2010 Acura Rdx
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (also known as 1986) Honda Motor Company launched a luxury division in North America known as Acura. Since then Acura has been a solid “Force” in the luxury car, sports coupe and SUV game inspiring a wealth of well known “me-too” imitators (also known as Infiniti and Lexus). But what is truly astounding is the way in which this luxury branch of Honda continues to be a revolutionary player in the luxury car market. One might even say that they are the “rebels” of the luxury car market.
Playing subtly against type is the Acura SUV/Crossover that I am driving this week. The best way to describe the hue of my 2010 Acura RDX is to call it “Darth Vader Black.” To say it is ominous looking is a true understatement what with its protruding grille and super-polished chrome effect door handles. Another way to put it is that this is one kick-ass looking crossover. Although this vehicle has been on the market for a few years now I have gotten nothing but complements on it in supermarket and restaurant parking lots.
But as this 2010 Acura RDX makes me feel a bit like Lord Vader there have also been subtle side effects. Other than trying to strangle tailgaters in my rearview mirror just by using the Force, I have also found myself gleaning far too much enjoyment from the turbocharger attached to the 2.3 liter four cylinder engine (which puts out 240 horsepower). The taut steering and agile handling characteristics also bring about naughty feelings from “The Dark Side of the Force” meaning you will search out twisting two lanes on the way home possibly causing your passengers severe annoyance as 15 minute trips wind up taking 45 minutes.
But there is hope for you, young Jedi. Thanks to the clever engineers at Acura and their continued practicing of “The Good Side of the Force,” this vehicle is both spacious and economical. The motor feels just as powerful and smooth as most six cylinder SUV/Crossovers I have driven yet if you drive it off boost you can easily get fuel mileage in the low to mid twenties. (I realized this trick watching the real time fuel efficiency gauge that is part of the on-board trip computer).
Another bright spot is the design of the interior. When I first got in the RDX I feared that the stereo was set too low in the dashboard but then realized it was merely a flick of the wrist away from the steering wheel as I was driving. (You can also control the radio via voice activation or buttons on the steering wheel.) In addition to being supremely ergonomic, everything inside the RDX is also built to a standard that even Yoda would be pleased with.
The 2010 Acura RDX is a luxurious family crossover that not only possesses the powers of good (economy, space, build quality) but also manages to pull of those naughty characteristics that can make an ownership experience so delightfully enjoyable (fun to drive, fast, sexy, intimidating to other drivers). Lord Vader, it appears that your Crossover/SUV has finally arrived.
Starting at $32,250
Engine: (2.3 liter 240 horsepower 4 cylinder)
Economy: (19/24)
0-60: 6.8 seconds (estimated)
