2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Acura RDX is an entry-level luxury SUV that slots into the automaker’s lineup below the midsize MDX. Like its bigger brother, the RDX is made for families that want a more premium ride, but it’s a strictly two-row vehicle that’s right on the cusp, size-wise, between compact and midsize. This third-generation RDX was last redesigned in 2019 and is notable because it’s based on its own unique platform architecture rather than the previous generations, all of which were based on the Honda CR-V. 

After a mild refresh last year, the 2023 RDX returns largely unchanged. This time around, you get two years of free scheduled maintenance and three years of data service for the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and other remote services. Unlike some of its other premium crossover rivals, the RDX is only offered with a single engine choice and options are bundled into large packages. Onto the base RDX buyers can layer on the Technology, A-Spec, Advance and A-Spec Advance. 

The RDX competes well against the similarly priced Genesis GV70 and both are more affordable than the BMW X3 or Alfa Romeo Stelvio. In terms of performance, the RDX is right up there with those rivals, but the Genesis and BMW benefit from more powerful six-cylinder engine options. Our eyes are on the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC though. Availability has been delayed, but the redesigned-for-2023 GLC has the potential to surpass all of these SUVs to reclaim its best-in-class status.

The RDX is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque across the lineup. The base RDX starts at $41,550, not including fees; the Technology at $44,200; A-Spec at $47,200 and Advance and A-Spec Advance at $51,550 and $53,550, respectively. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all models for an additional $2,200 but is standard on the top Advance trims. Unlike most competitors, there’s no six-cylinder option on the RDX or any high-performance version like the X3 M or Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

Besides its price and performance, the RDX also deserves praise for its large cargo capacity, excellent safety scores, and high levels of comfort. The Genesis GV70 holds a slight advantage for its lengthy warranty and a handful of extra features for the money, but we’re confident shoppers will agree that you can’t go wrong with either option, and both are excellent value propositions.

Our biggest complaint is the RDX’s frustrating infotainment trackpad controller, but we’ll stop short of calling it a deal breaker. It’s distracting to use while driving but at least it’s easier to use with Apple CarPlay. Despite this drawback, we would easily recommend the 2023 Acura RDX alongside its accomplished rivals. You get a lot for the money and only a few sacrifices. If you’re looking to maximize value, we suggest checking out the RDX with the Technology package as it adds several luxury and tech features for a reasonable cost.

Performance: 11/15

The RDX is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available on all models and is standard on the top trims. Unlike other luxury crossovers in this class, the RDX can’t be had with a six-cylinder engine. If want V6 power in an Acura SUV, you’ll need to head to the MDX.

For most drivers, the engine makes plenty of power and accelerates the RDX to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds—a respectable time for vehicles in this class. Throttle response is immediate and the engine sounds better than the typical four-cylinder. The brake pedal is reassuringly firm and is easy to modulate for smooth stops. 

On a curvy road, the RDX’s body roll is kept in check and the Advance trim’s adaptive suspension dampers give you added performance by firming up the shocks. Acura’s advanced all-wheel drive system enhances traction on either dry or slick roads by distributing power where it’s needed. 

The RDX performs on the same level as other four-cylinder luxury SUVs in its class. It’s far more capable than the typical driver will ever need, giving them the assurance that the vehicle will perform and behave predictably.

Fuel Economy: 12/15 

The EPA estimates the front-wheel drive RDX returns 22 mpg in city driving, 28 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in combined driving. Opting for AWD  lowers those estimates to 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. The mid-grade A-Spec trim will lower highway estimates by 1 mpg.

These estimates are right in line with the Genesis GV70, which should return up to 24 mpg combined with its four-cylinder engine. The more powerful six-cylinder is estimated at 21 mpg combined. The BMW X3 barely edges out its rivals with a 24 mpg combined estimate for the rear-drive four-cylinder model and 24 mpg combined for all-wheel drive. The six-cylinder drops slightly to 23 mpg combined.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 14/15

In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the RDX was awarded the maximum five stars overall. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave its top rating of “Good” for all crashworthiness tests and also named it a Top Safety Pick+, the organization’s highest award.

All RDX models come standard with the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and a traffic sign reader. You can add parking sensors with the optional Technology package as well as a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display if you opt for the Advance package.

In an everyday commuting setting, these features all function as they should. Frontal collision warnings will trigger if you’re following too closely, but false alarms are a rarity. The adaptive cruise control maintains the space between the RDX and the vehicle in front with smooth throttle and brake inputs and will bring you to a complete stop in dense traffic situations.

Comfort & Room: 12/15

The RDX’s front seats feature all of the power adjustments expected of any luxury vehicle and if you spring for the Advance trim, you also get additional adjustments for the side bolsters and thigh extension. The seats are well cushioned for comfortable long-distance touring and are heated in all trim levels. Ventilated front seats are also included with the Advance package, along with a heated steering wheel.

The average-sized adult will have plenty of room in the rear seats, though passengers taller than 6 feet may brush their heads against the headliner. Legroom is more than adequate with 42 inches up front and 38 in the back (more than the 40.3 and 36.4 in the X3 and somewhat better than the GV70’s rear 37.2 or the GLC’s 37.3) and there’s space under the front seats for your feet. Headroom is also slightly lower with only 38 inches in the back compared to the X3 and GV70’s 39.1. The panoramic sunroof makes the interior feel even more open and spacious. Heated outboard rear seats are available with the Advance package.

The base RDX comes with synthetic leather upholstery while all other trim levels are upgraded to genuine leather. Most upholstery colors are limited to black and gray, but a dark or light brown are offered with select exterior paint choices.

Infotainment: 11/15

All RDX models come with a standard 10.2-inch infotainment display mounted atop the dashboard and a digital information screen between the analog gauges. You also get wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio and three years of data for a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring and control of the vehicle through a smartphone app. A navigation system, wireless charging pad, upgraded 12-speaker audio and interior ambient lighting come with the Technology package while the A-Spec package adds a 16-speaker premium audio system.

The infotainment system has sharp graphics and quick responses, but the interface is incredibly frustrating. A trackpad on the center console makes it difficult to select on-screen buttons in Acura’s system since you have to carefully move your finger across the pad to select them. It’s difficult to use when parked and is distracting when driving. Lexus tried a similar interface in the past with similarly poor results.

Curiously, the trackpad works better with Apple CarPlay since you only have to swipe in the button’s direction to select it. The infotainment display is also not a touchscreen, but that’s not much of an issue since it’s positioned just out of reach.

Cargo Space & Storage: 14/15

Behind the rear seats, the RDX can hold up to 31.1 cubic-feet of cargo, though that figure is reduced if the seats are slid rearward and reclined. This space is larger than the Genesis GV70’s and the BMW X3’s, but only by a small margin. Folding the seat backs is easy thanks to remote-release latches in the cargo area. That expands capacity to 79.8 cubes. This maximum capacity is quite a bit larger than the GV70’s 57 cubic-feet and the X3’s 63. In this class, only the Jaguar F-Pace really comes close with a total of 69.1 cubic-feet.

Under the cargo floor is a large bin with a center drain plug. This could be especially useful if you have wet or dirty sports gear. There are also plenty of places to store your personal items, with a covered center console bin that houses a narrow tray and two cup holders, a moderately sized armrest bin, some small door pockets and a rubberized tray underneath the console (with a wireless phone charger if optioned out).

Style & Design: 6/10

The RDX ‘s faceted design is clearly demonstrated by the creased character line that slashes diagonally across the body side. Acura’s signature grille is framed by sleek wraparound headlights, but that grille shape is beginning to look dated. Even with these details, the RDX tends to blend in with other SUVs, and that’s not such a bad thing. The GV70 stands out in the class, but opinions are polarized, with some calling it bold and others calling it garish.

The RDX’s interior also takes on a different style, with a vertical dashboard layout. Other SUVs adopted a horizontal layout that enhances the sense of lateral space. While the dash’s center section has plenty of visual interest with the prominently placed silver drive mode dial and gear selector buttons, we think all that space would be better used for small item storage. 

Material quality is comparable to other luxury SUVs in this class. Leather upholstery is soft and the plastic cabin elements feel sturdy. Overall, the interior isn’t as modern or futuristic as some rivals. It lacks an oversized tablet-like touchscreen or a fully digital instrument panel, but it easily meets the expectations for a luxury vehicle.

Is the 2023 Acura RDX Worth it? Which RDX is the Best Value? 

Pricing for the 2023 Acura RDX starts just under $43,000 including fees and crests at almost $55,000 for the top A-Spec Advance trim. That puts it in league with the Genesis GV70 and makes it more affordable than a similarly equipped BMW X3. In all likelihood, it will also be less expensive than the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Within the RDX lineup, we suggest the Technology package as the value leader. For the $2,650 premium, you get a lot of upgrades that make this SUV feel more luxurious. These include real leather upholstery, a more powerful audio system and a wireless charging pad that pairs well with the wireless phone integration. The good news is there’s no engine difference between trims, so you won’t be missing out on any of the performance.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2023 Acura RDX?

The RDX should cost less to insure than most of its peers. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium to start at $1,875, though this averages all 50 states. A Genesis GV70 owner might pay $2,340 per year, while the BMW X3 is $2,400 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is $2,254. For a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.