Acura’s top-selling SUV over the last two years gains a splash of NSX supercar DNA with the creation of the 2021 RDX PMC Edition, the fourth vehicle hand assembled by master technicians at Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC). Only 360 units of the RDX PMC Edition will be built for the North American market, each bathed in stunning Thermal Orange Pearl paint and accented with orange stitching throughout the interior. Combining the A-Spec sport appearance package with top-shelf features of the Advance Package, the RDX PMC Edition is priced at $51,0001 with the first customer deliveries to begin Thursday, Oct. 29.
Like all Acuras, the new RDX is offered not in trim levels per se but as a single trim available with three option packages. On top of the base vehicle, buyers can add the Technology, A-Spec and Advance packages.
All RDXs are equipped with the same powertrain, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (272 horsepower, 280 lb-ft) connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is a stand-alone option. We’re fans of Acura’s SH-AWD option for the added traction and handling capability.
Base versions are actually quite well-equipped, with a lot of equipment luxury buyers expect and a few extras that are optional on competitors. The AcuraWatch suite of driver aids is standard, along with an infotainment system that includes a touchpad interface, a 10.2-inch central display and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
The Technology package adds more features such as navigation, leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and an upgraded 12-speaker sound system.
The RDX A-Spec is similar but adds bigger wheels and wider tires and some visual flair via blacked-out trim inside and out. Inside, there’s a thumping 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system. We like the A-Spec’s look, but there’s no real commensurate performance advantage.
The Advance package is the most feature-packed of all. Acoustic front door glass and thicker carpet quiet things down, while its adaptive suspension dampers, a hands-free liftgate, upgraded power-adjustable front seats, 360-degree camera, and a customizable head-up display give it an edge in comfort and convenience.
