Updated 2016 Acura RDX yields mixed results

The Acura RDX has been one of the most popular small, upscale SUVs for good reason: it has a roomy cabin, plenty of power, is competitively priced, and its upscale without being pretentious.

But the RDX was missing some safety and luxury features expected from an prestige nameplate. Good news: A freshening for 2016 brings important safety equipment that were previously unavailable.

We're pleased to see that the Acura Watch safety package—including autobraking to mitigate forward crashes and lane-departure warning with lane keep assist—is now available on every trim line.

More upscale features are available now, too, like blind-spot monitoring, an eight-way power passenger seat, and ventilated front seats.

The powertrain benefits from the addition of cylinder deactivation, whereby the V6 can run on just three cylinders under light loads, such as modest-speed cruising. Further, the engine gains six horsepower for the new model year. The 279-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic remains slick. Both front- and all-wheel drive are available.

EPA estimates for the AWD model are 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, promising a 1 mpg gain on the highway. In the real world, we expect that the 22 mpg overall figures that we got in our last RDX test won't likely change.

Slight suspension tweaks seem to have settled the ride, but impacts from bumps are rather stiff.

Handling is quite mundane and the lifeless steering contributes to the hum-drum driving experience. Fans of the German competition from Audi and BMW just might find the RDX boring to drive, others may have no objection.

The seats offer many adjustments and are reasonably accommodating for a long drive. The backseat is also spacious and there's plenty of cargo space.

Unfortunately, the controls are an exercise in needless stupidity, a common phenomenon with recent Acuras and Hondas.

Acura replaced the old RDX's simple controls with their latest corporate infotainment system. This multiscreen display unit is distracting and annoying, with one screen too many and an awkward mix of hard and virtual controls. Voice commands, also, are hit and miss.

Outside, you'll now find Acura's familiar many-lensed "jewel eye" LED headlamps, as well as new taillights and wheel designs.

Where the RDX wins big points is value. An RDX AWD with the Technology package and the Acura Watch safety gear costs $42,690. Typically equipped, compared to the Germans, it's about $6,000 cheaper.

No, it's not as fun to drive as the best from Europe, but the RDX has plenty of luxury touches.

The RDX also delivers a more premium drive compared to its natural rival, the Lexus NX. The NX favors a less refined turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it feels more snug and stiff.

All in all, the updated RDX probably continues to offer exactly what Acura buyers want.

—Mike Quincy