Acura RDX mostly unchanged for 2017

2016 was a major “refresh “ year for Acura’s segment topping 2-row crossover. A much improved look, upgraded visual enticements, wheel designs, colors, increased horsepower and refinement of ride, has propelled Acura RDX sales to unprecedented market success.

Acura RDX is my personal favorite premium 2-row premium compact crossover -- a great daily driver with a light truck attitude, hatchback utility and class leading fuel efficiency. While you won’t find (SH-AWD) smart-handling-all-wheel-drive, or a 9-speed automatic transmission here, 2017 Acura RDX takes Honda CR-V comfort, power and utility to the next level -- through upgraded interior features, uptick electronic interface, Acura safety features and V6 power.

In short, Acura RDX is to Honda CR-V what Acura ILX is to 9th generation Honda Civic -- the portal entry to the Acura ownership. Torque News found some quality drive time with Acura RDX in 2015, read about it here.

For 2017 color me “Lunar Silver Metallic”

So, outside of an updated color palette, and unique to the Acura brand interior and exterior element enhancements, Acura RDX will come to dealers beginning March 10th effectively unchanged for 2017, including MSRP. That’s a good thing for compact crossover fans looking for ease of handling and comfort of ride with just a bit of SUV attitude.

2017 Acura RDX is available at an affordable price point, unchanged from last year’s MSRP of $33,370 to $43,520, with 3.5 Liter V6 power featured in all trim levels.

If it’s not broken don't fix it

I’m one of those enthusiasts that looked for an all-new Acura RDX and flagship MDX for 2017 - specifically a proprietary in-house 10 speed automatic transmission and small displacement high-output turbo power -- not going to happen -- yet. We look to Acura’s Performance Concept Show Car for a glimpse into the future of Acura grill and body design.

It’s not so much that Acura RDX needs these changes, I’m simply an automotive industry observer that believes the next logical, sustainable step in near zero emissions SUV and crossover propulsion, and higher fuel efficiency (of course) will come to market in the form of a turbocharged gasoline/ electric hybrid -- in walks the most advanced automobile in Acura history.

A taste of 2017 Acura RDX specifications

*Significantly refreshed for the 2016 model year, the 2017 RDX retains the upgrades made last year, including a more powerful and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V-6 engine, ride and handling refinements, an expanded list of available AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, restyled exterior and interior elements, and an increased compliment of luxury features and technologies, including Acura's signature Jewel Eye™ LED projector headlamps and LED taillights.

New for 2017 are two exterior colors, Lunar Silver Metallic (replacing Slate Silver Metallic) and Modern Steel Metallic (replacing Graphite Luster Metallic), and for the first time, the Ebony interior is available with the popular White Diamond Pearl exterior.

The 2017 RDX interior has a premium black trim plus standard luxury features including heated front seats, second-row air conditioning vents, a power tailgate and Multi-View Rearview Camera.
The 2017 RDX with Technology Package has numerous upgrades including a high-contrast silver and black trim, an 8-way power-operated front passenger seat, Acura's dual-screen On-Demand Multi-Information Display (ODMD), HD Radio®, blind spot information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and Multi-View rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.

The range-topping RDX with Advance Package features a grade-exclusive machined alloy wheel with grey painted surfaces along with a host of added luxury features including rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming driver's side mirror, along with standard AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies.

5-Star safety rating, best in class residual value

KBB.Com and Consumer Guide both give Acura RDX a thumbs up for best innitial purchase value, low cost of ownership as well as the highest long-term residual purchase value in the premium compact crossover segment. Furthermore, 2017 Acura RDX earns a (NHTSA) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Pick + and ( IIHS) Insurance Institute of Highway Safety 5-Star overall crash rating.

On a personal note: I find Acura RDX fun to drive, comfortable, not too big, yet capable in foul weather, mild off-road driving duty, just tech-rich enough, premium yet no ostentatious - pure Acura. You’ll find a lot of crossover here for the dollar spent. For those that require 3-row capacity, a bit more power and SH-AWD, MDX may be a viable answer for you.

*Acura Division 2016.