2019 Acura RDX Earns Top Award From New England Motor Press - Best Luxury SUV

The New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) awarded the 2019 Acura RDX with its Best In Class Luxury Compact SUV choice this past month. The Award was presented during NEMPA's annual awards ceremony at the MIT campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Each year NEMPA members (many of which work or have worked with Torque News, including a founding member, Marc Stern) test a long list of vehicles to determine which are the best picks for the New England weather and landscape. This year, the Acura RDX was the runaway winner in its segment for many reasons.

Of course, the RDX is an outstanding vehicle in the snow. Its available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system makes easy work of slippery surfaces during the worst weather New England has to offer. However, to be fair, many of the entrants in the segment also can handle foul weather without much difficulty. So what made the newly designed RDX stand out?

For this NEMPA voting member, there were a few things that put the RDX ahead of some other great vehicles. For starters, Acura integrates both Apple CarPlay and will soon use an over the air update to integrate Android Auto into its excellent infotainment systems. You can't get that combination in a BMW X3 or Lexus NX. The audio system is also equal to any we have ever heard in any vehicle at any price point. Acura's new ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System brings a whole new level of sound to this class. It has to be experienced to be believed.

Check Out Our Comparison of the Acura RDX to the Lexus NX Here.

Next was the Acura RDX's driving experience. The RDX is as enjoyable on country roads as a good sports sedan is. Its 272 hp high-torque turbocharged engine and ten-speed automatic are a joy to put to use. The prior RDX was a respectable vehicle, but this new generation is an entirely different experience.

Last, the packaging of the RDX. Acura wisely leaned more towards interior passenger space with the RDX. It still offers great utility, but the vehicle feels much larger inside than it is outside. It drives small, but the space in the cabin feels very roomy.

Acura RDX Fast Facts
Acura builds 99% of its vehicles sold in the U.S. in America. Like many Acura models, the RDX is singled out as one of the most made in America models by Cars.com. The Acura RDX is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rated vehicle. There is no higher level awarded by IIHS.

Watch the Wheels TV video below to hear more about why the RDX is this year's NEMPA best in class luxury SUV.

John Goreham tweets at @johngoreham. Please send him news tips and follow us at @TorqueNewsAuto