2023 Acura RDX

　　

2023 Acura RDX Review

byRonald MontoyaSenior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy

　　Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at zzdcar and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.

　　, rating written byRonald MontoyaSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Acura's vehicles have always represented a sort of middle ground between mainstream and luxury vehicles, offering a more premium feel than their Honda counterparts but not as high-brow as something from Mercedes-Benz. That's still true today, though the 2023 Acura RDX is one of the automaker's best models yet.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $41,550 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $43,750 MSRP4dr SUV w/Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $44,200 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $46,400 MSRP4dr SUV w/A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $47,200 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $49,400 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $51,550 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec and Advance Packages (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $53,550 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　This year's RDX builds off of last year's updates that included revised exterior styling, new in-car tech and driver aids, a quieter cabin and an adaptive suspension. The 2023 model is essentially a carryover but gains two years of complimentary service visits and three years of AcuraLink remote services as part of the overall package. 

　　There's a lot to like with the RDX, though it doesn't shine in one particular area and is a bit behind the pack in others. All RDXs are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (272 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine is fairly potent but provides disappointing fuel economy. It's the only available powertrain, too — most of its rivals offer more choice in the form of an upgraded engine with more power or a hybrid option — though the RDX is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. The interior is one of the nicest we've seen from any Acura. Still, we're not in love with Acura's in-car tech, namely the touchpad infotainment interface.

　　The RDX also offers good value compared to other small luxury SUVs, even when it's loaded up with options. It lacks the refinement you'll find in the Mercedes-Benz GLC or BMW X3, but it doesn't command the same price as those models either. You can get similar features and tech for less money too. There are plenty of non-luxury SUVs around this price point, with strong options including the Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide whether the RDX is the best SUV for you.

　　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 all-wheel drive (dubbed SH-AWD) to maximize the RDX's sporting potential since it helps the RDX power out of turns.

　　

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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below