The RDX is currently Acura’s smallest crossover slotting before the three-row MDX. Price-wise, the RDX starts above the ILX and TLX sedan. The smaller CDX crossover might make its way to the U.S. in the next few years.
Overview
The 2018 RDX comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 279 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque and is backed by a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard with available all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive model delivers an EPA-rated 19/27 mpg city/highway and 20/28 mpg with all-wheel drive. In Motor Trend testing, the RDX AWD hit 60 mph in a quick 6.2 seconds.
The 2018 Acura RDX comes standard with a power liftgate, power moonroof, Jewel Eye LED headlights, leatherette-trimmed seats and interior trim, 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, a 5.0-inch information display, and an audio interface with iPhone integration. Available features include sport seats with perforated leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a second display screen below the 8.0-inch navigation screen, ELS Studio premium audio system, Siri Eyes Free (but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), AcuraLink infotainment interface, and 3D view navigation.
Safety
The 2018 RDX was given the highest five-star rating for the crossover’s overall rating and is considered a 2017 Top Safety Pick+ (the highest possible rating) for scoring the highest rating of Good in all five test evaluations (small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats) and the highest rating of Superior in the front crash prevention evaluation. The RDX was able to reduce the speed of a 12 mph collision by 11 mph and a 25 mph collision by 16 mph thanks to the available Collision Mitigation Braking system in AcuraWatch Plus package. The package also consists of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a color multi-information display in the instrument panel. Other driver assist safety features include a forward collision warning system, lane departure warning, blind spot alert, and rear-cross traffic alert.
What We Think
In our First Test review of the refreshed 2016 Acura RDX, we praised the crossover for its acceleration, large cargo capacity, fuel economy, and low base price with so many standard features. However, we weren’t crazy about the conservative exterior and interior styling. “The 2016 RDX won’t speak to everyone, but it offers enough interior space, power, and features to please most buyers,” we said.
After spending a year with our long-term 2013 Acura RDX (the current-gen crossover), we definitely enjoyed the crossover, but said, “Compared with the previous-generation RDX, basically everything in this 2013 version — styling, fuel economy, ride — is head and shoulders better. But there is still something missing — that deeper connection, that feeling of looking forward to driving it — in essence, a soul. The RDX does everything well, but there is nothing that wows you, nothing that excites you, nothing that makes you eager to go for a drive.”
Cool Fact
The RDX sports a respectable 8.1-inches of ground clearance and has up to 76.9 cubic feet of cargo room.