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Comparison test: 2019 Acura RDX vs. compact luxury SUV competitors

Truth be told, if we were to compare the all-new 2019 Acura RDX with those compact luxury crossover SUVs it would most likely be cross-shopped against, you'd be looking at a different list. Even Acura admits that Lexus and Infiniti are the most likely bogies, but with the 2019 RDX, Honda's luxury brand is attempting to attract those customers who think as much with their hearts as with their heads. And for the most part, those folks have been buying from German brands: the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. So, to show how the new RDX compares to them, Acura actually provided examples of each during the recent press drive along with a Volvo XC60. All were determined to have greater emotional appeal than the last RDX, and we would certainly agree. For, as much as the previous-generation RDX made sense on paper, it was really hard to get excited about it. And when you're paying extra for a luxury vehicle, shouldn't you get a little excited? Well, as luck would have it, Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski and I were on hand in Whistler, British Columbia, for the press launch. We didn't have an abundance of time in each RDX competitor, but in conjunction with our usual comparison chart, our impressions should provide a good first taste of how the new RDX compares. Performance and fuel economy Contributing Editor James Riswick: On paper at least, the RDX is gutsier than its comparably powered European rivals. It also weighs the same or less, which logically should mean it'll be the quickest in a straight line. During my brief drives, though, I'm not sure it really stood taller than the three Germans. It at least matches them for smoothness, which is something that can't be said about the Volvo. Fuel economy is lower than them all when you consider all but the Mercedes come standard with all-wheel drive. It's also worth noting that all the competitors are available with engine upgrades, and unless Acura's forthcoming resurrection of Type S models includes the RDX, it should stay that way. Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski: Line 'em all up in a drag race, and I have a feeling the Acura would squirt away to victory. A good bit of that, though, would be due to its 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers a huge spread of ratios and fires off extremely quick shifts. In the real world, I'd guess fuel economy will be similar across the board, so I'm willing to call that category a draw.

Volvo EX90 SUV will have interior radar system to detect kids, pets

Volvo has introduced a number of important safety features in its vehicles throughout the years including the first three-point seatbelt back in 1959. But now the company has developed something a bit more techy with what it's calling the world's first interior radar system for cars.  Set to debut on its upcoming flagship EX90 electric SUV, Volvo's new radar system is designed to monitor both the cabin and trunk of a vehicle in order to prevent the car from being locked while anyone is still inside. The idea is to guard against situations where pets or children may be inadvertently trapped inside a car on a hot day, with the car surfacing reminders if it recognizes that there are still occupants inside when being locked. Additionally, the car's climate control can also be set to stay on if a passenger is detected, further lowering the risk of heatstroke.  While the thought of leaving a pet or child inside a car on a hot day is unimaginable to most people, it can happen to anyone. In its press release, Volvo cited statistics from the U.S. where more than 900 children have tragically died due to hyperthermia since 1998.  Volvo's senior technical specialist for injury prevention Lotta Jakobsson says, “No one chooses to be distracted or tired, but we know it can happen. WeÂ’re all human and distraction is a fact of life. With the help of cutting edge technology, weÂ’ll support you when youÂ’re not at your best and help you avoid leaving family members or pets behind by accident.” In order to cover as much of the inside of the EX90 as possible, Volvo says it will use multiple radars positioned in the car's overhead console, roof-mounted reading lamps and in the trunk that can detect "sub-millimeter" movements. Unfortunately, we won't get a more detailed idea of how Volvo's new interior radar system really works until the EX90 is officially revealed on November 9th. But given that the new feature will come standard on the company's forthcoming EV (where allowed by regulation), we're hoping to see similar systems become basic equipment on more cars and makes in the future. 

Volvo EM90 unveiled as electric minivan for the Chinese market

Volvo is bringing boxy back with the EM90, its first entry into the minivan segment. Described as a "living room on the move," the people-hauler features an electric drivetrain and a spacious-looking cabin with three rows of seats as well as a long list of technology features. Unverified reports claim that the EM90 is based on the Zeekr 009. Volvo hasn't revealed what's under the sheet metal, but design details such as the shape of the windows and the kink on each sliding door seemingly confirm the connection. However, the EM90 features a look of its own that's characterized by Thor's Hammer-shaped lights on both ends, a body-colored front-end panel with a backlit Volvo emblem, and "VOLVO" lettering on the hatch. Volvo explains that the front's design was inspired by "skyscrapers and cutting-edge immersive art." Road noise-canceling technology and a dual-chamber air suspension system should make the EM90 a comfortable space to travel in. If it's too quiet, Volvo offers a 21-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, 5G connectivity, and a roof-mounted 15.6-inch screen that folds into the headliner when it's not in use. It can be used to display entertainment options via third-party apps and it can project a user's phone. If you'd rather get work done, there are tablets integrated into the individual rear seats and a "meeting room" mode that adjusts the screens, the seats, the windows, the air conditioning, and the interior lighting accordingly. "Theater" and "bedroom" modes are available as well. While the rear occupants are working, watching a movie, or sleeping, the driver faces a digital instrument cluster and a 15.4-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Several cameras, a millimeter-wave radar, and ultrasonic radars power a wide selection of electronic driving aids. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Power comes from a 268-horsepower electric motor linked to a 116-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Volvo quotes a maximum driving range of up to 458 miles, though it notes that figure was obtained using the Chinese testing cycle. Zero to 62 mph takes 8.3 seconds.  Made in China, the Volvo EM90 is on sale now on the Chinese market. There's no word on whether it will be sold in other countries, Volvo merely said the model is "coming first to China," but we wouldn't bet on seeing it show up in a showroom on our side of the Pacific.