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

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

Model Value:
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.

Model Overview:
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.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.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.