2019 Acura RDX Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2019 Acura RDX is a very attractive offering in the luxury compact SUV category. It is newly redesigned for 2019 with enhancements in the interior as well as the exterior. The RDX focuses on the driver with enhanced safety features and four driving modes. It also has a very luxurious interior with a huge infotainment display and lots of technological features. The RDX is an exciting car to drive with a new turbocharged four cylinder engine and two sport driving modes for extra aggressiveness. In all, the RDX's newly redesigned 2019 model has all the makings of a top contender in the ultra competitive luxury SUV category.

What's new for 2019

The 2019 Acura RDX has undergone an extensive overhaul for 2019. The engine is a more powerful and fuel efficient turbocharged four cylinder with lots of horsepower. The exterior has some stunning new design features. The interior is also very luxurious and offers plenty of room.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Acura RDX – The Pros

1. The interior is very impressive

The interior of the 2019 Acura RDX has a very sleek and modern feel. It features an electronic gear selector and a touchpad that operates the infotainment system in the center console. The display of the infotainment system is 10.2 inches and sits atop the dash for ease of use. The RDX also offers an optional heads up display and a premium audio system. The RDX comes standard with leather wrapped steering wheel, active sound control, white ambient lighting and brushed aluminum trim. The sport seats and leatherette accented interior complete the luxurious interior. Two optional packages, the A-Spec and the Advance, offer alternative features and accents throughout the cabin. The A-Spec gives the RDX a sportier feel with aluminum accented pedals. The Advance package takes a more classic approach with natural wood finishes.

2. Exterior accents make a statement

The 2019 Acura RDX has a newly redesigned exterior for 2019. It includes standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and a beautiful diamond effect grille. The RDX makes an impression both coming and going with Dragon Tail LED brake lights. The RDX is aggressively styled and has a low stance for added maneuverability. The tailgate spoiler comes standard in gloss black for added aerodynamics.

3. Powertrain options that excite

The RDX features a Turbo Aluminum-Alloy four cylinder engine with 270 horsepower. It replaces a V6 but has more power and better efficiency. Drivers can expect to get 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The RDX has an automatic 10 speed transmission and optional AWD. With the AWD, drivers can expect one less mpg in both city and highway driving. The RDX also features idle stop capability to increase fuel efficiency.

4. Standard features include a mix of value

The 2019 RDX has only one trim level. Additional upgrades can be added by purchasing optional packages. The Acura comes standard with Apple CarPlay, rearview camera and the 10.2 inch infotainment screen. The RDX also offers safety features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. To top it off, the RDX also throws in lane keep assist and road departure correction. The RDX comes standard with front wheel drive capabilities.

5. Technology Package upgrades for more features

Buyers will no doubt want to check out the technology package for the 2019 Acura RDX. Added safety features include navigation, front and rear parking assist, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. The RDX Technology Package also includes Milano leather upholstery and a GPS linked climate control feature. This feature measures the sun's effect on the interior and also tracks the sun's position. The climate control is also hands free.

6. The Acura A-Spec package adds attitude

The Acura A-Spec package offers upgrades both inside and out. The A-Spec includes modified front and rear bumpers and dual exhaust on the exterior. It adds upgraded heated and ventilated sport seats with contrast stitching for added effect. The steering wheel is leather wrapped and offers a multitude of controls. It also fills the cabin with red ambient lighting.

7. The Acura RDX Advance Package offers additional driving luxury

The Advance package features an advanced 10.5 inch heads up display and a heated steering wheel. It also includes heated rear seats. This package also gets the buyer a surround view camera. The Advance package accents the interior of the RDX with natural wood trim for a classic feel. It gives the buyer access to all the best Acura has to offer.

8. Integrated Dynamics System allows various driving modes

The 2019 Acura RDX comes with four driving modes. There are two sport driving modes, sport mode and sport plus mode. These modes offer increasingly aggressive shift points and different steering feels. The AWD model adjusts power output as well. The RDX comes with a Snow driving mode and allows the driver better performance when conditions are treacherous. Finally, for those days when the driver just wants to unwind on a drive home, the Comfort mode makes the ride smooth and serene.

9. Technologically advanced accessories

Almost every technological feature in the RDX has been elevated. The RDX has taken its audio experience to the next level with the premium ELS Studio 3D audio system. It surrounds the passengers in sound with sixteen speakers and a three dimensional suspended sound image. It gives the RDX one of the best audio systems available. Navigation and infotainment have also been finely tuned for the RDX. Technological features include mobile hotspot capability, as well as AcuraLink and the Siri Eyes Free system.

10. Low starting price

The luxury compact SUV class is loaded with high priced competitors. The 2019 Acura RDX starts out thousands less than comparable quality luxury compact SUVs. The low starting price point will attract many buyers in this class. The add on packages also offer great convenience for buyers looking at luxury compact SUVs.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Acura RDX – The Cons

1. Infotainment operation is complicated

The infotainment system in the 2019 Acura RDX is controlled by a touchpad in the center console of the vehicle. Acura has departed from the industry standard touch screen design with its use of the touchpad. While drivers will get used to the use of this feature eventually, learning the operation may take a while.

2. Average warranty coverage

The 2019 Acura RDX comes complete with a four year or 50,000 mile limited warranty and a six year or 70,000 mile powertrain warranty. This coverage for the Acura RDX makes it a more middle of the road option.

3. No engine upgrade option

Though the new turbocharged four cylinder offers respectable horsepower, the RDX ends the fun there. Many competing vehicles offer more powerful engines.

How it stacks up to the competition

The newly redesigned 2019 Acura RDX has a very high level of quality features that makes it one of the best luxury compact SUVs available. The Jaguar I-Pace is also one of the best offerings for 2019 and features a much better warranty and very high quality driving experience. the I-Pace is also a much more expensive SUV. The Acura makes a good case as a more practical SUV with elevated luxury features. Other similarly priced contenders include the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. Each of these vehicles has its advantages and weaknesses when they are compared to the 2019 Acura RDX. The X3 trails the RDX in comfort and advanced features, though it is somewhat more athletic. The Q5 offers standard all wheel drive. This gives it an advantage over the RDX. Most buyers will be drawn to the RDX for its high quality interior and new redesign.

Conclusion

The 2019 Acura RDX offers a new take on the luxury compact SUV. The RDX stands out with a new turbocharged four cylinder engine and a good combination of power and fuel economy. It also offers a long list of safety options and standard features. The RDX has a very luxurious interior and four alternative driving modes to add excitement and variety. Many buyers will be drawn to its refined interior. The innovative technological features like a reimagined audio experience and touch pad operated infotainment system also make it unique. The RDX offers great customization for the buyer with the A-Spec and Advance packages, which both give the RDX a unique feel and personality. It is truly a luxurious and smart redesign with a lot to offer.