2019 Acura RDX - Will It Get the Brand Back on Track?

Acura’s reputation, at least as of late, has been that of a brand that’s lost its way. With the exception of the flagship NSX, the current lineup is, generally speaking, underwhelming.

The 2019 Acura RDX could be the first step back in the right direction for the brand, or it could be a dud. At a glance, it seems that Acura has the right idea, even if it expresses the message in eye-roll-worthy marketing gobbledygook.

Twist is up over the previous model by 28 lb-ft, thanks to a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder. Gone is the previous-gen model’s 3.5-liter V6. The compact crossover’s power output now stands at 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

That all gets to ground via a 10-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, as well as Acura’s “super handling all-wheel drive” system. This version of SH-AWD sends 70 percent of the torque to the rear wheels and up to 100 percent to either rear wheel.

Acura says this RDX is lower and wider, and key available features include a touchpad-based infotainment system that uses Android software. This touchpad doesn’t use a cursor. Instead, users press the touchpad in the spot that correlates to what they see on screen.

Other major available features include premium audio, standard moonroof, navigation, premium audio, LED headlamps, Apple CarPlay, in-car Wi-Fi, heated front seats, head-up display, power tailgate, and the usual driver’s-assistance tech (forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, et cetera). An available A-Spec package adds sportier appearance cues, LED fog lamps, and special 20-inch wheels.

Speaking of the A-Spec package, Acura will now offer it on all of its core models; the brand showed off an A-Spec version on the MDX in New York, as well.

At first glance, the RDX looks sporty and fun to drive, but there’s a big difference between promising something based on styling and actually delivering. We’ll see if Acura can deliver soon enough, but it’s possible the brand has stepped back on the right track.

[Images: Acura]