The 2018 Acura RDX Base is a luxury compact SUV that skillfully blends athletic performance, upscale amenities, and family-friendly versatility into a stylish, midsize package. Designed to appeal to drivers who want premium quality without stepping into fullsize SUV territory, heres a comprehensive look at what makes the base model stand out:

Powertrain & Performance
Engine: A 3.5liter SOHC V6 engine delivering 279 horsepower and 252 lbft of torque. This engine provides smooth acceleration and robust highway passing power.

Transmission: Equipped with Acuras 6speed automatic transmission. While not a dualclutch or dualclutch-like unit, it shifts reliably and predictably across a range of driving conditions.

Drivetrain: Standard on the base model is front-wheel drive (FWD); Super Handling AllWheel Drive (SHAWD) was optional. FWD provides good fuel economy and suits most driving needs, though SHAWD enhances handling and traction, particularly in rain or snow.

Fuel Economy: The base FWD RDX delivers an EPAestimated 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 22 mpg combinedrespectable for a V6 powered luxury crossover.

Handling & Ride Quality
The RDX offers a composed and crisp ride. Its welltuned suspension balances sporty handlingminimal body lean in cornerswith ride comfort over bumps. Steering is accurate, with a communicative feel that enhances driver confidence. It drives more like a sporty sedan than a lumbering crossover.

Interior & Comfort
Seating & Materials: Seating for five with comfortable and supportive cloth seats in the base trim. The interior layout is clean; higher trims offer leather, but the cloth here is durable and comfortable. Front seats are fully adjustable, ensuring easy customization for driving position.

Cargo Space: Offers around 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to about 61.6 cubic feet with the rear seats foldedplenty of room for groceries, gear, or weekend bags.

Infotainment System: Includes an 8inch widescreen display centrally mounted in the dashboard, operated via Acuras Jewel Eye infotainment knob and potential voice commands. The base system supports Bluetooth, a sevenspeaker premium audio setup, HD Radio, and two USB ports. While functionality is broad, navigating menus via the control knob requires a bit of adaptation.

Safety & Driver Assistance
The Base trim comes with:

Multiview rearbackup camera

Standard stability and traction control

A comprehensive suite of airbags
Across all trims, Acuras reputation for build quality and safety is strongthough the 2018 RDX didnt offer the more advanced AcuraWatch driverassist suite until the next model year.

Design & Styling
Exterior: The 2018 RDX Base presents a sharp and sporty stance with a bold Diamond Pentagon grille, jeweleye LED headlights, and pronounced shoulder lines. Its design cues are confident and modern without being polarizing.

Wheels & Tires: Base wheels are 18inch alloy wheelsa good mix of design and practicality. Higher trims stepped up to 19inch wheels with performance alloy styling.