Category Test Drive

Review Index

2014 Acura RDX – Part 1 (Exterior)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 2 (Interior)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 3 (Interior – Gauges/Seats/Capacity)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 4 (Powertrain)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 5 (Suspension and Chassis)

Two things impressed me most when testing the RDX are: the ride comfort the suspension provides, and also the solidness of the car chassis.

First I will talk about the suspension. For the RDX, the front suspension is MacPherson strut type, and multi-link for the rear suspension.

A close look at the multi-link suspension in the rear wheel area. The majority of the rear wheel suspension parts are made of steel.

Automotive adhesive materi...

Review Index

2014 Acura RDX – Part 1 (Exterior)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 2 (Interior)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 3 (Interior – Gauges/Seats/Capacity)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 4 (Powertrain)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 5 (Suspension and Chassis)

The 2014 RDX only has one engine option: a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6, good for 273 hp @ 6,200RPM and 251 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 RPM. Also there is only one transmission is available on the RDX: a Honda-self-developed 6-speed automatic transmission.

Let’s first talk about the V6 engine (Honda code name: J35Y)...

Review Index

2014 Acura RDX – Part 1 (Exterior)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 2 (Interior)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 3 (Interior – Gauges/Seats/Capacity)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 4 (Powertrain)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 5 (Suspension and Chassis)

In this section, we will continue to review the interior features of the RDX.

The gauges are simple, if you just look at it you won’t tell the difference between it and a Honda-branded vehicle. However it is practical and considering the RDX’s price, it is reasonable too.

This is the layout overview of the dash. Frankly speaking, it cannot distinguish itself from some cars bearing the Honda badge...

Review Index

2014 Acura RDX – Part 1 (Exterior)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 2 (Interior)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 3 (Interior – Gauges/Seats/Capacity)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 4 (Powertrain)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 5 (Suspension and Chassis)

In this section we will examine RDX’s interior and related features.

The most of the interior cabin areas are covered with either soft-touch plastic material, or leather.

The leather is high quality, it has a more natural touch feel than the MB-Tex synthetic leather found in our previous GL450 test car. On the sitting surface, the leather is perforated, which can help to keep you cool during summer time.

The front door’s interior trim...

2014 Acura RDX Test Drive Review: Part 1 

Review Index

2014 Acura RDX – Part 1 (Exterior)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 2 (Interior)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 3 (Interior – Gauges/Seats/Capacity)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 4 (Powertrain)
2014 Acura RDX – Part 5 (Suspension and Chassis)

Test Car Information:

2014 Acura RDX with Technology Package
3.5L i-VTEC naturally aspirated V6, 273 hp @ 6,200 RPM, 251 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive
Options: Technology Package
MSRP as tested: $39,115 (including $895 S&H charge)

Before we go into our discussion of the Acura RDX, I would like to talk about who is a potential buyer for this compact SUV...