In a market crowded with compact luxury SUVs that prioritize style and tech over genuine driving engagement, the Acura RDX stands apart as a rare breed. It’s the kind of SUV that reminds you that luxury and performance don’t have to live in separate worlds, and that driving can still be fun, even in a practical family crossover. Positioned between mainstream affordability and high-end prestige, the RDX delivers a dynamic experience that feels closer to a sports sedan than a traditional SUV. With a turbocharged engine, sharp handling, and Acura’s signature Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), it’s engineered for drivers who care about the road as much as the ride.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2L I-4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
272 HP @6500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
21/27/23 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Acura
- Model
-
RDX
But what truly elevates the RDX is how it blends that enthusiasm with everyday usability. Inside, you’ll find a premium cabin packed with thoughtful technology and high-quality materials, while its value proposition undercuts many European rivals by thousands. The 2025 RDX isn’t just another upscale crossover; it’s a statement that driving excitement and attainable luxury can coexist beautifully, making it one of the most rewarding SUVs in its class.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Acura and other authoritative sources.
Turbocharged Thrills: How The RDX Brings Back The Joy Of Driving
Under the hood of the Acura RDX lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Those figures may not sound exotic on paper, but the way the RDX delivers its power is what sets it apart. The turbo spools quickly, providing strong mid-range torque that makes highway merges and backroad sprints equally satisfying. Paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, it keeps the power accessible and engaging, something many of its CVT-equipped rivals can’t replicate.
Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system takes the driving dynamics to another level. It can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and even distribute power side-to-side for sharper cornering. This isn’t your typical “safety-first” AWD setup. It’s a performance-oriented system that enhances agility and makes the RDX feel remarkably planted in tight turns. Few SUVs in this price range deliver such an engaging, rear-biased feel.
The result is a luxury SUV that genuinely wants to be driven. Whether carving through a mountain pass or tackling an urban commute, the RDX rewards precision and confidence. It feels alive under your hands, a rare trait in a segment dominated by numb steering and artificial sport modes. Acura’s heritage in performance shines through here, reminding drivers that “luxury” and “fun” don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Luxury Without The Price Tag: Acura’s Secret To Affordable Refinement
The Acura RDX hits a sweet spot in the market, offering a true luxury experience without the inflated cost of European rivals. Starting in the mid-$40,000 range, it comes standard with features that German SUVs make you pay thousands more for. Heated seats, panoramic moonroof, 12-speaker premium audio, and an impressive suite of safety tech all come standard. Acura’s “value luxury” philosophy ensures buyers aren’t nickel-and-dimed for the basics.
Beyond its long list of standard amenities, the RDX feels substantial in a way that belies its price. The doors close with a solid thunk, the suspension soaks up imperfections with poise, and the materials inside feel premium and durable. It’s the kind of SUV that gives you confidence in where your money went. For buyers stepping up from mainstream brands, the RDX delivers a genuine sense of occasion without the financial hangover.
Where competitors like BMW or Mercedes-Benz might require expensive packages to feel “complete,” the Acura RDX offers that experience out of the box. It’s not about flashy badges or inflated prestige; it’s about delivering quality, craftsmanship, and satisfaction at a price point that feels almost too reasonable.
Precision Handling Meets Everyday Comfort
Acura has mastered the balance between athleticism and comfort with the RDX. Its chassis tuning feels inspired by the brand’s performance DNA, yet it doesn’t punish occupants with a stiff or jittery ride. The suspension absorbs bumps gracefully while maintaining body control during spirited driving. Whether cruising on the freeway or tackling twisty roads, the RDX feels stable, controlled, and confident.
The SH-AWD system enhances cornering precision, but it’s the steering that truly impresses. It’s quick, well-weighted, and provides more feedback than you’d expect from an SUV. Drivers will appreciate the way the RDX communicates through the wheel. You always know what the front tires are doing. Combined with torque vectoring and responsive throttle mapping, the RDX feels nimble in a way few competitors can match.
Despite its sporty tuning, daily drivability remains a highlight. Cabin noise is well suppressed thanks to active noise cancellation, and the suspension strikes a perfect middle ground between sporty and supple. It’s a vehicle that can devour long-distance driving in quiet comfort yet still put a smile on your face when the road gets interesting.
A Cabin That Feels Premium In Every Detail
Step inside the Acura RDX, and it’s immediately clear the Japanese brand took interior quality seriously. Soft-touch materials adorn nearly every surface, accented by brushed aluminum, open-pore wood, or Milano leather, depending on the trim. The seats are supportive and perfectly bolstered for spirited driving, yet plush enough for long trips. Even the stitching and panel alignment reflect the brand’s attention to detail.
The layout feels driver-focused, with a high center console that creates a cockpit-like atmosphere. Acura’s decision to use premium materials where it counts, from the steering wheel to the door panels, gives the cabin an upscale feel that’s often missing in similarly priced SUVs. Even the ambient lighting adds a layer of sophistication at night, reinforcing the RDX’s luxury credentials.
Practicality hasn’t been forgotten, either. The RDX offers generous space for passengers and up to 79.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded, one of the best in its class. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice function for form. The RDX’s cabin is both a comfortable retreat and a daily workhorse, all wrapped in a premium aesthetic.
Tech That Works For The Driver, Not Against Them
Technology in modern cars can often feel overwhelming or distracting, but the RDX takes a refreshingly driver-centric approach. Its True Touchpad Interface might take a moment to get used to, but once familiar, it proves more intuitive than many touchscreen systems. Every function is within easy reach, and the clean digital layout reduces clutter while enhancing usability.
Acura’s infotainment system integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the available ELS Studio 3D sound system, developed with Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner, transforms the cabin into a concert hall. The sound quality is immersive and crisp, setting a new benchmark for the segment. Beyond entertainment, the RDX’s driver assistance suite (AcuraWatch) delivers real peace of mind and includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Collision mitigation braking
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning
- Lane departure warning
The RDX’s technology complements the driving experience rather than complicating it. Everything feels purposeful, logical, and designed to enhance focus behind the wheel. In a segment filled with tech gimmicks and touchscreens for the sake of novelty, the Acura RDX stands out by doing what great cars have always done: keeping the driver in control.