The new Acura Rdx 2025! It amazed everyone.

The 2025 Acura RDX is a premium compact SUV that falls into the latter category, as it lacks the prestige of European rivals such as the BMW X3, the Porsche Macan, or the Mercedes-Benz GLC class.

Jan 3, 2025 - 14:03
Jan 3, 2025 - 14:10
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The new Acura Rdx 2025! It amazed everyone.
The new Acura Rdx 2025! It amazed everyone.

2025 Acura RDX

The 2025 Acura RDX is a premium compact SUV that falls into the latter category, as it lacks the prestige of European rivals such as the BMW X3, the Porsche Macan, or the Mercedes-Benz GLC class. However, the Acura offers a similar ownership experience to these vehicles with better recognition, but at a significantly lower price.
The RDX is not without its flaws, of course. While its turbo-four engine delivers decent performance, its transmission can be clumsy, and the brake pedal feels soft. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a range of modern features, including a large infotainment display and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems.
The RDX is also agile and responsive, making it a great option for those who can compromise on brand recognition. If you're looking for a luxury vehicle without breaking the bank, the RDX could be the perfect choice.

What's New for 2025?

To harmonize with the aesthetic of other Acura models, the RDX for 2025 features a new grille design with a mesh insert. Additionally, there are new wheel designs, available body-color lower exterior trim, and a selection of new color options.
Inside, the center console has been updated with additional storage space and a repositioned wireless smartphone charging pad.
Acura has also improved the infotainment system's Apple CarPlay functionality by introducing a new wide-screen mode that allows the smartphone projection software to occupy the entire 10.2-inch display.
The Advance and A-Spec Advance trims now come with full-leather upholstery and enhanced ambient interior lighting with illuminated speaker grilles.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price for the Acura RDX in 2025 starts at $46,050 and goes up to $55,800, depending on the trim and optional features.
Acura offers the RDX in a single trim but provides a variety of packages to enhance its features. While the A-Spec version is expensive and lacks any significant performance enhancements, we would not recommend it. However, we would suggest adding the Technology package, which includes an improved audio system, navigation, upgraded leather seats, and more. For those who desire adaptive dampers and a head-up display, the Advance package is available, but it significantly increases the price.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every RDX is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is turbocharged and produces 272 horsepower. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (or SH-AWD, in Acura terminology). The RDX's throttle response is impressive at low speeds, and it can accelerate quickly from a stoplight. However, the transmission could be more responsive when shifting down gears, especially when using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The turbocharged engine gives the RDX a distinctive sound, reminiscent of the discontinued NSX, with a high-pitched roar during aggressive acceleration. However, much of this noise is artificial and is piped into the cabin through the audio system. The RDX we drove was equipped with 20-inch wheels and optional adaptive dampers that allow you to adjust the ride quality. While our test vehicle did not completely isolate the cabin from road vibrations, it was not harsh or noisy. The SH-AWD system, which adjusts the torque distribution, also contributed to the RDX's swift directional changes. The steering was precise and responsive. The RDX we tested was a well-balanced vehicle. However, the brake pedal detracted from the overall experience due to its inconsistent firmness and responsiveness.

0-60-MPH Times

The A-Spec model we evaluated required 6.2 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour on our test track, positioning it as a mid-range performer among compact luxury SUVs.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The RDX boasts impressive fuel economy ratings, comparable to the mid-20s. With its standard all-wheel-drive system, it is rated at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. The latter estimate is reduced by one for RDX models with the A-Spec trim. We conducted a test on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our comprehensive testing protocol, and the RDX achieved 26 miles per gallon, matching its EPA rating.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the dashboard is a bit crowded, with numerous buttons, a touchpad, and a large rotary drive-mode selector prominently displayed. The version we tested featured the A-Spec package's eye-catching red seats and other exclusive design elements. While we appreciated the cabin's high build quality and desirable standard features, such as ambient lighting, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control, the RDX fell short of feeling luxurious. Instead, the Acura offers a sportier experience compared to something like the Honda CR-V. The cabin is well-crafted, and the driving position is high enough to satisfy SUV enthusiasts while still being low enough to appeal to driving enthusiasts. A handle on the rear outboard seats allows you to release the back row and fold it flat. You can also release the second row from the rear of the cargo area. We were able to fit eight carry-on bags in the back of the RDX with the seats up and 22 with them folded.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Each RDX features a 10.2-inch touchscreen mounted high on the dashboard. It can also be controlled using a touchpad on the center console. It took us some time to get used to it. The RDX is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The optional Technology package includes built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, and a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every model comes equipped with a comprehensive set of standard driver-assistance features, but there are additional features available with the Technology package. These include front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For more information about the RDX's crash test results, please visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Acura offers a warranty for the RDX that is comparable to those offered by other luxury brands. However, its complimentary maintenance plan is shorter by one year compared to the BMW X3 and three years compared to the Jaguar F-Pace.
The limited warranty covers the vehicle for four years or 50,000 miles.
The powertrain warranty covers the vehicle for six years or 70,000 miles.
The complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 24,000 miles.

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