2020 Acura RDX Review

　　

2020 Acura RDX Review

byWill KaufmanSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　The Acura RDX offers something a little different in the small luxury SUV class. It has a lot of available technology features, a well-built interior, excellent ergonomics, and better-than-average cargo and passenger space. There's certainly a lot to like and, feature for feature, it's significantly less expensive than European alternatives.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Acura RDX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$191/mo  for RDX Base

　　RDX Base

　　4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $37,800 MSRP4dr SUV w/Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $41,000 MSRP4dr SUV w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $45,900 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $39,800 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $43,000 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $47,900 MSRPA-Spec 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $44,000 MSRPSH-AWD A-Spec 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $46,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　But the RDX has a few weaknesses compared to top competitors. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides decent power, but there isn't an optional engine upgrade for buyers looking for more power or a hybrid option. Additionally, we're not terribly fond of the RDX's infotainment system. And the required learning curve to operate it may turn off shoppers who aren't interested in picking up new technology.

　　Overall, though, the 2020 Acura RDX is worth checking out if you're looking for a good value on a luxury SUV, especially compared to European rivals such as the Audi Q5, the Jaguar F-Pace and the Mercedes GLC.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the RDX drive? Overall, the RDX is a solid performer. Its turbocharged engine provides strong power at low rpm to get you away from stoplights quickly, and the transmission is adept at picking the right gear for the situation. In zzdcar testing, we recorded a 0-60 mph time of 7 seconds. That's a little slower than some other top competitors, but it's respectable. The brakes inspire confidence thanks to predictable engagement and good feel.

　　When you drive around turns, there's not much body roll. You'll definitely want SH-AWD to maximize the RDX's sporting potential at it helps the RDX power out of turns. The steering is nicely tuned. It's light and makes for easy maneuvering in parking lots but also firms up appropriately at higher speeds to give you a feeling of control

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the RDX? The stylish heated and cooled front seats will accommodate a wide variety of drivers in comfort. They're also supportive to keep you secure when turning. The suspension does a respectable job of keeping you comfortable when driving over a variety of surfaces. The RDX shrugs off potholes and is well-controlled over highway undulations.

　　Cabin noise is reasonably well-muted, and there's minimal wind noise at freeway speeds. Some engine noise comes through, but it's never obnoxious. The climate control system doesn't have any issues regulating cabin temperature, but a lot of airflow is aimed at the driver's hands, which you may not like.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The RDX has a mix of friendly basic ergonomics and some rather different, if not polarizing, ideas for how things should be done. In particular, the shifter arrangement, touchpad infotainment controller and small climate control buttons might fluster the driver. In terms of visibility, the front roof pillars are a bit on the thick side and can block some visibility when cornering. Rear visibility is compromised by the rear hatch's power-operated hinges.

　　On a more positive note, there's plenty of room for front and rear passengers. A wide range of drivers should be able to find a comfortable driving position, and rear headroom is more than sufficient for average adults

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? This tech is the tour de force of the RDX. With an intriguing new touchpad interface, the infotainment system should appeal to the tech-savvy buyer, just as the impressive audio system will appeal to the dedicated audiophile. But the learning curve required to get accustomed to the new system could prove a deal-breaker for buyers who don't like picking up new tech.

　　Apply CarPlay is standard, but Android Auto is not yet available (Acura says it's coming and capability will be available to existing cars). Acura's suite of driver aids is standard, including adaptive cruise control, which is a notable strength in a class where such features are often pricey extras.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Acura really has interior packaging figured out, and the RDX is yet another showcase of space efficiency. From a generous cargo area to flexible interior storage solutions, the RDX makes having a lot of stuff easier than it should be.

　　At 31.1 cubic feet of storage behind the back seats, the RDX offers more space than most competitors, and there's an abundance of storage options up front thanks to the tiered center console. Car seat anchors are clearly marked, and the large back seat means there's plenty of room for car seats.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Rated at 24 mpg combined with FWD or 23 mpg combined with AWD, the RDX's mileage is lower than what the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 return. All three require premium fuel. On our 119-mile evaluation loop, our test RDX only returned a bit more than 20 mpg. Other fill-ups were below that number, too. A light foot might be required to hit 23 mpg.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the RDX a good value? Luxury SUVs are supposed to be well-built and packed with features. The RDX does that while undercutting the popular competitors by thousands of dollars, even when fully loaded. Build quality is excellent inside and out, and the RDX offers something a little different from competitors in terms of interior design and ergonomics.

　　It's not as refined or efficient as competitors, but it's a solid value for buyers looking for something outside the usual German luxury box. Unfortunately, the RDX doesn't offer any particular advantages in terms of warranty coverage or ownership compared to rivals.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　If the aggressively angular exterior design doesn't give it away, the tech-forward interior certainly will. The RDX is about providing a distinctive and modern driving experience. It's certainly a distinctive offering in the compact luxury SUV class. Unfortunately, while the SH-AWD holds the promise of a bit of physics-defying handling, you only sense the full effect of that technology when exiting certain medium-speed corners.

　　

Which RDX does zzdcar recommend?

Much of the RDX's appeal relates to value. As such, we think the Technology package — which adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, along with leather upholstery, premium audio, parking sensors, and navigation — is the way to go. It gets most of the features you'll want at an agreeable price. You should also consider getting the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which improves traction in wet weather and slightly enhances the RDX's handling abilities.

　　

2020 Acura RDX models

Like all Acuras, the new RDX is offered not in trim levels per se but as a single trim available with three option packages. On top of the base vehicle, buyers can add the Technology, A-Spec and Advance packages.

　　All RDXs are equipped with the same powertrain, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (272 horsepower, 280 lb-ft) connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is a stand-alone option. We're fans of Acura's SH-AWD option for the added traction and handling capability.

　　Base versions are actually quite well-equipped, with a lot of equipment luxury buyers expect and a few extras that are optional on competitors. The AcuraWatch suite of driver aids is standard, along with an infotainment system that includes a touchpad interface, a 10.2-inch central display and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

　　The Technology package adds more features such as navigation, leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and an upgraded 12-speaker sound system.

　　The RDX A-Spec is similar but adds bigger wheels and wider tires and some visual flair via blacked-out trim inside and out. Inside, there's a thumping 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system. We like the A-Spec's look, but there's no real commensurate performance advantage.

　　The Advance package is the most feature-packed of all. Acoustic front door glass and thicker carpet quiet things down, while its adaptive suspension dampers, a hands-free liftgate, upgraded power-adjustable front seats, 360-degree camera, and a customizable head-up display give it an edge in comfort and convenience.

　　

2020 RDX Highlights

Trim: BaseSH-AWDA-SpecSH-AWD A-SpecBase

　　

Base MSRP	$37,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$191/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	31.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles