BROWSE CAR REVIEWS BY:

MAKE & MODEL TYPE LIFESTAGE
Image
MAKE
MODEL

Review of the 2009 Acura RDX

2009 Acura RDX

Starting Price $33,895

suitable for: Diapers
School
Teens

17
City MPG

22
Hwy MPG

5 Seats
2 Rows
2 Latch Connectors

car_review_head
Print

Interior

Life inside the RDX is fun, too. Acura has pulled together a sporty, luxurious interior that feels pretty good. A mix of subtle textures and neutral colors is pleasing to the eye, and the soft leather is lovely to touch. The Technology Package includes navigation, satellite radio, a rearview camera and tons of other cool stuff. I found most of the nav system pretty easy to use, with its mix of touch-screen and joystick/knob. The Bluetooth link worked beautifully, once I figured out that I needed to use voice control to set it up. I’m always annoyed when I have to break out the manual instead of being able to figure things out, but the RDX’s Bluetooth setup was the only instance of that.  I had less fun with the seats, which, while heated and adjustable in 10 ways, just never seemed to fit perfectly. The perforated leather has a great sporty look, but I couldn’t help but think of all the disgusting tidbits that my kids could grind into those teeny little holes. The firm seats and sporty bolsters were slightly uncomfortable, and they made turning around to see behind me difficult. I had to turn around a lot, because the rearview camera wasn’t all that helpful. It seemed to have a weird zoomed perspective so I couldn’t tell how far things were from the car. Also, there was a perpetual glare on the screen. Not helpful.  There are lots of helpful items in the RDX. The center console storage bin is enormous and has fold-down shelves to help keep things organized. My large purse fit perfectly inside, and most standard laptops will fit as well. The fabulous 10-speaker audio system sounded great, and the auxiliary jack had my iPod working beautifully alongside the satellite radio and six-disc CD changer. I had no problem finding my way, thanks to the navigation system that also shows traffic information and Zagat-rated restaurants.  In the backseat, my little guys were happy and comfortable. The booster seat fit nicely without any tilting or sliding, and everyone could find and buckle their seat belts without my assistance, even with a third passenger in the center seat. I love when the kids can find their own buckles—it just makes my life that much easier. There are two cupholders in the rear armrest for a combination beverage containment/boundary marker that also makes things easy. Easy is fun.

shopping around: At cars.com

key interior: Features

    ● Navigation system with voice recognition
    ● Heated leather seats
    ● AcuraELS surround-sound system with XM Satellite Ratio and AUX input jack
    ● Bluetooth link
    ● Center console storage box

available interior: Colors

  • Ebony
  • Taupe

Take the Next Steps at Cars.com

Find This Car Near You Research This Car

Shop for a car

of
Powered by Cars.com
of
Powered by Cars.com

Sign up here to receive our newsletter.