Acura currently sells five models, and the SUVs are the most popular. The midsize MDX gets a complete redesign for the 2022 model year, and now the automaker announces a substantial refresh for the compact 2022 Acura RDX. In total, the small and subtle changes impact nearly every aspect of the updated and upgraded 2022 RDX.
For 2022, the Acura RDX continues in base specification with available Technology, Advance, and A-Spec option packages. New for 2022, RDX buyers can add the A-Spec treatment to both the Technology and Advance packages. They all have a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and, depending on the version you choose, Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is available as an option or as standard equipment.
A new 2022 RDX PMC special edition is also available. Acura will make just 200 examples of the hand-built SUV in its Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, where the automaker assembles the NSX sports car.
Exterior Features
You might need to look closely at the 2022 Acura RDX to spot its stylistic differences compared with the previous model. The chrome trim around the grille is thinner, the front bumper is reshaped with vertical outboard air intakes, and a new rear bumper showcases redesigned rectangular exhaust outlets. Overall, Acura hopes the new look will better align the RDX with the MDX. And don’t worry, the A-Spec versions still have their big, fat, round exhaust outlets.
Additionally, new wheel designs debut for some RDX trims. All 2022 RDXs have 19-inch wheels except the A-Spec, which rolls on 20s in a Shark Gray finish. The new A-Spec with the Advance package has an exclusive 15-spoke wheel design.
Acura bases the hand-built 2022 RDX PMC Edition on the A-Spec Advance. The PMC Edition gets exclusive Long Beach Blue paint shared with the NSX, and the wheels have a special Berlina Black finish. Dark chrome highlights the exhaust outlets.
New regular production Acura RDX colors for 2022 include Liquid Carbon Metallic and, with the Technology and Advance packages, Phantom Violet Pearl.
Interior Features
Acura takes steps to quiet the RDX’s cabin for the 2022 model year. In all versions of the SUV, the automaker modifies the Active Sound Control (ASC) system to better filter exterior sounds, while front fender liners should reduce road noise. Acura also takes steps to reduce overall noise, vibration, and harshness.
Choose the RDX with the Technology package, and the SUV features thicker carpet padding, new front door sound insulators and acoustic glass, a thicker noise insulation pad in the dashboard, and a new insulator in the rearmost roof pillar. Starting with the Technology package, the 2022 RDX adds IconicDrive ambient lighting with 27 different color combinations themed to 24 driving destinations around the world.
The Advance package takes sound attenuation a step further with more sound insulation in the headliner, under the dashboard, over the drivetrain tunnel, and in the cargo area. With this package, the rear doors also get acoustic glass.
RDXs with the new Saddle Brown interior get bronze-tinted aluminum trim or open-pore wood with the Advance package. A new Orchid interior color (off-white or light gray, depending on your perspective) is exclusive to both the RDX A-Spec with the Advance package and the PMC Edition.
Wrapping up the interior changes for 2022, the RDX A-Spec adds a new flat-bottom steering wheel, new metallic trim pattern, and additional Ultrasuede trim elements.