2023 Acura RDX

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.

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.

The Acura RDX comes equipped with a 2.0L Vtec engine coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which produces a horsepower of 272 horsepower and a torque of 280 lb-ft of torque. The SUV is the most powerful in its segment but sadly that doesn’t translate in the 0-60 and quarter-mile mark runs. The 0-60 mark is achieved in 6.6 seconds and the quarter-mile mark in 15.2 seconds. It has a registered top speed of 113 MPH, which is also less compared to the competition. The RDX is available in two drivetrain options, AWD and FWD. 

In our comparison, we have noticed that in spite of having the better power output and torque figures, Acura is definitely not the fastest in the segment. This could be due to the RDX weighing on the heavier side. The Audi Q5 has registered the best 0-60 time at 5.7 seconds followed by the BMW X3 at 6 seconds, Volvo XC60 at 6.2 seconds, and the RDX at 6.6 seconds. Similar is the case at the quarter-mile mark, with Audi Q5 again leading with a time of 14.3 seconds followed by a tie between the BMW and the Volvo. Both X3 and Q5 have the highest top speed and towing capacity.

2023 Acura RDX Ride and Handling

The RDX handles well with its super handling all-wheel drive technology or SH-AWD, which combines torque vectoring technology with all-wheel drive, allowing it to transfer power to all four wheels from front to back as well as left to right. The Multi-link rear suspension geometry provides a flatter cornering posture, better handling, and optimized ride in a variety of road and weather conditions. All RDX comes equipped with a large diameter stabilizer bar, which reduces the body roll considerably. Overall, we are happy with the ride quality and handling on offer by the RDX.

2023 Acura RDX Braking Performance

The braking on the RDX is also not bad. It has a 12.4-inch rotor at the front and a 12.2 rotor at the rear which provides good stopping power. The SUV has a curb weight of 3783 lbs, making it heavier compared to the competition. It has an electric parking brake which simplifies driving in heavy traffic and hilly area. Once engaged, the brake will automatically apply pressure when the RDX stops. 

The braking on all four of the SUV is pretty good and we don't have any complaint whatsoever. But we feel that the BMW X3 performs well in terms of braking abilities followed by the Audi Q5. This is primarily due to the bigger rotors on both cars. The X3 has 13-inch rotors in front and the rear whereas the Audi Q5 has 13inch at the rear and 13.3 inches in the front. The X3 is the lightest at 3,580 lbs followed by the Audi Q5 at 3,682 lbs and the RDX at the third position with 3,783 lbs followed by the Volvo XC60 at 3,847 lbs.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.