2020 Acura RDX A-spec Review (w/ video)

I can easily say this is my favorite SUV that I’ve reviewed. Being that it’s a luxury crossover probably helps with that. I’ve been thinking about what kind of four-door I’d want to add to my garage and I can say that I don’t need to keep looking.

This RDX is equipped with a 2.0 L VTEC 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 272 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels (SH-AWD).

I was impressed with the responsiveness and the engaging feeling of the RDX. It really behaved and drove like a much smaller car. While Comfort mode was my most used while driving on the highway, I really preferred Sport due to its heightened throttle response. While Sport + brought everything even more alive, gears are held longer in this mode making it less efficient and is best used on some twisty mountain roads. While that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy Sport + or you shouldn’t too, it just requires a bit more aggressive driving to get the most out of the higher shift points in the transmission. While throttle response and the transmission were impressive, the brakes provided stopping power to match its size thanks to 12.4 in ventilated discs front and 12.2 in discs rear.

Suspension and chassis feel were excellent. Road feel was never one extreme or another, super bumpy or numb. The car felt quite flat in corners with little to no lean. This was one of the highlights of the vehicle for me. I never felt like I was in a large vehicle; high off the ground towering over everyone.

The adaptive cruise control worked flawlessly in my long drive to San Marcos and back over the weekend with traffic slowing to 0 MPH, the system engaged back up helping to make the drive easy and safe.

The outside of the RDX is finished in Apex Blue Pearl and 20” alloy wheels. This pant color is exclusive to the A-spec. The exterior is just aggressive enough with the A-spec styling package separating from just any RDX.

I’m a huge fan of the exterior styling of the RDX A-spec. It doesn’t look too big or small and has just enough personality to make it interesting.

The interior is covered in red and black and the Acura ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers (standard in the A-spec).

I just love this interior! It’s so sporty and every surface is finished in a high-end material. Nothing looks cheap and I especially love the red accents. The inside of the RDX is really what sealed the deal for me.

So, the big question is, would I buy one? Absolutely. I actually asked for a longer loan once I drove the car. I’ve been dreaming of adding it to my stable as my four-door vehicle ever since day one of the loan. Thus, this SUV receives the highest rating I’ve given a large vehcile. All thanks to an attractively designed exterior and interior, excellent handling and more personality than expected.