2013 Acura RDX Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Making its debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past January, the second-generation Acura RDX was...
Making its debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past January, the second-generation Acura RDX was unveiled to have a more powerful V6 engine, along with a longer wheelbase, wider track and lower center of gravity than the previous version.
The 2013 Acura RDX is available in four trims: Base, Base with Technology Package, SH-AWD and SH-AWD with Technology Package. For 2013, Acura replaces the turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 6-speed sequential sportshift automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a lockup torque converter. The 2013 Acura RDX can be configured as either front- or all-wheel drive and reaches 273 horsepower—an increase of 33 hp over last year. The SH-AWD trims have received a simplified and lighter all-wheel drivetrain system without torque vectoring.
Physically, Acura lengthened the wheelbase of the 2013 RDX by 1.4 inches, widened the track by 2.6 inches and lowered the vehicle by 1 inch. These changes will help the RDX handle much better, especially when cornering and in certain off-road situations. The changes will also slightly improve gas mileage for the RDX, which runs on regular gas. The front-wheel drive RDX is now estimated by the EPA to achieve 20 mpg city/28 highway, while all-wheel versions are rated at 19/27.
New standard features for the 2013 Acura RDX include electric power steering and 18-inch, 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Previous standard equipment that is still available for 2013 includes leather seats, heated power front seats, power moonroof, keyless entry with push-button start, three-view rear-view camera and a 10-speaker 360-watt audio system.
The Base w/Tech Package and SH-AWD w/Tech Package trims feature the Technology package, which includes navigation with voice recognition, a 60GB hard-drive disc, solar-sensing GPS, premium sound system, dual-zone climate control, power rear tailgate, projector beam headlights with bi-Xenon HID bulbs and front fog lights.
Improved 4-wheel disc brakes that include an antilock braking system with electronic brake distribution and brake assist are also now standard for the 2013 Acura RDX. Other safety features remain the same, including 6 airbags—2 front, 2 front side and 2 side-curtain airbags—as well as vehicle stability assist and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The revamped 2013 Acura RDX is expected to find its way to dealership showrooms sometime in the early spring. With the changes that Acura has implemented, the RDX has a chance to cement its place as one of the premier luxury crossover SUVs, along the likes of the BMW X3 and Cadillac SRX.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers are quite pleased with the 2013 Acura RDX, highlighting its comfort, smooth ride, and good fuel economy. Many appreciate the vehicle's engine performance and quality features. However, some owners expressed concerns about the infotainment system's complexity and the rear seating being a bit cramped for three passengers during long trips."
We like the RDX very much and have no real complaints about the car. I like the way it handles, and we get better mileage than we expected - it is rated 28 highway, but we can get 29-30 with conservative driving. I find the seats to be the most comfortable of the small SUVs we looked at, and the rear seats are OK too, but three people would be pretty squeezed on a long multi-hour trip, and getting the rear seatbelts connected is tricky if people are already in the car. The size is perfect for a family of three or four and some gear/suitcases, and the car is easy to drive and park. I like the paddel shifters but I don't really get a chance to use them much. The interior controls are all well placed and intuitive. Unfortunately, Acura provides only two electronic keys with the car, and there is no mechanical key if the batter dies; if you lose the electronic key, it is $400 to replace. We've not lost or damaged any yet, but I'd rather not have that as a "required" worry.
May 4, 2013You can just feel the quality in all this vehicles features. Value is a price to quality ratio and this is a top value in my opinion. Similar to a Volvo XC 60.
December 19, 2020Awesome car thats fun to drive. Definitely the most sporty SUV Ive driven. Has good ground clearance and a short roof to make putting stuff on a rack easy. Super reliable too. Its basically a honda so take care of it and itll last you 250-300k miles.
November 1, 2022What owners say
We like the RDX very much and have no real complaints about the car. I like the way it handles, and we get better mileage than we expected - it is rated 28 highway, but we can get 29-30 with conservative driving. I find the seats to be the most comfortable of the small SUVs we looked at, and the rear seats are OK too, but three people would be pretty squeezed on a long multi-hour trip, and getting the rear seatbelts connected is tricky if people are already in the car. The size is perfect for a family of three or four and some gear/suitcases, and the car is easy to drive and park. I like the paddel shifters but I don't really get a chance to use them much. The interior controls are all well placed and intuitive. Unfortunately, Acura provides only two electronic keys with the car, and there is no mechanical key if the batter dies; if you lose the electronic key, it is $400 to replace. We've not lost or damaged any yet, but I'd rather not have that as a "required" worry.
May 4, 2013You can just feel the quality in all this vehicles features. Value is a price to quality ratio and this is a top value in my opinion. Similar to a Volvo XC 60.
December 19, 2020Awesome car thats fun to drive. Definitely the most sporty SUV Ive driven. Has good ground clearance and a short roof to make putting stuff on a rack easy. Super reliable too. Its basically a honda so take care of it and itll last you 250-300k miles.
November 1, 2022Great vehicle, 2013 is when the RNX switched to a V6 which made for a smoother experience. The Tech package gives you total hand free control, with excellent navigation display.
September 11, 2021Size of engine, body style, seatings, average fuel economy, and AWD option is one the best in SUV class for family uses. I love it.
November 20, 2021great size for its class, interior is top notch, and the engine has good power
January 1, 2021I just purchased a used 2014 rdx , Its a suprisingly fast vehicle. Drives very smooth. The infotainment system will take some getting used to - way to many buttons
March 5, 2023Ive noticed that the 2013 is when the RDX began to change. Newer headlights, updated screen inside. Havent been able to lock down one, but Im trying. With the 2013, I would still feel relevant
March 4, 2024First impression is very good ( I have had the car about 36 hours). Ride is smooth and heat is functioning well (cold here!) Have not tried everything yet but it seems so far, so good -
November 19, 2023Trims & specs
Base MSRP $39,420 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 273 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 26.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $34,320 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 273 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 26.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $35,720 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 273 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 26.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $38,020 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 273 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 26.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$34,320 - $39,420
Current avg. market price
$10,121
Trending down by 2.1% this month
May 2026 - November 2026
