Having pored over the socioeconomic star charts, interpreted tea leaves, studied chicken entrails, and otherwise peered into the future, Acura's marketing soothsayers foresaw a new and growing portal in the sales cosmos for a vehicle class they identify as "entry premium CUV" (Crossover Utility Vehicle). Fortified by this wisdom, the Acura product-development team created this vehicle to exploit the potential seam in the automotive firmament: the RDX, a "CUV" conceived to have plenty of "valet cachet" and also sufficient cargo space for the accouterments of 30-something professionals — Acura refers to them as "high-energy urbanites" living a "24/7 lifestyle." Acura's portrayal of a 24/7 urban lifestyle includes kayaks, mountain bikes, scuba gear, snowboards, and other bulky items. No problem. The rear seats fold flat — without removing the headrests — creating a 61-cubic-foot cargo hold.
As for the valet-cachet part, we have trouble seeing much of it here. Aside from its Acuraesque front end, the RDX looks pretty much like a lot of other SUVs scampering around out there — same arched roofline, same sloping liftgate. It's not a look that's likely to show up among the Ferraris in the valet front row at Mario Batali's new joint, Del Posto.
Speaking of looks, what the Acura RDX resembles a lot, particularly from the B-pillar forward, is its big brother, the MDX. However, that resemblance is familial rather than structural. Or dimensional. The RDX rides on a shorter (by 2.0 inches) 104.3-inch wheelbase, and at 180.7 inches long, 73.6 inches wide, and 65.2 inches tall, it is 8.0, 3.4, and 3.5 inches smaller, respectively, than the MDX. At just about 4000 pounds it's roughly 500 pounds lighter, it seats five rather than seven, and towing capacity tops out at 1500 pounds rather than 3500, on the theory that high-energy urbanites aren't likely to be fooling around with trailers.
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