Exterior/Interior
RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the SUV's sporty athleticism. Standard 18-inch wheels and tires, large wheel arches, aggressively raked body sides, steeply raked windscreen, and a short rear overhang generate an RDX with a taut and muscular presence. A unique rear hatch, finished with a replaceable panel to reduce the cost of accident repair, allows for a smooth transition of the body to the rear bumper. Such bodywork transition delivers a more custom look as well as eases loading and unloading of cargo. Available for 2008 is a new exterior color named Polished Metal Metallic.
Inside the RDX, the front seats feature a high outward visibility "eye point" that provides a confident field of view. The 3-passenger rear seat has a 60/40 split-folding capability and, when folded flat, significantly expands the load area and increases the total cargo volume to 60.6 cubic feet. Multiple interior storage compartments are positioned throughout the interior, including a lockable dual-level center console that's large enough to accommodate a briefcase, located conveniently between the front seats.
The RDX features an array of electronic features that set it apart from the competition. Standard features include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a Multi-Information Display (MID), LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink mobile phone connectivity. Also standard is an impressive 360-watt 7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with a multi-format 6-disc changer, AM/FM tuner, XM Satellite Radio, and the convenience of an MP3/auxiliary input jack for easily connecting audio devices such as an iPod.
Just one option package-the Technology Package-is offered on the RDX. The Technology Package heightens the RDX's appeal with tech-savvy customers through a range of advanced features. The centerpiece is a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround Premium Sound System designed by legendary recording engineer Elliott Scheiner. When playing DVD-Audio discs (DVD-A), this advanced 410-watt system delivers eight discreet audio channels (up from the usual two channels) to create an exceptionally accurate listening experience. With its multi-format 6-disc DVD-A changer, AM/FM tuner and XM Satellite Radio, the system is versatile and powerful.
The Technology Package also incorporates numerous information and communications features including Acura Navigation System and AcuraLink Satellite Communication System with real-time traffic. Furthermore, AcuraLink allows for 2-way communication between Acura and the vehicle, thus providing customers with the latest information and service requirements specific to their vehicle.
The real-time traffic feature of the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition can display up-to-the-minute traffic information including flow, accident, construction and weather conditions on freeways in 76 metropolitan areas-an increase of 32 markets from 2007. When the transmission is placed in reverse, the Navigation screen displays a video image from a rearview camera to make parking easier.
Safety
The RDX's technology leadership also extends to safety, where a long list of advanced safety technologies, including an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure make the RDX one of only two luxury SUVs in its class to achieve both the U.S. government's top 5-star rating for both frontal and side impact crash tests, along with a "TOP SAFETY PICK" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The ACE body employs a network of interconnected front frame structures that work to absorb and redirect collision forces away from the passenger cabin while improving crash compatibility with vehicles of different sizes in a frontal collision. A special frame member located below the front bumper is designed to engage the front bumper of a lower vehicle, allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles to attenuate crash energy more efficiently.
Inside the RDX is a full complement of passive safety features. Key technologies include the latest generation of dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, plus side airbags for the driver and front passenger along with side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all outboard occupants. The passenger's side airbag features an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) to prevent airbag deployment if a child or small-stature adult leans into the deployment path. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat mounting systems allow the quick and secure installation of a child seats.
In addition, a specially engineered hood, collapsible hood hinges, breakaway wiper pivots and other features help reduce the chances of pedestrian injury in the event of a collision with the vehicle.
The RDX is assembled in America at the company's Marysville, Ohio, auto plant. The RDX is built on the same assembly line as the Acura TL luxury performance sedan.
Like all Acura models, the 2008 RDX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service, and trip routing.