2022 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec Advance

The RDX, an entry-level luxury compact crossover, is the midsize MDX’s younger, smaller sibling. Last fully redesigned in 2019, it received styling, convenience, and tech updates in 2022. The RDX has just one powertrain option, a turbo 4-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. We tested the high-zoot version that had the Tech, A-Spec, and Advantage packages, which include features such as wireless phone charging, 20-inch wheels, and adaptive suspension dampers. The RDX has lots going for it on multiple fronts: sporty exterior styling; a 2-row layout with plenty of room for passengers and cargo; good drivetrain power, steering feedback, and overall handling from the all-wheel drive and adaptive-suspension systems. There’s also a strong suite of advanced safety features, including reverse automatic emergency braking. The RDX also has comfortable seating front and rear and jewel-eye LED headlights with auto high beams. Most downsides are potentially annoying but not deal-breakers: an nonintuitive touch-pad infotainment system, a busy center-stack design, and too much cheap-looking piano-black plastic interior trim. Additionally, fuel economy is unimpressive, and most features are available only in packages.