The 2010 Acura ZDX begins life as the MDX crossover, a vehicle we've long admired for bringing capable handling and three-row crossover functionality under one roof. The ZDX's standard six-speed automatic transmission further distinguishes it from other Acura models. Less impressive ZDX distinctions include just 56 cubic feet of cargo space (about the same as a Honda Fit), a meager 1,500-pound towing rating (the MDX can tow 5,000 pounds) and a cramped, coupelike backseat.
There's a healthy 300 horsepower on tap, but the ZDX has 4,400 pounds to haul around.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 Acura ZDX is a midsize five-passenger crossover SUV. There are two significant options packages for the ZDX. The Advance package includes these features plus electronically adjustable suspension dampers, a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated front seats and a sport steering wheel.
The 2010 ZDX features the same Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system found in many Acura products. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard. The ZDX's maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.
Standard safety equipment for the 2010 Acura ZDX includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
The 2010 Acura ZDX tracks capably around corners, thanks to the SH-AWD system that mitigates understeer by sending torque to the wheels that need it most.
The good: A smart all-wheel-drive system makes the 2010 Acura RDX one of the sportiest small SUVs we've driven. The bad: The engine delivers poor fuel economy and uneven acceleration.
The bottom line: A nice-handling little SUV with useful cabin tech features, the 2010 Acura RDX is plagued by an inefficient power train.
That engine and the all-wheel-drive system, and to some extent the automatic transmission, make the 2010 RDX one of the sportiest drivers amongst small SUVs, but the turbocharged engine doesn't do well with the car's near-2-ton curb weight.
Although Acura claims its variable-flow turbocharger minimizes lag, we beg to differ. The gas engine gives the RDX adequate push from a stop, and then the turbo kicks in when the engine hits about 2,500rpm. EPA fuel economy is 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, pretty dismal numbers for a four-cylinder engine.
Of course, that Lexus also has a six-speed transmission, versus the five-speed automatic in the RDX, which will affect fuel economy. Our RDX came with Acura's Super Handling All Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD); a front wheel drive RDX is also available. This system holds the road incredibly well.
It's fun to drive and remarkably well-equipped and well-priced.
Acura had great timing when it introduced the RDX a few years ago. Today, nearly every luxury nameplate has a small entry-level crossover, and Acura has responded by giving the 2010 RDX a modest design update and a less expensive front-wheel-drive model — but not much else.
Interior
Acura says it has upgraded the RDX's interior materials, but you'd need a craftsman's touch to notice the differences. The steering wheel has about a dozen buttons.
I've easily installed various child-safety seats back there.
Cargo
At 27.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up, the RDX has plenty of room for most daily uses, but it's slightly behind the Q5 and XC60, which have 29.1 and 30.8 cubic feet, respectively.
Performance
I've driven the RDX many, many times.
All-wheel drive is now optional, which means you can put all 240 horsepower from the turbo engine to just the front wheels by choosing the base model. With all-wheel drive, though, spirited cornering is possible, and the RDX feels planted at all times. Mileage is decent for the front-wheel-drive model, with EPA-estimated gas mileage of 19/24 mpg city/highway. I managed to put about 200 miles on my all-wheel-drive test car, and I averaged around 18 mpg in mostly heavy traffic.
Features & Pricing
The front-wheel-drive model starts at $32,520, which is about the same as the XC60's $32,395 starting price, which gets you front-wheel drive and a less powerful inline-six-cylinder engine. The all-wheel-drive RDX starts at $34,520.
Safety
Before the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety instituted its new roof-crush ratings, the RDX was a Top Safety Pick, earning top overall scores of Good in front, side and rear crash tests.
RDX in the Market
Almost every one of the RDX's competitors is strong and would be a good pick — just like the RDX.