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2008 Acura RDX SUV
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What Changed for 2008:
The RDX is Acura’s second SUV. It is smaller than the MDX and offers two rows of seating, holding a total of 5 passengers. It was introduced as an all-new model for 2007. Acura says the RDX is designed for “high-energy urbanites” who spend their work week in the city but who want to “decompress” on weekends by getting out of town. The RDX, which is some 10 inches shorter and 3 inches narrower than the MDX, launched with the first turbocharged engine available in any Acura product. The RDX body includes a rear hatch finished with a replaceable panel designed to enhance not only the SUV’s visual appeal but to reduce the cost of repairs, Acura says.
Model Lineup
The 2008 Acura RDX is sold in a single trim level, though an optional Technology package is available, as are several dealer-installed accessories. The RDX comes with a power moonroof and heated outside mirrors that angle down when the vehicle’s gearbox is in reverse. It also has auto-off headlamps, speed-sensing windshield wipers, an intermittent rear wiper, heated front sport seats with perforated leather, 8-way power for the driver’s seat, a locking center console, 60/40-split folding rear seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls, cruise control, power windows, remote entry, HomeLink garage door opener, front and rear beverage holders, front-door utility boxes, a reversible cargo lid, 360-watt Acura Premium sound system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and XM satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, multi-information display, and exterior temperature indicator.
The optional Technology package includes Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition and rearview camera, AcuraLink satellite communication with real-time traffic, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface, a 410-watt Acura/ELS premium 10-speaker surround sound system, GPS-linked dual-zone automatic climate controls, and more.
The 2008 Acura RDX is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
Powertrain
The 2008 Acura RDX features a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine turbocharged to pump out 240 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. That power goes through a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control to Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. The powertrain is EPA-rated at 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway.
Safety
The 2008 Acura RDX comes with Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. Other safety features include daytime running lights, fog lamps, high-intensity discharge headlamps and tire-pressure-monitoring system. Front, side and two-row curtain air bags are standard equipment.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the Acura RDX at 5 stars for frontal- and side-impact protection for driver and passengers and 4 stars for its resistance to rollover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Acura SUV “Good” ratings in both front- and side-impact protection.
Technology
According to Acura, a conventional 4-cylinder engine delivers fuel economy but not the power needed for an SUV, so the automaker used a turbocharger to boost the engine’s power curve. The 2008 Acura RDX has a variable-flow turbocharger designed to overcome the “lag” experienced with traditional turbochargers. Acura says its new design also should enhance reliability of the turbocharger, which uses the flow of exhaust gases to pump additional air into the engine’s combustion chambers, thus producing a better burn and more power. Acura says its turbocharger has fewer moving parts inside the turbo housing and is designed to shield the control valve pivot from the exhaust’s highest temperatures.
- Bluetooth HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface with steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Personalized settings via 8-inch multi-information display
- Dual-position memory for driver’s seat and mirrors
- Automatic-dimming rearview mirror
- AcuraLink real-time traffic expanded to 76 metropolitan areas
- Acura Navigation System with voice recognition available in Hawaii
- New exterior color: Polished Metal Metallic
The RDX is Acura’s second SUV. It is smaller than the MDX and offers two rows of seating, holding a total of 5 passengers. It was introduced as an all-new model for 2007. Acura says the RDX is designed for “high-energy urbanites” who spend their work week in the city but who want to “decompress” on weekends by getting out of town. The RDX, which is some 10 inches shorter and 3 inches narrower than the MDX, launched with the first turbocharged engine available in any Acura product. The RDX body includes a rear hatch finished with a replaceable panel designed to enhance not only the SUV’s visual appeal but to reduce the cost of repairs, Acura says.
Model Lineup
The 2008 Acura RDX is sold in a single trim level, though an optional Technology package is available, as are several dealer-installed accessories. The RDX comes with a power moonroof and heated outside mirrors that angle down when the vehicle’s gearbox is in reverse. It also has auto-off headlamps, speed-sensing windshield wipers, an intermittent rear wiper, heated front sport seats with perforated leather, 8-way power for the driver’s seat, a locking center console, 60/40-split folding rear seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls, cruise control, power windows, remote entry, HomeLink garage door opener, front and rear beverage holders, front-door utility boxes, a reversible cargo lid, 360-watt Acura Premium sound system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and XM satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, multi-information display, and exterior temperature indicator.
The optional Technology package includes Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition and rearview camera, AcuraLink satellite communication with real-time traffic, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface, a 410-watt Acura/ELS premium 10-speaker surround sound system, GPS-linked dual-zone automatic climate controls, and more.
The 2008 Acura RDX is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
Powertrain
The 2008 Acura RDX features a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine turbocharged to pump out 240 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. That power goes through a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control to Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. The powertrain is EPA-rated at 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway.
Safety
The 2008 Acura RDX comes with Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. Other safety features include daytime running lights, fog lamps, high-intensity discharge headlamps and tire-pressure-monitoring system. Front, side and two-row curtain air bags are standard equipment.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the Acura RDX at 5 stars for frontal- and side-impact protection for driver and passengers and 4 stars for its resistance to rollover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Acura SUV “Good” ratings in both front- and side-impact protection.
Technology
According to Acura, a conventional 4-cylinder engine delivers fuel economy but not the power needed for an SUV, so the automaker used a turbocharger to boost the engine’s power curve. The 2008 Acura RDX has a variable-flow turbocharger designed to overcome the “lag” experienced with traditional turbochargers. Acura says its new design also should enhance reliability of the turbocharger, which uses the flow of exhaust gases to pump additional air into the engine’s combustion chambers, thus producing a better burn and more power. Acura says its turbocharger has fewer moving parts inside the turbo housing and is designed to shield the control valve pivot from the exhaust’s highest temperatures.