2022 Acura RDX Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Looking for a luxury crossover SUV with some pep in its step? The 2022 Acura RDX offers just that. And, from its huge air intakes to its crisp lines, the RDX shows off a good sense of style. Its spunky handling capabilities and spirited driving performance make it more lively than some of its competitors. While it might not be a speedster like a few top rivals, the Acura RDX is all about delivering a smooth and enjoyable ride quality.

2022 marks a refresh for the RDX, including a limited (and we mean limited, as in only 200 units have been made) edition called the PMC Edition. Visually, the RDX stays the same. You'll have to look closer for some finer details and try driving it to feel if Comfort mode is indeed even more comfortable than ever before. There is also a strong likelihood that the cabin is better insulated from outside noise now.

While the new engine mount on the front-wheel drive (FWD) models should help to reduce driveline shudder as you shift from reverse to drive, you can still only find one engine option. It still is not that swift to accelerate, but once it gets going, it at least feels like it has some power behind it. And, aside from a touchpad controller than can be tricky to use, you still have to deal with a lot of features being bundled into pricy optional packages.

Could the 2022 Acura RDX be the best vehicle to suit your unique needs? Or might one of its competitors be more up-to-speed? Read on to find out.

What's New for 2022?

The 2022 Acura RDX receives a few minor exterior changes. The acoustic glass has been strengthened to keep out more exterior noise, and the lower potion of the front bumper has been restyled to stand out more on the road. The available adaptive suspension has been retuned for extra comfort while driving in Comfort mode, and Sport mode should feel a bit more refined. The entire line-up now has carpeted floor mats. Wireless charging is now available, wireless smartphone app integration is standard, and Amazon Alexa integration is included.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Acura RDX – The Pros

1. A Spacious Cabin and Cargo Area

One of the trademarks of the 2022 Acura RDX is its spacious cabin and cargo area. Both the front and rear seat passengers are given an abundance of room. Heads, shoulders, hips, and legs all fit nicely into each seating area, and nobody is going to feel cramped for room. Finding a driving position is easy regardless of your size since both the driver's seat and tilting and telescoping steering wheel are so highly adjustable. All in all, the RDX can absolutely seat five people with comfort and space abounding.

2. Precision Steering and Handling

A highlight of the RDX's performance is its precision. Steering is well tuned and feels natural. It firms up as it ought to on the highway but remains smooth and light while rounding through turns and maneuvering in parking lots. Handling feels just as spot-on. There is no body roll to be felt while cornering, and the available SH-AWD system enhances just how well the RDX powers out of turns.

3. High-quality Cabin Materials

Acura adorns the RDX with some eye-catching, high-quality materials. Throughout the cabin, you will find a solidly structured build quality (which also rings true for its exterior bits). The Technology trim upgrades you to a nice leather upholstery, and the A-Spec's leather and simulated suede upholstery actually feels like an upgrade from that. The wood cabin trim inside of the Advance adds another layer of sophistication. Of course, the orange stitching in the limited PMC Edition looks superbly cool.

4. Available Tech Costs Less Than That In Competitors

There is a lot of standard and available technology packed into the RDX, and the available stuff can be a little less costly than it is in competitors. The Technology trim gives you a lot of options as standard. It bundles in a navigation system, two rear seat charge-only USB ports, a blind spot monitor, 12-speaker premium sound system, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear cross-traffic alert. If tech is something you crave, then you get a fair amount of it stuffed into the Technology trim.

5. A Lot of Comfort From the Front Seats

The standard heated front seats practically ooze comfort. Upgrading to the breathable leather on the higher trims does not detract from their coziness either. They have plenty of side bolstering to keep you locked in place as the vehicle turns, and the amount of lumbar support feels adequate for enduring a long road trip.

6. Many Standard Advanced Tech Features

Plenty of standard advanced infotainment features and driver aids exist. Depending on the trim level, you could end up with a plethora of fancy new features. The Base's onboard Wi-Fi hot spot, 9-speaker sound system, and smartphone app integration are generous enough. As mentioned, the Technology trim builds on that foundation rather well. A 16-speaker sound system comes on the A-Spec, and the Advance adds a 360-degree surround-view monitoring system. The only downside is that Android Auto is not yet available.

7. Plenty of Standard Driver Aids

Driver aids are in abundance and are not - as many competitors in this class are wont to do - left as expensive options. Every single RDX comes with adaptive cruise control, lane departure mitigation, and forward collision mitigation. You can build up from there depending on which trim level you go up to.

8. A Quieter Ride Than Ever Before

The side windows on the RDX are now equipped with acoustic glass. This means that far less wind and road noise will make their way into the cabin. Quieter than ever before, the RDX embodies the tranquility that luxury auto buyers seek.

9. The Adaptive Suspension Feels More Refined

Acura's new availably adaptive suspension feels much more refined than its predecessor. After being retuned, the suspension provides more comfort while in Comfort mode and has Sport mode feeling just the right amount of sporty.

10. A New Engine Mount

The 2022 RDX has a newly designed engine mount that lessens the amount of shudder from the driveline. This tended to happen on previous model years when drivers would shift from reverse into drive. This helps smooth out the shifting performance.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Acura RDX – The Cons

1. No Other Powertrain Options Are Available

While the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine provides a fair amount of power, it would be nice to see Acura add another powertrain option. Rivals in this segment often offer at least two, one of which gives a sportier performance and the base engine being more fuel-friendly. But that just is not the case on the RDX.

2. The Touchpad Control Isn't User-friendly

Using the RDX's touchpad controller can be frustrating. Getting used to this system as a whole presents a huge learning curve, and the fussy touchpad controller only serves to hinder the driver's advancement. A more user-oriented setup would be helpful, as those folks who aren't tech-savvy will likely struggle with this system.

3. Pricy Packages

Packages get pricy on the Acura RDX, and options tend to get bundled into them instead of being left as stand-alones. It still undercuts its competition quite a bit, but the more you want to add, the more expensive this luxury vehicle suddenly becomes. You will have to pick and choose your packages carefully if you are shopping on a budget.

4. A Lackluster Fuel Economy

A FWD version of the RDX nets 24 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Equipping SH-AWD takes it down to 23 mpg combined. At least, that's what the EPA tells us. This falls below some major competitors in this segment and is startling considering that this vehicle requires you to use premium fuel. In real-world tests, the RDX barely hit 20 mpg combined, and only someone with an extremely light foot might be able to return 23 mpg combined.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 BMW X3

Although its starting MSRP sits a few grand over that of the RDX, the 2022 BMW X3 presents some stiff competition. It does not necessary excel at anything despite being well-rounded. It does, however, offer engine options that are both fuel-efficient and powerful. The X3 also benefits from a spacious interior design and an abundance of standard and optional features. You can essentially customize the X3 until your heart is content.

2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class does not have as much cargo volume or as great of a towing capacity as rivals like the RDX. Its warranty coverage is also sub par. However, the GLC-Class delivers a nice balance of power and comfort, making for a strong daily commuter. Roomy in the front and back, comfort extends all around. This vehicle definitely looks high-end with all its chic appointments, and the base 4-cylinder delivers a much better fuel economy than the RDX's sole engine option.

Conclusion

The 2022 Acura RDX has been given a few helpful changes for the model year. But does it really compete with top rivals like Mercedes and BMW? It certainly does its best, but these contenders have more powertrain options that give better returns on fuel and power. The RDX is comfortable though, and it does better on passenger and cargo space than some of these rivals. Depending on what your needs are, the RDX could be the right vehicle for you. Still, it is one that you are going to want to take for a long test drive to ensure that its performance really suits you. It will not be the right vehicle for everyone.