Largely unchanged from its massive makeover last year, the 2017 Acura RDX remains among the premier compact luxury sport utility vehicles on the market.
Now a decade old, the Acura RDX required few, if any, changes from the success of the 2016 model. A year ago, a new grille, new headlights and taillights and several additional features were added to the standard equipment list. This year, there are a few new exterior paint colors offered and a few discontinued.
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The Weekly Driver Test Drive
Available in 10 trims, the 2017 Acura RDX features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 279 horsepower. It’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, and my test vehicle had the optional all-wheel drive. It also featured three optional packages —AcuraWatch Plus, Technology and Advance Trim.
The new Acura RDX maneuvers with poise, the steering is light and composed and it offers an overall quiet ride. The V6 accelerates with authority. The six-speed isn’t the most update-to-date automatic transmission in the industry, but it responds with smooth and timely shifts.
The 2017 Acura RDX has ample cargo space and superior passenger space. The second row is particularly spacious. There’s impressive head room clearance and foot room space (for a 6-0, 200-pound passenger), even when the driver’s seat is extended for a tall driver. The rear seats easily fold flat (when the front seats are moved forward), and there’s plenty of room for groceries, hauling and most mainstream needs.
Standard features on the RDX include 18-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar), a four-way power passenger seat, premium vinyl (leatherette) upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5-inch dashboard information display and a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio, a USB audio interface, Pandora, Siri Eyes Free and an auxiliary audio jack.
The AcuraWatch Plus package adds adaptive cruise control, a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking and a lane-departure warning and intervention system. This package may be ordered by itself or in combination with the Technology package.
The Technology package bundles sport front seats, an eight-way power front passenger seat, leather upholstery, a navigation system, voice commands, the Acura Link app suit, a larger (8-inch) display screen plus an additional 7-inch touchscreen display on the dashboard, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound system with HD radio and Aha compatibility.
The Advance package includes all of the content in the AcuraWatch Plus and Technology packages. And there are also ventilated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, auto-dimming sideview mirrors, remote engine start and fog lights.
2017 Acura RDX likes:
Overall comfort.
Push-button automatic transmission.
Jewel Eye headlights.
Cavernous overall space.
Second-seat release handles work smoothly.
Lengthy standard features list.
2017 Acura RDX dislikes:
Cumbersome, unnecessary, expensive running boards.
Two-screen infotainment screen confusing.
Top-line version expensive.
2017 Acura RDX: Facts & Figures
Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 6.5 seconds.
Airbags: 6.
Fuel economy: 19 mpg (city), 27 mpg (highway), 22 mpg (combined), six-speed automatic transmission.
Horsepower: 279
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $43,520.00.
Manufacturer’s Web site: www.acura.com.
Price As Tested: $48,642.00
Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 6 years/70,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited mileage.
2017 Acura RDX: What Others Say:
“There are many reasons why the Acura RDX is one of our top picks in the segment. It’s a well-made, well-equipped compact SUV that is a clear, premium step up from the Honda CR-Vs of this world. Its value is undeniable and a must-drive for sensible sorts whose left side of the brain is more influential than the right.” — edmunds.com.
“Though not the sportiest model in its class, we were impressed by its ride and handling balance.” — motortrend.com.
“There are many reason why the Acura RDX is one of our top picks in the segment. It’s a well-made, well-equipped compact SUV that is a clear, premium step up from the Honda CR-Vs of this world.” — msanauto.com.
2017 Acura RDX: The Weekly Driver’s final words:
“It’s approaching $50,000 at its top-line and with all available options. That’s a chunk of money and it’s the only potential stumbling point for not buying for the 2017 Acura RDX. It’s among the finest compacts SUV on the market.”
2017 Acura RDX Parts and Accessories
We found 1,540 products that fit the 2017 Acura RDX, in these categories:
Article Last Updated: September 20, 2016.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.