Acura RDX A-Spec pumps up with more performance and style

[MUSIC] The 2019 Acura RDX is new from the ground up. It features a full implementation of Acura's latest design language A slew of fresh tech, but more important, is performance oriented with a new platform, engine and an available Aspec model, which is what we have here. The first part of the RDX's performance recipe is a new two liter turbo four, making 272 horse power and And 280 pound feet of torque. That's down seven horses compared to the old V six, but an initial 28 pound feet of torque more that's available from 1600 RPMs giving you more usable grunt around town. That's connected to a ten speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters that are okay, but I found that leaving it in full automatic mode for well timed and fairly quick shifts in sport mode to be the best. It's just easier that way. Acura's excellent SH-All-Wheel-Drive system is optional and capable of sending up to 70% of the torque to the back. And then a torque vectoring rear diff can route 100% of that to either well. Combine that with the [UNKNOWN] specs 20 inch Good Year ego [UNKNOWN] tires and you have a crossover that feels at home and is fun to hustle around [UNKNOWN]. Dynamically the only [UNKNOWN] I have are a long pebble stroke before the brakes begin to grab and I would like slightly sharper. Return your response. Also, the right quality is a bit firmer but there's enough given the suspension this often blows from small bumps. So it's not gonna wreck you. The new RDX also looks the part. Wearing a design based around the diamond pentagon grow with sharper body lines compared to the old car. The ASpec step stems things up further with dark grade 20 It's real sporty, spacious, LED glass light and a bunch of glass black accents. On the inside the [UNKNOWN] has leather seats with ultra suede inserts, a special steering wheel, back [UNKNOWN] trim, metal gauges and metal pedal to an environment that has a clear and [UNKNOWN] inspiration with the center mounted in a gridded dynamic system Of course being a crossover things like practicality and features are important. And the RDX has that covered. Front and rear space is roomy thanks to the longer wheel base. There's 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with the underfort compartments that grows to 58.9 cubic feet with a back Seats folded. The cabin stays really quiet going down the road. And a panoramic roof is standard on all RDX's, which is a nice premium feature. For a tech Acura's new touchpad interface with a 10.2 inch center screen controls [UNKNOWN] That includes a great sounding 16 speaker ELS audio system, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot. And blue tooth. It's also Apple car play capable. With Android auto coming at a later date. The interface is controls are intuitive with a split screen and controller pad, featuring absolute positioning. Meaning where you touch on the pad corresponds with the screen like a smart phone. Best of all there's still physical buttons on the center stack for volume and And seek functions. Standard safety features are forward collision warning with automatic emergency breaking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and a multi angle rear view camera. And blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and parking sensors are available. But from our in depth look at all the tech inside the RDX, make sure to check out the separate tech check. Video. The 2019 Acura RDX starts at $38,295 with front-wheel drive. SH All-Wheel Drive tacks on an additional $2,000, making for a more affordable price point compared to things like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes GLC. This, I will drive. A specs, starts at about $46,000 which, I think, is not too crazy. Now, I know Acura doesn't have quite the reputation of the Germans but from a performance and styling standpoint, I think the new RDX is worthy of being in the conversation with them. [MUSIC] [BLANK_AUDIO]