2009 Acura RDX Consumer Reviews

Never Again

Written by: Mark from Sacramento on 10/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

My wife got the car and she seems happy with it, but I think the lack of visibility out the back is dangerous. The rear window is very small and then further blocked by the driver's headrest. Visibility out the driver's side is also bad because of the frame between driver and passenger windows. The real problem is the delay in acceleration which is maddening. Delay is usually 1 second but if you really need to pull in front of a car to make an exit you need to know it may the sequence which is engine revs, wait a second, wait a second, and then car accelerates, but not quickly. I can't believe this is supposed to be a premium car. Also high hood blocks forward view a little.

Favorite Features

Interior is nice and seats are very comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger rear window, lower hood, bigger engine. Bigger engine to eliminate amazingly long turbo lag.

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Not overly impressed

Written by: Jack Gantos on 09/09/2009

Vehicle

2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

I've had my RDX for nearly three years on a lease and I will be turning it in and not getting another. The gas mileage is well below what is listed at 17mpg in town. I live in Boston and drive around town and get about 11/12 miles per gallon, and I'm not a lead foot. The Turbo is not as responsive as it should be--there is some lag, but it is not bad when it kicks in. Just not as perfect as the sales people tell you it is. The interior is basic. Visibility is routine. Body design is nice. But the interior trim is just an upgraded version of a Nisson X-Terra. I question if my "leather" seats are really leather. They remind me of the Mercedes leather- like material I had in my Turbo D.

Favorite Features

Good 4 wheel drive. Quick handling. Agile. Feels safe.

Suggested Improvements

More luxury. Better leather. And definitely better gas mileage--gas mileage at present is really pathetic. And I dare the dealership to challenge my stats.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Fun to Drive

Written by: rd on 08/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

I love this car! I have an Acura MDX too but this thing is fast. The seats are very comfortable, cabin noise is minimal. I do not understand the poor mileage complaint. I have driven the car for last 7000 miles and I have consistently gotten around 22 mpg. Nice leg space in rear seats. Good sound system. Great value for money and without sacrificing the fun part. Fast acceleration when needed. If you are looking into CR-V or RAV4 with all options, please buy this instead. Worth it! Nice ride too. Truly, not bumpy at all. They must have and 'have' softened the suspension since the original 2007 model. Its as good as any other SUV.

Favorite Features

Engine, precise handling, very comfortable and adjustable seats. All the needed options in base come as standard. Huge center console space. SH-AWD works, had no trouble driving on icy/snow covered roads.

Suggested Improvements

Heated back seats. Auto lights. Automatic telescopic wheel adjustment based on drivers (seats and mirrors are memory based).

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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A fun, fun, fun sporty little SUV

Written by: accurashopper on 07/09/2009

Vehicle

2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

I absolutely adore this SUV! I drove a mid-size sedan for many years and it did take some time to adjust to the RDX. The tilt down mirror on the passenger side is wonderful when backing. The interior is well laid out with all of the controls within easy reach. The center console is deep - it holds my large purse with room to spare. The front seats are comfortable and there's ample knee space in the rear with the front seats all the way back. Ride is firm - you feel some of the bumps and hear a little road noise, but the fun factor outweighs any of this. Fits my small family perfectly. Represented an excellent value for the money compared w/competition. Currently get 19 mpg city.

Favorite Features

Sporty feel, leather seats, AWD, center console, convertible cargo area, moonroof.

Suggested Improvements

Minor things: Auto-dimming mirror should come with compass and outside temp so other passengers can view info. Put a manual trunk release near the fuel door release on the driver's side. Leather shift knob should be standard.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Beware

Written by: Fred on 07/08/2009

Vehicle

2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

This is not the luxury car that Acura should be selling. Unlike other Acuras, the vehicle does not have automatic headlights, a basic safety and convenience feature available on similar, and many far less expensive cars. The gas mileage is far less than advertised. It is very difficult to open the rear door. The instrument panel, particularly the radio controls, are poorly designed and difficult to use. While the turbo engine is very good and the ride is decent, the car is not what I have come to expect from Acura -- they should be ashamed.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

6 out 13 people found this review helpful

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2 Years Later

Written by: Levelheaded on 06/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

This is a jazzed up Honda at best. By no means does this truck have a true level of luxury, in fact, an Accord V6 may be more luxurious. That being said, it's all about performance in the RDX, and a fun factor that you will not find in any other smaller SUV. The RDX is the best driving small SUV out, it's faster, handles better, and has fantastic steering - new editions like the Q5 will give it a run, but its price keep it from being shopped together.

Favorite Features

Turbo that works - minimal to no lag, strong acceleration, sports car moves, SUV carrying capacity, great back seat - more room than what appears, sports car suspension (it's stiff - too stiff), SHAWD works.

Suggested Improvements

Interior needs to be more luxurious, get rid of the plastic dash, needs rear HVAC, hydraulic hood, rear lift gate release/power, 8 way pwer pass seat, materials on back doors need to match front doors (hard plastic trim vs soft padded materials) std 19 inch rims, more options.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Love It!

Written by: Lynne on 06/15/2009

Vehicle

2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

I just picked up my new RDX & I LOVE IT! I traded in my 10 yr old Saturn which I loved (low maint. & great reliability) but wanted an upgrade in quality (interior, features, etc). I do a lot of driving & the RDX has NOT disappointed so far. I read a LOT of reviews before buying & I have to say that the ride is a little rough but was expecting the "sporty drive" so I don't mind it. I have to respectfully disagree w/ complaints about the fuel economy. My 4-cyl Saturn ave. 30mpg, so I was prepared for a big bite into my fuel budget. Have put about 200miles on the RDX so far and I'm ave. 25mpg (60% hwy). Not bad! I don't dog it on the Turbo but it's a comfort knowing it's there if I need it.

Favorite Features

Hands Free Link (use it A LOT), tire pressure gauge, AWD (haven't had opp. to try it yet), Turbo, sound system (whoo-ya!), this car is FUN!

Suggested Improvements

Smoother ride, more voice command capability on HFL. Really minor stuff if you do your homework first and know what you're buying. I wrestled with whether to upgrade to Tech Pckg but opted not to. Maybe next time...

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Good value for Money

Written by: corduroygt on 06/14/2009

Vehicle

2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

I got my RDX tech for around 32k + taxes. I think for the price, the feature content is great. I don't know why people think it rides harsh, I think the ride/handling balance is just right, sporty and confidence inspiring without being too harsh or floaty. The worst thing about this car is the omission of a couple cheap-but-nice features, and the fuel economy, which could have been better if they put the V6 under the hood. It's got more than enough power to deal with traffic.

Favorite Features

Rear view camera, shift paddles, ride/handling/power balance.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy, put 6 or 7-speed auto, Auto headlights, Auto wipers, keyless ignition, auto closing of windows/sunroof with the keyfob, swiveling bi-xenon headlamps.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Long term review

Written by: tom on 05/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

Have owned the SUV for one year and 18k miles now. Fun to drive, good visibility, excellent handling and did real well in the New England winter. I am not a very aggressive driver and don't use the paddle shifters much. I do a mix of highway and city driving. I am averaging 21 mpg. The rear suspension is very firm which could be uncomfortable for rear adult passengers on longer trips. I owned another Acura five years ago. I was disappointed with the fit and finish of my SUV. Total of three trim pieces on the dashboard and passengers door panels were replaced under warranty because they became loose. Had to also take it back for rattling sound behind the glove box .

Favorite Features

Responsive engine and transmission. Easy to use navigation system. Awesome handling, minimal body role on tight corners. Versatile vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Disappointed with the fit and finish of this SUV. Maybe it is just this car but have not had these type of issues with previous Acuras. Fuel economy should be at least 5-6 mpg higher for this class of SUV.

20 out 22 people found this review helpful

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Great Car

Written by: Leonid on 04/22/2009

Vehicle

2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

I have been driving this car for about a month and I have really enjoyed every moment in it while at the wheel. It accelerates and runs great. The turbo engine is amazing. My wife and I like the RDX exterior and interior. The ergonomics is virtually perfect. I think the RDX is one of the best buys on the SUV market.

Favorite Features

Turbo engine, XM radio, navigation system, Bluetooth phone option.

Suggested Improvements

Move the Navi mouse down to the central console, adding OnStar would be a huge plus.

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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