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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  2013 RDX AWD - Great Crossover! - 2013 Acura RDX
  By blackdogrdx - May 29 - 11:05 am

  This 2nd Gen RDX is awesome! The room of a crossover/wagon, AWD, 25ish MPG overall, excellent driver comfort, very roomy rear seat, high quality base audio, standard rear view camera, reliability of Honda/Acura, smooth 6 speed auto transmission, and a strong and quiet V-6. It is definitely a must-test-drive if you are in the small to mid size SUV market and willing to spend $35-40k. It matches up well against the X3, Q5, even Touraeg. A word of warning - do not test drive if it is out of your price range. If you are considering a CR-V or Rav 4 and dont want to add $10-15k, dont make yourself miserable.

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  2013 RDX FWD With Tech Package - 2013 Acura RDX
  By pdamelio - May 13 - 12:00 am

  My wife and I have been researching the RDX for about 8 weeks once I heard about the new improvements that Acura made. We purchased our 2013 RDX FWD with Tech Package today. MSRP is $38,020 + Destination Fee of $895 = $38,915. The invoice price to the dealer is $36,665. The inventory on these 2013 models has not built up at the dealers yet, so some dealers are not come down on the prices, but if you are persistent you can get it for much cheaper than the MSRP list prices. I have been in contact with 8 different dealers all over Northern California via email and phone. We ended up buying it from the dealer in our home town for $37,000 + Tax & Lic.

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  Major improvement in comfort & gas mileage on 2013 model - 2013 Acura RDX
  By gofitguy - April 26 - 5:57 pm

  Ive had my 2013 RDX AWD for two weeks now. My lease was up on my 09 Murano SL AWD & I wanted something a little different. I drove the RDX in 2009 & felt the ride wasnt comfortable & the gas mileage wasnt great. On the 2013, these two issues have been 100% corrected & its a far more comfortable vehicle to drive. The V6 performance is more than adequate, handling is stable & its fun to drive. A few features Id like to have are missing on the base AWD but I wasnt willing to spend the $3400 more for the Tech package when I dont need the navigation system. Compared to the BMW X3 or Q5, Im pleased with the value I got here & lots of extra comfort features are included. Way to go!

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  60K, so far, so good - 2008 Acura RDX
  By ducky79 - February 13 - 6:34 pm

  2008 RDX, 60K mileage, no problem so far. I would say this is a very reliable car. Pro: reliable, great handling, decent power Con: rough ride, bad gas mileage I believe it can run 3-5 more years.

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  rdx with tech package - 2011 Acura RDX
  By thinkbig - February 11 - 10:08 pm

  I wanted a small SUV for more utility, ability to go through flooded streets and for a change of lifestyle. Was in a Camry for many years but hated not having no power and feeling like a old man. Printed a bunch of pictures of SUVs and showed it to my girlfriend. She Pick the Acura and I went down and got it. I think it was good decision as it is upscale and I needed to treat myself to something more than another Toyota. Reliable, safe, fun to drive, and that Turbo 4 is nice change of pace. Fuel economy is about what I expected around 18-19 range city. It uses premium fuel. When new the fuel economy was down to 16-17.

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  Huge bang for the buck - 2011 Acura RDX
  By tpf1979 - February 3 - 1:36 pm

  With BMW, Audi, and Mercedes getting all the attention in the luxury crossover market, the RDX is too often overlooked. I have owned my 2011 RDX base (front wheel drive) for 8 months and love it. You get a lot for your $30,000. Stellar acceleration and handling, all the creature comforts, and a premium feel (though not quite as "premium" as the German competitors). If you want to save a few thousand dollars and still get an excellent vehicle- give the RDX a long, hard look before jumping into that BMW. If you do not live in Alaska or extreme north east, consider front wheel drive for even a better value. I live in NJ and am getting through the winter just fine with my front wheel drive RDX.

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  The Best small upscale SUV, hands down - 2010 Acura RDX
  By klrsmile - January 16 - 4:27 pm

  Having test driven a variety of its competitors, including some SUVs up-market as well as down (GLK, X3, Q5, Highlander) as well as being a former MDX owner, my wife and I were equally impressed with the RDX, albeit for very different reasons. He: Love the performance, 0-60 in about 6 seconds - very impressive, and surprisingly nimble, a very fun car to drive. The stereo is equally impressive, sounds great and free 12 months subscription to satellite insures something for everyone to listen to. She: The cargo space handles weekend shopping and family upkeep with ease. Crash test ratings help keep the kids safe

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  Great Car! - 2012 Acura RDX
  By austonian - January 13 - 3:14 pm

  I traded my 07 BMW X3 for the 12 RDX. I wanted reliability in a small luxury SUV - which I expect from and Acura and was not getting from BMW. I expected the RDX to be a bit of a let down from the X3 from a driving perspective, but I was way wrong. I absolutely love driving the RDX! Its peppy, has a lighter, crisper feel, and I love the interior, which has very comfortable seats. No complaints from me. This has turned out to be a very good choice. (BTW, the 13 RDX was revealed at the Detroit Auto Show this week. IMO, the new body is very generic and too rounded. Get thee to an Acura dealer fast if you want the current RDXs distinctive look and lines.)

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  Comparing the RDX to BMW X3 - 2009 Acura RDX
  By jmh12 - December 28 - 11:16 am

  I traded my X3 for a used RDX. While the X3 was a good car, its reliability was waning after 100K. The RDX was a great choice. Reminds me of the X3. Ride is about the same (choppy over rough spots) but handles even better than the X3. Seems roomier and gets a bit better gas mileage. Sure you can get low miles if you keep your foot in the turbo. Im getting 23 to 27 on the highway and 19 in town. This is the AWD version too. I have an MDX thats been a reliable car. I expect the RDX to follow suit. Its a great car for one who enjoys driving and isnt put off by the tight suspension. Plus its an Acura.

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  My first Japanese car - 2012 Acura RDX
  By scotch1 - December 20 - 6:22 pm

  My first choice was a BMW X3 or Audi Q5, but the price was about 9K to 10K more than the RDX. The car is sporty, fun to drive, good seating confort in the front and rear seats. Love the surround sound stereo, Nav and Blue Tooth. The voice commands to operate most controls is hit or miss. Have about 3K in miles so far, average about 19 to 20 in town driving. The ride is a bit stiff, but NVH is good. Have owned 4 Volvos, the RDX is much more compliant with impact harshness than any of my Volvos. Yeah, I hate the beak front end, but at least is does not look like the Nissan Joke, I mean Juke. Most Japanese cars lack the sense of design when to BMW or Mercedes.