Best Car Reviews - 2021 Acura RDX AWD A-SPEC

Introduction

The 2021 Acura RDX AWD A-SPEC is a bold statement in the compact luxury SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of performance, style, and technology. Released in the competitive automotive landscape of 2021, this model is tailored for drivers who crave sporty aesthetics without sacrificing utility. What sets the RDX A-SPEC apart from its peers is its emphasis on dynamic driving and a well-appointed interior, all packaged within Acura's reputation for reliability.

Design and Exterior Features

The design of the 2021 Acura RDX AWD A-SPEC is both striking and aggressive. Its sleek profile, highlighted by sharp, angular lines, gives it a modern and athletic look, without veering too far away from the brand's aesthetics. The A-SPEC variant stands out with unique features, enhancing its appeal to more adventurous buyers.

Jewel Eye® LED Headlights: These give the vehicle a distinctive look and enhance nighttime visibility.
Diamond Pentagon Grille: This feature serves as the design centerpiece, offering a bold front-end appearance.
19-inch Alloy Wheels: Adds to the vehicle's sporty stance.
Dual Exhaust Outlets: Optimizes performance while providing a distinctive design cue.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin of the 2021 RDX AWD A-SPEC is a haven of comfort and sophistication. Acura has employed high-quality materials, emphasizing both tactile luxury and modern aesthetics.

The leatherette seats are accented with Ultrasuede® trim, providing exclusive comfort and style.
A panoramic moonroof spans the ceiling, allowing natural light to flood the interior.
Heated front seats and power-adjustable seating with lumbar support ensure comfort on any journey.
Ample legroom and cargo space make it ideal for both city errands and longer road trips.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2021 Acura RDX AWD A-SPEC is powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder SIDi engine paired with an S10 automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers exceptional performance, producing up to 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 6.8 seconds.

Driving dynamics are enhanced by Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, providing excellent grip and agility. On city roads, the RDX is responsive and nimble. On highways, it offers a smooth, composed ride, with precise steering that instills confidence during cornering.

Fuel efficiency stands at approximately 12.9 l/100 km, which positions it decently among its class.

Adaptive Suspension: Tailors ride comfort and performance to driving conditions.
Agile Handling Assist: Improves stability during dynamic maneuvers.
Drive Mode Selector: Allows the driver to tailor the driving experience to preference.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2021 RDX AWD A-SPEC is loaded with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance connectivity and driving experience.

10.2-inch HD Dual-Content Center Display with True Touchpad Interface™.
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration for navigation and media streaming.
Bluetooth 5.0: Provides seamless connectivity for audio and calls.
ELS Studio 3D® Premium Audio System with 16 speakers, delivering concert-quality sound.

Safety Features

Safety remains a cornerstone for Acura, and the RDX AWD A-SPEC is no exception. It includes an array of standard and advanced safety features.

AcuraWatch™: Suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation Braking System.
Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor for enhanced situational awareness.
Multi-View Rear Camera: Ensures safer parking and reverse maneuvers.

Pricing and Variants

The 2021 Acura RDX AWD A-SPEC has a starting price of approximately $45,000 USD, making it competitive in the small luxury SUV market. It's positioned well against rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, offering similar features with a performance edge for a slightly more accessible price.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Sporty and dynamic design elements.
Responsive engine with excellent handling.
High-quality interior materials with luxury features.
State-of-the-art infotainment and audio systems.
Comprehensive safety suite as standard.

Cons

Fuel economy could be improved.
Complex infotainment system might require learning.
Limited rear visibility.
Lacks lower trims with more affordable entry prices.
Cargo space smaller compared to some competitors.

Maintenance and Common Issues

The 2021 RDX AWD A-SPEC boasts an average annual maintenance cost of about $600. However, some known issues that owners may encounter include:

Infotainment software glitches.
Tire pressure monitoring system faults.
Brake system noise under heavy braking.
Occasional transmission hesitations during low-speed shifts.
Sunroof wind noise at higher speeds.

Rating

Overall, the 2021 Acura RDX AWD A-SPEC scores an impressive 8.5 out of 10. Here's the breakdown:

Design: 9/10
Comfort: 8.5/10
Performance: 9/10
Technology: 8/10
Safety: 9/10

User Reviews and Feedback

"The A-SPEC package is worth every penny for its sporty aesthetics."
"Super comfortable ride, but infotainment takes a while to get used to."
"Fantastic on the highway, holds its own during long drives!"
"Great safety features, I feel incredibly secure in it."
"Wish it had a little more boot space."

Best Cars in this Category

2021 Audi Q5
2021 BMW X3
2021 Lexus NX
2021 Volvo XC60
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Summary

The 2021 Acura RDX AWD A-SPEC is best suited for drivers seeking a blend of sportiness and luxury within a practical SUV framework. It offers robust performance, an upscale interior, and advanced technology, appealing to those who value both style and substance. While pricier than some competitors, its comprehensive feature set and superior handling justify its standing as a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment.