If there is one thing Acura->ke10 knows well, it’s SUVs.->ke145 It has long been an industry leader in luxury SUVs, and the RDX->ke483 is no exception. It had massive success in 2014, as it led its class at 44,865 units sold. Despite this, Acura decided not to rest on its laurels, but has decided to give the RDX a refresh on the inside, outside, and under the skin. This new RDX debuted at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show->ke225 on February 12.

With all of the details in hand, it is clear that Acura's plan is to make every one of its vehicles as similar to the wildly successful TLX->ke4779 sedan->ke142 as it can. Like the sedan, the 2016 RDX received the Jewel Eye headlights and a 3D grille. Also added were some tech updates and a slight power boost under the hood.

Updated 04/15/2015: Acura announced prices for the 2016 RDX, which is now on sale. The model will be priced from $35,270 – an increase of just $175 over the 2015 model year.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Acura RDX.

2016 Acura RDX

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Acura RDX
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 279
  • Torque: 252
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior refresh for the 2016 RDX is pretty much what I expected it to be: just enough to bring it up to date with the rest of the lineup. This update includes the addition of Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights, which I think are absolutely awesome, and a revised front fascia, including a new 3D grille (yes, it’s still the horrendous Acura beak, but the 3D effect makes it a little better), revised and sportier intakes on the outer edges of the bumper, and an angular air vent in the center that also includes a small splitter.

Around back, the same basic theme from the front carries over. The taillights get a slight refresh with the installation of Acura’s light-pipe design, but the best part of the rear-end update is the lower fascia, which gains a new, more angular bumper and insert. This gives the RDX a sportier look from behind while retaining its refined appearance.

Also a part of this refresh are new wheel designs to better match the revised front and rear fascias.

Side-by-side comparison

Interior

The interior of the new RDX also received a small number of changes, including a reworking of the two-tone color scheme, as the black section it now comes farther down the dash, and high-contrast silver brightens things up a bit. The center stack also received a color change, and it appears to be suspended above the center console as opposed to being connected to the console as it was last year.

In terms of new features, the 2016 RDX now comes standard with heated front seats and the new-for-2016, second-row air-conditioning vents.

New tech features include an eight-way adjustable power driver’s seat, a dual-screen, On Demand Multi-Information Display, HD radio, blind-spot information, and rear cross-traffic alert as part of the revised Technology Package. New for 2016 is the Advance Package, which adds rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, bi-directional keyless remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming driver’s-side mirror, and AcuraWatch. In addition to those features, both the Advance and Technology packages get Acura’s navigation system with voice recognition.

Though the changes are light on the inside, Acura definitely built more value into its higher-end trim levels with the addition of all the new features and gadgets.

Drivetrain

In its engine compartment, the 2016 Acura RDX will carry the same 3.5-liter SOHC, i-VTEC engine it has had since its 2013 redesign. In the new model year, however, this engine received a bump to 279 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque – a 6 horsepower and 1 pound-foot boost. Acura also claims a broader torque curve for better acceleration.

On top of the added power, Acura also squeezed an extra 1 mpg highway from the 2016 RDX, pushing the all-wheel-drive model to 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, and the front-wheel-drive model to 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Speaking of the all-wheel-drive system, Acura revised it this year, giving it added rear-wheel bias to enhance its driving dynamics and give it better performance in inclement weather.

In the handling department, Acura installed active front and rear engine mounts for better weight transfer; enhanced the steering system, and stiffened up the suspension mounts.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V-6

Output

279 HP

Torque

252 LB-FT

EPA fuel economy city/highway

19/28mpg (AWD); 20/29mpg (FWD)


Prices

Model

Transmission

Fuel Consumption

Price

RDX (FWD)

6AT

20/28/23

$35,270

RDW (FWD) with AcuraWatch™ Plus Package

6AT

20/28/23

$36,570

RDX (FWD) with Technology Package

6AT

20/28/23

$38,970

RDX (FWD) with Technology Package and AcuraWatch™ Plus Package

6AT

20/28/23

$40,270

RDX (FWD) with Advance Package

6AT

20/28/23

$41,920

RDX (AWD)

6AT

19/27/22

$36,770

RDX (AWD) with AcuraWatch™ Plus Package

6AT

19/27/22

$38,070

RDX (AWD) with Technology Package

6AT

19/27/22

$40,470

RDX (AWD) with Technology Package and AcuraWatch™ Plus Package

6AT

19/27/22

$41,770

RDX (AWD) with Advance Package

6AT

19/27/22

$43,420


Competition

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5->ke1666 was hot on the tail of the RDX in terms of sales in 2014, as the German automaker saw 42,420 of its small SUVs find new homes. The Q5 does lose a little in terms of pricing, as it starts out at $39,300, but it more than makes up for it in terms of options, standard all-wheel drive, and overall brand recognition.

In its base trim, the Q5 uses a 2.0-liter TFSI engine that delivers 220 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque. This gets the Q5 to 60 mph in a respectable seven seconds and up to a top speed of 130 mph. On top of being quick, the Q5 2.0 TFSI is also fairly fuel-efficient, at 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Audi also offers a 3.0 TFSI engine with 272 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque for those who need more performance, and a 3.0 TDI that gets 31 mpg highway for those looking for better fuel economy.

Lincoln MKC

The Lincoln MKC->ke4599 is a bit of a dark horse in this race, as it sat in the middle of the pack in terms of sales in 2014, but it was an all-new model in a lineup that was still trying to find its footing. In terms of pricing, the MKC is a bargain at $33,100, but the marque has been marred by mediocrity in recent years.

Under its hood, the MKC is based on the successful Ford Escape,->ke233 which is certainly not a bad thing. The MKC comes standard with a 2.0-liter, EcoBoost four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This powerful four-pot delivers 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, and 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg with all-wheel drive. Moving up to the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine turns up the wick to 285 horses and 305 pound-feet of twist, and it includes standard all-wheel drive.

In terms of standard features, the MKC is about even with the base RDX, save for the leatherette seating (the 2015 Acura RDX has standard leather and the 2016 model likely will too). The MKC comes standard with goodies like LED taillights, 18-inch wheels, a nine-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, and more.

Conclusion

Acura has the luxury SUV realm pretty much locked down, and improving upon the best-selling RDX can only mean good things. Acura does need to tread lightly with this revision, as making it too crazy may chase buyers away, but then, going too light may bore buyers and allow the Q5 to catch it. I think Acura’s on the right path with the way the press release is worded, but it is really hard to tell everything the Japanese automaker has up its sleeve.

Updated History

Updated 02/13/2015: We've added a series of images taken during the RDX's official debut at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

Updated 02/12/2015: Acura unveiled the new 2016 RDX at the Chicago Auto Show. Click past the jump to learn what the new model year brings new to the lineup.