2014 Acura RDX Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The Top 10 Reasons Why You May want to Buy a 2014 Acura RDX:
The 2014 Acura RDX is a small size luxury crossover sport utility vehicle with the perfect blend of power, comfort and functionality. It has ample storage space, plenty of interior amenities and available all wheel drive for those who live in areas that present weather challenges. The RDX is sold in two trim levels, base and base with a technology package.
The RDX has a slew of competitors like the BMW X3, Infiniti EX, Mercedes Benz GLK, Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and Cadillac SRX. The RDX is one of the more affordable luxury crossovers with a starting MSRP of only $34,500. The addition of all wheel drive adds another $1,400. RDX's with the technology package will cost around $40,000. Yet these figures pale in comparison to the majority of its competitors, except for the Volvo XC60. Auto experts agree that the '14 RDX will have one of the best residual values in the class along with the Infiniti EX and the Mercedes Benz GLK. The BMW X3 offers a sportier ride than the RDX and the Audi Q5 is a stout competitor with is wealth of luxuries. While the RDX might not have as many top of the line luxuries, it has a broad based appeal and is sold at a more reasonable price.
What's new for 2014
The '14 RDX has very few new additions. Most of the model line's significant changes were made with the 2013 RDX. 2014 brings a new exterior color called Kona Coffee, which replaces the old Amber Brownstone color. The RDX's six cylinder engine now gets 33 extra horsepower coming in at a total of 273 horses, with 3.5 liters and 251 pound feet of torque.
2) The RDX's unique all wheel drive system functios with unparalleled efficiency. The RDX will operate in front wheel drive when the vehicle is coasting along in regular driving conditions. When slippery or snow packed roads are encountered, the system will send torque at a 50/50 ratio from the front wheels to the rear wheels to maximize traction and balance.
3) The RDX's exterior can be considered a positive or a negative, depending on the viewer. As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There is a double plenum style grill, a tailgate spoiler, distinctly arched fenders, 18 inch cast aluminum wheels, a tapered roof line and noticeable wheel arches. Its look is fairly plain but it has just enough style to appeal to a broad audience.
4) The RDX has plenty of standard features like speed sensing windshield wipers, heated side mirrors, Michelin all season tires, projector beam automatic headlights, a USB port, two power outlets, SiriusXM satellite radio, speed sensitive volume, push button start, Bluetooth connectivity and a power moon roof.
5) The vehicle's cabin is luxurious and spacious. There is significant headroom and legroom for both the first and second row occupants. Up to 5 people can comfortably fit in the RDX with some extra room to stretch out. Leather upholstery is standard for both seating rows.
6) When the rear seats are in place, the RDX provides just over 26 cubic feet of space. When these seats are lifted, there is a little over 61 cubic feet to work with. Nearly 79 cubic feet can be obtained when the front seats are pushed all the way forward. So, plenty of cargo can be easily stored in the RDX.
7) The RDX's available technology package provides a navigation system with voice recognition, fog lights, HID style headlights. a power tailgate, a GPS linked climate control system, 10 speakers and a 15 GB hard drive.
8) The vehicle has a healthy amount of safeguards like a 5 inch color display screen with a multi angle rear view camera, six airbags, vehicle stability assist, anti lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and traction control.
9) The RDX performed well on safety tests. The IIHS awarded it the best possible rating of Good for its performance in every type of possible crash scenario.
10) Like most Acuras, the RDX's cabin has an easy to use dashboard that is eye catching with shiny finishes, a high tech style and plenty of upscale, soft knobs and buttons.
2) The RDX isn't built for challenging off road endeavors. Drivers who want to take their small size luxury sport utility vehicle out onto the trails should consider the Range Rover Evoque.
3) Other random concerns range from the vehicle lacking high end tech features that are found on some of its competitors to its fairly plain exterior. It should be noted that a good number of RDX owners are pleased with the vehicle's aesthetics and the criticisms of its style are highly subjective in nature.
Conclusion
While the small crossover niche is full of solid candidates, the 2014 Acura RDX stands out amongst the crowd. It has just the right combination of fuel efficiency, thrust, space and affordability. The criticisms are few and far between but praise is abundant. True to the Acura brand and ethos, this year's RDX provides a no nonsense, luxurious ride that will appeal to every customer demographic.
The RDX has a slew of competitors like the BMW X3, Infiniti EX, Mercedes Benz GLK, Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and Cadillac SRX. The RDX is one of the more affordable luxury crossovers with a starting MSRP of only $34,500. The addition of all wheel drive adds another $1,400. RDX's with the technology package will cost around $40,000. Yet these figures pale in comparison to the majority of its competitors, except for the Volvo XC60. Auto experts agree that the '14 RDX will have one of the best residual values in the class along with the Infiniti EX and the Mercedes Benz GLK. The BMW X3 offers a sportier ride than the RDX and the Audi Q5 is a stout competitor with is wealth of luxuries. While the RDX might not have as many top of the line luxuries, it has a broad based appeal and is sold at a more reasonable price.
What's new for 2014
The '14 RDX has very few new additions. Most of the model line's significant changes were made with the 2013 RDX. 2014 brings a new exterior color called Kona Coffee, which replaces the old Amber Brownstone color. The RDX's six cylinder engine now gets 33 extra horsepower coming in at a total of 273 horses, with 3.5 liters and 251 pound feet of torque.
Ten Reasons to Buy a 2014 Acura RDX:
1) The RDX conserves fuel with the use of its Variable Cylinder Management system that disables engine cylinders when their power is not necessary. This typically happens when the RDX is cruising somewhere at a constant speed, like on long stretches of highway. The system's transition happens without a sound or any noticeable vehicle movement. The result is a solid fuel economy of 20 mpg in cities and 28 mpg on highways for RDXs with front wheel drive. All wheel drive RDXs hit 19/22 mpg.2) The RDX's unique all wheel drive system functios with unparalleled efficiency. The RDX will operate in front wheel drive when the vehicle is coasting along in regular driving conditions. When slippery or snow packed roads are encountered, the system will send torque at a 50/50 ratio from the front wheels to the rear wheels to maximize traction and balance.
3) The RDX's exterior can be considered a positive or a negative, depending on the viewer. As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There is a double plenum style grill, a tailgate spoiler, distinctly arched fenders, 18 inch cast aluminum wheels, a tapered roof line and noticeable wheel arches. Its look is fairly plain but it has just enough style to appeal to a broad audience.
4) The RDX has plenty of standard features like speed sensing windshield wipers, heated side mirrors, Michelin all season tires, projector beam automatic headlights, a USB port, two power outlets, SiriusXM satellite radio, speed sensitive volume, push button start, Bluetooth connectivity and a power moon roof.
5) The vehicle's cabin is luxurious and spacious. There is significant headroom and legroom for both the first and second row occupants. Up to 5 people can comfortably fit in the RDX with some extra room to stretch out. Leather upholstery is standard for both seating rows.
6) When the rear seats are in place, the RDX provides just over 26 cubic feet of space. When these seats are lifted, there is a little over 61 cubic feet to work with. Nearly 79 cubic feet can be obtained when the front seats are pushed all the way forward. So, plenty of cargo can be easily stored in the RDX.
7) The RDX's available technology package provides a navigation system with voice recognition, fog lights, HID style headlights. a power tailgate, a GPS linked climate control system, 10 speakers and a 15 GB hard drive.
8) The vehicle has a healthy amount of safeguards like a 5 inch color display screen with a multi angle rear view camera, six airbags, vehicle stability assist, anti lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and traction control.
9) The RDX performed well on safety tests. The IIHS awarded it the best possible rating of Good for its performance in every type of possible crash scenario.
10) Like most Acuras, the RDX's cabin has an easy to use dashboard that is eye catching with shiny finishes, a high tech style and plenty of upscale, soft knobs and buttons.
Reasons you may not want to buy a 2014 Acura RDX
1) There are very few criticisms of the new RDX. One common complaint is that the vehicle isn't as athletic and sporty compared to competitors like the Infiniti EX and BMW X3.2) The RDX isn't built for challenging off road endeavors. Drivers who want to take their small size luxury sport utility vehicle out onto the trails should consider the Range Rover Evoque.
3) Other random concerns range from the vehicle lacking high end tech features that are found on some of its competitors to its fairly plain exterior. It should be noted that a good number of RDX owners are pleased with the vehicle's aesthetics and the criticisms of its style are highly subjective in nature.
Conclusion
While the small crossover niche is full of solid candidates, the 2014 Acura RDX stands out amongst the crowd. It has just the right combination of fuel efficiency, thrust, space and affordability. The criticisms are few and far between but praise is abundant. True to the Acura brand and ethos, this year's RDX provides a no nonsense, luxurious ride that will appeal to every customer demographic.
