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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Acura RDX

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Acura RDX

Overview

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2013 Acura RDX Review

By Matt Degen

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

The 2013 model year marks the second generation for Acura's RDX, and it feels akin to a rebirth for this 5-passenger SUV that made its debut six years prior. Now slightly bigger and more powerful – yet lighter and more fuel efficient – the new RDX is better refined and more mature than its predecessor. Among the biggest and best news is that the RDX is now propelled by a powerful-yet-efficient V6 engine instead of the smaller, fuel-thirsty turbocharged 4-cylinder of old. The RDX doesn't have the road-carving dynamics or towing power of some in this category, but its jack-of-all-trades character and overall good nature make it a welcome competitor to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Cadillac SRX.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a smaller, premium SUV with plenty of comfort, value, performance, and predicted reliability, put the RDX on your shopping list. In those latter aspects, as well as some styling cues, the RDX may remind you of an upscale CR-V – not surprising, since Acura is Honda's luxury division.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Plan to tow with the RDX? Plan light. The Acura RDX's maximum towing capacity is just 1,500 pounds. The Audi Q5, on the other hand, can lug 4,400 pounds. If fleetness of foot is more your forte, the sportier BMW X3 edges the Acura.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.8
Driving Dynamics

8.0
Comfort & Convenience

7.8
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.2
Value

8.2
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#4

out of 27

MPG

#18

out of 27

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.5 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

Outside and in, from the curvy sheet metal to the soft leather interior, to the engine and even transmission, the RDX is all new for 2013. Acura's goal was to make the RDX a more viable choice for professionals in their early 30s who value comfort over sportiness, and who will eventually need extra room for the baby seats.

Driving the RDX

Driving Impressions A comfortable, quiet ride was paramount for the 2013 RDX, and the Acura delivers. To our welcome surprise, this small SUV went above and beyond, also proving itself a capable...

performer in initial acceleration and passing power. The new V6 is quite smooth and more powerful than we anticipated. For those rare times when more oomph is required, the RDX has a sport mode for speedier acceleration and passing. It doesn't take a whole lot of work to get comfortable in the 10-way power driver's seat, but front passengers might feel like they're riding low, as that seat does not adjust for height.

Favorite Features

Power Tailgate/One-touch Folding Rear Seats
These conveniences, with the power tailgate as part of the Technology Package, are super helpful for loading cargo – then getting it to fit.

Push-button Start/Stop
No more digging a key out of your pocket or purse to start or stop the car. Like more and more new vehicles, the driver need only push a button to turn the RDX on or off. That may not sound like a big deal, but over the course of years it will be something to appreciate thousands of times.

2013 Acura RDX Details

2013 Acura RDX Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Acura RDX's cabin is a good example of form meeting function. Yet the RDX still boasts a commendable amount of soft-touch materials, giving this SUV the premium feel (literally) its price warrants. Numerous buttons populate the dash and steering wheel, but they are relatively easy to use and identify, and are more straightforward than the center-console-mounted rotary dials used in the Mercedes GLK, BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Unlike past RDX models – and current CR-Vs – the Acura no longer features tumble-forward rear seats to create a flat floor. But they do fold in a 60/40 split to accommodate larger items. Rear-seat legroom has been improved over the first-generation RDX, and also betters rivals like the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Volvo XC60, Infiniti EX, and even the Cadillac SRX, whose total length is over half a foot longer.

Exterior

With the RDX's newly refined powertrain also come more grown-up looks. Acura learned from some of its past, shall we say, design controversies with the ZDX and TL, opting to play it safe with the 2013 RDX. On the whole it works, though with its sloping rear roof and teardrop windows, you wouldn't be blamed for confusing the RDX with the CR-V if glancing at the Acura from the side or rear. Thankfully, the RDX's nose signals a different, classier car, as do its prominent fender arches. In addition to being longer than the old RDX, the 2013 model is taller and offers more ground clearance, further giving this revamped vehicle a larger, stronger stance.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All 2013 Acura RDX models come with a V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, leather seating, rear-view camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a keyless entry, and a 360-watt, 8-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD system with USB and MP3-player inputs. Also standard are six airbags and a security system.

Optional Equipment

Major options for the RDX are bundled in the $3,700 Technology Package that can be added to either front-drive or all-wheel-drive RDX models. The package includes a navigation system that is spruced up with features like real-time traffic, Zagat Survey ratings and weather forecasting. The tech package also adds a power liftgate and 410-watt premium radio/CD/DVD system with hard-drive storage. A voice-recognition feature allows you to issue over 600 commands for the audio, climate and nav systems – and may just make feel like you're never traveling alone. For those desiring further customization, a la carte options include a wood steering wheel, and roof mounts for sports gear.

Under the Hood

In addition to being the first V6 offered in an RDX, the vehicle's 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated engine boasts another first for Acura: Variable Cylinder Management. The purpose of this system is to save fuel by deactivating cylinders when they're not needed. A V6 uses six of them – hence the name – but this system enables the engine to run on four or even three, essentially making it a smaller, more fuel-efficient power plant. Cylinder-deactivation systems have had a rather tainted past, but today's computer-assisted engine management systems make for a smoother application. How smooth? You probably won't even be aware that cylinder deactivation is taking place in the 2013 RDX.

3.5-liter V6
273 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
251 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (front-wheel drive), 19/27 mpg (all-wheel drive)

Pricing Notes

A base, front-wheel-drive 2013 Acura RDX begins at $35,215, including destination. Adding all-wheel drive (AWD) is an additional $1,400. A top-of-the-line RDX AWD with the Technology Package costs just over $40,000. Although the 2013 RDX's starting price is $1,425 higher than the outgoing 2012 model, it's still lower than the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Lexus RX, Infiniti EX, Cadillac SRX, Lincoln MKX and Land Rover LR2. In this class, the RDX is only undercut in price by the Volvo XC60. Before buying, be sure to check KBB's Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying for the 2013 RDX in your area. As for long-term investment, the RDX has good resale value, as do most of its rivals.

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2013 Acura RDX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.5

Out of 10

Based on 15 Ratings for the 2013 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.6/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.9/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.4/10

I really like this CUV it covered all my needs.

By James (MA) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,100

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Good value. Roomy and nice to drive."

Cons: "Passenger seat could use more adjustment"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I picked up the 2014 RDX on MAY 22 2013. With only 62 miles on the odometer I headed north to Canada for a long weekend. It was raining when I left and it continued until I returned some 1200 miles later. The car performed flawlessly on rain soaked roads and high winds. It felt sure footed and composed under these extreme driving conditions. It averaged between 25.6 and 29.7 miles to the gallon. The RDX is quiet and very comfortable. The quality, fit and finish of the materials is very good. I traded in a Lincoln MKX that we had owned for several years. I love cars. Its my hobby. I read all of the reviews I could find. I looked at and tested several CUVs. Ford Escape, Volvo SC60, KIA, and Hyundai CUVs. Load them up with equipment and the prices add up quickly. I believe the quality and standard equipment on this vehicle makes it the best bang for the buck."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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This is one Beautiful Car

By Sue (NM) on Saturday, May 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, power, good looks, practicality"

Cons: "Haven't found any yet"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The RDX is fast, comfortable and user-friendly. I love the leather seats, the interior layout and the steel blue metallic paint job. The sport shifting is fun and the 6 speed auto is smooth. I was worried it might be too big -- after driving a smaller SUV -- but it handles like a small car. I love that it pampers me a little but is practical too. I get 22 mpg in town when there isn't heavy traffic. And it can blow away the competition when you're merging on the highway. 2 or 3 cylinders can shut down for better mpg -- how great is that?! Did I mention this? I love this car!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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A pleasure to own and drive

By Big Jim (NH) on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable, powerful, responsive, excellent value"

Cons: "Somewhat sluggish upshifting at low rpm"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"The RDX is powerful and responsive and the 6 speed automatic with manual paddle shifters make for a great combo. Drove it cross-country just after purchase and it was quiet, smooth and extremely comfortable on long hauls. Manual downshifting saved on brake wear on mountain roads, and highway mileage was excellent, exceeding 30mpg at times. The vehicle turns heads with its understated beauty. Only quibble so far is that shifting can be sluggish. Sound system is excellent and bluetooth and USB connectors are nice conveniences. The RDX, like the Hondas I drove for many years, combines great engineering with thoughtful design. Highly recommended."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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We just got the 2013 RDX

By osubuck (OH) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 180

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Best luxury Suv for around $40,000 or less"

Cons: "Could be sportier with a Turbo engine"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Just bought the 2013 RDX AWD Tech Package yesterday and I have to say so far I am super impressed. We looked at the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. We did not look at the SRX, Infiniti EX, or Evoque because we don't like their shape. Both X3 and Q5 would have been $6000 to $9000 more expensive for similar features. I did not say exact, I said similar features. Sure the handling on both of those is SLIGHTLY better but RDX has a very comfortable, smooth, and yet sporty drive. The tech on RDX is user friendly and full of features. I am very happy with my decision to purchase the RDX and would highly recommend it to others. My take: If you're trying to stay at or under $40,000 go with the RDX. If you can spend $45,000 to $50,000 go with the MDX. If you can afford to spend $50,000 to $60,000 go with X5, Q7. If you can afford to spend $60,000 to $70,000 you can get a well equipped Porsche Cayenne."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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I am so happy with the car

By Wildcat (TX) on Saturday, May 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Ride, comfort, economy,"

Cons: "Bluetooth quality is poor. Needs to be improved."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had it 3 weeks now and love everything about it with only one exception. The bluetooth has a tinny sound in the speakers and the party I speak to also complains of my audio. I have asked my service dept to look in to it. It it's not solved I'll have a fit. This car is much too expensive for the bluetooth quality to be what it is. The ride then economy is great. I feel very comfortable replacing it with my 2008 MDX which was passed to my wife. It feels like a smaller version of the MDX - exactly what I wanted when I bought this car."

8 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Best SUV in the segment

By pabs (TX) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Ride, Fuel Efficiency, Value for Money"

Cons: "Air vent for the rear seat"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We were looking for a SUV that would comfortably carry 5, 4 adults and a child. We own an Audi S4 and initially gravitated towards the Q5. The dealer loaned us a Q5 2.0 for a day and we drove it the whole day around. It was quite unimpressive and the leg room was not very good considering we were in a SUV. We then drove to the BMW showroom and drove the X3. It seemed like a good option considering we were not impressed with the Q5. However, once we drove the RDX, we were very impressed with the ride, space in the rear seat - shoulder & leg room and the overall quality. The air vent for the 2nd row is a bummer, but the car cools down very quickly and has hardly been an issue. We love our RDX and look forward several road trips in it."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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