2022 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec Adv

The RDX, an entry-level luxury compact crossover, is the midsize MDX’s younger and smaller sibling. Last fully redesigned in 2019, it received styling, convenience, and tech updates for 2022. The RDX’s sole powertrain is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (272 hp) paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. We tested the high-zoot version with the Tech, A-Spec, and Advance packages, which include features such as wireless phone charging, 20-inch wheels, and adaptive suspension dampers. The RDX has a number of things going for it: sporty exterior styling; good drivetrain power, steering feedback, and overall handling from the all-wheel drive and adaptive-suspension systems; a strong suite of AcuraWatch advanced safety features, including reverse automatic emergency braking; and plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The RDX also has comfortable seating front and rear and jewel-eye LED headlights with auto high beams. Most downsides are relatively minor but potentially annoying: an unintuitive touch-pad infotainment system, a busy center-stack design, and too much cheap-looking piano-black plastic interior trim. Additionally, fuel economy is unimpressive (23 mpg in combined driving), and most features are available only in packages.