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Body and Chassis
Compared to the outgoing model, the new RDX body is more refined and fluid which
better matches the design preference of the target buyer. A smoother front
fascia, wider wheel arch lips and flatter side panels not only deliver a more
upscale look, but combine to make the 2013 RDX more aerodynamically efficient
than before. In particular, much time was spent designing new underbody panels
that not only provide significantly smoother airflow, but also generate less
wind noise to make for a quieter cabin.
At the front, a new grill blends together with much longer, more graceful
headlights. Along the sides, the 2013 RDX makes uses of smoother door panels
that incorporate a crisp body line that runs through the door handles. At the
rear, the RDX roofline is far more tapered than before and the rear fascia has a
much smoother look than the 2012 model. For 2013, a power actuated rear tailgate
(as part of the available Technology Package) is a first for the RDX.
For strength, further increased use of high-strength steel (56-percent versus
47-percent used previously) not only provides increased strength at a lower
weight, but generates a stiffer body for improved performance and reduced NVH.
Like its predecessor, the 2013 RDX rides on 4-wheel independent suspension with
a MacPherson strut design in front and a multi-link design in back. However, a
longer wheelbase, increased track width and a lower center of gravity help give
the new RDX improved handling with a more subtle ride. New chassis technology
abounds in the 2013 RDX in the form of items such as all-new Amplitude Reactive
Dampers and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system that replaces
the previous hydraulic steering.
RDX features as standard bold new split 5-spoke 18-inch diameter wheels and
improved 4-wheel disc brakes that include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Not only do the brakes
provide better performance, but they also incorporate improvements to reduce
brake drag - which reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy.
Interior Design
For 2013, the RDX has a whole new interior with more of what customers want.
Topping the list is more legroom and shoulder room for both front and rear
occupants. More cargo room is now available along with a significantly wider
rear hatch opening. Despite the improved interior roominess, the exterior
footprint of the RDX is comparable to the previous model. In addition, more
insulation and a new Active Noise Control system generate a quieter cabin, while
a new audio system delivers a more enjoyable listening experience.
Throughout the cabin, the new "dual personal" cockpit design makes use of more
sweeping shapes (rather than the previous RDX interior design that had an
angular look with more sharp lines). And of course, the 2013 delivers even more
driver relevant technology including a new hard disk drive (HDD) based
navigation system paired with a new W-VGA color screen. All said, the 2013 RDX
interior has an even more upscale look and a luxury feel that Acura customers
have come to expect.
Just as before, RDX seats five but caters to the driver and front passenger
first and foremost. Its leather seating surfaces and ergonomically designed seat
contours are designed to provide ample support during spirited drives or long
road trips. The power actuated driver seat is 8-way adjustable with adjustable
lumbar support for a custom fit. For the driver, a leather-wrapped steering
wheel, LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination and a Multi-Information
Display (MID) that allows access to multiple electronic functions.
Among the advanced electronic technologies in the 2013 RDX is a new 360-watt
audio system with seven speakers, a CD player, AM/FM radio, XM Radio with Note
function, Bluetooth Audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, and Speed Volume
Control.
Even more so than ever before, transformability of a vehicle is of top concern
with buyers - so to be able to quickly and easily transform the RDX from a
people hauler to a cargo hauler was paramount. Thus, besides offering exemplary
comfort, interior roominess and cargo carrying were high priorities for RDX
designers. With a new "one touch" activation of the 60/40 split-folding rear
seatbacks, the rear cargo area (with rear seatbacks folded down) offers 76.9
cubic feet of storage - 16.3 cubic feet more than before. Interior storage
compartments include a large center console between the front seats and there
are numerous other storage pockets and cubby spaces throughout the RDX. The 2013
RDX has a total passenger volume of 103.5 cubic feet (versus 101.4 cubic feet
with previous RDX) which means it has the largest volume in its class.
Engine and Powertrain
The 2013 RDX makes use of an all-new powertrain that not only delivers
significantly more horsepower, but also delivers improved fuel economy.
Replacing the previous turbocharged 2.3L inline four cylinder engine is a new
3.5L V-6 engine that marks the first use of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
for an Acura vehicle. Producing 273 horsepower (+33 hp over the outgoing
engine), the V-6 makes use of the latest version of VCM that allows for three
levels of cylinder deactivation.
Also new for the 2013 RDX is Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic
transmission paired with a new multi-clutch torque converter. In addition to
adding another forward gear, the new six-speed transmission is also smaller and
lighter than the previous 5-speed automatic. The result is improved performance
and better fuel economy.
The new V-6 engine and 6-speed transmission team to deliver an EPA estimated
city/highway/combined fuel economy of 20/28/23 mpg (front wheel drive) and
19/27/22 mpg (all wheel drive). In the case of the all wheel drive model, this
represents a 5 mpg increase in highway fuel economy versus the previous RDX. As
expected, the 2013 RDX complies with EPA TIER 2 - BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV
emissions standards.
The 2013 RDX also features a new all-wheel-drive system that is smaller and
lighter than the previous drivetrain setup. Known as AWD with Intelligent
Control, the new system also is more efficient than the prior version, which,
along with the reduced weight, helps achieve the AWD RDX's increased fuel
economy.
Technology Package
The 2013 RDX is so well equipped in standard form that only one trim package is
available. With the Technology Package, a host of driver relevant features are
added including AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation
System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic
Rerouting and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps. For 2013, the
navigation system is even more advanced and is operated by a new hard disk drive
(HDD) system with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity. The HDD system operates with
far greater speed than the previous CD-based system, and it has 15 gigabytes of
dedicated space allocated for music storage. The navigation system also makes
use of a new 8-inch W-VGA color screen (with four times better resolution than
the previous screen) that is also used for a new rear view camera system.
Audiophiles will rejoice as the 2013 RDX with Technology Package includes a new
Acura/ELS Surround 10-speaker, 410-watt premium audio system with DVD-Audio, CD,
DTS, AM/FM radio, XM Radio, Bluetooth Audio and a 3,500-song hard disk drive
(HDD) media storage system. With more power and added features, the new audio
system is sure to please the most discriminating audiophile.
Also part of the Technology Package is a GPS-linked solar-sensing, dual-zone
automatic climate control system along with a power operated rear hatch. In
total, these technologies put the RDX at the cutting edge of the Entry Premium
SUV segment.
High Safety Standards
The pursuit of outstanding safety is a critical element designed into every
Acura built. This concern for safety not only extends to the driver and
passengers of the RDX, but also to the safety of occupants of other vehicles as
well as the injury mitigation to pedestrians.
For Acura, equally important is addressing both active and passive safety.
Active safety features can help the driver avoid a collision, and the RDX
includes as standard items such as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and traction
control. For 2013, a revised 4-wheel disc brake system teams with ABS and Brake
Assist to further enhance safety and to generate greater driver control.
Should a frontal collision occur, Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility
Engineering (ACE) body structure utilizes a network of connected structural
elements to help distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the
RDX. 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 other vehicles in a crash. To address the federal
government's new FMVSS 216 standard for roof crush resistance, the 2013 RDX body
incorporates several new structural enhancements in the roof and side pillar
areas. As a result, top governmental (NHTSA) and independent (IIHS) test ratings
are expected.
While ACE is a structural foundation for the RDX's safety performance, its array
of industry-leading passive safety technologies is equally important. The list
begins with six airbags including dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags
(SRS), dual-chamber front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags for the
front and outboard rear seating positions. In addition, the front passenger seat
is equipped with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), an innovative
technology designed to deactivate the side airbag if a child or small-stature
adult leans into the deployment path of the side airbag. Safety features
continue with 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, while the driver and
front passenger have front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system with
load limiters. The RDX offers head restraints for all seating positions. The
rear seat features Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH), which permits
easy attachment of up to two child seats.
Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative is based on the brand's
commitment to leadership in safety - and excellent safety is a paramount element
in every new vehicle that Acura builds. The initiative's goal is for all Acura
models to provide a high level of safety regardless of size or price of the
vehicle.
Acura RDX: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications