X

2013 Acura RDX (pictures)

The new generation of the RDX, Acura's smaller SUV, shows substantial changes. The body is new, but the V-6 engine and cabin tech, used in Acura's other cars, are nothing new.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
35329240-2.jpg
1 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
Acura's smallest SUV grows an inch in length and height for the 2013 model year, gets an engine swap, and has its all-wheel drive dumbed down.
35329240-3.jpg
2 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
New styling on the body is apparent from the grille, which assumes a more subtle posture. The front bumper is molded completely into the front of the car, and at the rear the exhaust pipes are invisible, hidden underneath the car.
35322406_SS01.jpg
3 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
Acura went from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to this naturally aspirated V-6, giving the RDX more power and better fuel economy.
35329240-1.jpg
4 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The RDX is designed as a five-passenger SUV with a reasonable amount of cargo space.
35322406_SS02.jpg
5 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The RDX can be had with front- or all-wheel drive, although Acura got rid of the more advanced SH-AWD (Super Handling-All Wheel Drive) found on the previous generation of the RDX.
35322406_SS03.jpg
6 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
Even with the rear seats up, there is plenty of cargo space. The RDX could easily take a family of four on a road trip.
35322406_SS05.jpg
7 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
Acura maintains its premium level with the RDX, with good noise insulation for the cabin and leather-covered, power-adjustable seats.
35322406_SS06.jpg
8 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The rear seat is a typical bench, but it does offers a surprising amount of legroom.
35329240-4.jpg
9 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
Acura offers all of its tech in one big package. Without the tech, the LCD comes off the dashboard, along with the main interface controller.
35322406_SS07.jpg
10 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
Acura uses an electric power-steering system in the RDX. The steering wheel offers a little resistance.
35322406_SS08.jpg
11 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
Buttons abound on the steering wheel and dashboard. Acura could take lessons from other automakers in better consolidating such buttons.
35322406_SS10.jpg
12 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The six-speed automatic is the only transmission available. It has a Sport mode, and the gears can be selected manually, but its shifts are too slow for fast driving.
35322406_SS11.jpg
13 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The big control in the middle is a hybrid dial/joystick/button that controls most cabin tech functions.
35322406_SS16.jpg
14 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The navigation system's maps offer only a 2D, top-down view.
35322406_SS14.jpg
15 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The navigation system includes Zagat restaurant listings, and even shows comments for each restaurant.
35322406_SS20.jpg
16 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
A nice feature of the navigation system is a set of scenic drives, at least one for every state.
35322406_SS19.jpg
17 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The infotainment system brings in weather forecasts, along with this severe-weather map.
35322406_SS21.jpg
18 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The Bluetooth phone system is capable of receiving text messages, although this only works with some phones.
35322406_SS22.jpg
19 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The iPod play screen shows album cover art along with track information.
35322406_SS23.jpg
20 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The iPod music library screen shows categories for album, artist, and genre. You can also use voice command to request songs by name.
35322406_SS24.jpg
21 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
Bluetooth audio streaming shows track information, and includes Pause/Play controls.
35322406_SS25.jpg
22 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
Acura reserves 15GB on the car's hard drive for a music library.
35322406_SS27.jpg
23 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The audio setting gives level control over the subwoofer and center channel, as well as bass and treble.
35322406_SS28.jpg
24 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
This 10-inch subwoofer is part of the ELS audio system, which delivers crisp, excellent sound.
35322406_SS29.jpg
25 of 25 Josh Miller/CNET
The rearview camera offers three different views to aid in parking.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos