2012 Acura RDX

...RDX has a lot of surprise-and-delight features that make it worth a look. Lift the center armrest, for example, and the locking stowage compartment underneath is cavernous. It will hold a laptop computer, briefcase or purse. And the plastic floor of the compartment lifts to hide items such as wallets, phones and maps there.

Although there's plenty of space for passengers ... the 61 (maximum) cubic-foot cargo hold is on the small side compared to most rivals and lacks items like adjustable cargo tracks and a rear parcel shelf.

...Acura RDX drives like a sport sedan. It's quick and extremely nimble through corners. The turbocharged engine is a thrill and makes the RDX exciting to drive.

Compared to the Honda CR-V, of which there is minimal mechanical similarity, the RDX is much more upscale in terms of interior design, features and performance.

The front seats deserve special mention. They are settle-into big and multi-adjustable, with good support in all dimensions and covered in comfortable perforated leather.

...the vehicle most similar to it is the new Mazda CX-7, which is almost a fraternal twin despite the different parentage.

...it would be hard to improve upon the Acura RDX, a perfectly constructed, elegantly engineered and shamelessly underpriced ... new offering in what is called, in the artful patois of product planning, the "entry premium SUV" segment.

With its plenary array of technological amenities it more than qualifies for the "entry luxury SUV" category, up against the BMW X3, the Lexus RX330 and, soon, the Land Rover LR2.