2022 Acura RDX

Pros: Athletic handling; comfortable ride; generous interior room

Cons: Infotainment controls require acclimation; lack of stand-alone options means RDX isn’t as customizable as some of its rivals

CG Says: The 2022 Acura RDX receives a mild refresh that includes updated exterior styling, additional noise-reduction measures, and updated drive-mode settings for a more distinct feel between the modes. Newly available tech features include standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a wireless charging pad, Lane Change Assist, and a rear seat-belt reminder. Acura’s compact SUV kicked off its third generation for 2019. The sole engine is a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive or Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) are offered; the SH-AWD system can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, and up to 100 percent of that torque can be directed either the left- or right rear wheels. Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with a low-speed follow feature. A blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic monitor, and surround-view camera system are available. The RDX’s console-mounted True Touchpad infotainment control interface can be tricky to use, and Acura doesn’t offer traditional stand-alone options. Still, the RDX is one of the best values in the premium compact SUV segment. It offers pretty much everything shoppers in this class are looking for—interior room, fuel economy, luxury ambiance, sporty handling, engaging styling, and all-around refinement.