2021 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is available in both FWD and AWD models with three optional packages: Technology, A-Spec, and Advance. The base model gets features like 19-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, heated sunroof, and a panoramic sunroof. 

Opting for the Technology package upgrades the leather upholstery, built-in navigation, 12-speaker stereo, and some safety features like blind-spot monitoring. Customers looking for a more aggressive design can opt for the A-Spec package which includes 20-inch alloy wheels, sport-styled front, and rear bumpers, heated and ventilated sport front seats, and a 16-speaker audio system. 

The 2021 Acura RDX Advance package is the most expensive one and adds to the Technology package with features like adaptive dampers, heated steering wheel and rear seats, head-up display, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The new PMC limited edition model includes both the A-Spec and Advance packages along with features like a unique orange paint, 20-inch black wheels, and several gloss-black exterior design elements. 

Trim	Base	Technology	A-Spec	Advance
MSRP (FWD)	$38,400	$41,300	$44,300	$46,200
MSRP (AWD)	$40,400	$43,300	$46,300	$48,200
Key Features	19-inch alloy wheels	In addition to or replaces Base trim features with:	In addition to or replaces Technology trim features with:	In addition to or replaces Technology trim features with:
	Leatherette upholstery	Premium leather upholstery	20-inch alloy wheels	Adaptive suspension dampers
	Heated front seats	GPS-linked climate control system	Sport-styled front and rear bumpers	Heated steering wheel and rear seats
	Panoramic moonroof	An upgraded premium 12-speaker audio system	Ventilated front seats	Head-up display
	10.2-inch infotainment system with Acura’s true touchpad interface	Built-in navigation	Leather and simulated suede upholstery	Rain-sensing windshield wipers
	Dual-zone climate control	Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert	16-speaker audio system	16-speaker audio system
	12-way power-adjustable front sports seats	Two charge-only rear USB ports	Black-painted exterior trim	Hands-free liftgate

Which trim should you buy?

Acura RDX models with the optional Technology package offer the best value and include additional features like perforated leather upholstery, built-in navigation, upgraded 12-speaker audio system, and more. Opting for the Super Handling AWD system is also recommended for the added safety and improved handling characteristics. 

The 2021 Acura RDX fuel economy figures are on par with its rivals, and the SUV manages to return 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highways. Because of the smaller 17.1-gallon fuel tank, the highway range dips below the 500-mile mark at just 479 miles. Opting for the SH-AWD system cuts down the ratings by 1 MPG. Unfortunately, the Acura RDX doesn’t get any hybrid powertrains, unlike its rivals.

Models	2021 Acura RDX	2021 Audi Q5 45 TFSI Premium	2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i	2021 Volvo XC60 D5
MPG (City)	22	23	25	22
MPG (Highway)	28	28	29	29
MPG (Combined)	24	25	27	25
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)	17.1	18.5	17.2	18.8
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)	376/479/410	425/518/462	430/499/464	413/545/470

Rivals like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 are more efficient on the highway and offer a better highway range compared to the Acura RDX. The Audi Q5 is on par with the RDX in terms of efficiency. The BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60 offer an optional hybrid powertrain for improved efficiency. 

The 2021 Acura RDX interior is well packaged, and 5 adults can sit in comfort. Like most crossovers, the RDX offers plenty of cargo capacity which can be further expanded by folding the rear seats flat. With all the seats folded down, the RDX offers up to 79.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Acura has also provided plenty of storage spaces inside the cabin. The center console storage deserves special mention, with plenty of space on offer thanks to the absence of switchgear.

The oddly shaped A/C vents and unique layered dashboard design is lifted straight from the NSX supercar. Features like ambient lighting and high-quality soft-touch materials, make the cabin feel a lot more luxurious than run-of-the-mill crossovers. The A-Spec package adds red sports seats and several red accents inside the cabin. Like most Acura vehicles, the RDX gets a unique dashboard layout that may seem complicated at first but easy to get used to.

Models	2021 Acura RDX	2021 Audi Q5 45 TFSI Premium	2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i	2021 Volvo XC60 D5
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)	40.0/60.0/42.0	39.6/57.7/40.9	41.1/57.6/40.3	38/58.2/41.5
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)	38.0/57.0/38.0	39.3/56.5/38	39.1/56/36.4	38/56.3/38
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)	29.5	25.9	28.7	17.8

In terms of interior space and practicality, the Acura RDX is easily the most spacious crossover both in terms of passenger and cargo space. The Volvo XC60 takes the second spot, but only offers limited cargo capacity. Both the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 are slightly less spacious compared to rivals.

Some notable interior features include the following:

• 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
• 10.5-inch head-up display
• GPS-linked climate control system
• Panoramic moonroof
• Heated steering wheel and rear seats
• Hands-free liftgate

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Acura RDX comes as standard with a 10.2-inch infotainment system that sits at the top and away from the passengers. The system is controlled through a well-placed touchpad under the gear selector and gets shortcut buttons for home, back, and menus for quick access. Although the system takes a while to get used to, it is easy to use on the move with slick controls and a well-laid-out interface. Some lag does find its way through when shuffling menus, but it remains slick for the most part. 

All the regular features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, mobile hotspot, Siri eyes-free, SiriusXM satellite and HD radio, Bluetooth, and a lot more are included as standard. Higher trims also get built-in navigation. AcuraLink is also included with features like remote starting, security alarm alert, Amazon Alexa integration, personal concierge, and key by Amazon for in-car delivery. The optional 16-speaker audio system from ELS studio includes 4 speakers in the ceiling and a massive 710 watts of total output power, creating an excellent soundstage. 

Some of the highlights of the infotainment system include the following:

• 10.2-inch HD display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Built-in navigation
• SiriusXM and HD radio
• 16-speaker audio system
• Mobile hotspot

Acura hasn’t messed about with the styling, and the 2021 RDX continues to be a handsome crossover with bold character lines, the signature Acura five-point grille with a huge badge, and sleek LED headlights. Acura has toned down the rugged looks with black cladding only on the bumpers and sides. Flared wheel arches improve the stance and accommodate the large 19-inch wheels perfectly.

The A-Spec package injects even more sportiness with sport-style front and rear bumpers, and bigger 20-inch alloy wheels. Overall, the RDX is a handsome crossover that looks as sporty as its performance suggests.

Models	2021 Acura RDX	2021 Audi Q5 45 TFSI Premium	2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i	2021 Volvo XC60 D5
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,783	4,079	3,931	4,008
Length (inches)	186.7	184.3	185.9	184.6
Width (inches)	74.8	74.5	74.4	74.9
Height (inches)	65.7	65.5	66	65.3
Ground Clearance (inches)	5.7	N/A	7.2	8.5
Wheelbase (inches)	108.3	111	112.8	112.8

The new limited edition PMC model gets an exclusive thermal orange pearl paint with matching stitching on the inside, black 20-inch wheels, orange grille surround, black chrome exhaust tips, and several gloss-black exterior accents.

The Acura RDX looks a lot more compact than its rivals but is actually bigger in all directions. Both the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 are smaller than the RDX, while the BMW X3 is similar dimensionally. 

Some exterior features are:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Deep tinted glass
• Powered liftgate
• LED taillights
• Fully automatic projector LED lights
• LED DRLs
• Front fog lights

The Acura RDX is based on a unique platform that is more rigid thanks to the liberal use of high-strength steel which makes up more than half of the chassis. Acura’s ACE body structure is also employed here which transfers crash energy away from the passenger compartment. The structure is further improved with laser welding and hot stamping. In the NHTSA safety tests, the RDX received a full 5-star overall rating. It also did well in the IIHS tests, securing a “Good” rating in most sections along with the “Top Safety Pick+” award. 

The RDX is loaded with plenty of active safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, and more as standard. Higher trims also get features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, surround-view parking camera, parking sensors at both ends, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert. The optional head-up display also displays alerts. 

Some standard safety features include the following:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane keep assist
• Road departure mitigation
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Rearview camera

2021 Acura RDX vs 2021 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 has always been one of the most accomplished mid-size luxury crossovers in the market with plenty of powertrain options, an opulent interior, and a comfortable ride. Compared to the Q5, the Acura RDX is a lot more affordable and offers excellent handling characteristics. 

The RDX also looks a lot more modern with its sporty and bold design. As an overall package, the Audi Q5 is still the better option if you’ve got extra cash to spare. 

2021 Acura RDX vs 2021 BMW X3

The Acura RDX has come a long way over the years, and the current model is capable enough to match or even dethrone the BMW X3 in terms of performance and driving dynamics. However, the RDX is limited to just one engine option while the BMW X3 offers plenty including an efficient hybrid model. The X3 is also a lot more expensive than the Acura RDX, reducing its overall value. If you’re looking purely at driving experience on a budget, the Acura RDX is the better option. 

2021 Acura RDX vs 2021 Volvo XC60

Volvo has always concentrated on ride quality and comfort above all else, and the XC60 continues that trend. Compared to the RDX, the Volvo XC60 offers a more comfortable ride and a spacious interior. But, in terms of sheer value and driving dynamics, the Acura RDX easily takes the win thanks to its well-sorted chassis and lower price tag. 

Although there are no significant updates for 2021, the RDX continues to be one of the best luxury crossovers in the market with its sporty styling and capable drivetrain. It offers great value with a low starting price without compromising on features and also looks the part. 

The optional AWD system improves handling significantly over the standard model and is not just a tool to get out of tricky situations. On the flip side, the lethargic transmission and unintuitive infotainment system are still not as sorted as its rivals. The 2021 Acura RDX is an excellent choice for buyers looking for a stylish and fun-to-drive crossover that offers plenty of value.