2018 Acura RDX

The 2017 RDX includes a long list of standard technology features- Carfax

The Acura RDX is a bit different when it comes to trims. Unlike its rivals, it is available in just one trim but can be upgraded with three optional packages. These are AcuraWacth Plus, Technology, and Advance packages. Pricing starts from $36,000 for the base model and when equipped with the Advance Package, the price tag reaches $44,200. 

An AWD system is available on all trims and costs an extra $1,500. With regards to features, the RDX offers a decent list of them. The RDX also offers few accessories like roof rails, wheel designs, etc. Even when fully loaded with all the packages and accessories, the RDX costs less than many of its rivals and is a true value for money. 

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The RDX with the AcuraWatch Plus and Technology packages is the best option as this model is a good combination of comfort and technological features. Moreover, with so many features equipped, it costs less than its lass rivals. It adds an array of features such as an 8-inch display. navigation system with voice recognition, 10-speaker sound system, leather sport seats, GPS-linked climate control, and all the top driver assistance features. 

In real-world driving the V-6 isn't as thirsty as you might think- The Car Connection

Although the Acura RDX houses a V6 engine, the fuel economy is pretty good as it features cylinder deactivation technology that shuts off cylinders when not needed. In FWD form, the RDX returns 20 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on a highway, and 23 MPG combined. Opting for the AWD system sees a decrease in combined mileage by 1 MPG. 

A 16-gallon fuel tank capacity is fitted in the RDX, which is typical for this class. It delivers a combined range of 384 miles, which is comparatively less than its rivals while the AWD version settles for 368 miles. A larger fuel tank would have been great for the RDX but a small fuel tank means regular visits to the gas station while traveling interstates. 

The Lexus NX 300 has the best fuel economy as it makes the least power among its rivals. For the power it makes, the RDX's fuel economy is really impressive. The BMW X3's efficiency is better than the Volvo XC60 but the latter's large fuel tank results in the best driving rage in this competition. 

The backseat offers more legroom than most competitors- Edmunds

2018 Acura RDX Seating and Comfort

The cabin of the Acura RDX is casually luxurious and not as serious and formal as the German rivals. But behind the steering wheel, it will strike you how well it is designed. Leatherette seats are standard but leather sport seats are available from the Technology model onwards. The front seats are very comfortable and get power adjustability and heated functions as standard. The top-end Advanced trim gets ventilated front seats. 

The rear passengers are going to be very comfortable because the cushions aren't high enough so you won't keep your knees high. There is plenty of head and legroom at the back. Also, the shoulder room provided is wide enough to accommodate three adults at the back. You also get a fold-down armrest with the cupholders at the back. However, the RDX does not offer heated rear seats and reclining back adjustments. 

The Lexus NX 300 and the Volvo XC60 offer similar levels of space in the rear row but the former feels more spacious slightly more spacious. On the other hand, the X3's cabin feels more luxurious but has less legroom than the RDX. Even the NX 300 and the XC60's rear rows are less spacious. 

2018 Acura RDX Infotainment System

Only the base model gets one screen that measures 5 inches in size while the other models come with a dual-screen setup. The top screen is an 8-inch non-touchscreen while the bottom screen is a 7-inch touchscreen and all the audio settings can be controlled through this display. The buttons and the rotary dial below this screen are used to control the top screen. The top screen is basically reserved for the navigation system that looks dated.

You can also display audio on the top screen but it has to be controlled using the bottom screen. There is still no Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on board in this system. The gauges have the typical Acura which is to say classy but not high-tech. While the lower trims get a 7-speaker sound system, the Technology models and above get a 10-speaker ELS sound system that has a satisfying sound quality. 

2018 Acura RDX Interior Features

Some main features of the RDX's cabin are given below:

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel
• Power front seats with heated & ventilated functions
• Leatherette & leather upholstery
• Moonroof
• Remote engine start
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 7 & 8-inch infotainment display
• 7 & 10-speaker sound system
• Voice recognition for audio & climate controls

2018 Acura RDX Cargo Space

The Acura RDX provides a dedicated cargo space of 26.1 cubic feet, which is pretty decent for the class. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split and they do so in an easy manner with quick-release levers. Once folded, you will see 61.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is among the best in the segment.  However, they don't fold flat entirely, though it's good that you don't have to fold the headrests.  

Under the load floor, you will also find a spare tire, which is a good touch as many vehicles are eliminating it. The leftover height of the RDX is a bit high but its flat loading lip is an added advantage while loading items into the cargo area. Speaking of interior storage, the front cubby is large enough to keep a small tablet. The glovebox is large enough to keep your important things while the door pockets can hold your water bottles. 

The Volvo XC60 offers the best cargo space in both worlds i.e. with the rear seats up and with them folded. Even the BMW X3 offers slightly more space than the RDX. On the flip side, the Lexus NX 300 offers one of the least cargo capacities in its segment. Therefore, the RDX stands strong with its cargo offering in the segment. 

Acura has gone through several iterations of its “beak” front fascia, none of which have really worked. The RDX wears the look better than the brand’s sedans have and we like the way its five-square LED headlights are integrated. It’s not a double-take kind of look, but the RDX is largely inoffensive. If you want a little more flash, opt for the Technology Package with its machine-finished 18s. TheCarConnection  

2018 Acura RDX Dimension and Weight

There are no styling upgrades available for the Acura RDX this year but a full redesign is scheduled for the coming model year. Upfront, you still get the older Acura's beak-style grille. Its jewel-eye LED headlights match with its bigger sibling, the MDX. Down below, you'll find fog lights only on the Advanced model. As far as ground clearance goes, its 8.1 inches is pretty impressive to the class. 

For wheels, the 18-inch alloys are standard but the Advanced model stands out with machine-finished alloys that give a distinct look. The RDX has a short wheelbase that measures 105.7 inches but its cabin is way more spacious than its rivals. Around the back, the taillights are LED and mimic the layered look of the headlights. Unlike some of the recent Acuras, the exhausts are hidden behind the bumper. 

The BMW X3 has the widest wheelbase in this competition. It's around 7 inches more than the RDX. Although it's not that spacious, it helps to offer stable and composed handling. The high ground clearance of the Volvo XC60 doesn't mean it's an off-roader. But, it will come in handy while riding over high bumps. At 182.3 inches, the Lexus NX 300 is the shortest car in this competition. This will help the drivers maneuver easily at tight parking spots. 

2018 Acura RDX Exterior Features 

• LED headlights, taillights & DRLs
• Front fog lights
• Manual-folding auto-dimming exterior mirrors
• 18-inch aluminum wheels
• Chrome grille
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Chrome window trim

The Acura RDX received a perfect 5-star overall safety rating for its performance in all crash tests. It also scored 5 stars in the frontal and side-impact crash tests while the rollover crash test received 4 stars. Overall, these safety ratings are impressive. The detailed NHTSA ratings are given below:

NHSTA Rating

Moreover, the RDX won the Top Safety Pick award for its excellent crashworthiness. It received 'Good' ratings in almost all crash tests. The models with the Advance package are rated 'Superior' for their front crash prevention while the headlights were rated 'Acceptable'. Check out the ratings below:

IIHS Rating

All these great crash-test scores prove that the RDX is a safe vehicle. Also, the SUV comes loaded with a decent list of driver assistance features. Though the base model lacks active safety features, the rest of the trims add them. The eight airbags in the RDX also add to the safety aspect of the vehicle. 

The safety features available in the RDX are mentioned below:

• Rearview Camera
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane Keep Assist
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors

2018 Acura RDX vs 2018 BMW X3

Starting at $42,650, the BMW X3 is the most expensive SUV in this class. It makes less power and its overall performance are unmatchable to the RDX but the X3 excels in athletic handling and great towing capacity. On the inside, the X3 offers less rear legroom but its cargo volume is slightly better. Also, its infotainment system is more user-friendly. The X3 is the garner of the Top Safety Pick+ award and hosts a lot of driver aids. 

2018 Acura RDX vs 2018 Volvo XC60

The slightly expensive Volvo XC60 is less powerful than the RDX and therefore, its acceleration is slower. Even its towing capacity is less. But, it prioritizes for a comfortable ride and comes with a standard AWD system while its fuel efficiency is the same as the RDX. Its interior is spacious at the back but its cargo room is really good. In view of safety, the XC60 offers more standard safety features than the RDX. 

2018 Acura RDX vs 2018 Lexus NX 300

The Lexus NX 300 is the least powerful SUV in this competition and obviously, it offers a sluggish acceleration. But, it is the most efficient vehicle here while its towing capacity is somewhat better than the RDX. Its rear row feels cramped while its infotainment setup is difficult to use. Also, its cargo room is one of the least in the class. On the plus side, it offers more standard tech features and driver-assist features than the RDX. 

If you are in the market for a premium utility vehicle and you don't want to bust the back, the 2018 Acura RDX should be at the top of your list. The way this car drives is the main selling point of this vehicle and compared to its rivals, it does offer a lot of value for its low price. Sure, some amenities are missing, such as a panoramic roof and a 360-degree camera but the RDX is truly a combination of quality and value.