Cool cars, meant to be driven all year. That’s what the three cars we feature over the next three months are all about. The Toyota Highlander is pure midsize SUV, the Acura RDX is targeted at the 30-ish male professional and the high-end Mercedes just doesn’t get any better than the fun-loving R320CDI.
Acura RDX
If you want to get up and go then Acura is the name of the game and the RDX is the toy to do it with. Being pushed into the male market for “professionals” who want to live that outdoor lifestyle with class, this Acura makes the point exactly. The RDX is street smart with a smile and you can expect to take it to work and out to play on the weekend (can you say mountain biking or sky diving) and get just as big a thrill either place. Hybrid as well, the platform on the Acura RDX is new with an independent suspension and all-wheel-drive with a collection of traction aids that keeps the driver happy. As for the engine, it’s a 2.3-liter, turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder that has 240 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Take that with a five-speed automatic and you’ve got power that will get you from 0 to 60 in just a short 7.5 seconds. It’s still all luxury though so don’t be fooled. Indeed, drives like a car, looks like a SUV, feels like a machine that will take you anywhere fast. Safety and comfort weren’t overlooked either and the driver gets a display of backlit, LED gauges, while the cars is equipped with a sound system offering 360 watts and there is even an auxiliary jack for input from your iPod. Cool standards, as are the stowage areas and cargo space.
Pricing: Prices start at $32,995 and can go up to $40,000 with the right add-ons.
Gas Mileage: With 19 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway, it’s not the best on the market, but it will look good on you.
Look for the continuation of this article in next month’s January 2008 issue. We will discuss the Toyota Highlander and Mercedes R320 CDI.