2023 Acura RDX Overview What’s new: In 2023, everything will remain the same. The third generation RDX will come out in 2019. The Acura RDX is a small, high-end crossover SUV that will be on the market in 2023. Acura cars have always been a bridge between mainstream and luxury cars, with a more high-end feel than competitors like Honda but less than Mercedes-Benz. The third-generation RDX is still one of Acura’s best cars, but you can’t buy it anymore. We did a mid-cycle update last year, so 2023 will not bring any significant changes. The update gave the car a new look on the outside, added driver aids and technology, made the cabin quieter, and added an adjustable suspension. The RDX has a lot of great qualities, but it also has some flaws and falls behind the competition in some ways. All RDX models have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission (272 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque). Even though the turbocharged engine has enough power, it uses a lot of gas. The RDX can have either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with only one machine to choose from. Most of its competitors offer more choices, like an upgraded engine with more power or a hybrid option. The Acura’s cabin is among the finest we’ve ever experienced. But we don’t like Acura’s technology in the car, especially the touchpad infotainment system. Even when fully loaded, the RDX is a good deal compared to other small luxury SUVs. It doesn’t look as lovely as the Mercedes-Benz GLC or BMW X3, but it costs less. Some features and technologies cost about the same. Several non-luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are in this price bracket. The Honda Passport, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Kia Telluride, the Mazda CX-9, and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are all included. Pros vs Cons Pros: Large area for bags and cabin Steering and handling that are sharp Cottage well decorated Can buy many technologies for a lot less than what competitors charge. Cons: No options for engines You can only get options as part of a package. A touchpad controller might be challenging to use. Performance Where does the RDX’s power come from? In every way, the RDX is a reliable car. The turbocharged engine has a lot of torque at low rpm, which makes it easy to speed up quickly from a stoplight, and the transmission is good at choosing the right gear. When we tested the invoice price, it took us 7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Even though that is a little slower than some of the best competitors, it is still perfect. The brakes give you peace of mind because they work as expected and feel good. There is little body roll when making turns. All-wheel drive, also called SH-AWD, is a must if you want the RDX to be as sporty as possible because it helps the car get out of turn faster. It’s easy to turn the wheel. It’s light, which makes it easy to move around in a parking lot. It tightens up at higher speeds to give you a sense of control. Comfort How easy to drive is the RDX? The stylish front seats can be warmed or cooled to fit a wide range of drivers. They stay by your side and protect you when you turn. When driving in different conditions, the suspension does a great job of keeping you comfortable. The RDX easily avoids potholes and manages highway undulations. At highway speeds, there is much less noise inside the car, and you can barely hear the wind. There is noise from the engine, but it doesn’t bother me. The climate control system does an excellent job of keeping the inside temperature stable, but you might not like how much air is blown on the driver’s hands. Interior How does the inside look? The RDX has some interesting, if not controversial, ideas about how things should be done, along with some friendly ergonomics. The layout of the shifter, the touchpad controller for the entertainment system, and the small climate control buttons may need to be clarified for the driver. The front roof pillars are thick, making it hard to see when turning. The power-driven hinges on the back hatch make it harder to see out the back. It’s a plus that both the front and back seats have a lot of space. It should be possible for a wide variety of drivers to choose a position that is comfortable for them, and adults of average height should have sufficient headroom in the back seats of the vehicle. Technology How good is the tech? The technology of the RDX is its most important feature. The infotainment system’s touch pad interface should appeal to tech-savvy buyers, just as the car’s excellent sound system will appeal to audiophiles. On the other hand, the system’s steep learning curve might turn off buyers who hate learning new technology. With CarPlay and Android Auto, you can connect your phone wirelessly and use it as a navigation system. The driver assistance package with the Acura is also standard, making it stand out in a class where such systems are usually expensive add-ons. Storage What about putting things away? The RDX is another example of how Acura intelligently uses the space inside its cars. The RDX makes it easier than it should be to carry a lot of things because it has a large cargo area and a lot of different ways to store items inside. The RDX has more storage space behind the back seats (31.1 cubic feet) than most of its competitors, and the tiered center console gives you much storage space up front. There is plenty of room for car seats in the back seat, which is enormous; moreover, the anchors for the car seats are relatively easy to locate. Fuel Economy How well does it use gasoline? The EPA says the RDX will get 23 mpg with front-wheel drive and 24 mpg with all-wheel drive. This is less than the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. All of them need expensive fuel. On the mixed-driving route where we tested the RDX, it only got just over 20 mpg. There were more fill-ups after that number. To get 23 mpg, you might have to stroll. Value Is the price of the RDX fair? People expect luxury SUVs to be well-made and full of features. Even with all the options, the RDX does this for thousands less than well-known competitors, even when everything is added. The RDX stands out from its competitors in terms of ergonomics and interior design, and its build quality is excellent inside and out. If you want something other than the German luxury box, it’s more complicated and compelling than some competitors, but it’s still reasonable. In terms of warranty coverage and ownership, the RDX has no clear advantages over its competitors. Wildcard If the sharp angles on the outside don’t give it away, the technology inside will. The RDX is made to give drivers a unique and modern driving experience. It is, without a doubt, a one-of-a-kind option in the market for compact luxury SUVs. Even though the SH-promise AWD defies the laws of physics regarding handling, this technology is only valid when leaving certain medium-speed bends. What is Invoice Pricing's Recommendation? The Technology package raises the value of the RDX and adds a decent amount of luxury for a slight price increase. It has many high-end features, like leather seats, a GPS, and an ELS premium sound system. If you live in a place with bad weather, consider adding all-wheel drive. It gives the RDX a better grip on roads that are wet or have snow on them, and it makes the car seem more agile when turning. Acura RDX model variations The RDX doesn’t have traditional trim levels like other cars. First, you must choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, which Acura calls SH-AWD. Then, you must choose between one of four option packages: Technology, A-Spec Technology, Advance, or A-Spec Advance. The Advance packages come with AWD as standard. Each RDX is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It is connected to an automatic transmission with ten gears. 2023 Acura RDX Video Review
