2022 Acura RDX revealed with new tech and new colours

Acura is going racing with the refreshed RDX crossover for 2022. The model will debut at the Grand Prix of Long Beach and will be offered in Long Beach Blue Pearl. A new PMC model will become the most limited-production PMC Edition yet, while all trim levels will see new standard tech, new colours, and a retuned suspension.

Yes, Acura will offer that stunning Long Beach Blue, but only 15 are coming to Canada. All will be what Acura calls the PMC (Performance Manufacturing Center) Edition. That name refers to the part of the automaker's Ohio plant that normally builds the NSX supercar but has also now hand-assembled special versions of the MDX and TSX models. The RDX will be the third and will come with that paint as well as an Orchid interior colour also from the NSX. Each one will take five days to paint and then undergo the same hand-assembly and quality control process as the NSX before getting enclosed transport to the dealer.



All RDX models will get the newly reshaped Diamond Pentagon Acura front grille. Acura says it is made to make the crossover look wider and more powerful, and more like the larger MDX. The rear gets new exhaust cut-outs, rectangular for most models, large and round for A-Spec.

Acura has upgraded the cabin to reduce road noise. Changes include enhancements to the adaptive sound control system, but Acura has also added a new front fender liner and has lowered the cold-idle speed from 1,100 r.p.m. to 950. Technology Package models get thicker carpeting, acoustic glass, and other new noise insulation pads, while Platinum Elite A-Spec adds even more insulation and acoustic glass in the rear.



All of that should make the RDX a better place to enjoy the new wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as Alexa Built-In. The 7.0-inch dash gets a digital speedometer, and wireless phone charging has been added for the first time on RDX.

A-Spec returns with a gunmetal grille and matching fog light trim. New wheel designs are offered, and there is extra Ultrasuede inside. Pick the red interior and the door and console armrests now match that red.

Drive modes on all models have been tweaked to make the power steering assist and adaptive sound control more distinct. Pick the Technology Package and the interior LED lighting changes too. Platinum Elite A-Spec models get updates to the adaptive dampers to make each setting feel more distinct.



On the safety side, blind spot information with cross-traffic monitoring is now standard. It adds lane change assist for the first time on any Acura, and the new system offers four times the detection range. Traffic Sign Recognition now uses a camera instead of GPS for improved accuracy, and collision mitigation braking has added pedestrian emergency braking. Technology Package adds low-speed emergency braking to the standard parking sensors.

Powertrains are unchanged with all getting a 272 hp 2.0-litre turbo-four matched with a 10-speed automatic and standard AWD. Production of the 2022 RDX starts this fall with pricing to be revealed later.