Getting your player ready...
Last week I wished for a turbocharger in the 2011 Acura MDX luxury midsize SUV, and, as if in response, showing up at my garage door over the weekend was the smaller Acura RDX luxury compact crossover – with turbo power.
The RDX’s turbo is the first ever placed in an Acura production model, and is of impressive effect.
Equipped with Acura’s SH-AWD setup, the RDX was up to the task of maneuvering in the 5-inch-deep snowfall and frigid temperatures which fell to 0 three mornings.
The snowy conditions were slippery, yet the all-wheel-drive system (no low-range capability) of the RDX proved relatively stable and a good tracker in some offroad testing. The SH-AWD setup can direct up to 70 percent of power to the front or rear wheels, while in cornering, 100 percent of rear torque can be sent to the outside wheel to increase its acceleration. Slips were felt, as the little RDX maneuvered through snow-covered dirt trails, followed instantly by corrections from the AWD torque transfers.
The RDX’s suspension of MacPherson struts in front and multi-link independent rear with aluminum knuckles has removed harshness from the road impact, but occasionally exhibits a good bounce at one corner or another. Eighteen-inch wheels increase stability.
The five-passenger RDX, which uses a common platform with the Honda CR-V, is 9 inches shorter than the MDX.
The RDX’s underpinnings are sharply upgraded over the Honda, and its turboed 4-cylinder far exceeds anything available from Honda.
The combination of paddle shifters for quickness and turbo for power boost is a good one for the little crossover.
There is virtually no lag in throttle response with Acura’s 240-horsepower, 2.3-liter engine. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, which features the convenient paddle shifters and a sport setting for higher shift points. Its quickness is countered by a so-so EPA rating of 17/22, only one mile-per-gallon higher than the bigger MDX’s V-6 ratings. My average in overall driving was 19.3 mpg. A 6-speed automatic transmission, used by many of its competitors, might by the answer for the RDX.
The RDX’s all-wheel-drive system boosts its sticker price to $35,480. Perforated leather seats are heated for the front-seat occupants. Other features are navigation, 10-speaker audio with subwoofer, sunroof, rearview camera, automatic climate control, xenon HID headlights and six airbags.
The RDX’s small exterior belies the fact it can be a cargo hauler. Its 27.8 cubic-feet of space behind the rear seats can be expanded to 60 by folding down those seatbacks.
Outside, the RDX is marked by the corporate look – a sinister grille. It flows back to a rounded rear end with a spoiler.
How does it shape up against the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover? Both offer turbocharged 4-cylinder engines; the RDX 5-speed automatic compares with a 6-speed for the VW. The Acura is 2 inches longer in wheelbase and 8 longer in overall length and is 300 pounds heavier.
’11 Rogue upgraded with grille, spoiler
Most noticeable changes in the Nissan Rogue for 2011 are a restyled grille up front and the addition of a spoiler at the rear.
The little crossover is in its third year of production. Its sales are strong, falling just short of 100,000 units for the past year.
The Rogue is priced below much of its competition. The all-wheel-drive model I tested carried a sticker price of $27,105 and included a small-screen navigation, XM satellite radio, automatic temperature control, automatic headlights, power moonroof, rearview monitor and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.
The Rogue is roomy, 5 inches longer in overall length than the Honda CR-V, and provides 58 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down.
It is a bit underpowered with its 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission. Its EPA rating is 22-26; I averaged above 25 miles per gallon. Acceleration lacks mostly at the low end; midrange torque is more than adequate.
The ’11 Rogue, built in Japan, offers three levels of trim: the base S, upper-end SV (the review model) and the sporty Krom.
Notes from e-mail
I’ve run in to a little problem, Bud, since I told myself decades ago I would never pay more for a car than I did for my first home. That $27,500 limit is starting to be a little limiting. Do you have any way of reviewing good used cars? – B.B.
You’re obviously younger than me, Bruce. What if your limit was $11,500?
2011 Acura RDX
$35,480
(price as tested)
MPG City 17 Highway 22
Vehicle type: Luxury compact crossover
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Length/Width/Height: 182.5/73.6/65.1 inches
Weight: 3,942 pounds
Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Fuel mileage: 19.3 mpg
Fuel tank: 18 gallons
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles basic; powertrain 6/70,000
Competitors: BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Volkswagen Tiguan, Lincoln MKX, Infiniti EX, Volvo XC60
Built at Marysville, Ohio
