2019 Acura RDX: The Future is here and we can speak to it

29th April 2019 Sam Gomez

Ever wanted to just tell your car to take you to the nearest gooey donut shop serving mimosas or the hottest dance party? Sadly, even the most intuitive onboard computers can’t do that (yet), but if that location has an address or it can be found on the internet, all you have to do is speak in your butchest voice and all the new whiz-bang techno stuff on the 2019 Acura RDX can take you where you want to go.

Aside from the fact that the all-new 2019 Acura RDX is the ultimate in a luxury compact SUV, it now has the ability (on higher-end trims) to give you the ultimate in navigation experiences, to include a hands-free driving experience that is relatively easy to use after you’ve completed all the set up – and taken time to learn all about the navigation system. And trust me, there is a lot to learn and a lot to set up.

Called the Acura True Touchpad Interface, it is truly a touchpad like the one you have on a laptop, and it’s available only on this year’s RDX. I will say, it’s pretty intuitive and can be used relatively easily for all the car’s functions (though not while driving – please keep your eyes on the road). Many drivers want to have a map of the road on the screen, as well as a display of the music playing. Setting up that information and keeping it updated and current while driving is a snap. No need to perform a whole lotta computer tricks just to advance songs or tell the computer to take a different route. The True Touchpad Interface can recognize what you what once it gets to know you. And like with most men, that will take a little time. But just a little.

It can also get to know you by your voice – and your handwriting. The Touchpad can get used to your squiggles, read them and memorizes them. This allows you to make repeated commands and not be overly concerned about having to be ‘understandable’. (Wouldn’t that be nice to have in a boyfriend?) There are quite a few impressive features to the Acura True Touchpad Interface, and it’s more than a bit overwhelming. Should you get the 2019 Acura RDX, be sure to take a lot of time to learn the system, as well as when and when not to use it. In theory, this will make texting with your friends so much easier and safer. In theory (don’t do it while driving).

Prices start at $37,400 for this luxury compact SUV (but it really is one of the bigger younguns in the maternity ward) and go all the way up to $45,500 and beyond. Mileage is an combined 23 mpg. Luxury abounds and all your friends and frenemies will notice as you parade past, no matter now natural or artificial your lighting may be.

Call me old fashioned, I like it when people or animatronics can read my mind and simply obey my commands. But, yeah, it may get old after a while…