Will it damage my 2012 RDX to use regular gas?
I see lots of differing opinions...manual "recommends" 91 octane or higher....I'm ok with less power but I don't want to damage my engine.
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2012 Acura RDX Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The RDX and its lone trim received a bit of a facelift for 2010, but has since gone untouched. Despite slowing sales and certain loud complaints, the 2012 RDX again carries over with just a few new colors. However, if Acura's schedule holds true, drivers can look forward to a freshening up next year - and if the early refresh of the TL is to be any indication, there might be an upgraded 6-speed transmission in the deal.
Being a sports car through and through, the RDX has its pitfalls. Drivers consistently point out the hard seats and firm ride, relatively poor fuel economy requiring high-octane fuel, limited storage functionality and the less-than-luxurious look and feel of the materials used.
That said, the RDX is "the one" for certain drivers, and those drivers are perfectly happy to overlook the pitfalls for its highly spirited driving, high-tech infusion and exceptional reliability and safety all wrapped up into one affordable but dignified package.
Additionally, one other thing is certain - the raw stats on the RDX do not convey the thrill it delivers. Sure, its engine is just a 2.3-liter four-banger - but it's a turbocharged four-banger with hefty torque and very little burden, putting out 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque for a second-best-in-class 6.9-second zip-to-60 time.
Opting for the SH-AWD ("Super Handling" all-wheel drive) only increases the driving thrill by moving power to the outside wheels around curves for a crisp, lively feel. Unfortunately all of that power chews through gas rather quickly - the best you can hope for fuel economy is just 24 highway mpg, the worst being 17 city mpg with the SH-AWD.
Front-wheel drive and a 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters are standard, as are features like powered seats all around, heated mirrors, heated front seats and automatic xenon headlights. Major options include solar-sensing automatic climate control, voice control and the best stereo in its class.
A rear-view camera is an optional addition to the impeccably safe RDX, coming standard with all the basics you have come to expect plus active head restraints. The RDX earned perfect scores across the board in the most recent safety tests - although it is worth noting the testing standards have since changed.
Overall, the RDX is a prime pick for anyone who wants a reliable and aggressive - but wholly safe - crossover, but doesn't care about the cost of filling up the tank relatively frequently with high-test fuel. Sure the materials could use a look and feel upgrade, but that appears to be the only genuine sacrifice to get an affordable price tag on such a fun compact crossover.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 Acura RDX
Write a reviewUser rating:
by JERMAINE L
Jul 16, 2022
BMW x5 the speed the hors power and the overall lookJul 16, 2022
by Michael N
Apr 26, 2021
Great deal, nice shape, low mileage, wont last. Nice.Apr 26, 2021
by Daniel S
May 26, 2020
Great! Just wished it was bigger. Good dealership to work with. May 26, 2020
User rating:
by JERMAINE L
Jul 16, 2022
BMW x5 the speed the hors power and the overall lookJul 16, 2022
by Michael N
Apr 26, 2021
Great deal, nice shape, low mileage, wont last. Nice.Apr 26, 2021
by Daniel S
May 26, 2020
Great! Just wished it was bigger. Good dealership to work with. May 26, 2020
by Helen M
Mar 05, 2020
Good ride and runs smooth. Very dependable and reliable. Highly recommended.Mar 05, 2020
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2012 Acura RDX Pricing
Original MSRP
$32,895 to $37,995Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 360 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.31
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: black · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Profile: 45 · Type: all season · Width: 245
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 360 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: dual level · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: chrome surround · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Profile: 45 · Type: all season · Width: 245
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 410 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.31
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: black · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink · Infotainment screen size: 8.4 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: with wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Profile: 45 · Type: all season · Width: 245
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 410 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: chrome surround · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink · Infotainment screen size: 8.4 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Profile: 45 · Type: all season · Width: 245
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent