Overview & Reviews

The Acura RDX is a small luxury crossover SUV with two rows of seats. The RDX has never been a bona fide class leader in performance or luxury, but like many Acuras, it's a well-rounded vehicle with numerous strengths. In reviews, we've praised various RDX models for their quick acceleration, confident highway cruising demeanor and composed handling. We've found the RDX's cabin to be both well-constructed and reasonably spacious, with exceptionally supportive front seats to boot. The RDX also enjoys a strong reputation for overall quality and reliability.

If you're shopping for an RDX, you'll find early models with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, standard all-wheel drive and unusually sporty handling. Later versions of the Acura RDX stand out for their added refinement, power and interior space, and there's also a front-wheel-drive version aimed at buyers in milder climates. Unlike some rivals, the RDX keeps shoppers' lives simple with a generously equipped base model and a straightforward, package-based options structure.

User Reviews:

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  Nimble Family-first car - 2009 Acura RDX
  By Disloquitor - January 26 - 2:23 pm

  Came off of an A6 4.2 lease, wanted to downsize and have more fun, while allowing my middle-aged body to lift the children into the rear car seats without back break. High center of gravity concerns moot at anything up to 7/10ths driving (i.e. public roads) because of flat cornering and absorbing suspension. (Absorbing as in GTI, not Buick.) Also useful in deeper snow. Its not a sports car or sedan, but its a a brilliant urban/suburban commuter, actually fun on a twisty parkway. Seats are surprisingly good. Tighter body structure on rough roads than an X3, no Audi suspension crash. No Audi interior, leather or BMW brakes or steering either, but not enough difference to justify $15K

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  2009 Acura - 2009 Acura RDX
  By Mrgoody - January 9 - 9:52 am

  Just got my Acura RDX, overall I like the truck. 0-60 is great and mileage is decent. Build quality is excellent and the cabin is very quiet. However I am disappointed in the way it handles in snow - the car tends to lose rear end during turns in snow, especially if you take the turn fast. I was expecting esp would help but it does not. However in a straight line the truck is solid.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2009 Acura RDX
  By Triple - January 5 - 3:40 pm

  Originally we were set on a wagon to replace both a Pathfinder and a Saab sedan. However, when you look at whats out there in similar trim levels (new - Saab, Audi, BMW, Volvo) they get comparable gas mileage, with just a bit more room, but for 10K+ more. That made the RDX a no-brainer. Yes, it has a firm ride - its on the sport side of SUV. Its much better than a truck-based SUV (such as my PF), and by giving up a Caddy-like ride, youre rewarded with actual road feedback and sharp handling. Yes, gas mpg isnt the best - but it also has a turbo that has zero lag with effortless acceleration, and is no worse than other crossovers. This cars not for someone wanting a boring town runabout.

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  Some Remorse - 2009 Acura RDX
  By RZeman - January 4 - 9:25 pm

  This is my fourth Acura. The last being an MDX. While I realize this is an "entry level" SUV the quality and luxury of Acura has been scaled down on this vehicle. When my Lexus RX350 lease ended I didnt want to get the same car twice and the MDX has gotten to big with no more kids or large dog to haul around. There some features left off of this Acura which should be standard issue i.e. automatic headlights and power rear door, rain sensing wipers. The gas mileage is ridiculous. We celebrate when I can hold the average at 19 mpg for more than 10 minutes and that is with freeway driving. I will not purchase another RDX.

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  Wow - 2017 Acura RDX
  By BMcC - January 3 - 10:25 pm

  I owned a 2009 RDX with technology package and thought it was great. This one is even better. We had a 2012 BMW X3 for a short time but missed features of the RDX. We love our new RDX and because of the safety features the insurance is even cheaper than it was for the 2012 BMW.

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  Good Performer - 2009 Acura RDX
  By hsm - January 2 - 3:39 pm

  I have had this vehicle for a litle over 2 months now. Just got back from a ski trip with the family. First, let me say the SHAWD is the best AWD system I have ever had. The vehicle handles snow like you are on asphalt! Mileage is all in how you drive - I am getting between 21 to 24 mpg combined with conservative driving. Beware that the suspension is stiff - trade-off the vehicles handles very nicely.

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  Fun and sporty - 2009 Acura RDX
  By Amyjo - December 21 - 9:29 am

  I have only had this car for a few days, but I LOVE it! I have always loved Hondas and I have wanted AWD drive for years, so this is the perfect mix of fun and safety. The turbo and handling are impressive. Its like a sport sedan with higher clearance, AWD, and more trunk space.

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  Nice - 2008 Acura RDX
  By Marty - December 5 - 10:36 am

  Ive had the RDX for about three months and have been very pleased. I drove a Honda Pilot for 5 years and it did a great job of hauling kids, but driving it was kind of like driving a boat. Not so with the RDX. This little SUV handles better than my wifes TL but offers a lot more flexibility. Im getting about 20 mpg in mixed driving, which is about what I expected. I could probably get better mileage if I kept the little red turbo needle pointing down more often, but wheres the fun in that! So far, a really nice car.

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  A wolf in sheeps clothing. - 2008 Acura RDX
  By pdxRDX - December 3 - 11:35 pm

  What a hoot this thing is to drive! Somehow the wizards at Acura have managed to put the soul of a sports car into an SUV. Decent fuel economy (great for an SUV), comfortable interior, great looks, amazing acceleration, plenty of goodies in the base model. Buy one NOW!

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  Best performance in class! - 2009 Acura RDX
  By erik Jensen - December 2 - 3:54 pm

  Just purchased - compared to BMW x3 and Mazda C7. I just garaged my 600 hp track Vette, my Prius produced a distinct adrenaline deficiency. Looked at Subaru WRX, WRX STI for fun factor in winter but too small for family. The Acura is loaded with options, well built (solid), comfortable enough. Make no mistake this mini-SUV is a BLAST to drive. I am surprised they dont market this differently. Turbo 4 banger, SH-AWD Michelin Pilot rubber - snow is good! I can also fit kids, wife, dog, etc. Very happy with performance, technology is overdone - voice recognition nav system rivals BMW iDrive as far as frustration level