Acura RDX A-Spec Review: Looks Faster Than It Is

 

   Acura is no stranger to making awesome sports cars. The original Integra and NSX remain, to this day, two of the best ever. The highly impressive Civic Type-R, although technically a Honda, was built largely by Acura engineers. So when Acura decided to add a sportier RDX variant to the lineup, few had any doubts that the new product would be satisfactory. Though the A-Spec is largely satisfactory, the gorgeous, fast-looking design and spicy red bucket seats simply writes checks the average at best engine (272 hp, 6.2 sec 0-60) can't cash. If you are able to put aside the RDX A-Spec's disappointing performance, you will find a comfortable SUV with thoughtful amenities and an overall superb vehicle at a reasonable price ($39K). 

The Acura RDX A-Spec, like most Honda products, is a terrific value. To illustrate this, we'll compare the price of the Acura to its main competitors. 

ACURA RDX A-SPEC: $39k

BMW X3: $44k

PORSCHE MACAN: $54k

MERCEDES-BENZ GLC: $63k

MASERATI LEVANTE: $73k

To be fair, the Acura is worse than all but one or two of the above SUVs, but if it costs substantially less, it can justify a lower quality product. What I'm trying to get at is the RDX is a solid SUV, but it doesn't really make a strong case for itself. It doesn't conjure the same passion as the Porsche Macan, the same tech found in an Audi Q5, or even the same level of luxury you would see in a Mercedes GLC or Maserati Levante. I would not recommend the RDX, nor would I rule it out. Good news though, as Acura are updating the RDX for 2022. Stay tuned for that one.