2023 Acura RDX

Overview

Both fun-to-drive and handsomely styled, the 2023 Acura RDX represents a first-rate value among luxury SUVs—given you can live without the badge envy that BMWs and Porsches offer as standard. The RDX's turbocharged four-cylinder is plenty powerful and its crisp handling is satisfying on a twisty road, but its 10-speed automatic transmission and brake-pedal feel could both use some refinement. Inside, the Acura isn't as swanky as the Genesis GV70 or the Volvo XC60, although it does come standard with a similar level of technology and convenience features. Even considering its flaws, the RDX's practicality, pleasant road manners, and value-oriented pricing make it a good—if somewhat off-beat—choice among compact SUVs.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

Porsche Macan

STARTING AT: $58,950

2

Genesis GV70

STARTING AT: $44,275

3

BMW X3

STARTING AT: $47,195

4

Volvo XC60

STARTING AT: $44,545

5

BMW X4

STARTING AT: $55,195

13

Acura RDX

STARTING AT: $42,745

What's New for 2023?

Other than a new two-year/24,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan and free access to the AcuraLink connectivity plan for three years, the RDX enters the 2023 model year without any changes to its styling, features, or powertrain.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Acura offers the RDX in one trim but provides several distinct packages to jazz it up. Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available. Since the A-Spec version is pricey and lacks any real performance improvements, we'd forgo that. But we would recommend adding the Technology package that brings a better audio system, navigation, fancier leather-trimmed seats, and more. Those who want adaptive dampers and a head-up display will have to spring for the Advance package, but that significantly increases the bottom line.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every RDX is powered by a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive (or "SH-AWD" in Acura-speak). The A-Spec version we tested needed 6.2 seconds to hit 60 mph at our test track, which places it mid-pack among compact luxury SUVs. The RDX's throttle is responsive at low speeds, and it pulls away from stoplights with enough pep for most drivers. The transmission could be quicker to downshift, especially when the driver uses the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The turbocharged engine makes the RDX sound a bit like the NSX, with a high-pitched roar during hard acceleration, but much of that noise is artificial and piped into the cabin through the audio system's speakers. The RDX we drove had large 20-inch wheels and optional adaptive dampers that allow you to adjust the ride quality. While our test vehicle failed to isolate the cabin from harsh impacts on the roughest roads, it was never punishing or noisy. The torque-vectoring SH-AWD system also helped the RDX change directions quickly and was backed by precise-feeling steering. The RDX leaned only when we attacked a highway on-ramp, but otherwise, it was wonderfully balanced. Unfortunately, the brake pedal diminished the experience, due to its inconsistent firmness and responsiveness.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The RDX has competitive EPA fuel-economy ratings that approach the mid-20s, with the front-drive model getting slightly higher city and highway estimates than the all-wheel-drive one. The former is rated at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway; both those numbers drop by 1 mpg when you select all-wheel drive. Opting for the A-Spec package will reduce both highway estimates by 1 mpg, to 27 mpg with the front-driver and 26 mpg for the SH-AWD car. We tested an RDX A-Spec SH-AWD on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and achieved 26 mpg—exactly its EPA rating. For more information about the RDX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the center stack is a little busy, with a lot of buttons, a touchpad, and a large rotary drive-mode selector sitting front and center. The version we tested had the A-Spec package's flashy red seats and several other exclusive styling bits. While the cabin's notable build quality and desirable standard features (ambient lighting; power-adjustable, heated front seats; dual-zone climate control) were appreciated, the RDX fails to feel luxurious. The Acura delivers a sportier experience than something like the Honda CR-V could ever provide. Nothing feels cheap or chintzy, and the driving position is high enough to satisfy SUV fans and flexible enough to appease driving enthusiasts. A handle on the outboard seats will release the back row so you can fold it flat. Or you can lower the seatbacks from the cargo hold using the secondary releases. We managed to fit eight carry-on bags with the seats up and 22 with them folded. The RDX has a large passthrough storage tray beneath its floating center console, too.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every RDX has a 10.2-inch touchscreen perched high on the dashboard. It can also be operated via a touchpad on the center console. Acura calls the controller intuitive, but it took us a while to get accustomed to it. The RDX comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The optional Technology package adds built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and more.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every model includes a host of standard driver-assistance technology, but several other assists are available with the Technology package. These include front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For more information about the RDX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Acura provides a warranty on the RDX that aligns with its luxury competitors. However, its complimentary scheduled maintenance plan is a year shorter than what you’ll get with the BMW X3 and three years shorter than the Jaguar F-Pace.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 24,000 miles.

More Features and Specs