2023 Acura RDX

header-image
Rating7.1

Ranked #4 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$41,550 - $53,550
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 8, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Agile handling

Clumsy transmission

No significant changes are expected in the 2023 model.

Well trimmed interior cabin

Inconvenient touchpad controller

Roomy cabin and segment best cargo space

Single engine option

Numerous standard features

Low towing capacity

Specs & Features

$41,550

price

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

horsepower

280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

torque

10-speed Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 10A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Acura RDX is a compact SUV first launched in the year 2006 and is passing through its third generation. We don't expect the 2023 iteration to bring in any significant change and it could well be a carryover model. The SUV has been known for its spacious cabin and refined ride quality and offers a host of features as standard which makes it a value-for-money proposition in this segment. The Acura RDX positions itself as a premium SUV offering an affordable luxurious interior which we feel is the best we can get from the Acura. The noise insulation and the overall interior cabin design feel different compared to all other SUVs in the segment.

Buying Advice

We would recommend the RDX A-Spec AWD as it offers the best value for money proposition at $ 48 450. The A-Spec is loaded with interior features which enhance the overall driving experience. It also has a lot of safety features included. The 19-inch alloys also add to the looks of the RDX.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The price for the Acura RDX 2023 is expected to start from a base MSRP of $ 40,600 for the 2.0L FWD trim and go up to $ 52,600 for the A-spec Advance AWD trim. All variants come mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine on the RDX is a 2-liter turbocharged engine that produces the maximum power output and torque in the segment. We also like the styling on the RDX with its diamond pentagon grille, The bold Jewel LED headlight design and the dragon tail taillight design is also quite alluring. The 19inch wheels also complement this design. The competition includes the BMW X3, the Audi Q5, and the Volvo XC60. Let us see in our detailed comparison how the Acura RDX performs against these rivals.

Features
7.0/10

The Acura RDX is offered in two drivetrain options. An all-wheel drive and a front-wheel drive option. The FWD variant is available in 3 trims starting from a base price of $ 40,600 and going up to $ 46,250 for the A-Spec trim. The AWD variants come in 5 trims starting with an MSRP of $42,800 and going all the way to $52,600 for the A-spec Advance trim. In total, the customers get to choose from 5 different trims at different price levels. We don't expect any significant changes on the 2023 RDX. We expect additional colors or modifications in the existing packages.

Trim

Base

Technology

A-Spec

Advance

A-Spec Advance

FWD

$40,600

$43,250

$46,250

N/A

N/A

SH-AWD

$42,800

$45,450

$48,450

$50,600

$52,600

Key Features

Jewel-eyed headlights

Adds to features of Base 

Adds to features of Technology

Adds to features of A-Spec

Adds to features of Advance

Blindspot information system

ELS studio premium audio with 12 speakers

Heated and ventilated front seats

Adaptive damper system

Y pattern dark brushed aluminum

Panoramic moonroof

Acura navigation system

Ultrasuede trimmed interior with contrast stitching

LED puddle lights

20-inch shark grey multi spoke wheels

19inch sparkle silver multi spoke wheels

19inch pewter grey metallic 5 spoke wheel

20-inch shark grey 5 spoke wheels

19inch pewter grey interwoven wheels

Acosutic Glass Windshield

Wireless charging pod

Sports pedal

Heated steering wheel

Dual Zone automatic climate control

Ambient LED lighting 27 themes

LED fog light

Authentic open pore wooden trim

White ambient lighting

GPS linked Climate control

Sports Appearance Exterior package

Rear cargo 12V power outlet

Sports seat with leatherette trimmed interior

Sports seat with Milano premium leather

Ebony headliner

Front 6 way power seats

Acura Premium audio with 9 speakers

10.5 inch heads up display

Rain sensing windshield wipers

Windshield wiper de icer

Head up warning

We Recommend

We would recommend the RDX A-Spec AWD as it offers the best value for money proposition at $ 48 450. The A-Spec is loaded with interior features which enhance the overall driving experience. It also has a lot of safety features included. The 19-inch alloys also add to the looks of the RDX.

Release Date

We anticipate the 2023 RDX would available for purchase in the fall of 2022. We also expect the price to remain the same.

Fuel Economy
6.6/10

The fuel economy is not as good as we wished it to be. The RDX gives 22 MPG in the city, and 28 MPG on the highway, for a combined 24 MPG. In terms of fuel efficiency, the SUV takes a beating and the competition performs well in this aspect. It also gets a smaller fuel tank of 17.1 liters which also badly affect the overall range of the SUV. The range on the Acura RDX is the least with a total range of 376 miles in the city and 479 miles on the highway and a combined range of 410 miles. On the AWD drivetrain, the fuel efficiency further drops by a mile in the city, highway, and combined.

Model

2023 Acura RDX

2022 BMW X3

2022 Audi Q5

2022 Volvo XC60

MPG (city)

22

23

23

22

MPG (highway)

28

29

28

28

MPG (combined)

24

25

25

24

Fuel capacity (gallons)

17.1

17.2 

18.5

18.8

Range (City, highway, combined, in miles)



 

376/ 479/ 410

396/499/430

426/518/462

414/545/451

The BMW X3 is the winner in our fuel efficiency comparison registering an MPG of 23 in the city, 29 in highway and a combined figure of 25. This is followed by the Audi Q5 which is slightly lesser than X3 in MPG on the highway at 28 miles. The Volvo XC60 and RDX share similar numbers in terms of fuel economy.

Interior
7.0/10

The RDX offers a spacious interior cabin with a lot of convenient features. On the base model, the steering is leather wrapped, you have brushed aluminum trim, a sports seat with leatherette stitching, which is a 12-way power seat with lumbar support. Another interesting point to note is that the cabin is well isolated and the NVH levels are very less making for a pleasurable driving experience. Apart from this, it comes with a dual-zone automatic climate control. If you move up to the higher trims you will get to see more posh interiors and features. The RDX has the most legroom and shoulder space available in the segment, It has a cargo capacity of 29.5 cubic feet.

Model

2023 Acura RDX

2022 BMW X3

2022 Audi Q5

2022 Volvo XC60

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

First Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

40.0/ 60.0/ 42.0

41.1/57.6/40.3

39.6/57.7/40.9

38.0/58.2/41.5

Second Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

38.0/ 57.0/ 38.0

38.5/56.0/36.4

39.3/56.5/38.0

38.0/56.3/38.0

Cargo Capacity to the second row(cu.-ft)

29.5

28.7

25.8

29.7

All SUV seat 5 passengers. In terms of the front seat, the RDX offers the best legroom shoulder room and almost better headroom making it suitable for tall drivers. We favor the Volvo XC60 for the second spot followed by the X5 and Q5. Coming to the second row the Q5, the XC60, and the RDX have similar legroom followed by the X3. RDX also offers better shoulder room and the Q5 has the most headroom in the rear seat. In terms of trunk space, the Volvo XC60 leads with a space of 29.7 cubic feet, followed by RDX at 29.5 cubic feet, then by the X3 at 28.7 cubic feet, and lastly the Q5 with 25.8 cubic feet.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Acura RDX in the standard package include

  • Dual Zone automatic climate and humidity controls with air filtration
  • Pushbutton ignition
  • Electronic gear selector
  • Active sound control
  • White ambient cabin lighting
  • Underfloor storage and side bins
  • Floating center console storage

How intuitive is the 2023 Acura RDX’s infotainment system?

The infotainment system on the Acura RDX is a 10.2-inch full HD display packed with most of the new technologies. Acura claims it to be the most advanced user interface available. The infotainment system combines the best elements of touch and remote-based interfaces. Overall we are happy with the infotainment system on offer. The company also offers Acuralink which keeps you connected while driving expanding the vehicle's technological capabilities. The Acuralink app allows you to connect to your vehicle remotely, which allows users to execute a few remote functions such as monitor fuel levels, open/close doors etc.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available are 

  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Voice commands
  • Wireless charging
  • Acura navigation system
  • Acuralink

Exterior
7.0/10

The Acura RDX exterior design is passing through its third generation. The design has a sportier appearance to it with its diamond pentagon grille which has been the distinctive face of Acuras, The grill adds a bit of aggression and elegance to the look of the SUV. The headlight unit also has a distinguishable design with its jewel-like appearance. The company claims that it uses a double layer of base coat one with mica and with nano pigments which gives the paint a deep and lustrous look. The RDX has a total length of 187.4 inches, a width of 74.8 inches, and a height of 65.7 inches, a ground clearance of 8.2 inches which gives a slight off-road ability to the SUV. Since it has a shorter wheelbase, maneuverability on the RDX is expected to be easier and nimble.

Model

2023 Acura RDX

2022 BMW X3

2022 Audi Q5

2022 Volvo XC60

Curb Weight (lbs)

3783

4,079

4,079

4,037

Length (in.)

187.4

185.9

184.3

185.4

Width (in.)

74.8

74.4

74.5

74.9

Height (in.)

65.7

66.0

65.5

65.3

Ground Clearance (in.)

8.2

8.0

8.2

8.5

Wheelbase (in.)

108.3

112.8

111.0

112.8

Most of the SUV’s in our comparison were first launched in a similar period of time and each of them has been having refreshing design and adding additional exterior features over the years. Most of the SUVs have stuck to their major form factor and added refreshed elements to them. In this respect, we feel the RDX has been innovating more on the design front. Coming to the exterior dimensions the RDX is the longest at 187.4 inches followed by the X3, the XC60, and the Q5. In terms of width, the XC60 is wider by 0.1 inches than the RDX at 74.9, followed by Q5 and the X3. BMW is the tallest among the four with a height of 66 inches. Ground clearance is almost similar with a negligible difference. The RDX has a shorter wheelbase followed by Q5, and the X3 and the XC60 share the same wheelbase.

Some standout exterior features include:

  • Diamond pentagon grille
  • Jewel LED Headlights
  • 19inch multi-spoke wheels
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Panoramic moon roof
  • Hands-free access power tailgate

Safety
8.0/10

In terms of safety, the RDX scores well with a host of safety and driver assistance features available as standard. However, the NHTSA crash test rating is the lowest for the RDX. The ratings are based on the 2022 models and we expect them to remain the same. All other SUV has received a score of 5 stars in the frontal impact and side impact crash tests whereas the RDX falls behind by a star in the frontal impact crash test making it comparatively less safe in an event of an accident. The rollover risk of RDX, as in 2022 MY, was 16.5% compared to 17.2% on the X3, 16.4% on the Q5, and 14.7% on the XC60.

Other standout safety features for the standard package include:

  • Collision mitigation system
  • Advance pedestrian detection
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane keep assist
  • Hill start assist
  • Blind spot information system
  • TPMS

Competition

2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 BMW X3

The Japanese have put up a tough fight against the Germans and the BMW X3 according to us is a better performer in terms of performance, fuel efficiency and safety ratings. The RDX whereas positions itself as a more affordable option with a feature-rich interior and driver assistance aids. RDX is priced around $ 4,000 lesser than the BMW, which makes sense for us as the better option for a budget-conscious buyer.

2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 beats the Acura RDX in terms of raw performance figures. It has the best in segment acceleration and top speed, the Audi Q5 is the costliest SUV in our comparison and if you ask us does the price justify the value? It would be a clear no for us. The Audi offers luxurious interior quality and features but it demands a premium for it, In terms of reliability also the Audi has not been the best over the years, Spare parts are expensive and the overall cost of owning an Audi is the highest in our comparison. So it is definitely a thumbs up for the Acura RDX from our side.

2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is a great SUV in itself. In our comparison to the Acura RDX Volvo would be the least recommended car among the four by a little margin. The main concern with Volvo XC60 is its long-term reliability. In terms of reliability, the brand falls among the least reliable cars whereas Acura manages to be in the top 10 reliable cars in the US. This is evident when looking to purchase in the used car market. You can find a Volvo relatively cheaper than the Acura. So, the 2023 Acura would be the better option among the two in our comparison.

Final Verdict

According to our comparison, the 2023 Acura RDX is the better option for budget-conscious buyers. It offers a ride quality and performance almost on par with its competitors at the most affordable price. It is feature-rich, even getting the base trim will not disappoint you as it has some features that are offered as standard like the 12-way power adjustable seats, adaptive cruise control, etc. It faces tough competition mostly from the BMW X3 but according to us on the price-to-value front, the 2023 Acura RDX is the clear winner. In terms of overall ownership experience and reliability, one thing to note is that the RDX gives a warranty of 6 years or 70,000 miles on their powertrain compared to 4 years and 50,000 miles by the competitors which again adds value to the RDX proposition.

Trims

    Base
    $41,550 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 272 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 112 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 24 mpg
    Technology Package
    $44,200 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 272 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 112 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 23 mpg
    A-Spec Package
    $47,200 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 272 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 112 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 24 mpg
    A-Spec
    $49,400 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 272 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 112 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 23 mpg
    Advance Package
    $51,550 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 272 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 112 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 23 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$41,550- $53,550

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.06

Horsepower

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$38,690- $45,375

Gasoline

6.69

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$43,300- $48,500

Gasoline

6.67

246 hp @ 5500 rpm

269 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

5

Read Review

$47,100- $68,200

Gasoline

7.62

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

-

Read Review

$53,500- $118,400

Gasoline

7.44

296 hp @ 4000 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

7

Read Review

$44,200- $59,700

Gasoline

7.34

201 hp @ 6000 rpm

236 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$57,500- $82,900

Gasoline

7.13

261 hp @ 5000 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

5

Read Review

$50,895- $79,200

Gasoline

7.85

247 hp @ 5000 rpm

269 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm

5

Read Review

$45,400- $59,950

Gasoline

7.89

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$53,400- $64,650

Gasoline

7.33

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

2023 Acura RDX vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.4 sec15.2 sec112 mph
    5.2 sec13.9 sec144 mph
    5.5 sec--
    5.9 sec14.4 sec150 mph
    2023 BMW X3

    Ranked #4

    6 sec14.8 sec126 mph
    6.3 sec--

    2023 Acura RDX vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg28 mpg24 mpg17.1 gal.376.2/478.8 mi.
      24 mpg32 mpg27 mpg15.9 gal.381.6/508.8 mi.
      23 mpg29 mpg26 mpg16 gal.368/464 mi.
      22 mpg30 mpg25 mpg16.2 gal.356.4/486 mi.
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg16.9 gal.371.8/490.1 mi.
      2023 BMW X3

      Ranked #3

      23 mpg29 mpg25 mpg17.2 gal.395.6/498.8 mi.

      2023 Acura RDX vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        187.4 in.74.8 in.65.7 in.5.7 in.108.3 in. -
        197.5 in.79.1 in.77.4 in.8.9 in.119 in.

        2023 Cadillac XT5

        Ranked #2

        189.6 in.74.9 in.66.1 in.7.8 in.112.5 in. -
        188.9 in.80.3 in.66.3 in.8.4 in.113.1 in.
        186.9 in.81.5 in.65.5 in.8.4 in.113.1 in. -

        2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe

        Ranked #6

        186.3 in.74.4 in.63 in.5.1 in.113.1 in. -

        2023 Acura RDX vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          31.1 cu.ft.104 cu.ft.79.8 cu.ft.
          32.1 cu.ft.-69.1 cu.ft.
          31.4 cu.ft.104.4 cu.ft.65.1 cu.ft.
          2023 BMW X3

          Ranked #4

          28.7 cu.ft.101.4 cu.ft.62.7 cu.ft.
          22 cu.ft.-62 cu.ft.
          27.6 cu.ft.102.5 cu.ft.57.6 cu.ft.

          2023 Acura RDX vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            79.8 cu.ft.31.1 cu.ft.79.8 cu.ft.
            57.6 cu.ft.27.6 cu.ft.57.6 cu.ft.
            -34 cu.ft.66.2 cu.ft.
            53 cu.ft.17.2 cu.ft.53 cu.ft.
            56.5 cu.ft.18.5 cu.ft.56.5 cu.ft.
            62 cu.ft.22 cu.ft.62 cu.ft.

            2023 Acura RDX vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1500 lbs.1007 lbs.3775 lbs.
              19980 lbs.1091 lbs.3638 lbs.
              7716 lbs.2030 lbs.4830 lbs.
              5291 lbs.1540 lbs.4015 lbs.
              2023 BMW X3

              Ranked #4

              4409 lbs.904 lbs.4079 lbs.
              4409 lbs.1585 lbs.4035 lbs.

              Top Acura Cars

              2023 Acura MDX

              Horsepower : 290 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 6.6 sec

              #1

              2023 Acura TLX

              Horsepower : 272 hp @ 6500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 5.9 sec

              #2

              2023 Acura RDX

              Horsepower : 272 hp @ 6500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 24 mpg

              0-60 : 6.4 sec

              #3

              2023 Acura Integra

              Horsepower : 200 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 33 mpg

              0-60 : 7.5 sec

              #4