2022 Acura RDX: What’s New?
For the 2022 model year, Acura had one goal in mind for the new RDX: more standard features and a quiet cabin for models with option packages. Both the interior and exterior have been refreshed, not redesigned according to CarAndDriver. The new look and added features give more to the driver at less cost, making the new Acura RDX a better value. The SUV has a few significant changes for the new model year so, what’s new?
2022 Acura RDX exterior refresh
The 2022 RDX borrows some of its new design elements from the larger Acura SUV, the MDX. The textured grille and wider air intake on the front of the vehicle make it look like the smaller sibling of the MDX. The A-spec gets round gloss-black tips, while the other trim levels all receive rectangular exhaust tips. 19-inch, 10-spoke wheels are now standard across all Acura RDX models, except for the A-spec which comes with 20-inch options. These wheel sizes are all up one inch in size from the previous model year.
As for paint colors, there are some new ones being introduced, some of which are exclusive to specific trim levels. Liquid Carbon Metallic is now available model-wide, but Phantom Violet Pearl requires the Technology and Advanced packages. The limited-edition PMC edition of the RDX also comes in Long Beach Blue Pearl.
What kind of engine does the 2022 Acura RDX have?
Acura has not made any changes to the RDX engine from the 2021 model. There is one available option throughout all trim levels, which is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the RDX’s lone engine is capable of producing up to 272-horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard for all trim levels, but SH-AWD is an available option.
For 2022, the electronic brake booster has been re-tuned to solve complaints about the 2021 model year’s inconsistent braking. The automaker also noted that the selective driving modes have been changed to more drastically make a difference between them. The Comfort and Sport settings were previously virtually indistinguishable. The previous model year’s gas mileage will likely carry over since the engine remains the same. That gives the FWD version 22 city and 28 highway mpg, and the AWD version a slightly reduced average of 21 city and 27 highway mpg.
An improved interior design
New materials and colors cover the interior of the 2022 Acura RDX, giving an entirely new look and feel. Aluminum trim is standard on all models, and so are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. RDX models with the Advanced package equipped will also get open-pore wood and Milano leather throughout the inside. More standard technology includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and an upgraded new version of AcuraWatch. The rear seatbelts have been updated with pre-tensioning technology to provide better protection for passengers. New side structures in all doors allow the RDX to meet new crash test requirements.
Safety, standard technology, and a sleek new look all make the interior of the RDX a great improvement over the previous model year. The RDX will have a limited edition PMC trim just as it did in the 2021 model year. The PMC edition comes fully loaded and only 200 will be produced. Acura says that the 2022 Acura RDX will start at $40,000 and it will become available in November of 2021.
