Now in its third generation, the 2021 Acura RDX premium-compact SUV is at the top of its game. It’s an attractive combination of practicality, dependability, and athleticism with a comfortable ride and unmistakable value. This latest generation does its best to incorporate the usefulness of a two-box design without looking, er, too boxy.
Although it is an established member of the premium compact SUV set, the party has become more crowded with attendees like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, and Lexus NX. But those who select the Acura RDX will continually be reminded of their good taste.
Packed with Features
In its most basic form, the 2021 Acura RDX includes front-wheel drive and loads of standard features. They include 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, ultra-wide panoramic moonroof, power liftgate with height adjustment, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, heated/12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated side mirrors, self-dimming rearview mirror, and more.
Other standard features include automatic high beams, variable-ratio steering, a 10.2-inch display, a 9-speaker/350-watt premium audio system with satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, and the AcuraWatch suite of active safety features.
Power for the Acura RDX comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than the base engines in its German rivals. The RDX comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) or Acura’s optional Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). Also standard is a 10-speed automatic transmission with push-button controls on the center console. Equipped with either FWD or SH-AWD, the RDX can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Four Acura RDX Trim Levels
The Acura RDX is available in four trims: Acura RDX, RDX Technology, MDX A-Spec, and RDX Advance.
Pricing starts at $38,400 for the base RDX and tops out at $48,200 for the RDX Advance Package SH-AWD. Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive is available on all trim levels for an additional $2,000. Destination Charges are $1,025.
The 2021 Acura RDX Technology SH-AWD ($43,300) is our choice for those in search of the best combination of features and price. By ordering this trim level — which starts at $41,300 with FWD, buyers get a good feature set that includes the ELS Studio 12-speaker premium audio system and other desirable features like Milano leather-trimmed upholstery, navigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
Here’s a Complete Rundown on 2021 Acura RDX Trims and Prices:
2021 Acura RDX: $38,400
- AcuraWatch active safety system
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 10.2-inch infotainment screen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
- Satellite radio
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
2021 Acura RDX Technology Package: $41,300
- 19-inch pewter gray alloy wheels
- Acura/ELS Studio 12-speaker premium audio system
- Rear USB Charge Ports
- Milano leather-trimmed upholstery
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
2021 Acura RDX A-Spec Package: $44,300
- Includes Technology Package plus the following:
- 20-inch Split-Spoke Wheels
- Exclusive A-Spec front and rear bumpers
- LED fog lights
- Black grille treatment
- Heated and ventilated sport seating
- A-Spec badging
2021 Acura RDX Advance Package: $46,200
- Includes Technology Package plus the following:
- Adaptive damper system
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power-operated/hands-free tailgate
- 10.5-inch Head-up display (HUD)
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Wood trim
- Acura/ELS Studio 16-speaker premium audio system
- Surround-view camera
Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) is available on all trim levels for an additional $2,000.
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