The Acura RDX got a refresh in 2022, minor changes in 2025, and an all-new model is due in 2027, so don’t expect many updates this year. Primary competitors in the near-luxury compact SUV segment include the Lexus NX, the Genesis GV70, the Volvo XC60, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and the Mazda CX-5. The 2026 Acura RDX has five trims: RDX, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance.
2026 Acura RDX Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Acura RDX
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Acura RDX
For 2025, the Acura RDX got a revised grille, updated wheel designs, a refreshed center console, and new exterior paint colors. That, combined with the fact that the 2026 model will only be produced for half the year, means this model is essentially a carryover.
Design
The 2026 Acura RDX has a sleek, sporty design with lots of sharp edges. Berlina Black multi-spoke 19-inch wheels are standard on the base RDX, but 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels are available in various finishes, depending on the trim. Appearance packages aren't available with every trim level, but A-Spec models come with the Sport Appearance Package, which includes blacked-out exterior trim accents, standard 20-inch wheels, and LED fog lights.
Powertrain
The 2026 Acura RDX only has one powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. EPA estimates suggest the 2026 RDX will get 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. While most buyers probably won't use the RDX to tow, it nonetheless has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Interior
As a compact SUV, the 2026 Acura RDX seats five and offers 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which is better than most competitors. It comes standard with leatherette seats, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and 60/40 split flat-folding rear seats. A panoramic moonroof and an acoustic glass windshield are also standard. Moving up through the trim lineup, you’ll see things like leather seats, suede headliners, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and open-pore wood trim. A-Spec models are the closest thing the RDX has to an appearance package, and include features such as sport pedals, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, dark trim accents, red leather seating surfaces, and sport seats.
Technology
At a base level, the 2026 RDX is packed with standard technology. This includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power liftgate, a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, Amazon Alexa connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, active sound control, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a premium nine-speaker Acura audio system. Available tech features include a pair of ELS premium audio systems, wireless phone charging, a head-up display, an adaptive damper system, a multi-view camera system, GPS-linked climate control, and navigation.
Safety
The 2026 Acura RDX comes with standard safety features including automatic emergency braking, advanced pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, road-departure mitigation, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available safety tech includes a rear camera washer, a surround-view camera system, rain-sensing wipers, and more. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2026 RDX good crash test ratings, and the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick award. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2026 RDX an overall safety rating of five out of five stars.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 Acura RDX went on sale in the fall of 2025, but production will halt before the end of 2026 to gear up for the all-new 2027 RDX. At the time of writing, Acura listed the base price at $46,550, including destination charges. Each trim or package, as Acura likes to call them, adds about $2,000 to $3,000, so expect to pay $49,150, $52,150, and $54,300 for the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance trims respectively. The RDX tops out at $56,300 for the top-tier A-Spec Advance trim.
