Acura’s transformation continues as the company has introduced the facelifted 2022 RDX. Drawing inspiration from the redesigned MDX, the RDX has a new front fascia that echoes its bigger brother. The changes are immediately noticeable as the model now features vertical air intakes and a revised grille with a slimmer surround. The modifications continue out back as the model has a lightly revised rear bumper and a new rectangular dual exhaust system. Other highlights include a new Liquid Carbon Metallic color as well as updated 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Interior changes are relatively modest, but buyers will find a new 7-inch digital speedometer as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 2022 model also gains Amazon Alexa integration, which enables drivers to ask Alexa to play music, make calls, control smart home devices, find parking spaces and navigate to a specific location. Furthermore, RDXs equipped with a Saddle Brown interior have a new bronze finish applied to their aluminum trim. The Technology Package has also been upgraded to include a wireless smartphone charger and an IconicDrive LED ambient lighting system with 27 distinct color combinations.
Given the popularity of the A-Spec package, it’s availability has been expanded to include Advance and Technology variants. It features a handful of updates including a new flat-bottom steering wheel, contrast stitching and door panels that now feature Ultrasuede inserts. Customers can also order a new Orchid leather interior. While equipment changes are minor, engineers pulled out all the stops to make a quieter cabin. As part of this process, the crossover has been equipped with acoustic glass, new front fender liners, new sound insulators and a thicker noise insulation pad in the dashboard. The model also sports an enhanced noise cancelation system and revised engine tuning the lowers the cold idle speed from 1,100 rpm to 950 rpm.
Under the hood, there’s a familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 272 hp and 380 Nm of torque. It’s connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission, which can be paired to an optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system with torque vectoring technology. While the engine carries over, the 2022 RDX benefits from a retuned suspension and an upgraded Integrated Dynamics System with four modes – Normal, Comfort, Sport and Snow – that feature more distinct programming. Acura also says brake pedal feel has been improved thanks to an electronic brake booster.
On the safety front, the forward collision warning system has been upgraded thanks to the addition of pedestrian automatic emergency braking which operates at speeds above 10 km/h. The blind spot information system has also been improved thanks to a Lane Change Assist feature and four times more detection range. Acura also added a new rear seatbelt reminder system and a more accurate traffic sign recognition system, which now uses a camera instead of GPS data. Technology variants also gain a new front and rear low-speed braking system, which can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent.
The 2022 RDX will begin arriving at dealerships in early November and will be joined by a PMC Edition, which is limited to 200 units. It features a Long Beach Blue Pearl exterior and Orchid Milano leather just like the range-topping NSX Type S.
