"Aaron Vick Starnes" (aaronstarnes)
10/03/2019 at 14:14 • Filed to: Acura, RDX, Dope, Dirt, Cars
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"Aaron Vick Starnes" (aaronstarnes)
10/03/2019 at 14:14 • Filed to: Acura, RDX, Dope, Dirt, Cars | 5
| 3 |
The last Acura RDX I drove was the 2017 model. I drove 300 miles in one direction with my girlfriend and drove back with a fiance. That car’s performance was flawless albeit unremarkable. For 2019, Acura introduced its third-generation RDX. It’s more beautiful and more comfortable. We took this one to San Antonio to watch our friends tie the knot. Thus forever solidifying a link between nuptial processes and Acura’s RDX in my mind.
EXTERIOR
For the 2019 model year, the RDX got a makeover. Up front, there’s a much larger grill opening with a massive Acura emblem floating in the center. I think it works. The A-Spec trim offers 20 shark gray wheels. They look fantastic under the platinum white pearl body color. The aggressive body styling and dual exhaust hint at the A-spec’s performance-tuned suspension.
INTERIOR
It’s red! While the color may not be for everyone, the execution is undeniable. For those folks looking to make a more subtle statement, the A-spec also comes in black. The build quality of the seat covers is above average even for a luxury car. There’s lovely red decorative stitching. Seats are firm. After hitting tons of traffic and taking six and a half hours to get to San Antonio, my hind parts were tender. Over time the seats may break in, but how often do we really spend that much time behind the wheel?
I didn’t love the trackpad. Not because it’s an especially bad example of one, but because they’re impractical. My opinion must be the minority though because these things are popping up in everything from Acuras to Aston Martins. I think rather than the distracting trackpad technology which mimics a laptop, manufacturers should implement touch screens within easy reach of the driver.
Under the cargo area, there’s a clever storage arrangement. Sadly, there’s no spare tire, not even a donut. Just an air pump and some good-luck goo. The second row seats can be folded down to create an open cargo space to haul all sorts of stuff.
DRIVE
Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder churns out 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and it makes a nice noise doing it. The exhaust note when the V-Tech kicks in is particularly agreeable, so my foot found the floor more than often than a less childish foot would have. It’s not terribly fuel-efficient. In the 800 plus miles I put on the car, it averaged 21 mpg according to the trip computer. Most of these were highway miles, some in excess of 85 mph. I bet this car is capable of better mileage with a different driver.
SAN ANTONIO
After arriving in San Antonio the groom lamented to me that the water pump failed in the 60s Ford Galaxie they chose as their getaway car. I immediately volunteered the shiny white Acura.
After a lovely ceremony and reception my wife, the A-Spec and I had the distinct pleasure of sharing the couple’s first car ride as man and wife. I think white lace sets off the red interior nicely. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Murphy!
THE DIRT
In my !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , I concluded that it would be a nice car to buy your mom. Two-row, mid-sized, luxury SUVs are definitely aimed at moms. I think the newest iteration of the RDX broadens its appeal. I also think it’s the best looking option in its class. This car with these options will set buyers back $46,895. That’s not cheap, but this is a luxury SUV that really ticks all the boxes. Its Honda heritage is bound to make it reliable. The ride and performance are gratifying and the looks are exceptional. All that and you still beat the Lexus RX 350 sticker by nearly $13,000. That’s what I call value.
If you liked this piece and want to read more, check out !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! out the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .
fintail
> Aaron Vick Starnes
10/03/2019 at 15:27 |
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Wouldn’t the RX be more of an MDX competitor? I see this as a half size from either NX or RX.
Should be an excellent vehicle with a long comfortable service life, but makes me glad I’m single :)
Textured Soy Protein
> Aaron Vick Starnes
10/04/2019 at 11:24 |
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The exhaust note when the V-Tech kicks in is particularly agreeable
Goddammit.
Joe Goodmsn
> Aaron Vick Starnes
10/04/2019 at 11:59 |
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Can’t get the beautiful A-spec package and the Advanced package, so you’re stuck with a great looking $46K vehicle that doesn’t even have rain sensing wipers or the nicer audio.