The 2025 RDX is Acura's entry into the competitive compact luxury SUV segment, one of the most fiercely contested vehicle classes. It faces formidable rivals, making it essential for the RDX to perform at its best. As an entry-level luxury brand, Acura must offer competitive refinement and technology in a package that is also more affordable than the established German automakers’ offerings. If you are considering entering the luxury market, there is a lot to like about the RDX, along with a few aspects I wish were different.
Photo: Mark Takahashi
The current third-generation RDX debuted as a 2019 model and, like previous versions, shares some of its components with the highly regarded Honda CR-V. Since then, the RDX received a refresh in 2022, along with some smaller upgrades more recently. These included minor tech enhancements and adding all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard equipment. Essentially, the RDX remains a sporty and practical option for budget-conscious luxury buyers.
Size-wise, the Acura RDX is similar to other compact SUVs like the BMW X3, Lexus NX, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Buyers can upgrade the base RDX with four optional packages that essentially serve as trim levels. These packages are Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance. Prices start at $46,050 for the base RDX and go up to $55,800 for the top A-Spec Advance, including the $1,350 destination charge.
For this 2025 RDX review, Acura provided a test vehicle equipped with the A-Spec Advance package and Urban Gray paint. The test vehicle’s manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $56,400, including the $1,350 destination charge to ship the crossover SUV from the East Liberty, Ohio, assembly plant to a local dealership. The price does not reflect any current rebates, incentives, or price adjustments since Acura manufactured the test vehicle.
Photo: Mark Takahashi
Cosmetic changes for the RDX have been subtle over the years. So subtle that you likely have to be an Acura product planner to notice the differences. The most recent 2025 facelift only altered the grille pattern, paint colors, and wheel designs. Higher-spec versions also gained seats fully upholstered in leather and upgraded interior lighting, including illuminated speakers.
Aside from the signature Acura grille, the RDX feels somewhat average compared to other SUVs, but its interior is more visually appealing. The dashboard features an unusually vertical layout that prominently stacks most controls down the center—from the infotainment display to climate controls, as well as the gear shifter and the infotainment touchpad, all flowing into the center console. The test vehicle’s bold red leather upholstery also stood out, and added a lively touch.
Photo: Mark Takahashi
The front seats provide plenty of cushioning for comfortable long drives, along with side bolsters to keep you securely in place during cornering. The leather upholstery feels pleasant to the touch and has a durable feel that should hold up well over time. There are also enough power adjustments to help you easily find your ideal driving position. Further back, the rear seats offer plenty of head- and legroom for adult passengers.
Behind the rear seats, the cargo area can hold up to 29.5 cubic feet, making it one of the spacious options among rival SUVs. A hands-free power liftgate comes standard starting with the Advance package and above, easing the load when your hands are full. The cargo space can fit larger items thanks to a less tapered rear window compared to some other SUVs.
For small personal belongings, there is enough storage in the small cupholders, door pockets, and armrest bin, although it is not particularly generous. A tray under the center console also offers some overflow space, but it is not large enough to hold a purse.
Overall, the RDX effectively fulfills its primary goal of providing comfort and interior refinement. It has a few annoyances that dampen my excitement, such as red gauges that are hard to read during the day and unintuitive gear selector buttons that take up too much space. However, these are minor compared to the more significant issues I encountered.
Photo: Mark Takahashi
I do not say this lightly, but the infotainment interface in the RDX is among the worst I have experienced. To start, the 10.2-inch display on top of the dashboard is not a touchscreen and must be operated with a touchpad on the center console, similar to a laptop's trackpad. Lexus tried a similar controller in earlier generations with equally disappointing results and has wisely adopted a more conventional approach since then.
Standard features of the 2025 Acura RDX infotainment system include:
Photo: Mark Takahashi
Acura's True Touchpad Interface manages an on-screen cursor, which is as intuitive as using a laptop. However, when the vehicle is moving, selecting your desired button demands much more care and attention because the cursor bounces around the screen. Mercedes-Benz was the only automaker to get it right with its early MBUX systems, with deliberate touchpad swipes that highlight the selected button.
That is unfortunate, as the infotainment system has potential. The display is well positioned in the driver's line of sight, and the system responds quickly to inputs. The menus are also logically arranged and clearly labeled, allowing for quick reading. To help reduce distraction, a head-up display comes standard with the Advance packages. Interestingly, the RDX does not feature a digital instrument panel.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring both operate wirelessly, and all 2025 RDX SUVs include a wireless phone charger. However, getting my Max-sized iPhone to charge required careful placement in the charging tray. Most other chargers I have tested did not need such precision, and if the phone shifts when driving over bumps or cornering, charging will stop.
To its credit, the 16-speaker ELS audio system included with the A-Spec package and above is excellent. The bass is punchy enough to feel in your gut, and the highs stay clear even when the volume is turned up. Apple CarPlay can also fill the entire infotainment display, and the larger tile buttons make it easier to operate than Acura's native system.
Voice commands offer an alternative to using the touchpad, either through the built-in Amazon Alexa system or Siri on the iPhone. Both take a few seconds to process and execute your command, although Siri is slightly faster.
Photo: Mark Takahashi
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque powers all 2025 Acura RDX crossovers. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that significantly improves engine response compared to the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) used in the related Honda CR-V.
Acura positions the RDX as one of the sportier SUVs in its class, and after logging many miles in different conditions, I can confirm it achieved that goal. The RDX launches with authority, and the power feels abundant all the way up to highway speeds. The engine sound is pleasantly quiet unless you push the pedal to the floor, where the strained noise reminds you that it does not have a V6. Most drivers will never need to push the engine that hard, though.
Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) comes standard on all 2025 RDXs, offering excellent cornering grip and extra confidence on wet or snowy roads. On some of the winding roads above Malibu, the RDX handled confidently with no noise from the tires. It is about as sporty as most drivers would want from an SUV, without sacrificing comfort. The brake pedal required a bit more effort than usual, which felt suitable for a spirited SUV like this.
The Advance packages feature adaptive suspension dampers that let you select a softer ride in Comfort mode or a stiffer, more athletic feel in Sport mode. The default Normal drive mode setting seemed suitable in nearly all situations, providing a good balance of cornering performance and comfort over rough roads and bumps.
With the sportier suspension tuning, adaptive dampers, AWD, and automatic transmission, the RDX is noticeably more capable and lively than the related CR-V, which should dispel any negative comments that it is just a fancier Honda.
The differences also appear in fuel economy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the RDX will achieve 23 mpg combined, while the Honda CR-V is rated between 28 mpg and 40 mpg. I achieved a solid 21.3 mpg combined during a mix of city, highway, and heavy traffic typical of Los Angeles. In terms of fuel economy, the RDX remains competitive with sportier versions of the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC, though it is worth noting the latter two also come as hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
Photo: Mark Takahashi
All 2025 RDX crossovers come standard with the AcuraWatch suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The features list is comparable to what you would find in other luxury SUVs and includes:
Upgrading to certain RDX option packages includes:
During my time with the top RDX A-Spec Advance, I experienced a few false alarms from the forward collision warning system. Luckily, they were not severe enough to activate automatic emergency braking. I was also let down by the surround view image on the infotainment display. The stitching between individual cameras did not create a seamless picture, making it less accurate and dependable than other systems I have tested.
The other systems worked as advertised, with smooth braking and acceleration from the adaptive cruise control, and lane centering that helped reduce fatigue after many highway miles. Unlike some higher-end luxury vehicles, the RDX does not offer hands-free automated driving.
In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the RDX received five out of five stars for overall and side protection and four stars for frontal and rollover evaluations. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2025 RDX its highest score of "Good" in its testing and named it a “Top Safety Pick,” the Institute's second-highest award.
According to the JD Power 2025 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Acura RDX ranks highest in the Compact Premium SUV segment. The Lexus NX and the BMW X4 are the next highest-ranked models.
According to the JD Power 2025 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the BMW X4 ranks highest in the Compact Premium SUV segment. The Porsche Macan and the Jaguar F-Pace are the next highest-ranked models.
Other 2025 RDX competitors include the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Tesla Model Y.
According to verified owners, the RDX earns an award as the highest ranked model in its segment in the 2025 Initial Quality Study.
The Acura RDX is known for its sporty demeanor that makes it more engaging than the Lexus NX. It is a more affordable choice than the BMW X3. While the RDX earns praise for its athletic feel and upscale interior, its touchpad controller can be very frustrating, enough to be a deal breaker.
Mark Takahashi has been in automotive publishing for over two decades, contributing detailed written and video reviews for Edmunds, Car and Driver, Autoblog, CarGurus, and Capital One. His portfolio includes everything from affordable economy hatchbacks to otherworldly exotic sports cars and everything in between.
The Ford Transit is the automaker’s full-size cargo and passenger van offering, designed to serve a wide range of commercial and lifestyle applications. With 37 available configurations, the platform ...See More
Read the Full Article
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size, three-row SUV with a standard V8 engine and available diesel power. Built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup, the Tahoe benefits from its ...See More
Read the Full Article
It is the end of the line for the Ford Escape. After 25 years as a fixture of Ford’s lineup, 2026 will be the compact SUV’s last model year.
Read the Full Article
The Colorado is Chevrolet’s midsize pickup. It ranks among the segment’s most capable trucks for payload and towing, and can be configured for both work and off-road adventures. For 2026, the ...See More
Read the Full Article