Used 2023 Acura RDX

Prestige is not really an Acura attribute. But as far as any luxury vehicle offers value for money, the RDX suddenly becomes much more attractive.

For pricing down at the lower end of the class — yet with superb build quality, reliability, standard equipment, driver involvement, and resale values — the 2023 RDX makes quite a proposition. It’s currently in the second spot on our list of best luxury compact SUVs.

The RDX comes as one trim level while offering Technology and Advance packages with several desirable options in each, plus an A-Spec treatment with bigger alloy wheels and cosmetic elements. If finances allowed, we would choose the Technology package for navigation, upgraded audio, and seating surfaces of perforated leather.

Some luxury compact SUVs are more engaging to drive than others. The RDX is definitely in the engaging group.

It’s sweetly responsive to steering inputs, feels confident under braking, has a decent amount of power, and the 10-speed automatic transmission works smoothly in the background. The regular RDX is comfortable enough, but stretching to the Advance package brings an adaptive suspension with a spectrum of settings. All-wheel drive (AWD) is also included with this package.

It’s not just all-wheel drive — it’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive or SH-AWD, as Acura likes to say. This is an intelligent system that distributes variable amounts of drive to individual wheels in order to maximize grip, stability, and efficiency. The RDX offers SH-AWD either as an individual option or as part of the Advance package.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of luxury compact SUVs, including this Acura RDX.

Although not as plush as something like a Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV, the 2023 RDX still has quality materials and an exemplary build. Ambient LED lighting is standard, along with heated front seats.

Good outward vision is complemented by a raised driving position, and space is plentiful. At 38 inches, rear legroom is respectable for the class. Cargo space of 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, going up to 58.9 cubic feet when they’re folded, compares well with the RDX’s rivals.

The only hiccup is the touchpad in the center console for controlling the infotainment system. It’s similar to a laptop computer’s trackpad, so most of us should be familiar, but it takes some getting used to. We prefer interacting with the touchscreen.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
The convenience of cable-free smartphone integration is one of those little everyday pleasures. It’s standard in the 2023 RDX.

Powered tailgate
Another standard convenience feature, removing the effort required to stretch and close. A hands-free opening comes with the Advance package.

All-wheel drive
More confidence in bad weather, with greater grip and traction in the dry — it’s a win-win and affects fuel economy only by a mile or two per gallon.

GPS-linked climate control
Part of the Technology package, this feature also uses a solar sensor for outside information so it can provide consistent interior comfort.

Head-up display
This projects vital information onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight, promoting safety and reducing distraction. It’s part of the Advance package.

ELS audio
Developed with Elliot Scheiner, Grammy-winning recording engineer for the likes of Beyoncé and Fleetwood Mac, an excellent 16-speaker/710-watt system comes in the A-Spec models.

In the grand scheme of luxury compact SUVs, the 2023 RDX has quite a muscular standard engine. Some manufacturers have higher-performance variants, but Acura keeps it simple.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine develops 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This goes through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels (FWD) in basic form, or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that’s optional in the lower trims, standard higher up.

Acura recommends using premium 91-octane gasoline.

Maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, which is okay for pulling something like a personal watercraft, but a BMW X3 can handle up to 4,400 pounds.

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
272 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 mpg (FWD), 22/27 mpg (FWD, A-Spec), 21/27 mpg (AWD), 21/26 mpg (AWD, A-Spec)

More Acura RDX fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

Outstanding Safety Ratings

The 2023 Acura RDX is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and it gets a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Acura’s new-vehicle warranty is for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain is covered for six years or 70,000 miles. That’s the same as Lexus, better than some German rivals, but not as good as Genesis. New for 2023, Acura now includes free scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles.