The Acura RDX is refreshed for 2022 with minor styling tweaks that mimic the brand’s larger, bestselling MDX SUV. The significant updates to the compact SUV include a quieter cabin, added safety and connectivity tech, and a more customizable driving experience. A new limited PMC Edition also arrives for 2022 masquerading as the NSX supercar with its Long Beach Blue paint job.
MDX-Inspired From the Outside
Exterior changes are modest for the 2022 RDX. The most notable difference from the 2021 model is the SUV’s front end, which now closely resembles the face of the three-row MDX. The vehicle’s pentagon grille gets a thinner chrome surround and larger air intakes.
Changes to the rear include new rectangular dual exhaust finishers for the standard RDX, while the sportier A-Spec variant gets round, gloss-black exhaust finishers. Nineteen-inch or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are available across the board, and a new five-spoke 19-inch wheel design is offered on the RDX Advance Package. A new 15-spoke wheel design is available on the new RDX A-Spec with Advance Package, and all Advance Package-equipped models now feature power-folding mirrors.
Added Peace and Quiet Interior
According to Acura, the RDX will offer a more peaceful experience for occupants thanks to a quieter cabin and added safety features. All models get sound-deadening improvements including a front-fender liner and active sound control system to help reduce road noise. Engine noise and vibration are addressed with a reduced cold idle speed across all models and a lower torque rod in FWD models.
The Technology Package adds even more sound insulation thanks to thicker carpet padding, plus soundproofing in the doors, glass and dash. Acura says the Advance Package offers the quietest cabin thanks to enhanced insulation throughout the vehicle, including in the dash and under the hood.
As for safety, the 2021 RDX earned the highest rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a Top Safety Pick Plus. Acura claims the RDX is even safer for 2022 with new features that protect occupants in a crash, such as updated outboard seat belts and added structure in the doors for protection in a side impact crash.
Leveled Up Safety and Wireless Tech
The RDX gets updated advanced driver assistance features including an enhanced blind spot information system that now comes with lane change assist. The system detects vehicles within 100 feet (more than four times the distance of the outgoing model). Vehicles with the Technology Package get standard parking sensors that work with a low-speed braking system to detect objects in front or behind the SUV. The AcuraWatch safety suite also adds pedestrian automatic emergency braking to its collision mitigation system.
When it comes to connectivity, “wireless” is the key word for the 2022 RDX. The SUV gets standard wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto integration and Amazon Alexa for all trims, plus new wireless charging capability as part of the Technology Package.
Customizable Driving Experience
The RDX’s 272-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission returns untouched for 2022. What has changed is the Integrated Dynamics System, which offers four driving modes: Normal, Comfort, Sport and Snow. According to Acura, the system will now offer more distinct variations among the modes from Comfort, which uses lighter electronic power steering for a relaxed ride, to Sport, which tunes the power steering for a more aggressive and responsive driving experience. The RDX with Advance Package gets a retuned adaptive shock absorber system that creates further distinction across the drive modes.
PMC Edition Through NSX-Colored Glasses
First launched in 2021, the RDX PMC Edition dresses up in Long Beach Blue Pearl paint that was previously only offered on the NSX supercar. In addition to the exterior exclusive to this RDX trim, PMC Editions get a body-color grille surround, gloss-black grille and exterior trim and unique badging. The PMC Edition shares a powertrain with the standard RDX and gets all the features offered on the RDX Advance Package, including a head-up display, surround-view camera and heated seats. Only 200 PMC Editions will be offered, and each is hand-assembled.
Trims, Pricing and Release Date
The 2022 Acura RDX will be offered in six variations for 2022. The A-Spec appearance package, which adds sporty elements like a flat-bottom steering wheel and a specific 15-spoke wheel design, is now offered in combination with the premium Advance Package.
- RDX (FWD or AWD)
- Technology Package (FWD or AWD)
- A-Spec with Technology Package (FWD or AWD)
- Advance Package (AWD)
- A-Spec with Advance Package (AWD)
- PMC Edition (AWD)
Pricing for the 2022 Acura RDX has yet to be announced; the current 2021 RDX starts at $39,445 and tops out at $49,245 for the Advance Package with AWD. The 2022 RDX is expected to arrive in Nov. 2.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Technology Express staff and is published from a syndicated feed)
