by John G.

Up and Down

Up:

• Handles like a tall sports car: tight and responsive
• Sneaky fast motor
• Paddle shifters are a hoot
• Seating and driving positions work for both very short and very tall people
• A crossover SUV that’s fun to drive? OMG THE SUN JUST EXPLODED!

Down:

• Computerized audio, climate, and navigation system nearly impossible to learn and use
• No full size spare tire, no engine temperature gauge
• Cargo space, like most compact SUVs, not quite big enough for bicycles

Driving Impressions

There’s something about VTEC that makes you drive like That Guy.

It’s not just the variable valve timing: Toyotas have it, but they don’t make you want to dice freeway merges like you’re on your final qualifying lap. Nissan uses it, but no one feels the urge to drift a Sentra through a yellow light like they’re playing Grand Theft Auto. Ever since the Integra GSR, “VTEC” has been basically synonymous with “Drive it like you stole it.”

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The Acura RDX is designated by the marketing wizards as a luxury urban sports utility vehicle. Powered with a 240 HP turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, this energizer bunny is targeted squarely at the BMW X3, Land Rover LR2 and the soon-to-be-released Infiniti EX35.

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