2025 Acura RDX

The thing we like about the RDX is its fly-under-the-radar aspect. It doesn’t have the obvious prestige of, say, a Mercedes-Benz GLC but still maintains high quality in many ways. It adds to the general Acura reputation for reliability and even brings some driving enjoyment. We have a lot of positive owner reviews echoing these qualities.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury SUVs, including the Acura RDX.

A styling revision introduces a frameless grille with a slightly different mesh design. The center console has been reworked for more storage and puts the wireless charging pad within easier reach. The infotainment display gains a dual-screen mode when using phone integration. New wheel designs and a few new colors are also included.

We recommend going for the popular Technology package to gain items like perforated leather seating surfaces, an upgraded audio system, and parking sensors at both ends.

Other top-selling compact luxury SUVs include the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Genesis GV70, and Volvo XC60. Most of them start in the same financial ballpark, although the X3 begins a little pricier.

Before buying a new RDX luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Acura RDX resale values are above the segment average. Remember, recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The RDX employs a 272-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, providing enough muscle to sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in just over six seconds. To compare, the 300-hp Genesis GV70 has the edge, while the 275-hp Lexus NX 350 is a few tenths adrift.

We think the RDX is definitely one of the more engaging compact luxury SUVs from a driver’s perspective. 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. We’ve found the regular RDX to be comfortable enough, but stretching to the Advance package brings an adaptive suspension with a spectrum of settings.

All-wheel drive is standard, and it’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This is an intelligent system distributing variable amounts of drive to individual wheels to maximize grip, stability, and efficiency. We’ve found it incredibly effective.

Fuel Economy

Every RDX achieves 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Acura recommends using premium 91-octane gasoline. For comparison, the 275-horsepower Lexus NX 350 enjoys 24 combined mpg. The base Genesis GV70 also manages 24 combined mpg.

Although not as plush as something like a Mercedes-Benz GLC, the 2025 RDX still has quality materials and an exemplary build. Ambient LED lighting is standard, along with heated front seats. Changes this year improve the storage available in the center console while making the wireless charging pad easier to reach.

Good outward vision complements 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 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 with the concept, but it takes some getting used to. We prefer interacting with the touchscreen.

This year, we see a revised grille — it’s now frameless and has a different mesh. Overall, if we were going to buy a luxury SUV of this size, our aesthetic sense would put the RDX in the running. We think it has its own visual appeal, made all the more interesting by a wide array of color choices, which expands this year with Solar Silver Metallic, Canyon River Blue Metallic, and Urban Gray Pearl. Acura has also introduced some new wheel designs for 2025.

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

Powered tailgate
Another standard convenience feature is hands-free opening, which removes the effort required to stretch and close. This feature comes with the Advance package.

Standard all-wheel drive (AWD)
Boosting confidence in bad weather and grip and traction in the dry — it’s a win-win, and we’re glad it’s there.

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

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

ELS audio
Acura developed optional sound systems with Elliot Scheiner, Grammy-winning recording engineer for the likes of Beyoncé and Fleetwood Mac. An excellent 16-speaker/710-watt 3D system comes in higher trim levels. A 12-speaker ELS setup is part of the Technology package.

In the big picture of compact luxury SUVs, the 2025 RDX has quite a muscular engine as standard. Some manufacturers have higher-performance variants, but Acura keeps it simple with just this one unit. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This goes through a 10-speed automatic transmission to a standard all-wheel-drive system. Maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, which is OK for something like a Jet Ski, but a BMW X3 can handle 4,400 pounds.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Most luxury vehicle makers have new-vehicle warranties lasting four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Acura follows this formula but also extends the powertrain coverage to six years or 70,000 miles. And the company includes free scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

This generation of RDX is rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the institute’s second-highest accolade. It also took a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus blind-spot monitoring.