When the Acura RDX launched in the United States for the 2007 model year, there were only a handful of competitors in the compact luxury crossover SUV segment. The BMW X3 stood out as the benchmark, joined by the likes of the Land Rover LR2 and the Lincoln MKX. The market would soon expand dramatically, with the Audi Q5 waiting in the wings and new players on the drawing boards from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo (the GLK and XC60 both hit the market in 2010).
Acura’s early entry into the small premium crossover market meant it was one of the first brands to define the segment, and the Japanese luxury brand swung for the fences with a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a high-tech Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD for short) and sharply creased bodywork. It was the sportiest little luxury crossover that money could buy, until Acura dialed things down dramatically for the RDX’s second generation in 2013. In place of the unique turbocharged engine was a standard V6, the SH-AWD technology was replaced by a simpler all-wheel-drive system, the interior enlarged, and the styling toned down to appeal to a wider audience.
The latest version of the Acura RDX hit the market for the 2019 model year, and it seemingly merged the two prior and disparate generations into something cohesive, bringing back a powerful turbo engine, fancy torque-vectoring AWD tech and the first-generation RDX’s sporty driving demeanor while keeping its sensible sizing and mainstream appeal.
Acura RDX Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Acura RDX Pros and Cons
- Acura RDX Generations
- Acura RDX Third Generation (2019-Present)
- Acura RDX Second Generation (2013-2018)
- Acura RDX First Generation (2007-2012)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Acura RDX years are the best?
Considering there are three generations of the Acura RDX that are all wildly different machines, choosing the best version is tricky.
Potential buyers looking for a small crossover with a premium badge for a reasonable price may be tempted by the first-generation RDX that ran from 2007 through the 2012 model year. Those buyers would be rewarded with strong performance and sporty handling for a reasonable price, but those RDX models ride firmly, lack passenger and cargo space, and have dated interiors with a low-tech infotainment package.
The second-generation RDX that ran from 2013 through 2018 is much more usable as a family car, with a roomier interior, a smooth V6 engine, and a comfortable ride. Horsepower from the V6 powertrain was up to 273 (compared with 240 from the older four-cylinder turbo engine) but the overall package wasn’t as sporty as before. But the second-generation RDX is quite practical, boasts a modern interior, more features—particularly on models equipped with the Technology Package—and is more comfortable in all driving situations. Buyers interested in a second-gen RDX should look for a model from 2016 through 2018 in order to benefit from additional safety equipment courtesy of the optional AcuraWatch Plus Package with adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking and lane-departure warning and intervention.
The third and current Acura RDX generation debuted for the 2019 model year and stands out as the best version yet. It combines the sporty demeanor of the first RDX with the practicality and usefulness of the second-generation model. Drivers who live in areas with frequent inclement weather should look for a late-model RDX with Acura’s advanced SH-AWD system, as should those who prioritize handling, because the torque-vectoring system sends power where it’s needed and helps to maximize power and traction on twisty roads. RDX models built in 2021 through 2025 have fewer complaints from owners.
What are the worst Acura RDX years?
Much of what we said about the RDX’s best years also applies to its worst years. The first-generation RDX has a stiff ride that some buyers may not like, and its nearly nonexistent interior technology is another turnoff.
The second-generation RDX is a practical car for families looking for a small, reliable crossover, but it doesn’t offer much excitement for people who love to drive. The RDX has also long been saddled with unintuitive infotainment technology that can be frustrating to use. Both the second- and third-generation RDX models with Acura’s best touch- and button-controlled designs lag the industry’s best when it comes to both usability and capability.
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2019 edition—the first model year of the SUV’s third generation—is more troublesome than other model years, followed by 2020. Most of the initial reliability kinks had been ironed out by 2021.
Is a used Acura RDX a good deal?
Yes. Fortunately, the RDX was priced very competitively with its crossover peers from new and offers strong value on the used market. A 2021-2023 RDX with low miles represents a great deal in the $30,000-$35,000 range. That’s well under the average cost of a new car in the United States (around $50,000 in late 2025), making a late-model RDX a very nice car for the money. Along those same lines, lightly used 2025 Acura RDX SUVs in top A-Spec Advance trim can be found throughout the United States with less than 10,000 miles on their odometers in the $45,000 range, representing a significant $10,000 saving over a brand-new model.
Acura RDX Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fun to drive
- Great handling
- Comfortable
Cons
- Unintuitive technology
- Stiff ride from early models
- Less cargo space than class leaders
Acura RDX Generations
Acura RDX Third Generation (2019-Present)
The 2019 Acura RDX set the small luxury SUV down a new path, highlighted by its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that spins out 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm. While the outgoing V6 engine made 279 hp, the new turbo engine’s torque rating makes it significantly stronger at low revs than the old V6 and its 252 lb-ft rating. A 10-speed automatic transmission replaces the aging six-speed unit of the previous RDX, and Acura’s high-tech torque-vectoring SH-AWD system returned.
While most all-wheel-drive systems are tuned to provide a traction benefit on low-traction surfaces (including snow and ice), the system used by Acura in the third-generation RDX is more advanced. The SH-AWD system is capable of delivering as much as 70% of total engine output to the RDX’s rear wheels and can further divert 100% of that share to either of the rear wheels. This results in a real improvement in handling, regardless of road surface.
Acura’s Integrated Dynamics System, new for 2019, featured a dial directly in the center of the dashboard that let the driver choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes. Acura RDX trim levels included a base trim, a Technology Package, and an Advance Package. The base RDX came with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, front seats with heat and power functions, faux leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof. The Technology Package added navigation, leather upholstery and a 12-speaker audio system. The Acura RDX A-Spec got 20-inch alloy wheels, a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, ventilated front seats and sportier looking interior trim.
At the top of the heap, the Acura RDX Advance Package boasted a quieter interior with acoustic glass and thicker carpeting. The Advance Package also received an adaptive damper system that got firmer or softer depending on the drive mode. A hands-free power tailgate, heated steering wheel and head-up display were also standard with the Advance Package.
The AcuraWatch safety package was standard in the third-generation Acura RDX and included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Acura’s True Touchpad Interface infotainment system debuted in the 2019 RDX running on a 10.2-inch display, and while it was an improvement over older models, it wasn’t particularly intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard.
The third-generation Acura RDX offers up to 79.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly more than the outgoing version. This maximum measurement requires moving the front seats all the way forward—a smaller measurement of 58.9 cubic feet is a more accurate depiction of the available cargo space with the front seats left in a normal position.
Acura announced a PMC Edition for the 2021 model year that included every package Acura offered in the RDX, and it came painted in an extremely bright Thermal Orange Pearl paint color with black exterior accents. Only 360 RDX PMC Edition models were made, and each was hand-assembled at Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The PMC Edition returned for 2022 with Long Beach Blue exterior paint with black accents and an Orchid Milano leather interior with matching blue contrast stitching inside.
The 2022 Acura RDX received some upgrades that made it a better vehicle. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included along with a wireless charging pad for smartphones. Acura’s adaptive damper system was retuned for 2022, and a new A-Spec Advance trim level finally combined the RDX’s sporty A-Spec and tech-savvy Advance Packages into one offering, now also including a flat-bottom sport steering wheel. The FWD model was dropped, making the SH-AWD drivetrain standard equipment for the 2024 model year, and a new widescreen view for CarPlay and Android Auto debuted for 2025, along with a Surround-view camera system for the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages. The 2025 A-Spec now got Perforated Milano premium leather and Ultrasuede upholstery while the Advance Package came with heated rear seats and open-pore wood trim.
At the time of writing, the 2026 Acura RDX carried an MSRP of $46,050 (including a mandatory destination and handling charge). Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine continued to make 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates the 2026 RDX will deliver 21 miles per gallon in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.
Acura RDX Second Generation (2013-2018)
A new Acura RDX debuted for the 2013 model year (two years prior to the brand’s TLX sedan), kicking off the luxury SUV’s second generation. In place of the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine was a 3.5-liter V6 that delivered 273 horsepower to either the front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. A version of the all-wheel-drive system used in the Honda CR-V was adopted by Acura (the two crossovers share a similar platform) instead of the previous model’s SH-AWD system. Despite the larger engine, the new RDX achieved better fuel efficiency (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined) than the old turbo engine (19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined), thanks in part to the addition of cylinder deactivation technology.
The new Acura RDX was larger than the first-generation version (but still comfortably smaller than the three-row Acura MDX), growing an inch or more in every exterior dimension and increasing space inside the cabin. There was plenty of room in both the front and rear seats for adult passengers, and the cargo capacity grew to 61.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The suspension was softened for a more comfortable driving experience, and the new RDX sat lower to the ground than before. All of these changes were designed to appeal to those who wanted a practical and comfortable crossover SUV. And it worked—the new RDX sold in greater numbers than the first-generation ever did.
The Base 2013 Acura RDX came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and automatic headlights. The interior featured keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, power heated front seats with synthetic leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a seven-speaker audio system with a CD player and Bluetooth connectivity. The optional Technology Package came with xenon headlights, a power tailgate, a navigation system, and a 10-speaker ELS premium audio system.
A refresh for the 2016 model year brought driver assist technology including adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, lane departure intervention and a blind-spot monitoring system to the RDX as part of the AcuraWatch Plus Package. A Technology Package was still offered, and it got sport seats with leather seating surfaces and an eight-inch center display on top of the dash along with a seven-inch touchscreen in the dashboard (the two-screen system wasn’t very intuitive to use). An Advance Package appeared for 2016 as well, adding ventilated front seats, remote engine start and more.
There weren’t any significant changes for the 2017 or 2018 model years as Acura geared up a new RDX for 2019.
Acura RDX First Generation (2007-2012)
The first-generation Acura RDX hit showrooms in America in 2007, with the BMW X3 singled out as its primary competition. The RDX’s 2.3-liter turbocharged engine made 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, sent through a five-speed automatic transmission via a standard SH-AWD torque-vectoring system that could split torque separately between the rear wheels. With the rear seats folded flat, the first-generation RDX offered just over 60 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Acura also offered the style-forward ZDX luxury SUV from 2010 through 2013. The larger midsize MDX debuted for the 2001 model year, making it the first Acura vehicle to compete in the rapidly expanding luxury SUV segment.
