Acura RDX

The RDX at a glance

The RDX sits below the three-row Acura MDX and shares much of its technology with Honda models of the same period. The brand's background is in Acura's history.

First generation (2007–2012): the turbo pioneer

Acura previewed the first RDX with the RD-X concept and showed the production car at the 2006 New York show. It went on sale on 11 August 2006 as a 2007 model. Its K23A1 2.3-litre turbocharged four produced 179 kW (240 hp) and 353 Nm, driving through a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters. SH-AWD, which can split torque between the rear wheels, came as standard.

The August 2009 facelift for 2010 added Acura's "power plenum" grille and a front-wheel-drive version. In NHTSA tests the first RDX scored five stars for frontal and side impacts and four for rollover. US sales peaked at 23,356 in 2007.

Second generation (2013–2018): a smoother V6

The second RDX was revealed at the Detroit motor show in January 2012 and reached showrooms in April 2012. Acura dropped the turbo four in favour of a 3.5-litre V6 with variable cylinder management, which shuts down three cylinders under light load, paired with a six-speed automatic. To cut cost, SH-AWD was replaced by a simpler on-demand all-wheel-drive system.

The 2016 facelift, shown at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2015 and on sale from mid-April 2015, raised output to 208 kW (279 hp) and 342 Nm. It brought LED "Jewel Eye" headlights, LED tail lights and the AcuraWatch package of driver aids, and it sent more torque to the rear axle. US sales grew from 44,750 in 2013 to 63,580 in 2018.

Third generation (2019–2026): turbo power and SH-AWD again

Acura showed a near-production prototype at the Detroit show on 15 January 2018. Production began in East Liberty, Ohio, in spring 2018, and the first cars reached dealers on 1 June 2018.

Its 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo four produces 203 kW (272 hp) and 380 Nm and drives through a ten-speed automatic. The latest SH-AWD can shift torque to the rear axle and between the rear wheels to sharpen cornering. Inside, the True Touchpad Interface controls a 10.2-inch screen. The A-Spec trim added sportier styling and optional red leather, and the limited PMC Edition was hand-finished at the plant that builds the NSX.

The 2022 facelift, announced in September 2021, brought new bumpers, more sound insulation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. From 2024 SH-AWD became standard on every RDX. According to reports, the last third-generation RDX was built in Ohio in May 2026, and in January 2026 Acura said a fourth-generation RDX with a hybrid powertrain would follow within a couple of years.

Engines and performance compared

Compared with the 2018 V6, the 2019 turbo four has 38 Nm more torque from 1.5 litres less displacement, and its peak torque arrives much lower in the rev range. The 1cars ranking of the quickest SUVs shows how compact luxury SUVs compare on acceleration.

RDX safety ratings

The third-generation RDX was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2019 in all trims except Advance, with "Good" ratings in most crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention. The 2016–2018 car achieved "Good" ratings in the IIHS moderate overlap, side, roof-strength and small-overlap tests. AcuraWatch, standard on later cars, combines adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, road-departure mitigation and collision-mitigation braking. We found no Euro NCAP test of the RDX, which Acura has not offered in Western Europe.

Rivals: how the RDX compares

The RDX typically undercuts these rivals on price and offers more standard equipment, but it has no hybrid or diesel. The 1cars comparison tool sets any of them side by side.