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Photos: 2008 Acura RDX

The 2008 Acura RDX is an excellent compact SUV and tech cruiser with some major flaws, such as lousy mileage and a difficult interface.

CNET Reviews staff

March 6, 2008 10:21 a.m. PT

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Acura launched the RDX as its entry into the crossover market, intending to build a car suitable for urban dwellers who might take recreational equipment out of town on the weekends.

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Acura styling is evident in the thin geometrical grille. High intensity discharge headlights are standard.

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The RDX uses a small 2.3-liter four cylinder engine, with horsepower brought up to 240 by a turbocharger.

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Although the rear seat room isn't huge, the RDX has a generally practical shape, with enough cargo area and seating room for four adults.

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The RDX has some sport cues in its styling, such as the dual exhausts and rear spoiler over the back hatch.

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The car offers a reasonable amount of cargo space, and the rear seats fold down to add extra space.

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Although Acura is Honda's luxury brand, the cabin materials aren't as plush as you might find in an Infiniti, Lexus, or BMW.

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The RDX handles very well, as long as you aren't distracted by one of the 13 buttons on the steering wheel.

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With the technology package, you get this navigation system mounted in the dashboard. We aren't crazy about the interface but it has a lot of features.

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Acura could do better with the transmission--the RDX comes with a five speed automatic that doesn't stand out in any particular way.

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We like the blue outlines on the gauges. Acura even offers a turbo boost gauge, to the left of the speedometer.

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This graphic shows the torque distribution of the RDX's all-wheel-drive system in real time.

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The navigation system is very useful, although the map resolution isn't great.

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XM traffic reporting is integrated with the navigation system, letting you see traffic flow and specific incidents.

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We like the destination entry interface for the navigation system, which includes a full POI database.

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You can use the multifunction knob to enter destinations or the voice command system.

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The graphics for route guidance aren't the nicest we've seen, but they are functional.

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The technology package includes XM satellite radio. We find this interface a little difficult to use--it's easy to find preset stations, but harder to figure out how to tune into other channels.

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Like the XM interface, we aren't crazy about the MP3 CD interface, either.

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The RDX includes an auxiliary input on the center stack. For a high tech car, we would like to see iPod integration.

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The RDX comes with the ELS audio system, which provides excellent quality sound in the car. You can adjust treble, bass, center fill, and subwoofer to get the sound you prefer.

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