2020 Acura RDX A-Spec Puts The “Sport” into SUV! 

One of the best features of this car is the lack of big hump in the rear seat floor! No other AWD crossover has this. Good job Acura!

My parents own this exact car. It is truly an excellent car

Another great review, Tom--don't sweat the audio glitch; your video production standards are still head and shoulders above the competition! Thanks for all of the TLC you give your videos. It is appreciated!

I've been shopping for a 2020 rdx and I've been torn between the Aspec and advanced. This is the only video out there that goes a great job describing the difference between the two!! Thank you!

Hi Tom. We bought a 2020 RDX Advance back in August of 2019 when it was first released. Acura really must want to sell some A-Spec models as every one of you RU-vid auto reviewer have been given an A-Spec to show off. I have not seen one of you do a review on the 2020 RDX Advance. Well I'm very happy with out Advance model. Coming from a Subaru Forester 2016, I can't believe the on-road handling of the RDX. IMO, the RDX performs even better than most sedans. It's just crazy. I can't believe I'm driving a crossover with 8.1" of ground clearance. To be sure, it's not perfect. It's a bit on a the small side -- I feel cramped inside, even compared to my Forester -- and the lack of an electronic tilt steering column adjust is just downright repugnant at this price point. But overall I'm exceedingly happy with the on-road driving performance of the RDX. Simply amazing crossover!

I like it, even the prostitution red leather interior. A friend owns an MDX, 300k miles. That MDX has been absolutely bulletproof and rustfree... thanks to southern Arizona weather.

I test drove this and the Lexus Rx350. This is much more fun to drive and almost the size of the RX. This would be my first car I would be willing to give up my manual transmission for.

Thank you for spending so much time with the touchpad interface Tom. I for one wouldn’t want to take my right hand off the wheel that long. And my little mind would be highly distracted from the business of driving the car.

This car really is excellent. Super Handling AWD never disappoints. My friend has a Subaru Forester and this is very clearly a step up.

Maybe it's just me, but if it's got "sport" in the name it's gotta have red gauges. Well done, Acura. You nailed it.

I'm really loving where Acura has taken its design language in this RDX. Looks fantastic. I think they've finally hired the right person/people who know what vehicles should look like with the tagline of "precision crafted performance." Can't wait to see the new TLX and RLX. They better have a manual gearbox available for the new TLX to appease the very few people who want it-I'm one of those.

I really appreciate you mentioned the weight of the vehicle. Thanks :)

I wish the A-Spec was offered with the adaptive dampers and the surround view system. Also, I don’t understand why the rear turn signals are not LED.

Your 0-60 time estimate is significantly off vs other reviewers. Alexonautos got to 60 in 5.7 seconds along with a few others

I recently purchased the Advance model. Its my third RDX and by far the best.

As the world falls apart, these reviews help me feel nice. God bless you all.

I think I want one. Definitely need to try out the infotainment system.

Great Review Tom. I like this RDX and hope it does well for Acura. I would do this A-spec or Advance if I went with one of these.

I would like to see Tom cover key fobs & remote start capabilities in his reviews.

Tom, do you have a favorite infotainment system?

Another recommendation before getting this new RDX generation: do your own research to see if the frequent transmission issues have been fixed. This was a big deterrent for me last year from getting one. And as Tom mentioned there are a few key options missing at this price point, especially for the A-Spec trim.

Just a content suggestion: You should try review older version these cars so that consumers have a better of idea of what’s a better value. After all, your channel’s name says it all :)

Great review as always!!! Greetings from Las Vegas NV!!!

I just looked at an RDX, haven't driven it yet. Also looking at a Nautilus. Both a beautiful. Thank you for the nice review!

The Brothers look lovely at 3:12 :-D Nice cinematography. Look forward to a snowy day review if you recorded one this week... if it was feasible. Safety first! Keep up the good work ^^

Another Like! Thanks Tom ♥

I love my 2019 RDX Advanced. The crossover drives like a much smaller car. However, the infortainment is difficult to use and the lane keep assist is as good as nothing.

I would at least like to see HP on par with the Type-R which should be doable one would think

Tom, you are the best reviewer on RU-vid! I enjoy your videos.

I think of technology when Acura comes to mind, so it's disappointing that Honda's CRV has a MUCH better infotainment system. Ease of use rules over complexity.

And badges. Lol. I really like this A Spec

great review.. just got a 2021 A Spec same color combo. NOTE: Canadian ASPEC get spare tire, auto folding side mirrors, heated steering wheel

This is a nice CUV. However, Toyota’s approach appears superior. The RAV4 Premium Hybrid has good immediate torque backed up by a long range 4 cylinder. The mpg is impressive and the rear powered electric power mirrors all wheel drive. Their Lexus version will up the power and you won’t have the long term mechanical issues of the turbo leading to possible customer loyalty questions. Plus you won’t have to fill with premium gas. Toyotas now have long warranties on their batteries. Appears Honda CRV’s will go this route since the current turbo has degraded their build quality reputation.

I would love to see Acura/Honda put a Civic Type R engine tune on this. It would be so much more fun. Or put a turbo 6 cylinder in.

Review quality is excellent

On my 3rd Acura and they are great cars. Never had an SUV from them and i know that deals are great on 2020 MDX but stale tech makes it non motivating. And I do like the RDX as i had it for a loaner but no matter how good a 4cyl. is....its still a 4cyl. And the touch pad only makes me want a push button screen. The ALL NEW MDX is the one to really wait for if it comes with turbo V6 it will be greattttt!. But just saw vid from Korea of new Genesis GV80 which comes out this month over there and it looks amazing! So much goodness around it may be worth waiting just a little longer? Acura has a habit of leaving you hanging when they have the potential to make absolute greatness, very disappointing they aren't out in front of everyone.

Phenomenal review Sir.

This is a good vehicle as long as you keep the german brands off comparison

Hate that they don't have the adaptive suspension and HUD as an option for the A-Spec trim, or the Advance trim with the A-Spec looks! Hopefully they hear what all these reviews have to say and change the trim options a little in a refresh for their 2022 model bc I doubt they'll make any crazy changes. Other than that, I love everything else about this car!

Great review, but something just seems off about this vehicle. Perhaps because it is trying to be all things to all people. Well, except for those controls in the center console stack, which mimic those of a boom box I had in the 90`s

The touchpad interface uses absolute cursor positioning (not relative positioning), which means when you touch the pad, your selection is based on where you touch, not where you move. Relative positioning is used in a laptop touchpad. I prefer this Acura design and I have learned to use it without even looking at the display. It is faster, more accurate and less distracting than trying to locate a cursor and move it to a specific location or reaching over to look at and press a touch screen. The RDX Intuitive True Touchpad Interface received the Popular Science greatest inventions of 2018 award. (I seldom concur with Consumer Reports reviews). As for Double Clutch Transmissions, I don't see it as a benefit over a Torque Converter Transmission. DCT's do produce crisp shifts but never as smooth and silky as a Torque Converter Transmission. The Acura 10-speed provides quick upshift and downshift and is capable of 4-gear direct downshifts, for example from 10th gear to 6th, or from 7th to 3rd. I drive a 2018 RDX Technology and performance has been exceptional. .

This SUV is sexy

Honest question. How important are ski pass-throughs for people? I know skiing is popular, but most of those pass-through openings seem really small/not that useful. I could see a 40/20/40 split seat being a bit better. But if you’re bringing 3-4 people on a weekend ski trip isn’t it better just to get a roof rack and a Thule container?They just get talked about a lot on car reviews, and I don’t see them as being all that helpful.

Why can’t you get the A-Spec and Advance packages together? Why Acura? Why?!

Why would Acura not make and advanced aspec model 🤦🏾‍♂️

This is a dual clutch by the way

the back with that crab hand design needs to go

Noice! Sharp looking and good value. When is Tom gonna review the 2020 Mazda CX-30?

Is the sound messed up?

A very interesting vehicle the RDX but it looks a little outdated i think although this generation is only about 2 years or less in the market. Not a great loss the audio problems didn't make me leave before the end of the video.

I'm left-handed and as a southpaw I'm accustomed to experiencing discrimination and annoyances. It begins early with school desks and scissors designed for use by "northpaws." The ridiculous handwriting recognition pad on the Acura that requires one to write letters with the index finger of one's right hand is just one more example. Further, I find it especially odd that Acura would engineer such an anti-ergonomic feature when the same problem would impact right-handed drivers in countries such as the UK and other commonwealth nations as well as JAPAN where one drives on the left side of the road.

it is a good suv and i i liked it a lot when I test drove it BUT Acura's advantage and the incentive was being 30% cheaper than BMW, Audi and Lexus. lets be honest here, Acura does not have the badge and luxury recognition as others. I got an X3 with M package for my wife for the exact same price as the RDX Aspec. if RDX was cheaper by a healthy margin we would have considered it but for same price ? this is coming from a proud owner of V6 TLX Aspec 2020( monthly payment is 30% cheaper than a 330i or A4 with similar options)

Love it. Especially in blue. Can’t decide if I’d want to replace my older RDX with a newer one or go to a Honda Passport.

I think the styling is solid, and the size is probably right about perfect. The infotainment just makes me think, "why?" Overall I just can't help thinking that a 2.3 motor making like 310-330 hp is what this car should have. But for the middle of the SUV marked that appreciates a bit more style and lux in an SUV I'm sure this is selling well. But it's a little bit pose. And fake suede = yuck. Great review as always, though.

Great looking SUV! I would like something a little more powerful though...

Thanks Tom on point as usual! what was the MSRP? I missed that part? hope the new camera is working out!

I'd never buy one of these, not something I would ever need. But an awesome review as it is! Nice job, Tom!

Seems like a cx 5 at ten grand less is an option

Not sure if 0-60 clocks in at 7.0 secs. Im sure its in the 6.0sec range

While(Acura RDX -14.3) 4% or so is the average decline in MSRP at auction, some cars performed much worse than average. Here are the five worst cars for model years 2013 to 2015 for retained value in the third quarter, as compiled by KBB. 5. Acura RDX (-14.3%) The RDX was Acura's first compact luxury crossover SUV that showed up on dealer floors in 2006. While the vehicle has earned top ratings for safety from places such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sites such as Consumer Reports found it to be something of a mixed bag, highlighting its safety features such as lane-departure warnings, but also saying its dashboard controls are "an exercise in needless stupidity." USAToday

Great review, good segment, con: a better performance model (Turbo V6 maybe).

Rather just wait for the TLX Type-S.

The Motor Trend 2019 RDX 2.0T faired even worse of all formal tests with a 7.1 0-60 mph time or one full second behind the RDX v6.That follows Consumer Reports 7.0s and Car & Driver 6.6s ranging from a half second slower or more behind the prior generation with 3 5l. Even the lower power Buick Envision 2.0T with less power and four less speeds accelerated quicker, stopped shorter, and handled MT handling test better than the RDX. "RDX's vague braking feel and response. Given that Acura equipped the RDX with "limousine" brakes, slowing down precisely was frustrating for many. Said Scott Evans: "Trying to make a stop sign is much harder than it needs to be." "Acura's wide net leads to confusion about what aiming to be. "It's torn between being luxurious and soft like a Lincoln, sporty like an Alfa, or techy like an Audi, and those things sorta cancel each other out...on winding roads in Sport+ mode, but we didn't feel the emotion we expected."

Very nice like a Japanese range Rover velar

Omly 7 seconds to 60 mph!?

Poor Martin, you had one job to do.

The RDX looks nice and drives OK, but the touchpad interface is a deal breaker. And $47K?

Does this model offer wireless charging?

If a Star Wars Stormtroopers drove a SUV this would be the one.

I dunno, the styling is still a bit "transformer-ish" for me...so many great alternatives in this segment. When it's time to replace my X3, I'm thinking F-Pace...depending on how flush I feel when it's time to pull the trigger. If I'm feeling squeezed, I may go to the Outback XT Onyx. Hey, who am I trying to impress, right?

Motor Trend says the RDX 2.0T is slower than the 2019 QX50 2.0T with it's new engine from the Accord 2.0T is putting out more in the compact SUV. "...The 268-hp crossover recorded a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a 15.1-second quarter mile at 91.6 mph. That's a good bit slower than the last 280-hp Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport we tested but slightly quicker than the 272-hp Acura RDX A-Spec." So C&D 6.6 second 0-60 mph was correct on calling it a Bspec or Cspec. Even Consumer Reports's 7.0s 0-60 was also correct. No sub 6-second time for RDX 2.0T.

Needs a V6 and the infotainment needs a complete rethink.

Hope Honda has fixed the paint peeling problem, especially the white paint:(

The A-Spec line is a joke. All looks, no power.

Does Acura transmission here shirt as fast as the ZF 8 speed in the BMW, Alfa, ect?

I am going to test drive a 2019 version of this and a 2020 Subaru Outback XT Touring. They're only a grand or so apart price wise.

This is on my short list for purchase in early 2021, the 2019's should be

wish subaru would do this with the Sport forester

do we need to raise money for a Microphone..

It looks like a Chinese SUV Coolray 😲

this thing is SLOW, also the infotament system is needlessly complicated and super annoying to use, the car is spacious and AWD is awesome but the infotament is a huge pass! Honda Accord has a better system than this (that HAS to hurt for Acura)

The Passport along with Acura RDX and MDX have lost their recommended status with Consumer Reports. "The Passport two-row midsized SUV is an all-new model based on the three-row Pilot SUV. However, members told us that their Passports suffered from climate system problems, including refrigerant leaks and the AC compressor not working properly. The similar Pilot did not have these problems. When reached via email, a Honda spokeswoman told us that “a countermeasure to address the climate system problems was applied to vehicles beginning in June, and a service bulletin was issued in August. Passport owners experiencing problems with their climate system should contact their authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible to have the vehicle inspected.”"

The Buick Envision 2.0T is putting down a faster 27.5s figure-8 time vs 2019 CX-5 2.5T and 2019 RDX 2.0T at 27.7 in Motor Trend testing. That continues in an Emergency Lane test by Consumer Reports that has the Envision 2.0T doing 55.5 mph while the CX-5(non-turbo) did 54 mph and the RDX 2.0T can only go 52.5 mph. For 2019 Envision 2.0T gets a new 9-speed and 295 lb-ft of torque, 316 lb-ft of torque on overboost. The twin clutch and torque vectoring AWD is something that Mazda cannot match only able to use brakes on a single on a wheel for torque vectoring. The Hiperstrut, as also seen on Honda Civic Type-R as dual axis strut, eliminates any torque steer under accleration. At a discounted $35K the Envision Prem ll offers heads up display, adaptive high beams and articulating HID, adaptive cruise control with full stopping, tri-zone climate control, sliding rear seat, 12-volt outlet, along with Buick's longer warranty than Mazda.

Not a fan of the gauges or the indecent (looking?) rear turn signals. Otherwise it's just okay.

The infotainment system is a deal breaker. It's that terrible.

Good review I waa looking for a suv in this class. The big drive mode knob was a no. An oooops from Honda

Consumer Reports says: ● The system is confusing to use even when the RDX is parked, and it’s very distracting for drivers when the car is moving. For example, they’re forced to look at the screen to execute common audio tasks, and some adjustments are buried deep in submenus. We think it requires too much concentration, multiple steps and extended time with eyes off the road and hand off the wheel. It’s one of the worst systems that we’ve encountered recently. ●Braking performance is strong but the brake pedal has a spongy feel. The suspension quashes most bumps, but we found the ride to be rather firm and choppy. The cabin is quiet, barring a somewhat grainy engine noise. ●We got 22 mpg overall in our tests, which is average for the category, and no better than what we measured with the V6 in the previous-generation RDX. This figure also trails the performance from competitors’ small turbo engines, such as Audi, BMW, and Lexus. ●posting 52 mph through the course. Acura makes a big deal about its Super Handling AWD, which only comes into play when drivers accelerate through a corner. ●Most bumps are absorbed well, but the RDX has a jittery feel over rougher roads and on long drives. ●Most of the time the cabin is very quiet, but a coarse engine hum punches through under acceleration. It’s acceptable when driving aggressively, but annoying in everyday driving ●The brake pedal feels as if it isn’t responding at first, and it requires a bit of effort, which can make the driver feel less-than-confident. ●Although it’s nicely finished, the materials and build quality don’t quite match the best SUVs in this class. For example, the storage cubbies aren’t lined, there were some uneven panel gaps on the center console, and one of the dash vents didn’t move as freely as the others. Finally, there are plenty of soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin, but the material on the upper dash and window sill is quite thin. ●The RDX’s controls are among the worst we’ve experienced. There is a steep learning curve to use the infotainment system, but it is still distracting and confusing to execute common audio functions even after drivers have some familiarity. The system is slow to load after the initial start up.

Great video but I don't know... I have yet to come across a two ton SUV that's actually sporty. Fast? Sure. But sporty? Meh... you can only fight physics so much. SH AWD or not.

"Consumer Reports can no longer recommend six car models, including the Acura RDX(and MDX) SUV... because of problems identified in CR’s annual reliability survey. The survey has data on 470,000 vehicles as reported by their owners."

......another SUV!? :face palm:

Consumers Reports rates this as less reliable than most and don't recommend it. While I like the car I put a lot of weight on CR recommendations.

the Kia sx turn is faster

Meh.

jesus christ is there a more BORING car brand than Acura? i'd say even hyndai and kia are more exciting than this tired old washed up brand

Acura is an excellent brand but cut corners in stupid places.

This kind of unusable infotainment and garbage four cylinder turbo is why I recommend getting a Grand Cherokee. The Jeep is designed for humans, this thing is trying so hard.

Hate the infotainment set up

I prefer the old Acura beak grille. The new one looks like inappropriate.

No way a spruced up Honda is a luxury car.

Your glorified crv is @ss spected! Oh yeah