Interior Advantage: RDX Advance
Step inside the RDX, and it’s a different
story. Even with 20,000 miles on our RDX’s
odometer, sometimes I still find myself
feeling and appreciating the A-Spec’s
Ultrasuede trim on the seats and on the
passenger-side dash. Having said that,
my time in an RDX Advance reminded
me of how refreshing it is to drive a car
with an interior that has a splash of color
other than black. True, the RDX A-Spec
has contrasting piping in the seats and
the more adventurous among us could
daily drive an A-Spec with its available
bright-red and black seat combo. I find
the Advance, with its matte wood trim and
choice of four interior colors (black, brown,
gray, and beige), to be a better fit.
Driving Fun Advantage: RDX A-Spec
(in a photo finish) The MotorTrend test
team has track-tested a number of 2019
and 2020 RDXs at this point, and to be
honest, this 2020 RDX Advance AWD
tester doesn’t change much. The 2020S
o you’ve decided the 2020 Acura
RDX is the luxury SUV for you—great!
But which trim should you pick? No
car is perfect, but we’ve (mostly) come
to like the RDX’s overall package after
naming it a 2019 SUV of the Year finalist
and driving a 2019 RDX A-Spec for nearly a
year. But if you’re not sure which RDX trim
is best, we can help. Besides our miles in an
RDX A-Spec, we spent some quality time
with a 2020 RDX Advance, the highest trim
in the model lineup.
Curb Appeal Advantage: RDX A-Spec
A new luxury SUV’s design should speak
to you. Considering the price premium,
the emotional factor is important when
a Honda or Mazda would have done the
basic job just as well. And in that respect,
I’ve really come to appreciate the 2019
and 2020 RDX’s exterior design. The huge
front grille, the grille’s detailing, and those
headlights give it a smart and confident
look. The profile is a bit busy but still
appealing in the way the roofline is subtly
pulled downward. Too bad the visibility
from inside is so awful.
For me, this category goes to the
A-Spec, which is designed to look and feel
sportier than any other 2020 RDX trim. The
A-Spec’s exhaust outlets are amusingly
large, but they complement the rest of the
trim’s “I’m sporty!” efforts. Glossy black
trim replaces the chrome of the Advance
and other trims, and A-Spec badges
appear on the front fender and liftgate.
Find an RDX in the A-Spec-exclusive color
of Apex Blue Pearl to match against the
trim’s 20-inch black wheels, and then you
really have a bold package.RDX hit 60 mph in 6.8 seconds—0.4 second
slower than our A-Spec car—and actually
beat our long-termer in the figure-eight
test, which evaluates handling, braking,
acceleration, and the transitions in
between. The 2020 RDX Advance finished
in 27.3 seconds at 0.62 g (average) to the
2019 RDX A-Spec’s 27.6 seconds at 0.61 g
(average). On the track, testing director
Kim Reynolds commented on a “wall of
software” getting in the way of his ability to
explore the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
system’s limits.
On the street, however, both RDX trims
feel fun to drive for a luxury SUV. I like how
the engine sounds in both cars, though
it’s pumped up in the A-Spec. As for the
brakes, we initially said brake feel was our
RDX A-Spec’s weakest dynamic link. Many
thousands of miles later, I still feel that
way—you have to push way too far down
before any actual braking occurs. The 2020
RDX Advance I drove felt slightly improved.
On the track, both cars experienced some
degree of dive in panic braking from 60
mph as well as lots of tire noise, with the
2020 RDX Advance coming to a stop in 120
feet to our 2019 RDX A-Spec’s 116.
Ride Quality Advantage: RDX Advance
This category wasn’t even close. It’s not
clear whether the Advance-exclusive
adaptive damping system or higher-profile
tires can take the most credit here, but the
Advance definitely rides better. Don’t go
thinking that it rides on a cloud, though.
You can still feel the road, but despite that
connection to your surroundings, it’s more
comfortable than the A-Spec.
RDX Advance vs. RDX A-Spec: The
Features You Get For $1,9 00 More
Maybe you don’t notice or mind the
dynamic differences between the two RDX
models. If you’re more into feature content,
know that the Advance is $1,900 more
than the A-Spec. For that premium, Acura
includes a 10.5-inch head-up display,
matte wood trim, a 360-degree camera
system, rain-sensing wipers, and acoustic
front side glass.
I’m torn. I value the A-Spec’s visual
specialness but appreciate the Advance-
only acoustic front side glass and ride
for smoother commuting. Because I’m a
pragmatic type, I might reluctantly go with
the RDX Advance for its wood trim as well
as its quieter and smoother ride. It still has
enough of the A-Spec’s personality from
behind the wheel, but I can see why some
would go for that trim instead.“Should you Advance or go A-Spec?
Neither is perfect, but here’s why I’d
Advance.” Zach GaleService life:
10 mo/18,163 mi • Avg Fuel Econ: 19.8 mpgAvg CO2 0.98 lb/mi Energy cons 169 kW-hr/100 mi Unresolved problems
None Maintenance cost $134.29 (oil change, inspection, tire rotation)
Normal-wear cost $0 Base price $46,895 As-tested $46,895 EPA City/
Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 21/26/23 mpg Real MPG 19.4/30.9/23.3 mpg
Acura RDX
MT GARAGE
76 MOTORTREND.COM JUNE 2020Too dark? Acura
also offers a
red and black
A-Spec interior,
and the Advance
offers a matte
wood trim.