Acura’s other major debut at the Detroit Motor Show, besides the NSX and ILX, is the 2013 version of the RDX crossover shown as a prototype.
Although it’s a product of 2012 for 2013 launch, it looks more like a car from 1993. Acura says in its press release that it’s a timeless, beautiful design. But truth be told, it’s an awful design, especially at the front with that ancient grille and the hideous bumper. The wheels are ugly too.
At least in terms of styling, the RDX is not going to cause any trouble to other crossovers on offer.
Underneath that uninteresting body you get a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 273 horsepower, plus a 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter. The Acura RDX also gets a new, lighter all-wheel-drive system that provides the required performance and safety with increased efficiency.
This is a capable, yet efficient setup with EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The interior is much nicer than the exterior, featuring new sweeping shapes, matte surface trim, and generous use of leather. Additional interior features, such as larger door openings, more passenger room, increased cargo volume and a power rear tailgate make the Acura RDX interior even more accommodating and flexible.
Acura has always been generous with the equipments. This car is especially well-equipped with technology features, with a list including Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text message feature, a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton start, and a three view rear camera. An available Technology Package will provide a full complement of relevant technologies, 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. New for 2013, the even more advanced navigation system utilizes a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity – including 15 gigabytes that can be allocated for music storage.
