“Great looking car, rides great, performs very well, and is reasonably priced for the quality of the overall experience of the car.”
Acura RDX: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Acura RDX is a five-seat compact luxury SUV known for sporty road manners, practical cargo space, and generous standard features. It is Acura’s two-row SUV for drivers who want an engaging feel without giving up everyday usefulness.
The RDX has always mixed a sporty personality with compact-SUV practicality. The original model emphasized turbocharged performance, while the second generation shifted toward a quieter, more comfort-focused character. The third generation brought the driver-focused feel back while adding more technology, safety features, and family-friendly space.
Strengths
- Its responsive performance and driver-focused handling give it a sportier character than many comfort-first luxury SUVs.
- The cabin and cargo area provide useful space for everyday errands, commuting, and small-family duty.
- Recent models include a long list of standard technology and safety features rather than reserving the basics for upper trims.
- The panoramic moonroof gives third-generation models a more open, airy cabin.
- Every 2026 RDX has a 272-horsepower turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.
Who it's for
The RDX fits someone who wants a premium daily SUV that feels more lively than a comfort-first alternative. It makes sense for commuters, couples, or small families who need useful passenger and cargo room but do not want a larger three-row vehicle.
Acura RDX lineup
On third-generation models, the standard RDX is the straightforward choice for shoppers who want the core turbocharged performance and a broad set of features. Step up to the Technology Package for a more upscale, tech-focused version, or pick the A-Spec Package for a sportier look and character. The Advance Package is the comfort-focused choice near the top of the range. Since 2022, the A-Spec Advance version has combined the sport-themed appearance with the more luxury-focused Advance equipment.
Acura RDX generations
From 2009 to 2026, the RDX spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2019, following the 2nd Generation (2013–2018).
3rd Generation (2019–2026)
A ground-up redesign moved the RDX to an Acura-only platform and replaced the previous V6 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 10-speed automatic. This generation also brought a 10.2-inch touchpad-controlled display, a panoramic moonroof, and a standard safety suite.
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2026
Carries over from the 2025 refresh with the same five-package AWD lineup and 272-hp turbo engine.
2025Mid-cycle update
A light refresh brought a frameless mesh grille, revised exterior trim, new wheel designs, a redesigned center console, and a widescreen smartphone display view.
2024Trim changes
AWD became standard across the lineup, ending front-wheel-drive versions.
2023Trim changes
Carries over with the styling, technology, and package lineup introduced for 2022.
2022Mid-cycle update
Refreshed styling, a quieter cabin, retuned suspension, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and expanded safety features arrived.
2021Trim changes
The limited-run PMC Edition joined the lineup, combining A-Spec styling with Advance equipment.
2020Trim changes
Carries over from the 2019 redesign with no meaningful equipment or lineup changes.
2019New generation
Redesigned on a new Acura-only platform with a 272-hp turbo four-cylinder, 10-speed automatic, and the first RDX A-Spec.
2nd Generation (2013–2018)
The second-generation RDX became roomier, quieter, and more comfort-focused. A 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic replaced the original model’s turbo four-cylinder and five-speed automatic.
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2018Trim changes
Carries over with the refreshed styling, V6, six-speed automatic, and existing package lineup.
2017
Carries over from the 2016 refresh with no significant lineup changes.
2016Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, LED lighting, a stronger 279-hp V6, expanded safety technology, and a new Advance Package arrived.
2015
Carries over with the same V6, six-speed automatic, and standard or Technology Package forms.
2014
Carries over from the 2013 redesign with no meaningful changes.
2013New generation
A full redesign brought a roomier body, a 273-hp 3.5-liter V6, a six-speed automatic, and more standard comfort features.
1st Generation (2007–2012)
The original RDX was a compact, sport-focused luxury SUV with a 240-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and five-speed automatic. It initially centered on Acura’s SH-AWD system, with a front-wheel-drive version added later.
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2012Trim changes
Carries over as the final year of the original RDX before the 2013 redesign.
2011
Carries over from the 2010 update with no significant changes.
2010Mid-cycle update
Refreshed exterior styling, a new front-wheel-drive model, a standard rearview camera, USB connectivity, and Bluetooth audio arrived.
2009
A four-way power front passenger seat became standard; the rest of the RDX was largely unchanged.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Acura RDX.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Acura RDX come as a hybrid?
No. The RDX models covered here use gasoline engines. The first and third generations have turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while the second generation uses a V6.
How many people does the Acura RDX seat?
The RDX is a five-seat, two-row SUV. In the latest lineup, it has 38 inches of rear legroom and 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, so it offers useful passenger and luggage room without adding a third row.
Is every Acura RDX all-wheel drive?
No. Some older RDX models have front-wheel drive, while others have Acura’s SH-AWD system. SH-AWD became standard across the lineup for 2024, so newer examples no longer have a front-wheel-drive version.
What is the Acura RDX known for?
The RDX is known for mixing sporty road manners with everyday SUV usefulness. Recent models pair a strong turbo engine and roomy cargo area with a panoramic moonroof, extensive safety technology, and a generous standard feature set.
Is the Acura RDX a good fit for a family?
Yes, if a five-seat SUV is enough. The RDX has two rows, useful rear-seat room, a roomy cargo area, and driver-assistance features. Families needing a third row should look beyond the RDX.
How do the three Acura RDX generations differ?
The first generation is a small, sporty turbo SUV. The second generation shifts toward quieter comfort and uses a V6. The third generation returns to turbo four-cylinder power, adds a 10-speed automatic, and puts more emphasis on sporty handling, cabin technology, and safety features.
How much can an Acura RDX tow?
The latest RDX lineup has a maximum towing rating of 1,500 pounds. Ratings can differ by model year and equipment, so check the manual and vehicle label for the exact used RDX you are considering.
Acura RDX Reviews
What owners are saying about the Acura RDX.
4.2
Acura RDX
(9,049 reviews)
“Excellent car, good power, drives/handles well, good features. All without being too flashy or arrogant. I consider it an excellent, understated, near-luxury vehicle. It offers good quality and reliability, without the maintenance issues of the Germans.”
“The RDX is a very comfortable and reliable vehicle. Service over the long term is very reasonable. It's fun to drive and its many seat configurations allow for maximum flexibility.”
“Very happy with this vehicle, it has most of what I was looking for. Very comfortable and useful for my needs, price for a premium brand is more reasonable than others for what you get.”
“My biggest complaint is in regards to the choice of interior colors. I would have purchased the red RDX which I thought was a luscious color—however, the only interior was parchment and it was UGLY—too yellow. Actually, I described it as the color of baby poop. I would have thought Acura would have offered a black interior as they have in past years.”
“I wish there was an answer to the brake dust. Acura should have a nice sleeve for the key fobs. The plastic scratches real easy.”
Sources
- acura.com — Suvs / 2026 / Rdx
- acura.com — 2026 / Rdx / Features
- acura.com — RDX / 2026 / Acura 2026 RDX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — RDX / 2025 / Acura 2025 RDX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — 2025 / V2 / Acura 2025 RDX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — RDX / 2023 / Acura 2023 RDX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — RDX / 2024 / Acura 2024 RDX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — RDX / 2022 / Acura 2022 RDX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — RDX / 2022 / Acura 2022 RDX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — RDX / 2022 / MY21 RDX Online Brochure r05