Or you can lower the seatbacks from the cargo hold using the secondary releases. A handle on the outboard seats will release the back row so you can fold it flat. Nothing feels cheap or chintzy, and the driving position is high enough to satisfy SUV fans and flexible enough to appease driving enthusiasts. The Acura delivers a sportier experience than something like the Honda CR-V could ever provide. 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 version we tested had the A-Spec package's flashy red seats and several other exclusive styling bits. 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. For more information about the RDX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. 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. 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. 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. 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. Tested: 2022 Acura RDX Hews to the Mainstream.

Michael Simari | Car and Driver More on the RDX SUV Unfortunately, the brake pedal diminished the experience, due to its inconsistent firmness and responsiveness. The RDX leaned only when we attacked a highway on-ramp, but otherwise, it was wonderfully balanced. The torque-vectoring SH-AWD system also helped the RDX change directions quickly and was backed by precise-feeling steering. While our test vehicle failed to isolate the cabin from harsh impacts on the roughest roads, it was never punishing or noisy. The RDX we drove had large 20-inch wheels and optional adaptive dampers that allow you to adjust the ride quality. 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 transmission could be quicker to downshift, especially when the driver uses the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The RDX's throttle is responsive at low speeds, and it pulls away from stoplights with enough pep for most drivers. 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. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceĮvery 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). 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. But we would recommend adding the Technology package that brings a better audio system, navigation, fancier leather-trimmed seats, and more. Since the A-Spec version is pricey and lacks any real performance improvements, we'd forgo that.

Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available. The price of the 2023 Acura RDX starts at $42,945 and goes up to $52,545 depending on the trim and options.Īcura offers the RDX in one trim but provides several distinct packages to jazz it up.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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