The 2020 Acura RDX is offers buyers an upgraded alternative in the small luxury SUV class. It’s a vehicle packed with the latest technology features, a sporty and luxurious interior, excellent ergonomics, and above average cargo and passenger space. To top it off, the 2020 Acura RDX is a great looking SUV and the exterior design helps it stand out from the crowded category of SUVs. There’s certainly a lot to like and it’s significantly less expensive than European luxury alternatives.
BOLD EXTERIOR
Visually, the 2020 Acura RDX has angular bodywork and a striking front end which stands out compared with its subtler alternatives. While the Acura badge might lack the cache of rivals such as Audi and BMW, the 2020 RDX offers comparable build quality and performance at a lower price.
Since the Acura RDX was completely redesigned in 2019, Acura has only made a single change to the RDX for the 2020 model year. The 2020 RDX is now available in an all-new exterior paint colour called Platinum White which looks fantastic. Overall, the 2020 RDX is a stunning, aggressive looking SUV with sleek lines, a large modern grille with a large Acura badge front and center and huge dual exhausts, which all come together to create a bold exterior design.
SPORTY INTERIOR
Stepping inside the 2020 RDX’s superb cabin, you’ll be impressed with the attention to detail when it comes to the fit-and-finish. There are plenty of areas with top notch materials, put together in a modern design that is a treat for the senses.
Our test vehicle was the RDX A-Spec model and came equipped with a two tone red and black leather interior. The high quality, perforated, two tone leather and suede seats are super comfortable and supportive on the sides and legs for longer drives.
Overall, the interior design is quite futuristic and the electronic gear shift buttons allow for storage space underneath making the design also quite practical. The shape of the vents, the widescreen display and the layout of the dash all come together to create a very modern and sporty interior. The design showcases a rotary drive-mode selector front and center in the dash, which flows down into a floating center console.
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
The 2020 Acura RDX comes equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged inline four cylinder engine that makes 272hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. That’s a healthy bump in torque from the previous V6 offering, and it also creates more of that power lower in the RPM range.
There are two suspension options for the 2020 RDX including the top of the line Adaptive Damper System and a passive Amplitude Reactive Damper system for the base models. The non-electronic dampers work well so the ride is firm but not uncomfortable, allowing the 2020 RDX to corner with precision. Handling is helped by a decent steering feel from the variable-ratio rack, although it’s on the light side at low speeds.
Overall, the driving experience of the 2020 Acura RDX can be summed up with the word exhilarating! Plenty of power at hand, adaptive handling, customized driving modes and a quiet ride inside the cabin all come together for a sporty yet luxurious driving experience.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Priced from $43,990 the 2020 Acura RDX is amazing value for money when you compare it side-by-side against its closest luxury competitors. While the price can climb a bit higher with the addition of various options and packages, the quality is still second to none. If you’re looking for a sporty, modern and luxurious SUV then you should definitely take a 2020 RDX out for a test drive.
