The RDXs A-Spec badges promise sportier performance than the average luxury crossover, connecting the new model to the original RDX better than the previous generation ever did. A 272-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four powers every 2019 RDX, but its not the engines extra 20 horses over Accord 2.0s that intrigues us. Multiple editors have complimented the RDXs engine note, which becomes louder as you move from Comfort to Sport and Sport+ modes. From a stop, our all-wheel-drive Acura reached 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, about as quick as a few all-wheel-drive 2019 Infiniti QX50s weve tested and our long-term 2019 Volvo XC60 T5 AWD (6.5 seconds). The RDXs A-Spec package replaces other trims 19-inch wheels and 235/55R19 all-season rubber with dark 20s and 255/45R20 all-season tires. An adaptive damper system is included on the higher Advance trim. --> Road test editor Chris Walton called the RDXs engine peppy, and he appreciated quick and smooth upshifts from the 10-speed automatic. The A-Spec package includes 20-inch wheels with more aggressive rubber, suedelike interior accents, ventilated front seats, a 16-speaker sound system, and exclusive-to-the-trim exterior styling modifications. Twisting the big, centrally located drive-mode dial to Sport+ noticeably changes the crossovers personality on the street. Suddenly, the 10-speed autos heightened responsiveness makes the paddle shifters unnecessary for spirited driving, the Active Sound system turns up the (engines) volume, and the steering feels different, too. Some enthusiasts dont mind a little body roll in sporty cars, but no one wants brakes described on the track as spongy. The RDXs weakest dynamic link is brake feel, specifically how far down you have to press the pedal before any actual braking occurs. We arent fans of the brakes on non-A-Spec models, either, and hope future models will get an updated system. One positive: The 2019 RDXs brakes help you come to a stop more smoothly once youre used to it. Even so, theres a middle ground between this Acuras approach and the other extreme, a 505-hp Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio with oversensitive brakes we called brutal in everyday driving. Braking from 60 mph down to 0 took the Acura 116 feet, compared to 113 feet for the QX50 and 118 feet for the XC60 T5. Besides our RDX A-Specs firm ridemaybe the Advance trims adaptive dampers would helpthe Acura doesnt shout its sportiness in Comfort mode when your commute moves at 6.5 mph, not 65 mph. And when you want a sportier responsewith the exception of brake feelthe RDX is ready to play. Read more about our long-term 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec: Arrival Unlike most cars with multi-mode drive systems, the RDX can be started in comfort or sport. 2019 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec BASE PRICE $46,495 PRICE AS TESTED $46,895 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE 2.0L/272-hp/280-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 TRANSMISSION 10-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,967 lb (58/42%) WHEELBASE 108.3 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 186.8 x 74.8 x 65.7 in 0-60 MPH 6.4 sec QUARTER MILE 14.8 sec @ 94.7 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 116 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.81 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.6 sec @ 0.61 g (avg) REAL MPG, CITY/HWY/COMB 19.4/30.9/23.3 mpg EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 21/26/23 mpg ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY 160/130 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.84 lb/mile The post 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec Long-Term Update 1: Sporty? appeared first on Motortrend .