by Hayley Thomas

“The pleasure of cruising the coastline was amplified by the views offered from the RDX’s raised stance.”

Exploring beautiful British Columbia for the first time should enjoyed in the comfort and views offered by a high-end sport-utility vehicle.

Having recently moved to the province from Nova Scotia, it was time for my parents to make their first trek to this side of the country, so the pressure was on to find an appropriate vehicle to show off my new ‘home’.

A 2015 Acura RDX was available in the media fleet: Its 273-horsepower, 3.5 litre V-6 engine, along with a 6-speed automatic transmission, persuaded me it would get us where we needed to go.

Hayley Thomas, Driveway Contributor

Hayley Thomas, Driveway Contributor

My parents, Nadine and George Thomas, started their trip in Vancouver, in the heart of the city. On the first evening I offered to take them for a drive around town to show them the hot spots. The RDX offers soft leather seats featuring 8-way power adjustability, coupled with a very sleek and stylish exterior, which incorporates an aerodynamic efficient body. To say we felt cool driving it through the city, with music pumping from the 360-watt audio system, is an understatement.

Within a few days, we were on our way to explore Salt Spring Island. At this point, it was time for my father to get his hands on the wheel to see what the RDX was “really made of.”

Our joint verdict is the RDX offers great handling with an agile yet secure feel – the vehicle integrates Amplitude Reactive Dampers that analyze the driver’s input against the road conditions to adjust the drive to the road you’re travelling.

Like most dads, mine never needs directions. However, when we were on our way to the Saturday Market we “somehow” ended up on a dead-end back road. Luckily, the GPS navigation system gave my mum a much-needed break from map reading. The system has the ability to pinpoint your location almost anywhere in North America, and is equipped with two options of relaying your route: either by voice or a real-time moving map. This feature is a sure-fire way of ensuring you get to where you need to go, while removing any second-guessing from the equation.

We continued our adventures on Vancouver Island from Nanaimo through the Vancouver Island mountain ranges. At this point, I once again took over driving without the hassle of re-setting my seat preferences; the settings were conveniently programmed into the seat position memory. Once back on the road I really put the pedal to the metal – the acceleration was brisk and delivered plenty of power. With that much power, typically comes a hefty bill at the gas station and not because of all the ice cream sandwiches purchased there. However, a comparison check shows the RDX offers fuel efficiency is rivalled by very few luxury SUVs. Given the often-steep gas prices we see these days, the RDX’s fuel economy on average is 10.6 litres/100 km, allowing motorists to enjoy summer drives guilt-free.

The pleasure of cruising the coastline was amplified by the views offered from the RDX’s raised stance. Driving as the sun dipped below the horizon meant it was time to open the moonroof. The moonroof is easily operated with a one-touch power mechanism along with a visor that actively reduces the vibrations and noise associated with having a window open, allowing for a smooth and noise-free ride.

Last, but certainly not least, I had long been awaiting my parents’ arrival with the anticipation of finally properly learning how to parallel park. Much to my surprise, the Acura RDX provides all of the tools required to successfully complete this complex and sometimes dangerous (when I’m behind the wheel) task. The vehicle includes a multi-angle rear-view camera along with reverse tilt dual mirrors that provide curb views. I can now parallel park in the city without chagrin – hold onto your curbside parking spots, fellow motorists.


 

2015 Acura RDX

Base price: $41,390

Price as tested, Tech edition: $44,390 – plus $1,995 freight & pdi

“The fuel cell Tucson can go 420 kilometres on one tank of fuel, a range about which electric car manufacturers can only dream.”

2016 Acura RDX
2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Series with EcoBoost
2016 Honda Pilot
Hyundai Tucson fuel cell
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe

Several new crossovers will be featured at this year’s Vancouver auto show.

Honda recently revealed for the first time at the Chicago and Toronto auto shows, the all-new Pilot. Gone is the boxy three-row vehicle, replaced by a sleeker, more stylish design. Now equipped with LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, along with available 20-inch wheels and panoramic sunroof, this is a modern take on family hauling. The Pilot is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission or an optional nine-speed unit. This new model will be sold with front or all wheel drive and because it is 135kg lighter than the last model it should be more efficient.

Mercedes is renaming the M-Class as the GLE. GL refers to an SUV/Crossover and the E is the “E-Class of SUVs”. To confuse things a bit more, the first debut is the GLE Coupe, a sportier coupe-like SUV designed to compete with the BMW X6. This Mercedes, with its sleeker silhouette and powerful 262-hp biturbo V6, looks great. It will range from comfort to all-out performance.

The Acura RDX has been a big hit for this premium brand. Based on the ever-popular Honda CR-V, this Acura is filled with lots of luxury touches for a modest price. The 2016 RDX showcases the latest look of the Acura family. The dual LED headlamps and improved interior design, including two screens in the centre of the dash, puts the RDX in line with the new TLX and recent MDX. Good news is that the trusty V6 engine will stay for 2016.

Hyundai has announced that they it will start leasing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tucson SUVs to Canadians this year, with the Vancouver area being the first market to receive these world-class vehicles. This is an electric SUV but instead of getting electricity from the grid it is produced using an onboard hydrogen fuel cell. The owner fills the fuel tank with hydrogen, not gasoline, and drives normally. The fuel cell Tucson can go 420 kilometres on one tank of fuel, a range about which electric car manufacturers can only dream.

Ford has one of the best selling SUVs of all time in the Explorer, with more than 350,000 sold in Canada so far. The all-new 2016 version made available a 2.3L EcoBoost engine on the base and XLT trim. The 290hp 3.5L V6 engine is carried over but the Sport trim and new Platinum trim will be fitted with the 365hp Ecoboost V6. The new Platinum model will be fitted with real aluminum and ash wood accents, plus leather will trim the steering wheel, instrument panel, armrests, doors and other trim.

Range Rover has two new versions of the Range Rover Sport. The most popular will be the all-new 3.0L diesel engine that produces a whopping 440 lb.-ft. of torque and better fuel consumption. In fact, Range Rover claims a 32 percent improvement over the regular V6 model. On the high performance end is the Range Rover SVR, capable of a run to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. This will be the first Range Rover to sport the new SVR (Special Vehicle Racing) badge.

Prices remain to be finalized on most of these vehicles at press time.

Contact: zack [dot] spencer [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

“If you are in the market for a fantastic, very well-equipped small SUV with plenty of luxury touches then the RDX should be on your list.”

When one manufacturer comes out with a vehicle, you can be sure that the other manufacturers will match the equipment and price, almost to the dollar with their own products.

There are exceptions to every rule and the Acura RDX is one of those exceptions. The value that this entry-level premium SUV offers is so good, it is hard to find a vehicle that can compete on price, features and overall ease of use. Based on the hot-selling Honda CR-V, Acura takes what is good about that vehicle and transforms it into an Acura, full of luxury touches, more power and refinement that makes it the best value in the hyper competitive compact luxury SUV space.

Looks 

With every great deal there is usually one area that lets down the overall package and in the case of the RDX it is exterior styling. The Acura grille is less intrusive than the previous model but it might be rather bland. Wheel sizes are kept to 18-inches, even the optional sport wheels are only 18-inches. The rest of the RDX is inoffensive but not striking either. The size and shape is perfect for most buyers looking for a compact SUV, with large easy to use doors. The RDX is sold in only two trim levels; the base is $41,390, almost dollar-for-dollar the same starting price as all other small luxury SUVs. It is the optional Tech package that makes this a steal. Fully loaded, the RDX Tech is just $3000 more at $44,390.

Inside

Acura takes the CR-V’s selling points like a roomy cabin, flat rear floor, automatic folding rear seats and pumps up the features. The dash is nicely arranged with much higher trim and finish on the dash, doors and armrests. Standard features include heated leather seats, power moon roof, push button start and a multi angle rearview camera. The Tech package adds an 8-inch centre screen with voice activated navigation, a power tailgate, duel climate control and an upgraded stereo system, for just $3000 more. Try and find these features in one of the competitive German of Japanese vehicles for just over $44,000. It doesn’t exist. Acura and Honda are moving towards a two-screen centre console, the RDX is still sold with a single screen and this makes the operation much simpler. The new systems are eye catching but simplicity over flash has a place.

Drive

With manufacturers racing to include smaller turbocharged engines with eight and nine speed automatics, the RDX is still sold with a trusty 3.5L V6 and a proven 6-speed automatic. Take notice, this might not be the case with the next model so buying this simpler RDX might be a good buy. The 273hp engine is very quick off the line; it cruises with ease and passes without hesitation. In real world highway and city driving the RDX returned 13L/100km just slightly worse than the 12L used in the CR-V. All wheel drive (AWD) comes standard on all models but it is a simpler system than the previous model. The suspension is less aggressive than the past model too. This has all been done to produce a ride that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. In everyday driving, the laid-back approach is welcome but the powerful engine always makes the commute fun.

Verdict

Some good news, the rumour mill is grinding out potential new updates for the 2016 model year including a refreshed front end and interior tweaks. Stay tuned. As it stands, the RDX is a bargain in the small luxury SUV space but this Acura model almost needs an edge because the brand doesn’t have the same badge-appeal as the German makers and even Lexus. This RDX competes in the luxury space but many potential buyers don’t perceive Acura to be true luxury, more premium than luxury. This is the same battle Lincoln is facing. If you are in the market for a fantastic, very well equipped small SUV with plenty of luxury touches then the RDX should be on your list. Get past the badge-appeal and find out for yourself what this vehicle has to offer.

Contact: zack [dot] spencer [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

**********

The Lowdown

Power: 3.5L V6 with 273hp

Fill-up: 12.1L/8.7L/100km (city/highway)

Sticker price: $$41,390-$44,390

“If you are in the market for a fantastic, very well equipped small SUV with plenty of luxury touches then the RDX should be on your list…”

When one manufacturer comes out with a vehicle, you can be sure that the other manufacturers will match the equipment and price, almost to the dollar with their own products.

There are exceptions to every rule and the Acura RDX is one of those exceptions. The value that this entry-level premium SUV offer is so good, it is hard to find a vehicle that can compete on price, features and overall ease of use. Based on the hot-selling Honda CR-V, Acura takes what is good about that vehicle and transforms it into an Acura, full of luxury touches, more power and refinement that makes it the best value in the hyper competitive compact luxury SUV space.

Looks 

With every great deal there is usually one area that lets down the overall package and in the case of the RDX it is exterior styling. The Acura grille is less intrusive than the previous model but it might be rather bland. Wheel sizes are kept to 18-inches, even the optional sport wheels are only 18-inches. The rest of the RDX is inoffensive but not striking either. The size and shape is perfect for most buyers looking for a compact SUV, with large easy to use doors. The RDX is sold in only two trim levels; the base is $41,390, almost dollar-for-dollar the same starting price as all other small luxury SUVs. It is the optional Tech package that makes this a steal. Fully loaded, the RDX Tech is just $3,000 more at $44,390.

Inside

Acura takes the CR-V’s selling points like a roomy cabin, flat rear floor, automatic folding rear seats and pumps up the features. The dash is nicely arranged with much higher trim and finish on the dash, doors and armrests. Standard features include heated leather seats, power moon roof, push button start and a multi angle rearview camera. The Tech package adds an 8-inch centre screen with voice activated navigation, a power tailgate, duel climate control and an upgraded stereo system, for just $3,000 more. Try and find these features in one of the competitive German of Japanese vehicles for just over $44,000. It doesn’t exist. Acura and Honda are moving towards a two-screen centre console, the RDX is still sold with a single screen and this makes the operation much simpler. The new systems are eye catching but simplicity over flash has a place.

Drive

With manufacturers racing to include smaller turbocharged engines with eight and nine speed automatics, the RDX is still sold with a trusty 3.5L V6 and a proven 6-speed automatic. Take notice, this might not be the case with the next model so buying this simpler RDX might be a good buy. The 273hp engine is very quick off the line; it cruises with ease and passes without hesitation. In real world highway and city driving the RDX returned 13L/100km just slightly worse than the 12L used in the CR-V. All wheel drive (AWD) comes standard on all models but it is a simpler system than the previous model. The suspension is less aggressive than the past model too. This has all been done to produce a ride that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. In everyday driving, the laid-back approach is welcome but the powerful engine always makes the commute fun.

Verdict

Some good news, the rumour mill is grinding out potential new updates for the 2016 model year including a refreshed front end and interior tweaks. Stay tuned. As it stands, the RDX is a bargain in the small luxury SUV space but this Acura model almost needs an edge because the brand doesn’t have the same badge-appeal as the German makers and even Lexus. This RDX competes in the luxury space but many potential buyers don’t perceive Acura to be true luxury, more premium than luxury. This is the same battle Lincoln is facing. If you are in the market for a fantastic, very well equipped small SUV with plenty of luxury touches then the RDX should be on your list. Get past the badge-appeal and find out for yourself what this vehicle has to offer.

Contact: zack [dot] spencer [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca


 

The Lowdown

Power: 3.5L V6 with 273hp

Fill-up: 12.1L/8.7L/100km (city/highway)

Sticker price: $$41,390-$44,390

COMMENTS
POPULAR
TAGS
  • Recent Comments

    • Andrew Ross { Enjoyed your Forest of Bowland in the BMW X5M, particularly the photo of the BMW in front of the main part of Stonyhurst College where... }
    • Davd Randall { Bantam designed the Jeep, not Willy's or Ford. The American military gave the original Bantam prototype to Willys and Ford to copy. There is plenty... }
    • Elliott Parodi { All Escalades come with a 6.2-lilter V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered and drives the rear wheels.... }
    • Ev { Alexandra is an excellent journalist. }