Used 2022 Acura RDX

The 2022 Acura RDX may not be the premium compact SUV/crossover of our dreams, but it’s one we’d be happy to see in our garage any day of the week. At the top of this class are near-exotic examples like the Porsche Macan or aspirational luxury contenders like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

The RDX, however, is more affordable than most of its rivals, with that incredible Acura reliability and build quality on its side, enjoying strong resale values as a result. Yet it’s still engaging behind the steering wheel, as well as being packed with standard equipment.

There aren’t any typical trim levels with the 2022 RDX lineup. Instead, there’s a base RDX, RDX A-Spec, and the PMC Edition. PMC stands for the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio. It’s Acura’s special facility where it builds the NSX hybrid supercar.

A limited run of 200 hand-assembled units, this PMC model is the only RDX model to be built there. Acura produces the rest of the range at the East Liberty Auto Plant, also in Ohio.

Although European rivals tend to have a special something in the driving department, we tend to find Acura models more engaging than their Lexus equivalents. But not at the expense of comfort.

This is especially true when the Advance package is added to a new RDX. It brings an updated adaptive suspension that makes the Comfort driving mode more comfortable and the Sport mode sportier.

Every RDX has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 272 horsepower. That’s a respectable amount for the class.

A 10-speed automatic transmission has pretty much the most ratios engineers can squeeze into a gearbox. Yet the unit in the 2022 RDX functions so smoothly, like this isn’t a big deal at all. The low gears are useful when zipping off from standstill, while the high gears keep the engine purring unhurried manner at freeway speeds, contributing toward decent fuel economy.

The Advance package and PMC model come with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which is optional with the base RDX/A-Spec versions. The Super Handling aspect refers to real torque vectoring, which turns the outside rear wheel faster through a corner than its inside partner. It creates a more stable feeling, optimizing the steering line. We say “real” torque vectoring because other manufacturers often simulate this effect by using the brakes.

Speaking of brakes, Acura has improved the feel of the pedal compared with last year.

New noise reduction features throughout the range bolster the RDX’s luxury status. The Advance package adds even more sound deadening, including special glass. Another change for 2022 is that the A-Spec version brings a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

A new 7-inch driver information display includes a digital speedometer and joins a 10.2-inch display for an infotainment system controlled by a touchpad. Even the transmission has a little modern tech with buttons instead of a typical shift lever. The doors, dashboard, and center console have real aluminum trim, while those models with the Advance package get genuine wood.

This 5-seater luxury compact crossover offers plenty of space for occupants and their luggage. Rear legroom of 38 inches is among the best in this class. The cargo area tells a similar story, going from 29.5 to 58.8 cubic feet.

Styling changes to the 2022 RDX include a thinner chrome surround on the grille and larger front air intakes. The tail end also receives some revision with a tweaked fascia housing new rectangular exhaust outlets. Or round exhaust pipes finished in gloss black with the A-Spec.

A-Spec models have 20-inch alloy wheels, as does the PMC model. The others have 19-inch alloys. The A-Spec treatment also includes a grille surround and various other exterior elements finished in gloss black.

The new RDX PMC is available exclusively in Long Beach Blue. Other new colors for the rest of the range are Phantom Violet Pearl and Liquid Carbon Metallic.

WALK AWAY LOCK
Hands full, late for an appointment, generally stressed? One less thing to worry about is whether the RDX is locked. Once the key fob is outside the vehicle and at a certain distance, the doors and tailgate lock automatically.

ELS AUDIO SYSTEM
Elliot Scheiner is not a household name, but the people he recorded are. Top artists like Beyonce, Sting, and Steely Dan all relied on his engineering talents in studios. Now he’s teamed up with Panasonic to create high-end audio systems available in the 2022 RDX.

The basic 2022 RDX has LED headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, keyless entry/ignition, and a powered tailgate. Inside, a powered tilt/slide panoramic roof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated/12-way power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a self-dimming rearview mirror.

The infotainment system includes a 10.2-inch display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration (now wireless), Amazon Alexa compatibility, and natural voice recognition. The RDX also includes USB-A and USB-C charging ports (one of each, the C is new this year) and Wi-Fi.

Among the driver assistance features are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (previously part of the Technology package), and adaptive cruise control.

The base RDX is eligible for all-wheel drive, a Technology package, and an Advance package. Although the amount of standard equipment in the 2022 RDX is substantial, we’d still recommend going higher.

The Technology package is the more affordable of the two, at around $3,000. This year, it gains wireless charging, LED ambient cabin lighting, and a rear camera washer. Like previous years, it also includes front/rear parking sensors, GPS-linked climate control, sport front seats, leather seating surfaces, navigation with real-time traffic information, and a 12-speaker ELS sound system.

This package also applies to the 2022 RDX A-Spec, which brings a cluster of cosmetic additions following a sporty theme, like the previously mentioned flat-bottomed steering wheel, and leather/simulated suede seating surfaces. It has heated/ventilated front seats and a 16-speaker ELS system as well.

This year, the Advance package gains power-folding side mirrors, remote start, and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area. All-wheel drive is another part of this bundle, along with an adaptive suspension, 360-degree camera system, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers with a de-icer, puddle lamps, remote start, 16-way power-adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and hands-free tailgate operation.

The PMC model has the best of what’s already been mentioned. It’s not really any more than an A-Spec with the Advance package, but it does come in a special color and with a certain exclusivity.

One engine comes in all versions of the 2022 RDX. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit generating 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, running on premium gasoline.

A 10-speed automatic transmission sends that energy to a standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup in most versions. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available throughout.

An engine stop/restart function saves a few drops of fuel while idling.

Maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds (FWD or AWD), one of the few areas where the Acura RDX doesn’t impress. If this is an important factor, the Land Rover Discovery Sport can pull 4,409 pounds.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
272 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 mpg (FWD), 22/27 mpg (FWD, A-Spec), 21/27 mpg (AWD), 21/26 mpg (AWD, A-Spec)