2024 Acura RDX Review: Underrated Excellence
The Acura RDX puts a premium spin on the USA's most popular vehicle format - the compact crossover SUV. With upscale finishes, enjoyable driving dynamics, decent performance, and lots of features at a high-value price, there's a lot to recommend it. It takes aim at the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but it can't match the Germans in terms of brand cachet, even though it's cheaper. It's more similar to what might be regarded as the semi-luxury class, where you'll find rivals such as the Genesis GV70 and Volvo XC60. It doesn't have the luxury-car finishes inside to take on the class best, the oddball track-pad-based infotainment system can frustrate, and there's only a single powertrain - a 272-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With the loss of the FWD drivetrain this year, your choices are now even more limited, and the RDX's base price is higher. Considering the 2024 model is unchanged, is there enough reason to consider it?
New for 2024
The 2024 RDX's front-wheel drivetrain option is discontinued this year, which means that all trims in the range are now AWD by default. Of course, the loss of the cheapest FWD derivative means that the price of the cheapest new Acura RDX is $2,300 more this year. There are no other changes to the RDX, and it continues with the same trims, features, and specifications as the 2023 model.
2024 Acura RDX Price: Which One to Buy
The price of a 2024 Acura RDX Base trim is $44,050, followed by the Technology Package at $46,700, the A-Spec Package at $49,700, the Advance Package at $51,850, and the A-Spec Advance Package at $53,850. These prices are MSRP and don't include any extra-cost options or the $1,195 destination charge.
We reckon the Technology Package is the sweet spot. The base RDX already comes with desirable features such as 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a fully featured infotainment system, but the Technology Package's nicest additions include leather upholstery, navigation, and a 12-speaker premium ELS audio system. We'd have loved the surround-view camera of the Advance Package, but it's not available here, so we're happy the Technology Package at least includes front and rear parking sensors to help supplement the backup camera. This is a high-value trim at less than $47k.
Base | Technology Package | A-Spec Advance Package |
---|---|---|
Lowest Price | Best Buy | Sporty Luxury |
$ 44050 | $ 46700 | $ 53850 |
2.0L turbo I4 (272 hp/280 lb-ft), 10-speed auto, AWD | Equipped with the Base’s features, plus: | Equipped with the Advance Package’s features, plus: |
19-inch alloys, LED headlights, power panoramic sunroof | Milano leather upholstery | A-Spec sport interior & exterior appearance packages |
Leatherette upholstery, heated 12-way power front seats | Wireless charging pad | 20-inch alloys |
10.2-inch infotainment display, nine-speaker audio system | Navigation | Milano leather/Ultrasuede upholstery |
AcuraWatch driver-assistance suite | 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system | Flat-bottomed sports steering wheel |
Front and rear parking sensors | Ebony headliner |
Best Deals on 2024 Acura RDX
Interior and Features
The extroverted cabin architecture looks modern, with a floating console and unusual gear shifter, but it’s also surprisingly roomy and practical.
The interior of the RDX mostly impresses. The quality of the materials isn't quite up to BMW or Mercedes-Benz standards, but the design is more adventurous, with a floating console and a typically quirky Acura shifter and mode-selector arrangement. You'll spot the True Touchpad Interface in the console, giving you a clue that Acura persists with a relative-position trackpad to operate the infotainment system; the display atop the dashboard is not a touchscreen, and that will be a deal-breaker for some. Spec levels are impressive, with a power sunroof and 12-way power front seats among the standard fitments.
Getting inside is easy thanks to a fairly traditional body profile, which also ensures good interior space, even for heads in the second row. A few blind spots are created by the thick A-pillars and, strangely, the rather obtrusive bulges on the sides of the ceiling for the power liftgate's mechanism. As long as you skip the Base, the standard parking sensors on the rest, in combination with the backup camera, will ensure stress-free parking.
Space
Cabin space is a strong point, and the RDX is roomy in the second row, offering better legroom than most of its rivals and plenty of headroom due to a relatively flat roofline. This is all the more surprising considering that the Acura's wheelbase is among the shortest in its segment, so that's a job well done in terms of space utilization. There's a lot of space for average-sized adults in all directions, but, as always, three abreast in the back in a crossover of this size is a pinch.
Cargo
Cabin space does not come at the expense of trunk space, and here, too, the RDX puts in a class-leading performance, with a generous 29.5 cu-ft behind the second row - more even than the commodious GV70's 28.9 cu-ft. With the 60/40-split second row folded, trunk volume expands to 58.9 cu-ft, which falls short of the class best (the X3 has 62.7 cu-ft), but not by much. Valuables can be hidden in a handy under-floor storage compartment.
Cabin storage is generous, with a big tray underneath the floating center console, a glovebox, a lidded center storage bin, four door bins, front seatback pockets, and cupholders for both rows - the two rear ones being in the fold-down center armrest.
Acura RDX | BMW X3 | Genesis GV70 | |
---|---|---|---|
Seating | 5 Seater | 5 Seater | 5 Seater |
Headroom | 40 in. front 38 in. rear | 41.1 in. front 38.5-39.1 in. rear | 39.6 in. front 39.1 in. rear |
Legroom | 42 in. front 38 in. rear | 40.3 in. front 36.4 in. rear | 41.3 in. front 37.2 in. rear |
Cargo space | 29.5-58.9 ft³ | 28.7-62.7 ft³ | 28.9-56.9 ft³ |
Materials and Colors
The RDX's cabin can be decked out in various color schemes. The accent color used on the seats, console, doors, and headliner is offset by standard black for furnishings such as the dashtop, carpeting, and steering wheel, with various combinations possible. Most of the interior colors go with specific exterior paint colors, so you'll have to check Acura's configurator for the availability of your preferred combination. The base model has access to Ebony/black and Parchment/black with leatherette upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and silver brushed aluminum trim.
The Technology model gets Milano leather upholstery with contrast stitching in the same colors, but with Graystone and Espresso added to the list; the brushed aluminum trim is rendered in bronze when Espresso is selected. The Advance mirrors these choices but adds contrast piping to the seats as well and replaces the aluminum trim with open-pore wood. The two A-Spec trims get the A-Spec interior appearance package with a combination of Milano leather and Ultrasuede on the seats, contrast stitching and piping, Ebony/black or red/black interior color choices, an Ebony headliner, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and Y-patterned dark brushed-aluminum trim. An additional light-beige Orchid/black exclusively is available on the flagship, but only with Apex Blue Pearl paintwork.
Features and Infotainment
The cheapest RDX comes with a few welcome standard features not all base models have, such as heated 12-way power front seats and a power panoramic sunroof. Keyless entry, push-button start, leatherette upholstery, a manually tilting/telescoping steering wheel trimmed in leather, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, and dual-zone climate control are fitted as well. As you add more packages, features such as Milano leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a wireless charging pad, and adjustable 27-theme LED ambient interior lighting are added. You have to select the package/trim with the features you want, as these cannot be added individually.
The infotainment system's 10.2-inch display is not a touchscreen and is operated via Acura's divisive touchpad. You won't mind if you come from another Acura, but for the new generation reared on touchscreens, it represents a learning curve. The system is flush with features, though, and comes with Wi-Fi capability, AcuraLink Connected Services, voice recognition, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free, Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth audio streaming, SiriusXM, HD Radio, an auxiliary input jack, and an MP3-capable audio system with nine speakers. The Technology Package adds navigation with a 3D view, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system. The A-Spec upgrades to a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. Only the Advance and A-Spec Advance benefit from a 10.5-inch head-up display.
Base | Technology Package | A-Spec Advance Package | |
---|---|---|---|
Heated power front seats | S | S | S |
Leather upholstery | N/A | S | S |
Power panoramic sunroof | S | S | S |
16-speaker ELS audio system | N/A | N/A | S |
10.5-inch head-up display | N/A | N/A | S |
Performance
The transmission can get a bit busy and the four-pot does little to inspire, but performance is decent, though fuel economy is below the class average.
You get the same engine in every Acura RDX - a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. All RDXs now have Acura's Super Handling all-wheel drive, and a ten-speed automatic transmission is standard. This arrangement is sufficient to give the Acura RDX a 0-60 time of around 6.4 - 6.7 seconds - a mid-pack performance in this class. Top speed is of academic interest and is limited to 112 mph. Unfortunately, no six-cylinder high-performance engine such as what Audi, BMW, or Mercedes will sell you is available on the RDX, nor any hybridized options. This being an SUV, trailering is usually important, but the RDX disappoints with a maximum towing capacity of just 1,500 pounds. With a decent 8.2-inch ground clearance, standard AWD, and ten gears, the RDX will make short work of a rough road, but it's not built to go off-road.
The driving experience generally upholds Acura's sporting bent, with responsive handling, well-contained body roll, and a surprisingly fun ability to subtly rotate and power out of corners. The steering is precise and tightens up a bit in Sport mode. This mode makes the ten-speed auto nicely responsive, but it's a shame you don't get a customizable setting because Sport basically locks out the top gear ratios by default. Normally, the transmission is busily shuffling away between all those gears, but it's commendably smooth, if reluctant to kick down unless you're in Sport. The ride is acceptable, but a bit stiff-legged to ensure sharp handling, and the adaptive dampers definitely improve matters, calming the general ride but maintaining the car's handling prowess when they stiffen up.
Fuel Efficiency
Gas mileage is mediocre and not up to the standards set by the class leaders. According to the EPA, the Acura RDX's mpg figures are 21 mpg in the city and 23 mpg overall for all trims. Highway consumption is 27 mpg for most trims, with the A-Spec trims with their 20-inch wheels returning 26 mpg on the highway. That 23-mpg combined figure is worse than most rivals, with hybridized ones such as the GLC achieving as much as 27 mpg.
With a fuel capacity of 17.1 gallons, you should be able to squeeze a range of around 393 miles out of the RDX.
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas 10-Speed Automatic AWD | |
---|---|
Power | 272 hp |
Top speed | 112 mph |
MPG | 21/27/23 mpg (19" wheels) 21/26/23 mpg (20" wheels) |
0-60 | Est. 6.5 sec. |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
Safety
Safety is of the highest standard, with exemplary crash results and a comprehensive suite of standard driver assists, though the base car lacks parking sensors.
Every safety review of the Acura RDX praises its ability to protect its occupants in an accident. The NHTSA gave the 2024 RDX a five-star overall rating, and it achieved only Good scores from the IIHS - and a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award.
It's also great at avoiding an accident in the first place, with the AcuraWatch suite of driver assists standard on all trims. AcuraWatch features include front-collision alert with automatic braking, low-speed autonomous emergency braking, and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-departure alert with road-departure mitigation and lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. All trims get automatic LED headlights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the Technology package adds parking sensors front and rear, and the Advance and A-Spec Advance also get rain-sensing wipers, a surround-view camera, and a 10.5-inch head-up display.
Base | Technology Package | A-Spec Advance Package | |
---|---|---|---|
Front-collision alert with braking & pedestrian detection | S | S | S |
Lane-keep & road-departure mitigation | S | S | S |
Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow | S | S | S |
Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert | S | S | S |
Head-up display | N/A | N/A | S |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Reliability
JD Power gives the Acura RDX a Quality & Reliability rating of 80 out of 100 - a good result but behind the X3 (82) and GV70 (84). For the model years 2022-2024, there has been only a single recall on the RDX, and that was for the 2023 model to fix a brake-fluid leak that could lead to a loss of braking power.
The Acura RDX's warranty is impressive and should provide a lot of peace of mind. The limited warranty is valid for four years/50,000 miles, the powertrain warranty runs for six years/70,000 miles, and Acura even throws in two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Design
The RDX strikes a fine balance between sporty and classy, with a dynamically rising waistline crease, Acura's signature grille, beautifully detailed Jewel Eye LED headlights across the board, and LED Dragon Tail taillights. There's a subtle slope to the profile, accentuated by a bright strip lining the top of the glasshouse. All trims get a powered tailgate and power panoramic sunroof, while all trims but the A-Spec ones ride on 19-inch alloys and get rectangular chromed exhaust outlets. The A-Spec cars get the A-Spec Sport Appearance exterior package with black 20-inch alloy and blacked-out exterior trim. From the A-Spec and up, LED foglights are standard. Roof rails cost extra on all trims.
Verdict: Is The 2024 Acura RDX A Good SUV?
The RDX is a bit of a niche player in the premium compact crossover class, and not everyone will be equally impressed with quirks such as its trackpad-based infotainment system and unusual cabin design. Other factors limiting its appeal are mediocre fuel economy and a single powertrain with no six-cylinder option. Considering it's up against superb rivals such as the all-round-excellent X3 and surprisingly capable and premium GV70, the unchanged 2024 RDX is unlikely to cause much of a blip on the radar and will continue to appeal mostly to the Acura faithful. And that is a shame because it is a roomy and practical car with fun handling and quality finishes.