Acura RDX: Never panic

So you’re an automaker who spends a gazillion bucks building a car for a niche market that spurns it. If you’re Acura, you don’t panic. You adjust and you shift your sights. In 2005, Acura introduced the RDX, a small, sporty crossover aimed at young, urban males. When they didn’t buy it in the numbers the business plan was built on, Acura rethought the RDX and broadened its mission. Acura introduced the second-generation RDX in 2013. Within months, sales had quadrupled and the RDX had become the brand’s best-selling model. There was no magic involved; just a series of smart moves. The new RDX ($35,415, including destination) moved, in not upscale, then into a slightly different neighborhood. Its more aggressive edges were toned down and, despite gaining power, the RDX became more fuel efficient. A new powertrain set the tone. Out was the first-generation’s rowdy, 240-horsepower turbocharged four, in was a 273-hp V-6. A new six-speed transmission replaced the original’s five-speed. A new all-wheel-drive system replaced a heavier, though more capable system. Fuel efficiency improved, from 19 mpg city/24 highway/21 combined (FWD), to 20/28/23, and so did performance. At 6.5 seconds, the made-over RDX is a half-second quicker to 60 mph than its predecessor. The new engine was more refined, as well, both quieter and smoother. And though some torque was sacrificed, power delivery was more linear, with none of the original’s turbo lag and peaky responses. Meantime, the body shell grew more rigid and the suspension was softened for a smoother, more grown-up ride. Though more forgiving, the suspension holds body lean to a minimum during hard cornering. Steering is precise, if a bit light. At speed, wind and road noise are hushed. The RDX cabin grew a bit roomier and far more attractive. A twin-cockpit dash and two-tone color scheme lent a more contemporary feel, while higher-quality materials and revised control panel punched up the ambience. Seat quality is very good, both front and rear, and rear-seat legroom is more than generous. Acura brought the RDX standard features list up to speed, adding such up-to-date niceties as keyless entry and ignition. The full list includes heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, Pandora radio interface, an iPod/USB audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack. The RDX is sold in a single front-wheel-drive trim, with or without AWD. An optional Technology package adds xenon headlights, foglights, a power liftgate, a navigation system (with real-time traffic and weather), GPS-linked and solar-sensing automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with 15GB of music storage. Acura’s second-generation RDX proves that the best response to a non-responsive market is not panic but a better strategy. Don Adair is a Spokane-based freelance writer. Contact him at don@dadair.com. 2014 Acura RDX AWD Tech Vehicle base price: $34,320 Trim level base price: $39,620 As tested: $40,515 Optional equipment: Our RDX AWD with Tech package is a fully equipped vehicle. Our tester included no optional equipment. EPA rating: 19 city/27 highway Premium unleaded fuel recommended