2013 Acura RDX w/Tech

Ah, the 2013 Acura RDX. Not just a car, but a well-sorted, thoroughly sensible, and quietly confident way to get from A to B without any unnecessary fuss or drama. And that, I think, is rather wonderful. Let’s begin with the heart of the thing: a 3.5-liter V6. None of that small-displacement, turbocharged wizardry that modern cars employ—no, this is proper, old-school engineering. It produces a respectable 273 horsepower, which is more than enough for everyday use, and it does so with a smooth, reassuring hum rather than an excitable, turbocharged shriek. It’s the sort of engine that will still be chugging along happily in 15 years, asking for nothing more than routine oil changes and the occasional pat on the bonnet. The ride is just as composed. Acura, being the sensible arm of Honda, has tuned the suspension for comfort without turning it into a wobbly blancmange. The all-wheel-drive system is clever enough to keep you out of trouble but never intrusive, which means you can drive it in all conditions with confidence rather than a sense of impending doom. Inside, it’s all very Acura, which is to say, extremely well put together. The materials are solid, the buttons make reassuringly satisfying clicks, and nothing feels like it’s going to fall off in a few years’ time. You get all the necessary modern conveniences—Bluetooth, a decent sound system, and an infotainment screen that won’t blind you at night with the brightness of a thousand suns. It’s not flashy, but then again, why should it be? And that, I think, is the essence of this car. It doesn’t shout, it doesn’t boast, and it certainly doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. It’s just an honest, well-engineered, and deeply competent vehicle that will quietly go about its business for years to come. If you want a reliable, comfortable, and utterly unpretentious SUV, this is the one. I’d say buy it. PRICE EXCLUDES $399 PROCESSING FEE