The 2009 Acura RDX - Turbocharged Power, Enhanced Features, and Top Safety Ratings!

The Acura RDX, which completely redesigned for 2007, continues virtually unchanged for the 2009 model year. For 2009, the driver seat is now more luxurious and more adjustable. A theft-deterrent system is now standard. A new display with climate control and audio information is now available with the Tech Package.

The luxurious Acura RDX has a high-performance edge and is geared for those who want a sporty, all-weather vehicle but who won't venture off-road. The RDX has more curvaceous, edgy styling than other compact SUVs while still having a roomy, flexible interior. It also stands out for safety features and crash protection; Acura says its one of only two luxury SUVs to achieve both a five-star rating in federal front- and side-impact crash tests and be an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick.

The RDX is powered by Acura's first-ever turbocharged engine--a 2.3L making 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine uses a computer-controlled i-VTEC variable valve actuation, working in conjunction with a variable-flow turbo system. Shifting is done through a five-speed automatic with Sequential Sport Shift, which allows the driver to command shifts through paddles alongside the steering wheel.

Sporty performance and handling for a utility vehicle; versatile cargo space; wide range of luxury features in a compact vehicle.

An advanced all-wheel-drive system delivers power to the wheels on all RDXs. Called Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, it controls the distribution of power not only front to back, but also side to side. The system is optimized for high-performance on-road driving. The system utilizes yaw control--a feature that few AWD systems have--and works in conjunction with the Vehicle Stability Assist system, a form of electronic stability control. The RDX also comes with side air bags for front occupants and full-length side-curtain bags for all outboard occupants.

The RDX seats five, and the back seat is split 60/40 and folds forward flat to expand the cargo area to 60.6 cubic feet. There are also various storage compartments throughout the interior, including a lockable, dual-level center console that's large enough for a briefcase or laptop.

Prices rose in 2009 $500 for the base RDX and $300 for the Tech Package.

2009 Acura RDX Prices

TRIM

Starting MSRP

2009 Acura RDX All Wheel Drive

$33,895

2009 Acura RDX All Wheel Drive with Technology

$37,195

A very long list of convenience and luxury equipment is standard on the RDX, including a dual-zone climate control system, the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system for cell phone connectivity, and a seven-speaker, 360-watt sound system with six-disc changer, MP3 compatibility, XM satellite radio, and an auxiliary input. There's only one significant option package on the RDX: the Technology Package. The package adds a navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, a rearview camera system, the AcuraLink service allowing communication between Acura and the vehicle, and a ten-speaker, 410-watt surround sound audio system that was tuned by recording engineer Elliott Scheiner and can play DVD-Audio discs