Overview & Reviews

For 2009, the Acura RDX gets a standard four-way power passenger seat and increased coverage for the AcuraLink real-time traffic system.

• Responsive handling, powerful turbocharged engine, many luxury features come standard, excellent crash test scores.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 44.00

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  Like an MDX and Accord all in one - 2009 Acura RDX
  By jbriscoe - July 1 - 1:47 am

  I owned a 03 MDX and 07 Accord V6 previously...I wanted to go back to a SUV...just not a large one. The RDX fit the bill for me. I get 22 mpg non highway driving at an avg speed of 28 mph, I drive 66 mi daily round trip to work. The turbo kicks in when needed and the ride inside the cabin is quiet. The road feel can be bumpy on poorly maintained streets and the handling is great on quick turns. If you need more cargo room and a fold down third seat, opt for the MDX and a few less mpg. Im 53 and my husband is 61 and we both have plenty of head and leg room.

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  What a snatch! - 2009 Acura RDX
  By itzsyk - December 17 - 2:16 am

  Its been 2 great years since I first picked this baby up. The biggest reason for choosing this car, is because the 2.3 liter engine from Honda is only used in the RDX. The small turbo is also very peppy. Theres virtually no lag - VTec kicks just under 4k rpm. Unfortunately, the drop in peak power is very noticeable. The ride is stiff, but supple. Just enough to feel confident without suffering back pains. I put regular gas for 1k miles recently, and to my surprise, there was no loss in power. But, there was loss in the stiffness of the steering wheel. Regardless, I advise premium gas. The brakes were the biggest disappointment. They feel like they stop 60-0 in 130-140 ft.

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  Know what youre buying - 2009 Acura RDX
  By Nick - March 20 - 11:21 am

  We wanted a AWD vehicle to travel in winter to Northern NV and Sierra Nevada mtns. We wanted a small SUV. We loved the CR-V but it was a Dog (4 Cyl.) and the Rav4 was stylish 10 years ago, so we checked out the RDX. It has impressive quickness & handling and its really fun to drive. What we didnt expect is the gas mileage. We have only gotten 17 mpg in town once and highway isnt much over 20. On long trips be prepared to gas up frequently (and always with premium). Overall I really like the SUV and the fact that the turbo doesnt lose power with elevation. Know what your buying -an AWD SUV w/ a turbo- and accept that you wont get great mileage.

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  Its almost one year - 2009 Acura RDX
  By giri80 - March 16 - 3:34 pm

  I bought this car as a graduation gift for my self! I already have 25,000 miles on the car drove all across the country. So far the ride is fun. Cabin can be a bit quieter, awesome 4 awd handling its fun to drive in rain and snow. Fuel economy is excellent on hwy (24) but not good in city (17- 18). Interior materials can be of better material. Plastic used is of low quality. I love the seats though. Climate control, audio, back leg room and cargo space very good. I would suggest this buy over a crv, rav4 or Forester any day.

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  CANT WAIT TO GET RID OF - 2009 Acura RDX
  By Double L - February 5 - 11:12 am

  The dealer would NOT allow us to take on highway now I know why. The ride is so bumpy that you feel sick to your stomach. We cant get the sports suspension changed because it will cause the warranty to be invalid. I should have walked away after being jacked around by the dealership with agreeing to match printed price of others and then hemm & ha for 5 hours trying to figure out how to get out of that one. I should of, could of, and didnt so now Im stuck with a vehicle that makes me throw up on bumpy highways or gets us dizzy.

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  Deeply Conflicted - 2009 Acura RDX
  By fischb - December 22 - 8:32 am

  I am deeply conflicted about this car. It drives sporty and tight, but on rough pavement it is too bumpy. There are 3 competing electronic displays, but technology is about 8 years old. Voice recognition is the worst as is the nav. Fuel economy is stellar for this segment, 22 MPG, but linear accelleration is impossible due to the mismanaged turbos. The leather is cheaper than Benzs imitation stuff. Handling on snow is bad due to torquiness, so I had to get snow tires. Exterior styling is suspect, but I like its small size. In the end, I am trading after one year for a BMW X6, if only to save my sanity from the tortuous fan whine when you turn on the heat.

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  Not overly impressed - 2009 Acura RDX
  By Jack Gantos - September 9 - 8:41 pm

  Ive had my RDX for nearly three years on a lease and I will be turning it in and not getting another. The gas mileage is well below what is listed at 17mpg in town. I live in Boston and drive around town and get about 11/12 miles per gallon, and Im not a lead foot. The Turbo is not as responsive as it should be--there is some lag, but it is not bad when it kicks in. Just not as perfect as the sales people tell you it is. The interior is basic. Visibility is routine. Body design is nice. But the interior trim is just an upgraded version of a Nisson X-Terra. I question if my "leather" seats are really leather. They remind me of the Mercedes leather- like material I had in my Turbo D.

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  Beware - 2009 Acura RDX
  By Fred - July 8 - 10:17 am

  This is not the luxury car that Acura should be selling. Unlike other Acuras, the vehicle does not have automatic headlights, a basic safety and convenience feature available on similar, and many far less expensive cars. The gas mileage is far less than advertised. It is very difficult to open the rear door. The instrument panel, particularly the radio controls, are poorly designed and difficult to use. While the turbo engine is very good and the ride is decent, the car is not what I have come to expect from Acura -- they should be ashamed.

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  2 Years Later - 2009 Acura RDX
  By Levelheaded - June 16 - 9:33 am

  This is a jazzed up Honda at best. By no means does this truck have a true level of luxury, in fact, an Accord V6 may be more luxurious. That being said, its all about performance in the RDX, and a fun factor that you will not find in any other smaller SUV. The RDX is the best driving small SUV out, its faster, handles better, and has fantastic steering - new editions like the Q5 will give it a run, but its price keep it from being shopped together.

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  Long term review - 2009 Acura RDX
  By tom - May 5 - 12:34 pm

  Have owned the SUV for one year and 18k miles now. Fun to drive, good visibility, excellent handling and did real well in the New England winter. I am not a very aggressive driver and dont use the paddle shifters much. I do a mix of highway and city driving. I am averaging 21 mpg. The rear suspension is very firm which could be uncomfortable for rear adult passengers on longer trips. I owned another Acura five years ago. I was disappointed with the fit and finish of my SUV. Total of three trim pieces on the dashboard and passengers door panels were replaced under warranty because they became loose. Had to also take it back for rattling sound behind the glove box .