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After spending more than a decade taking care of your child, it is understandable that you may feel sad or lonely when he or she leaves home for the first time. However, you can take comfort in the fact that you are now free to live the life you want and take those romantic road trips you put on the backburner. There are many ways to beat the empty nest syndrome, one of which is getting a new car. The 2017 Acura RDX is the ideal car for making the transition to a newly liberated parent. Overview of 2017 RDX The 2017 RDX is a luxury compact crossover SUV that offers exceptional comfort; advanced features; and impressive reliability, handling, and performance. The RDX model has already been on the market for several years, enjoying successful sales that turn its competitors green with envy. It is a particularly popular option among middle-aged and older car owners, including empty nesters and retirees. While its main competitors have four-cylinder turbocharged engines, the RDX boasts a robust V-6 engine teamed with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. With comfortable seating for five passengers and sizeable cargo space, it is an excellent choice for those who do not need the extra size and cost of a larger SUV. more Driving Experience You can count on the 2017 RDX to give a smooth ride. Its V-6 engine delivers power very smoothly, with a lot of low-end torque for fast acceleration and passing. This SUV performs best when it changes gears on its own and cruises for long stretches on a highway, although its suspension is suitably tuned for aggressive driving as well. With an active noise-cancellation system and ample insulation, it also provides a quiet drive. Additionally, the RDX comes with the AcuraWatch system to keep you safe through collision warning and mitigation, blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Performance The 2017 Acura RDX features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 279 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. It routes its power through a six-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels in the standard four-wheel drive version or through the optional all-wheel drive with Intelligent Control system. The four-wheel drive RDX has fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel drive version delivers 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Details Without kids around to spill things in your car, you can truly appreciate the interior of the 2017 RDX. You will find a dual-screen infotainment system that features a clean and simple interface without the multitude of buttons found in other compact SUVs. The RDX also offers comfortable and flexible seating with soft-touch materials, 10-way power driver's seat, and eight-way power passenger seats. On the outside, it has jewel-eyed headlights flanking a new three-dimensional grille and Acura's signature tail lights. Overall, it is a conservatively handsome car that will never go out of style. If you are looking for a new car that suits the identity and lifestyle of an empty nester, there are few cars that can satisfy you like the 2017 Acura RDX. This SUV is a great investment not only because of its impressive looks and performance, but also due to its competitive resale value. *Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml. Image via Acura.com

Right now, Acura has introduced its sport hybrid technology on three models: the NSX supercar, the RLX full-size sedan, and the MDX three-row SUV. In each case, the sport hybrid powertrain uses a powerful battery and the instant torque of electric motors to offer better performance and greater efficiency at the same time, but which model is right for you depends on what kind of luxury vehicle you want. RLX If you can consider any car to be a "standard" luxury vehicle, it would be the full-size sedan. Sedans have been one of the all-time most popular car bodies of all time, and that remains true even as SUVs and crossovers keep growing in popularity in the United States. So if you want a straightforward luxury car with as many luxury features as possible, the RLX is the model you should choose. more After all, luxury features are readily available on the RLX. The car has two available premium audio systems, Milano leather, and a heads-up display that comes standard on Sport Hybrid models. Twin displays on the center console offer all the information and options you could want, and Acura's GPS-linked tri-zone automatic climate control system is a standard feature. MDX The MDX is the larger of the two SUVs offered by Acura, and although it comes with enough room for three rows of passengers, its starting price is lower than the RLX. Like most SUVs, the MDX has features tailor-made for families and long vacations, including a Rear Seat Entertainment Package that offers either a single or dual screen, depending on what other packages you choose. Also, a second-row center console helps backseat passengers manage their second-row features. With up to 90.9 cubic feet of cargo space once you fold down both back rows, the MDX has more room to spare than any other Acura, making it a good choice for people who want to use their luxury vehicle for work as well as play. And while the heavy body makes the MDX Sport Hybrid slower than the other two models with the technology, it still performs better than most of the competition in its class. NSX Supercars like the NSX are hard to compare to anything other than other supercars. Designed for high performance with no compromise on cost, few people can afford an NSX even among luxury car buyers. Still, those who can will experience just what the sport hybrid powertrain can do when engineers have designed an entire car around it. With a net horsepower of 573, a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds, and a top speed of 191 mph, the NSX makes a great case to be the next supercar in your garage. The advanced sport hybrid system is only available on a few Acura models, but these models appeal to a range of car buyers. Whether you prefer your vehicle to be a standard sedan with all the trimmings, a large SUV that can hold plenty of cargo or passengers, or a next-gen supercar that will turn everyone's head, sport hybrid models appeal to everyone. Image via Acura.com

Fun to Drive One of the best things about the Acura MDX is that it's fun to drive. The sporty exterior and comfortable interior give you everything you need to look great on the road. On top of this, you'll also get a 3.5-liter direct injection V6 engine that offers 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Drive-by-Wire throttle control offers a comfortable and fun drive, no matter where you're going. Plus, depending on the trim level you choose, you can get either a seven-speed dual clutch transmission or a nine-speed automatic transmission with sequential SportShift paddle shifters. more Easier Road Trips Let's face it; sometimes you just want to hit the open road and go on an adventure. With the 2017 Acura MDX, taking a road trip becomes easier than ever. Not only do you have an amazing amount of cargo space, you'll also get outstanding gas mileage. Behind the third row you'll get 14.9 cubic feet of space, while you'll get 38.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.4 cubic feet behind the first row. Depending on the options you choose, you can get up to an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway in the MDX. Great for the Grandkids If you're looking for a vehicle to help you haul around the grandkids, look no further. The Acura MDX offers everything you need to keep the little ones comfortable. Choose between second-row bench seats or captain's chairs, which offer seating for six or seven. Heated second-row outboard seats are available on select trims. The tri-zone automatic climate control with humidity control and air filtration keeps everyone at the perfect temperature. The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for child safety seats offers extra peace of mind. Tech Features Galore Stay connected no matter where you go with the variety of tech features in the MDX. This SUV comes standard with eight speakers, though select trims have up to 12. The audio system offers a USB port, Aha and Pandora compatibility, and Bluetooth streaming audio. The Bluetooth hands-free link offers text message reading, so you don't have to miss any messages while keeping your eyes on the road. Get the optional AuraLink Real-Time Traffic navigation system with traffic rerouting and turn-by-turn guidance. When you want to make a statement with your vehicle, check out the 2017 Acura MDX. This SUV has everything you want and more. Make sure you treat yourself well this year. Schedule a test drive today to learn more about what makes the Acura MDX the perfect option for anyone with a newly (or not so newly) empty nest. Image via Acura.com

It's a Smart Buy Understandably, when people are in the market for new cars, they want assurance that the makes and models they buy will keep their value as long as possible. The Acura RDX, a compact luxury crossover, is one of many vehicles within this brand family that clearly retain value over the years. For example, the 2017 Acura RDX has a 52 percent ALG Residual Value after 36 months and a 38 percent ALG Residual value after 60 months.  That just goes to show that if you take good care of your Acura RDX and get it professionally serviced at recommended intervals, it'll pay off as an excellent buy. more You'll Enjoy a Powerful Vehicle A car with lots of horsepower is usually one that's fun to drive. Also, horsepower helps vehicles conquer steep hills and other tough terrain, plus it makes cars better able to accelerate quickly when taking off from a stop light. When researching Acuras, you'll discover they're equipped with capable engines. For example, the Acura TLX sedan gets up to 206 horsepower and offers 182 foot-pounds of torque. Acuras Get Great Gas Mileage Since prices at the pump have steadily increased over the past several years, many people searching for new cars seek out vehicles that sip gas rather than guzzle it. The Acura ILX is a well-engineered choice if excellent fuel economy is one of your priorities. It has a combined EPA rating of 29 mpg, which means you can feel free to drive without constantly keeping an eye out for the nearest gas station. Whether you love to take long road trips or just don't want to fill up your new car as often, the 2017 Acura ILX could help you spend less on gas while driving more. You Can Get Your Acura With a Superb Sound System Music can make even the longest journeys more fun. If your next car is an Acura, you could purchase it with an ELS Studio premium sound system. Designed by a Grammy Award-winning sound engineer, it offers 10 speakers and a handy touch-screen interface. Driver Assistance Features Come Standard on the 2017 Acura RLX Automotive technology has rapidly improved in recent years, and now many cars feature available driver-assistance features that work in the background to actively help drivers stay more aware on the road and prevent collisions. However, it's often necessary to pay extra for such technology. That's not the case if you choose the 2017 Acura RLX. That car has standard built-in safety technology that's collectively referred to as AcuraWatch. It depends on multi-view cameras, ultrasonic waves, and more to keep you safer on the road. Now that you've learned several reasons to focus on the Acura brand when researching your next car, hopefully it's obvious why this brand beats competitors in meaningful ways. Take the next step towards ownership and visit your nearest dealership. Image via Acura.com

Exterior Style The outside of the 2017 TLX is appealing, with sharp curves and a wide, angular body style that adds more space to the interior. On the base trim level, the car comes with LED headlights and taillights, heated exterior side mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a sunroof, while the middle trim adds automatic windshield wipers. The top option has exterior features like LED fog lights and automatically dimming side mirrors. more Top-of-the-Line Tech When you're shopping for a new car, one of the major areas you'll probably be assessing is the technology available in the vehicle. People are more connected than ever, so they want this to extend into their cars. Texting and talking on the phone while driving is illegal in many states and becoming illegal in more, so hands-free and voice controlled systems are a must-have for many shoppers. Every 2017 TLX comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity for both phone and audio, so you can talk on the phone hands-free and stream your favorite playlists without any cords. The base model also comes with a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio and app integration with your smartphone, along with a 7-inch touch screen display that sits beneath an 8-inch infotainment display. Choose the Technology package to add voice controls, an upgraded sound system with HD radio, and navigation. Interior Comfort When you think about a luxury sedan, the first thing you may think of is a comfortable and quiet cabin. The TLX delivers on this expectation, with standard features like simulated leather upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats with lumbar support, and an auto-dimming rearview. The mid-level package, Technology, adds full-leather upholstery, while the Advance package includes an eight-way adjustable passenger seat and ventilated front seats. All models are spacious with comfortable seats and generous amounts of leg room. Safety First There are also a number of innovative safety features available on the 2017 TLX. Every model includes a rearview camera with multiple angles, airbags throughout the cabin, and antilock brakes. Optional equipment is also available, such as front and rear parking sensors, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, electronic pre-tensioning seat belts in the front, and lane departure warning with intervention. Fantastic Performance The base engine is a 2.4-liter four cylinder that puts out 182 pound-feet of torque and 206 horsepower, which is pretty standard for a vehicle in this class. But the standout is the available V6 3.5-liter engine, rating at 267 pound-feet of torque and 290 horsepower. With the bigger engine, you can accelerate faster and take advantage of having more power. Take the 2017 TLX out for a test drive when it arrives at your nearest dealership to see how well this car stacks up against other midsize luxury sedans. Image via Acura.com

1. You Get Peace of Mind Pre-owned vehicles gain certification after undergoing a rigorous review by a manufacturer's mechanic. Through a detailed inspection process that may include a checklist of 150 or more items, the mechanic evaluates the condition of the vehicle. If the vehicle is in tiptop shape, it will clear the evaluation and earn certification for its superior condition. more 2. You Receive the Protection of a Warranty One of the primary reasons to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle is the warranty. With a warranty on your car or truck, you have assurance from the manufacturer of the vehicle's reliability. One of the biggest fears of used car buyers is that they'll buy a car and then find out it needs expensive repairs. The warranty reduces the amount of risk you assume when buying a used car by reducing your responsilbility for major, unexpected mechanical problems. 3. You Capture More Value With Your Dollars If you buy a used car that's earned certification, you're getting a vehicle that's likely to run almost as well as it did when it was brand new. At the same time, you're not paying the premium that comes with purchasing a new car that will depreciate in value as soon as you drive it home. By getting like-new performance without the new-car sticker price, you get more bang for your dollar. Here's another way to think about the value that comes from buying a certified pre-owned vehicle. Your car-buying budget might allow you to buy only the base trim of a new version of your preferred model. But if you go with a certified vehicle that's one, two, or even three years old, then you may be able to afford a higher trim level that comes with more features and upgrades. 4. You Know the Car's History Typically, certified pre-owned vehicles come with a detailed history report. Expect to see details of the car's service history and routine maintenance. You may find dates and specifics about oil changes, tire rotations, winterizations, and tune ups. With this proof that the previous owner took good care of the car, you can have even more peace of mind that it's in good shape. 5. You Can Receive Additional Perks Many dealerships offer extra perks with certified pre-owned vehicles such as free or discounted oil changes, tire rotations, and roadside assistance. You can also ask about financing options that may be available exclusively to drivers who buy certified pre-owned cars and trucks. It's easy to see why buying a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealership is a great option. With the certification process, you know you're getting a high-performing vehicle with warranty protection. Image via Pixabay.com