Peter Palmer: 2020 Acura RDX Hits Dealerships: A Brief Walk Around

The 2020 Acura RDX is now on the showfloor for a starting MSRP under $40,000. Designed and built under Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance mantra, this current generation RDX is the product of an extensive overhaul. The 2020 RDX features a VTEC turbo engine, 10-speed transmission, and an available torque vectoring all-wheel drive system.

The A-Spec variant is there for those who want a bit more flash and flare.

The 2020 Acura RDX arrives with some clout as well, recently named as the “Best Compact Luxury SUV for Families” by U.S. News and World Report and “Best New Car for 2019” by Autotrader. The available Acura ELS Studio 3D premium audio system was even named “Car Audio System of the Year” by Business Insider. During this brief walk around, we will provide you with a top to bottom look at the 2020 Acura RDX.

Design & Technology

The 2020 RDX is the first to fully encompass Acura’s new exterior and interior design language. Diehard fans may remember the Acura Precision Concept and Acura Precision Cockpit; this is, in essence, a combining of those two elements. Acura opted for a more athletic stance, achieved by the longer wheelbase, shorter front overhang, and overall wider track. New for 2020 is a sleek Platinum White exterior color.

Inside, brushed aluminum, stainless steel, and Olive Ash wood accents compliment the sport seats and panoramic moonroof. Acura’s True Touchpad Interface combines conventional touchscreen and remote-based approaches from its perch atop the center console.

2020 Acura RDX A-Spec. Photo: Acura.

Related: On the road with the Acura RDX A-Spec.

Additional Packages & A-Spec Treatments

The 2020 RDX can be upgraded with the Technology Package and range-topping Advance Package. Available new features, depending on trim, include 16-way power adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a 10.5-inch full-color Heads-Up Display, and the aforementioned Acura ELS Studio premium stereo. Convenience and safety features include a surround-view camera, cross-traffic monitor, and blind spot information system.

Furthermore, on-board 4GLTE Wi-Fi enables services like emergency roadside assistance, remote locking/unlocking, stolen vehicle tracking, and geofencing.

The A-Spec appearance package includes 20-inch wheels and low-profile 245/45R20 tires, gloss black exterior accents, and larger exhaust finishers. An available red or black leather interior with black Ultrasuede inserts are among the treatments inside for the 2020 RDX A-Spec.

2020 Acura RDX interior layout. Photo: Acura.

Power & Performance

Every cake has icing and the 2020 Acura RDX is no exception. The icing here is a turbo engine with direct injection under the hood. The 2.0-liter, 16-valve powerplant with its evergreen DOHC VTEC technology creates 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. With its 10-speed automatic, Acura says it delivers 40 percent more low-end torque than the V6 once found within the RDX’s engine bay. With front-wheel drive, the 2020 Acura RDX delivers an EPA estimated 22/28 city/highway and 24 combined.

Where the RDX cake really gets sweet is with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, an available torque vectoring system often written as “SH-AWD.” The system increases rear-wheel torque capacity 40 percent versus the prior generation. Up to 70 percent of the available torque can be distributed to the rear wheels; and up to 100 percent of that torque can be distributed to either the right-rear or left-rear wheel. This will provide drivers better stability and control, especially during rough weather. EPA ratings fall sightly to 21/27 city/highway and 23 combined with the SH-AWD system.

Available drive modes include Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, each one changing up the overall dynamics of the vehicle to suit differing road conditions. The drive modes utilize the Drive-by-Wire throttle, transmission, electric power steering, traction and sound control, and if equipped, the SH-AWD system accordingly.

2020 Acura RDX with SH-AWD. Photo: Acura.

Pricing & Manufacturing

In general, pricing for the 2020 Acura RDX (including destination) ranges from about $39,000 to $49,000, depending on how its equipped. For example, the entry-level RDX with front-wheel drive starts at 38,595. At the top end, the 2020 RDX with the Advance Package and SH-AWD starts at $48,695. An A-Spec package with front-wheel drive starts at $44,795 or 46,795 with SH-AWD.

The 2020 Acura RDX is manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio.