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2016 Acura RDX arrives with freshened styling, powertrain enhancements [UPDATE]

UPDATE: The 2016 RDX comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, not a nine-speed. The text below has been edited to reflect this. Launched in 2012 for the 2013 model year, the second-generation RDX is hardly an old vehicle, and the luxury crossover is coming off its best sales year ever, according to Acura. Still, three years after the debut, the Japanese automaker is giving the CUV a thorough refresh with a facelift and bountiful new tech at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, with sales set to kick off this spring. The most obvious update at the front for the 2016 RDX is Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlight array already found on some of its other models, but the improvements go a lot further than just the lighting. All of the fascia's lines appear just a little sharper and the added chrome helps grab the eye. The refinements are similar at the rear, where there are now LED taillights. While not obvious on the surface, the structure underneath is supposed to offer better frontal crash performance, too. Acura's engineers turned their attention to the RDX's powertrain for some tweaks, as well. The crossover now benefits from a nine-speed automatic gearbox to replace the previous six-speed. The 3.5-liter V6 with cylinder deactivation also gets a slight upgrade to make 279 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque – up 6 hp and 1 lb-ft over the 2015 model. The changes benefit fuel economy by one-mile-per-gallon on the highway with ratings of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for the front-wheel drive version and 19/28 with all-wheel drive. The 2016 RDX is also packed with new tech to improve drivability and safety. Active front and rear engine mounts should improve NVH, and the all-wheel-drive system has more rear bias. Inside, the cabin trim sees an update, and heated front seats are standard. The optional Technology Package now gets an eight-way power front passenger seat, the company's dual-screen multi-info display and both blind spot and rear cross traffic monitoring. However, for those looking for a ton of gadgets to brag about, the new Advance Package option is the place to be. It includes rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, remote engine start, ventilated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming driver's side mirror and the full suite of the AcuraWatch safety assist functions.

2016 Acura RDX priced from $35,270*

Acura launched a revised version of its RDX crossover at the Chicago Auto Show in February. And now that it's about to hit dealers across the country, the Japanese luxury marque has released pricing for the updated model: $35,270, *not including $920 for destination. That new price represents modest and entirely reasonable $175 increase over the 2015 RDX. For that extra sum, buyers will get a slightly more powerful version of the 3.5-liter V6 (increased by 6 horsepower and a single pound-foot of torque) with cylinder deactivation, new engine mounts and a nine-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous six-speed, netting a slight improvement in fuel economy. The available all-wheel-drive system is now more rearward-biased, the styling has been subtly enhanced with new lighting and trim, and the interior trim and equipment have been updated as well. The 2016 RDX is set to reach dealerships nationwide this Thursday, April 16. Related Video: Ready for Liftoff: 2016 Acura RDX Launching with More Performance, Luxury Appointments and Advanced Safety Technology than Ever Before Apr 15, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif. In a major commitment to advance what is already one of its most successful models, Acura is launching a more powerful, fuel efficient and luxuriously appointed 2016 RDX luxury SUV at dealerships nationwide tomorrow with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $35,270 – an increase of just $175 over the 2015 model, despite the additional performance, features and capability. Coming off an all-time record sales year in 2014, the refreshed 5-passenger RDX now packs an even stronger punch in the compact luxury SUV class for 2016 with a more powerful 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V-6 engine, ride and handling refinements, an expanded list of available AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, restyled exterior and interior elements and a host of new luxury features and technologies, including standard Jewel Eye™ LED projector headlamps and LED taillights. A new line-topping Advance grade ties the improvements and new features together in one comprehensive package. "The new RDX is another great example of how we are continuing to advance our Acura lineup with a focus on prestige, performance and dynamic proportion," said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of Acura.

MotorWeek remembers the 1993 Acura Legend coupe

When discussing classic Acura models, the Legend, particularly as a two-door, doesn't get brought up nearly as often as the Integra or NSX. Perhaps that's because those sporty models were brash for their time, whereas this bigger car came off as a more conservative ride. For a MotorWeek Retro Review, John Davis and crew have looked back at a 1993 Legend coupe to give us a chance to remember Acura's luxury GT. In 1993, the newly revised 3.2-liter V6 managed 230 horsepower, and this one had power routed through a six-speed manual. It also came packed with luxury features, including automatic climate control and traction control. However, the Legend turned out to be more of a comfy cruiser than an all-out sports coupe for the reviewers. MotorWeek wasn't happy with the performance through the slalom, and the shifter wasn't perfect, either. Still, this clip is a great refresher on a model that's often overlooked. Related Video: