RDX during hard acceleration, the SH-AWD system transfers up to 45% of engine power to the rear wheels to take advantage of available rear-wheel traction.
• In a curve under hard acceleration, 70% of effective torque can be directed to the rear—all of which can go to the outside wheel to improve cornering by directing power where weight has shifted.
• The system reduces understeer and increases stability by turning the outside rear wheel slightly faster than the rest of the wheels, rotating the vehicle through the turn.

Handling

Suspension Systems
The suspension geometry and tuning are designed for an exceptional sport-sedan ride and handling combination. The components have a more rugged construction than those of a car for more confidence on bumps and rough surfaces.

• The front MacPherson strut design is configured to offer long vertical wheel travel and excellent durability that will stand up to under-maintained city streets.
• For an outstanding balance of comfort and precision handling, the rear suspension features a multi-link design like those on Acura sport sedans.
• To maintain composure in hard cornering, the rear suspension features anti-squat geometry to reduce pitching under acceleration and also isolates springs and dampers from lateral forces.
• Thick front and rear stabilizer bars control body roll for flatter cornering.

Steering System
To keep up with the demands of the urban environment, the highly responsive RDX rack-and-pinion steering system has a quick steering ratio (15.1:1) for swift response.

• The RDX gets its stable steering feel during curves and other conditions as a result of the hydraulic power assist.
• The steering wheel turns easily at parking lot speeds but has a firm feel on the highway since the power assist varies by engine speed.

Performance Braking
Since performance driving requires precision braking, the RDX features a firm pedal feel with linear response and is backed by 4-channel anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist systems.

• The RDX fills its 18-inch wheels with large 11.7-inch ventilated discs in the front and even larger 12-inch solid discs in the rear. The large discs resist brake fade to maintain their effectiveness after continuous hard use.
• Electronic Brake Distribution uses the anti-lock brake sensors to determine the proportion of brake force to be channeled to each wheel for increased performance and stability.

Rigid Body Structure
Acura’s body structure provides class-leading rigidity for an incredibly precise balance of ride and handling.

• The exceptionally stiff structure of the RDX successfully filters out body flex and vibration.
• Close to 40% of the RDX’s weight is made up of high-tensile steel, which is lighter and stiffer than conventional structural steel.
• The weight reduction helps lower the vehicle’s center of gravity for increased cornering ability.

Smooth & Quiet Ride
Acura took extensive measures throughout the design and development of the RDX to reduce noise vibration and harshness in order to provide a highly enjoyable ride.

• The mounting points for both front and rear suspensions were carefully engineered to reduce the transmission of noise, vibration and harshness into the passenger cabin as well as help the RDX achieve a solid feel in your hands.
• Large trailing arms and floating bushings in the rear suspension reduce both noise and harshness.
• Even the windshield wiper arms, which were designed to be stowed behind the RDX hood, reduce wind noise.

Safety & Security

Safety

Airbag System
The RDX is equipped with a sophisticated six-airbag system, which includes two front and two front side airbags, and two side curtain airbags with coverage for the front and outboard rear seats. Advanced sensors and inflator systems are designed so that the airbags can deploy at the right time with the appropriate force.

• The front airbags are equipped with two-stage, multiple-threshold inflators. One or both airbags will be deployed only in the event of a sufficient frontal impact. If deployed, these airbags are capable of being inflated at different rates depending on crash severity, seat belt usage and/or other factors. Frontal airbags are designed to supplement the seat belts to help reduce the likelihood of head and upper body injuries in frontal crashes.
• Sensors in the front passenger seat determine if it is empty or if the passenger is too small for the passenger’s front airbag to deploy safely, and disengage the front passenger’s front airbag, if necessary.
• The Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) uses sensors in the front passenger seatback to determine the height and position of the passenger and will deactivate the side airbag if a child or small-statured adult leans into the side airbag deployment path.
• In a side impact, side curtain airbags deploy downward from just above the doorframes on the impacted side to help protect both front and outboard rear seat occupants.

Seat Belts & Active Front Head Restraints
All five seating positions in the RDX have 3-point belts and head restraints. The front seats have load-limiting tensioners and active head restraints.

• Automatic tensioning belts react in the first milliseconds of an impact to automatically tighten the belts and help hold the individual in position against the seatback.
• To help prevent the automatic tensioning belt from causing undue pressure on the chest, load limiters slightly relieve belt tension, as needed, to help soften the force.
• In a rear-end collision, a front seat occupant’s body will be pushed against the seatback, and the pressure to the seatback is transmitted from the lumbar plate, pushing the head restraint upward and forward to reduce the gap between the occupant’s head and the head restraint.
• Impact forces on the neck and spine are diminished, helping reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries.

Child Safety
The RDX has several features addressing child safety, from sophisticated airbag sensors to anchors that secure child seats.

• The Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) utilizes sensors in the front passenger’s seatback to detect if the occupant is a child or small-statured adult. If such an occupant is leaning into the side airbag’s deployment path, the side airbag will be deactivated until they resume a safer, more upright position.
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) anchors, plus upper-tether anchors in the rear seat, allow LATCH-compatible child seats to be installed in the outboard positions without the use of seat belts.
• All windows and the moonroof have an auto-reverse feature that prevents them from closing if a finger or other obstacle is encountered.

Body Structure Design
Acura utilizes Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes.

• The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle.
• This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to the other vehicle in a crash.

Braking & Stability

Braking Systems
The RDX disc brakes are backed up by several sophisticated electronic systems to provide you with enhanced braking under any circumstance.

• The anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps you retain steering control in emergency braking by preventing the wheels from locking up, while allowing them to achieve their maximum level of stopping.
• The Electronic Brake Distribution system uses the ABS system to direct braking power among the four wheels, depending on their load, to help optimize braking effectiveness.
• The Brake Assist system detects emergency braking, monitors the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed and steps in to ensure the ABS system is activated—terminating immediately upon release of the brake pedal.

Vehicle Stability Assist
The Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) system uses an array of sensors along with ABS, and if equipped, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) to minimize the dangers of oversteer or understeer.

• The system continually monitors vehicle speed, throttle position, individual wheel speeds, steering angle, lateral G-force, and yaw rate.
• When the potential for oversteer or understeer is detected, VSA will reduce the engine’s torque and use the ABS system to apply brakes to each wheel as needed to help stabilize the vehicle.
• On RDX SH-AWD models VSA will initially re-route power among the wheels, using the SH-AWD system to help prevent instability without a reduction in power.
• The response is so quick that the instability may be corrected before the driver even knows it’s occurring.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Since an under-inflated tire impedes handling and can be a safety hazard, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses pressure sensors mounted in each wheel that send readings to a central electronic control unit. The system then evaluates whether the pressure is in an acceptable range.

• If a reading is approximately 25% below the recommended level, the RDX will alert the driver through the instrument panel light and the Multi-Information Display (MID).
• On models with the Technology Package, the problem tire will be indicated, along with the individual pressure for all four tires. The pressure display can also be accessed anytime, using the MID controls on the steering wheel.
• As useful as TPMS is, it is still recommended that you manually check your tires on a regular basis.

Security System
Like every Acura model, the RDX comes equipped with a security system. In the event of a break-in, the following events will occur:

• The ignition will be disabled.
• The horn will sound.
• The lights will flash.