NEW ACURA ZDX 2010, The ZDX comes with a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 300 horsepower (the same engine is used in the Acura MDX). It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, which test drivers say shifts seamlessly. Most reviewers say it offers ample power, although one or two say it's not quite peppy enough for the ZDX's weight.
The EPA has not yet rated the ZDX, but Acura expects it to achieve 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. This is about average for the luxury midsize SUV class -- slightly better than the Acura MDX and BMW X6, but short of the Lexus RX 350's excellent 18/25 rating.
The ZDX comes standard with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, which contributes to its sporty ride. However, some reviewers report steering feel is too numb. The Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) active damper system, available with the Advance Package, stiffens suspension and increases steering feel for a sportier driving experience.
NEW ACURA TSX 2010, The TSX's base four-cylinder engine makes 201 horsepower, which most reviewers say doesn't provide for a whole lot of oomph. The other option is a new 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. Most in the automotive press are impressed with the V6's great acceleration, although some lament the fact that it is only available with an automatic transmission.
The EPA gives the 2010 Acura TSX with the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission a rating of 21/30 mpg city/highway which is good for the class, while the manual transmission clocks in at 20/28 mpg which is only average. Meanwhile, the new V6 engine gets a rating of 18/27 mpg city/highway which falls below that of most class competitors.
Most reviewers feel that the 2010 Acura TSX handles very well in tight twists and turns even despite its additional weight. That said, some reviewers still expect more immediate feedback than the car offers. Reviewers agree that understeer is still a concern. Some had a positive experience putting the car through the motions on twisty mountain roads but others complained about the sluggishness of the car's brake pedal under certain conditions or the constant correction needed for the electromechanical power steering.
NEW ACURA TL 2010, Base versions of the TL feature a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 280 horsepower. SH-AWD editions carry a larger, 3.7-liter V6 making 305 horsepower. Reviewers, however, say the two provide nearly identical acceleration. The extra 25 hp of the SH-AWD serves to offset that car’s heavier weight, but not to make it any faster. Both versions are well-liked, offering a nice balance of power and quiet refinement.
A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. Reviewers have little to say about it. A six-speed manual transmission is new for the 2010 model year. Only a few reviewers have spent any time in manual-equipped TLs, but they seem to have walked away impressed.
The EPA says that front-wheel drive TLs should get 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, while AWD versions should get 17/25 mpg -- meaning that there is little mileage penalty for the well-liked AWD system.
NEW ACURA RL 2010 The RL is not the fastest of the large luxury sedans, but it is surprisingly powerful and very smooth, even up to high speeds. Only a five-speed automatic (with manual shift capability) is offered. Most competitors offer six speeds, but Acura's doesn't seem to hold the car back. It can be manually shifted via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Reviewers are impressed with Acura's new SH-AWD system, which gives the RL remarkable road grip even in high-speed cornering. The car's electrically-assisted, speed-sensitive steering doesn't win universal approval -- some say it feels artificial. Handling is also hurt by a very wide turning circle. The RL is easy to maneuver at high speeds, but can be tricky to park when compared to cars with tighter turning circles, like the Lexus GS or BMW 5-Series.
NEW ACURA RDX NEW ACURA RDX The 2010 RDX comes with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower. While test drivers find the engine plenty powerful, several complain about turbo lag. The new FWD model reduces curb weight, which could result in even speedier performance from the engine. According to the EPA, the all-wheel-drive models achieve 17/22 mpg city/highway, while the new FWD model achieves a slightly improved 19/24 mpg. The latter rating is the best in the RDX’s class, which makes it a great value when you consider that the RDX is also one of the least expensive luxury compact SUVs you can buy.
If you want a more powerful engine, consider the Audi Q5. It starts at about $5,000 more than the RDX and offers a slightly lower 18/23 base fuel economy rating – but it comes with a more powerful 3.2-liter V6 rated at 270 horsepower.
The MDX continues to offer one of the best combinations of a high-tech cabin and smooth handling in its class. For 2010, it receives much-needed updates, including a new six-speed transmission.
The 2010 Acura MDX comes with a retuned 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine that test drivers find especially powerful. This is a lot of power considering that it’s the standard engine. For example, the Cadillac SRX costs considerably less than the MDX but provides only a 265-horspower 3.0-liter V6.
The EPA rates the 2010 MDX at 16/21 mpg city/highway. This rating is in the top half of the class, though there are a few less expensive models that have higher fuel economy. One of these is the SRX, which is rated at 18/25 city/highway and costs about $9,000 less than the MDX. However, the SRX’s engine isn’t as powerful as the MDX’s.
The 2.5-liter engine has more than enough power for everyday driving, but those looking for a little more get-up may prefer opting for the 256-horsepower in the 3.6-liter V6. The EPA gives the 2.5-liter gets 22 MPG in the city and 29 on the highway when paired with the CVT and 19 city /27 highway with the manual transmission. The V6 only comes with an automatic transmission and it gets 18 city / 25 highway.
The Outback's ride that more akin to that of a car than an SUV. Reviewers enjoy the handling for the most part, but are mixed on the steering.
The Tiguan comes with 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Base S models come with a six-speed manual transmission, while Wolfsburg and SEL models come with a six-speed automatic. Test drivers say the engine provides more than enough power, though a few of them have complaints about the transmissions.
While power is a plus for the Tiguan, fuel economy isn’t. According to the EPA, the FWD Tiguan achieves 19/26 mpg city/highway with the manual transmission and 18/24 with the automatic. The AWD model should net 18/24 mpg. These figures are on the low side for the compact SUV class. In fact, only a few SUVs do worse, and all of them are truck-based, off-road types (the Jeep Wrangler, for example). An important consideration is that the Tiguan also requires premium fuel, which means it will be more expensive to fill up than most competitors.
For better fuel economy, look at the Mazda CX-7. It costs $1,500 less than the Tiguan and also has an especially sport driving experience. On top of that, it has a higher 20/28 fuel economy rating. However, to get that good fuel economy you’ll have to stick with the four-cylinder 161-horsepower base engine, which can’t match the Tiguan for power. The available turbocharged engine makes 244 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 even faster than the Tiguan, but it nets even worse fuel economy.
