Redesigned Acura RDX Offers More Crossover for Less Dough

PEABODY, MASS. (03/07/2012)(readMedia)-- Already competing in a saturated segment, Acura is looking to put even more pressure on its competition when it debuts the forthcoming 2013 RDX crossover SUV. Rolling into Acura dealerships early this spring, the new Acura RDX aims to offer luxury sport utility shoppers more bang for the buck by offering the lowest starting price and a long list of standard features.

Completely redesigned for the 2013 model year, the Acura RDX will have a starting MSRP of $34,320, plus a destination charge of $885. That sticker price clocks in significantly below the competition, as the upcoming 2013 BMW X3, 2012 Cadillac SRX and 2012 Audi Q5 start at $37,995, $36,360 and $36,475, respectively.

"The Acura RDX delivers unbeatable value for luxury-car shoppers in the market for a crossover SUV," said Joel Avery, general manager of Greater Boston Acura dealer Acura of Peabody. "The RDX isn't just more affordable than its competitors, though; it also offers excellent fuel efficiency and a more well-rounded collection of features."

At its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February, the 2013 Acura RDX sported a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 273 horsepower. That figure beats the previous model's turbocharged four-cylinder, which delivered 33 fewer horses under the hood. The new engine should net owners of the front-wheel-drive RDX up to 28 mpg on the highway according to manufacturer estimates, which would be the best fuel economy of any gasoline V6-powered luxury SUV in the class.

For its 2013 model-year upgrade, the Acura RDX receives sleeker and more aerodynamic exterior styling, while its interior is replete with luxury touches like leather, matte surface trim and sweeping accents. Those aesthetic upgrades help the RDX break away from the sporty compact crossover look of its predecessor to a more formal SUV look. Acura has stated that it intended the redesigned RDX to be more elegant, sophisticated and timeless than the outgoing model.

In-car technology is a must to compete in the luxury-vehicle market, and the 2013 Acura RDX brings plenty of it to the table. Pandora internet radio, an SMS text message feature, a Keyless Access System and a three-view rear camera are all standard for 2013. Meanwhile, the available Technology Package adds an advanced navigation system with voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather updates, a satellite communications system, a premium audio system and 60 gigabytes of storage capacity for navigation and music.

"While other luxury brands charge a premium for their badge, Acura decided that what's really worth paying for are the actual amenities," added Avery. "This brand is very serious about giving shoppers affordable luxury, and that is evident when you compare what the RDX delivers to the competition."

About Acura of Peabody:

Thanks to a complete commitment to the Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) philosophy from the sales, parts and service teams, this dealership has the best customer satisfaction and retention rates of any Acura dealership in the Northeast. They offer an extensive inventory of new and used Acura models, backed by a service center with the highest customer loyalty in the Northeast. Visit their website at www.acuraofpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/acuraofpeabody, visit their Acura showroom and service center at 233 Andover Street in Peabody, Massachusetts, or call them at 888-825-7965.