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.
Model
|
2023 Acura RDX
|
2022 BMW X3
|
2022 Audi Q5
|
2022 Volvo XC60
|
MSRP
|
$40,600
|
$43,700
|
$44,100
|
$42,650
|
Engine
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2.0-liter turbocharged Inline-4
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2.0L Turbo Inline-4
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2.0L Turbo Inline-4
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2.0L Turbo Inline-4
|
Drivetrain
|
FWD
|
RWD
|
AWD
|
FWD
|
Transmission
|
10-speed automatic
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Power (hp @ rpm)
|
272 hp @ 6,500 RPM
|
248 hp @ 5,200 RPM
|
261 hp @ 5,000 RPM
|
247 hp @ 5,500 RPM
|
Torque (lb.-ft @ rpm)
|
280 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM
|
258 lb-ft. @ 1,450 RPM
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273 lb-ft. @ 1,600 RPM
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258 lb-ft. @ 1,800 RPM
|
0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
6.6 seconds
|
6.0 seconds
|
5.7 seconds
|
6.2 seconds
|
Quarter-mile (seconds)
|
15.2 seconds
|
14.9 seconds
|
14.3 seconds
|
14.9 seconds
|
Top Speed (MPH)
|
113 MPH
|
130 MPH
|
130 MPH
|
112 MPH
|
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.
Model
|
2023 Acura RDX
|
2022 BMW X3
|
2022 Audi Q5
|
2022 Volvo XC60
|
Brake Rotors (front) (in)
|
12.4
|
13
|
13.3
|
13.6
|
Brake Rotors (rear) (in)
|
12.2
|
13
|
13
|
12.6
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3783 lbs
|
3,560 lbs
|
3,682 lbs
|
3,847 lbs
|
60-0 (-ft)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
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.