LAUNCHING WITH MORE PERFORMANCE, LUXURY AND SAFETY
Apr 15, 2015 – TORRANCE, Calif. — In a major commitment to advance what is already one of its most successful models, Acura is launching a more powerful, fuel efficient and luxuriously appointed 2016 RDX luxury SUV at dealerships nationwide tomorrow with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $35,270 – an increase of just $175 over the 2015 model, despite the additional performance, features and capability.
Coming off an all-time record sales year in 2014, the refreshed 5-passenger RDX now packs an even stronger punch in the compact luxury SUV class for 2016 with a more powerful 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V-6 engine, ride and handling refinements, an expanded list of available AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, restyled exterior and interior elements and a host of new luxury features and technologies, including standard Jewel Eye™ LED projector headlamps and LED taillights. A new line-topping Advance grade ties the improvements and new features together in one comprehensive package.
“The new RDX is another great example of how we are continuing to advance our Acura lineup with a focus on prestige, performance and dynamic proportion,” said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of Acura. “With the all-new TLX and upgraded MDX, RDX and ILX all getting a major injection of Acura DNA, we have one of the strongest Acura lineups in a decade.”
The 2016 RDX gets an important performance boost courtesy of its new 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology. Peak horsepower and torque output are up to 279 (+6 hp) and 252 lb.-ft. (+1 lb.-ft.), respectively, while sporting a broader torque curve for more immediate and powerful acceleration response—right where it counts. Variable Cylinder Management™ allows for deactivation of three of the engine’s six cylinders under light engine loads, helping the more powerful 2016 RDX increase its highway EPA fuel-economy ratings by 1 mpg, rising to 19/28mpg for AWD models and 20/29mpg for FWD models (city/highway).1 Driving refinement is further enhanced by new active front and rear engine mounts, updates to the steering control system and increased suspension mount stiffness. Additionally, the RDX’s available all-wheel-drive system – AWD with Intelligent Control – has been tuned for greater rear torque bias to further enhance dynamic stability and all-weather performance.
The 2016 RDX also gets key elements of Acura design DNA with restyled front and rear fascia, including the addition of Acura’s signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and LED taillights with light-pipe design on all models and a new three-dimensional grille treatment. All models also receive new wheel designs.
Inside, the new RDX gets a freshened look with a high-contrast silver and black trim plus significant upgrades to both standard and available luxury features and technology, including standard heated front seats and new second-row air-conditioning vents. The RDX with Technology Package adds a new 8-way adjustable power passenger’s front seat (4-way power in base models), Acura’s intuitive dual-screen On-Demand Multi-Information Display (ODMD), HD Radio®, blind spot information (BSI), Multi-view Rear Camera with dynamic guidelines and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.
A new line-topping Advance Package for the 2016 RDX features unique machined alloy wheels (18″ x 7.5″) with painted gray inserts and adds rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, Bi-Directional Keyless remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror and the full suite of AcuraWatch™ advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Both the Technology and Advance packages can be equipped with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™. All RDX models with AcuraWatch™ also get a new 4.2-inch full-color TFT Multi-Information Display with expanded, customizable information readouts such as average vehicle speed, fuel economy, fuel range, tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) and turn-by-turn navigation prompts (when equipped with navigation).
While offered as standard equipment on the new Advance Package, all RDX models can now be equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ and Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning, along with the Expanded View driver’s side mirror.
In addition to the available AcuraWatch™ technologies, the 2016 RDX offers enhanced crash safety design with numerous changes to its Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that further improve frontal collision performance. The 2016 RDX targets top-in-class safety ratings – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The RDX continues to be produced at the company’s East Liberty, Ohio, plant, using domestic and globally sourced parts. In January, Acura marked the sale of its two-millionth North American-made vehicle in America. Last year, approximately 94 percent of all Acura models sold in America were made in the company’s plants in Ohio and Alabama.
