2022 Acura RDX

The third generation of Acura’s RDX compact utility arrived just 3-years ago with big gains in performance, roominess, and technology. Big sales numbers since suggest that Acura got everything right. Well, they didn’t think so; giving the RDX a major refresh for 2022. Let’s find out where the focus is this time.

The Acura RDX has been the best-selling small luxury SUV for the most of this century, and it didn’t get that way by sitting back and resting on its laurels. So, it makes sense that just 3 years into its current lifecycle, Acura would drop a bunch of updates onto this 2022 RDX; updates that touch upon just about every aspect of the vehicle.  

Things of note you’ll see immediately include the reshaped face, which has been widened to include larger air intakes and new LED fog lights. The grille takes up the same amount of space as before, but its border is much slimmer, making it appear larger. Just new exhaust tips in back, and the rest of the sporty-looking body panels stay the same; with some new colors and wheel designs thrown in for good measure. 

The RDX’s interior was already very well laid out and spacious feeling; so here, updates just consist of new materials like either bronze-finished aluminum or open-pore wood trim, and the ultra-suede leather with contrast stitching is more liberally applied.  

Modernized infotainment now features wireless connectivity for both Apple and Android devices; plus the Technology Package gets new IconicDrive with ambient lighting inspired by, you guessed it, iconic driving destinations. And speaking of driving, the Integrated Dynamics System has been updated to be more responsive in Sport mode, and more relaxed in Comfort mode; essentially making each mode more distinctive.  

Things underneath are addressed as well; the suspension retuned, also to increase comfort without sacrificing handling. In our original road test in 2019 when this gen debuted, we made note of the very firm ride; and we’re happy to report the improved damping is noticeable here with the update. Very comfortable on the highway, without surrendering the fun and nimble feel you still get on the back roads.  

The only available engine remains a 2.0-liter I4 turbo with 272-horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. It really brings the RDX to life, helping it feel like something a little more special than the typical leather clad soft-roader, yet doesn’t overpower it. But, we’ll let the numbers be the judge, at our usual place for determining such things: Mason Dixon Dragway.  

Good torque delivery and all-wheel-drive grip make for a speedy takeoff, and 0-60 runs of 6.8–seconds. The 10-speed automatic transmission seems to be the hardest working member of this powertrain assembly line, firing off smooth shifts with seemingly constant precision; though often they seem to come right when the engine is making good power. ¼-mile completed in 15.3–seconds at 93 miles-per-hour.  

The RDX felt very car-like darting in and out of the cones in our handling course. Super-Handling-All-Wheel-Drive doing what it always does, providing a heavy-handed technical approach to deliver precision and agility. Steering was also very precise, and there was very little body roll to contend with.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for all-wheel-drive with A-Spec trim are 21-City, 26-Highway, and 23-Combined. 

Acura, more than any other brand, is recognized for its seamless merging of technology and performance, yet for some reason, you couldn’t get the best of both worlds scenario having to decide between Advance tech or A-Spec sporty. 

That’s now been rectified with the RDX SH-AWD with A-Spec and Advance packages; at $53,145 it’s sitting at the top of the lineup, but you can still get a very well-equipped base front-wheel-drive RDX for just $41,145.   

The 2022 Acura RDX improves on an already great luxury crossover.  It’s a fantastic little SUV that just makes sense, regardless of which angle you look at it from; whether its style, value, or performance.  By focusing on what matters most, Acura has ensured that the RDX will be a leader in its segment for many years to come.