Shopping for the 2007 Acura RDX is easy. There’s one trim, and one option package. That’s it – simple. Everyone gets the turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and the five-speed automatic transmission with SportShift and Grade Logic Control. Everyone gets those 240 pretty horses, and the 260 lb.-ft. of torque that comes with ‘em – and everyone gets to enjoy 18-inch wheels and P235/55R18 Michelin tires. Ah – but everyone does not get technological treats. A navigation system with live traffic reporting, a surround sound audio setup and a rearview camera come with the optional Technology Package – and we all know how much luxury buyers love their technology packages.

Without it, the base RDX may be a slow seller, even at a competitive price. Acura says to expect the base model to sell in the low $30,000 range, which will make it around $4,000 less than the 2006 BMW X3, and $4,000 more than the top trim 2007 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring AWD. Additional standard features on the base RDX include Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), High Intensity Discharge headlights, heated outside mirrors, a power moonroof, a laptop console between driver and passenger, 60/40 split folding rear seats, a seven-speaker sound system with six-disc CD changer and XM satellite radio with the now-requisite auxiliary input jack. The RDX comes standard with heated, leather-trimmed seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat and power lumbar support. It also features a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, side-impact and side-curtain airbags that cover front and rear passengers. Other standard safety features include active front head restraints, and four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist.

That’s nice. Quite well-equipped, the RDX. But shoot – if I’m buying luxury, I want the Navi, darn it all, and premium sound too! Buying a luxury car without the technological wonders of our time is like buying a farm without a tractor. Wake up, already – and give the people what they want, namely buttons to push and cool things to brag about. For the RDX with the Technology Package, some of the coolest add-ons include a rearview camera, Acura Navigation with Satellite Communication System and real-time traffic reporting, a ten-speaker Acura/ELS Surround premium sound system with a DVD-A six-disc changer and XM satellite radio, and a wireless (think Bluetooth) telephone interface. That’ll push the price up to the high $30s, and probably topple the X3 – putting the Acura RDX close to a 2006 Infiniti FX35 in terms of pricing. The centerpiece of the Technology Package, and the reason it’s worth the extra three or so grand, is the traffic reporting navigation system and the ELS Surround Sound. Both add a layer of luxury and convenience to the RDX experience.