How Does The RDX A-Spec Fair Against Other Competitors?

The Acura RDX has been around for over a decade. The 2019 year started the beginning of its third generation. With a a whole new makeover, both inside and out with performance, Acura has stepped its game up to compete with other manufacturers. Especially giving customers the chance to upgrade to the better, yet pricier, A-Spec model. Designed to look edgier, perform better, and satisfy the customer, just how well does it compare to the world of luxury crossover SUV's? Let's discuss this below.

Exterior Styling

The styling of the RDX, to put it simply, is beautiful. Especially with the A-Spec. The "Performance Red" paint paired with the 20 inch grey wheels and all of the edges and curves that run along the bodywork make the RDX a spectacle to gaze at. This beauty shows even looking through the windshield and seeing the two raised lines on the hood. The headlights make the RDX look like it's either judging me or angry at the world. Regardless, the RDX is a very attractive machine.

Interior

The RDX A-Spec interior has to be, in my opinion, one of the most attractive interiors on the market. With a center console with a device or storage tray underneath the push button gear changer being one of the eye-catching features, the interior looks as fancy as can be. The panels, leather, some suede or alcantara, and plastic blend together in harmony. The interior space is great and plenty inside the RDX. But all of this comes to say that there are some flaws or things Acura left out. One of the flaws in the RDX A-Spec is the paddle shifters. They're cheap feeling. Almost like a chocolate-covered potato chip. What is missing? A digital speedometer. The customer has to pay extra for there to be a digital speedometer in the center of the console. Also, to control the infotainment system, there is a touch-pad to select where I want to go. That is fine and dandy but not for when I want to get to something quicker.

Price & Options

How much does this A-Spec model cost? Well, after options and everything, the final price is $47,195. That includes almost $1,000 in destination charges. As for safety, the RDX A-Spec gets airbags in almost every corner, stability assist, ABS, electronic brake distribution, electronic parking brake, collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, cross traffic alert with back up camera, blind spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors. For comfort and convenience, the RDX A-Spec gets front heated and ventilated power seats, sat-nav, infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, driver recognition memory seats, ambient lighting, and push button gear selectors.

Performance

The A-Spec RDX gets a 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder sending 272 horsepower to all four wheels with the 10-speed all-wheel drive transmission. The four-pot enthusiastically chatters up to the red-line with an aggressive pitch. Gears, when in "Sport+" mode, shift as quick as they can get. Throttle response is a bit slow though. Steering is either light or heavy, depending on the driver mode. Ride comfort is quite comfortable while the suspension also keeps the RDX from having any drama through the corners. Fuel economy is decent. I was able to achieve 22 miles per gallon with my style of driving.

Conclusion

While the A-Spec RDX is quite a performer and has plenty to offer. As for it comparing to the competition, I would buy it over a Mercedes-Benz GLA or even the Porsche Macan for that matter. The RDX A-Spec is quite the bargain when compared to the two of the three. I'd prefer it as well since it looks the best. Just don't ask me if I'd choose it over the Stelvio Quadrifolgio. The styling of both of the two are timeless. I would just be a little upset since I would have to pay for a digital speedometer with the RDX A-Spec, especially for the price. Hopefully Acura gets this together and makes this standard. That's my only wish, if anything. Other than that, it is the crossover to get.

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