The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Handles well
- Trick AWD system
- Good turbo-4 power
- Pleasing styling
Dislikes
- Annoying touchpad…
- … and no touchscreen
- Not many permutations
- Somewhat uncomfortable back seat.
Buying tip
The 2025 Acura RDX is a sporty choice that stands out for its excellent driving dynamics, but you’ll want to use CarPlay or Android Auto.
What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Acura RDX? What does it compare to?
The 2025 RDX is a five-seat crossover SUV with a sporty personality. Shop it against the 2025 BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60.
Is the 2025 Acura RDX a good SUV?
It’s a lot of fun and it has a lovely cabin, though it’s hard to overlook the RDX’s cludgy infotainment interface. It’s a 6.3 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2025 Acura RDX?
The RDX wears subtly revised exterior styling and new wheel designs for 2025. Inside, Acura revamped the center console and made it so Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can work across the entire 10.3-inch widescreen display.
A revamped grille up front gives the RDX a slightly different face compared to last year’s model. Even by mid-cycle updates, the new grille is a mild tweak to what remains a stylish, muscular crossover. It’s pleasant inside, too, with nice materials and a welcome revamp to the center console designed to improve access to the wireless device charging pad.
An unchanged-for-2025 272-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 powers the RDX through a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard, too. The RDX is reasonably quick and this powertrain is pretty refined overall, with just a hint of snarl from underhood in hard passing. Even more impressive is the way the RDX handles. Its steering has good heft, and the firm suspension does a nice job limiting body lean without resulting in a stiff, choppy ride. That said, the available 20-inch wheels work best when paired with the available adaptive suspension option.
The RDX is no fuel miser, though. Last year’s model was estimated at just 23 mpg combined, and it requires premium fuel. We’ll update this space if the RDX sees any tweaks for 2025.
Inside, the RDX has decent space and a reasonably large cargo area. All models have reasonably comfortable front seats, though higher-end versions swap more bolstering and adjustment. Rear-seat riders have reasonable room, but they may find the bench to be a bit uncomfortable. The RDX’s 30-or-so cubic feet of cargo space is par for the segment, though small-item storage throughout the cabin is pretty good.
The RDX has generally done well in crash tests. Last year’s model netted an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, and the NHTSA has already declared the 2025 model to be a five-star recipient. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and active lane control.
How much does the 2025 Acura RDX cost?
Acura has yet to say what the 2025 model will run, but last year’s was a bit north of $46,000 prior to the mandatory destination charge. That money buys all-wheel drive, synthetic leather seats, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The RDX can climb quickly from there, though there are only a few configurations available here.
Where is the 2025 Acura RDX made?
In East Liberty, Ohio.
2025 Acura RDX Styling
The 2025 Acura RDX is a fine-looking small SUV.
Is the Acura RDX a good-looking car?
It looks great, even if the new grille and wheel designs this year don’t do much to change things. The Acura RDX has a clean, confident look with its long hood and muscular fender flares. It’s pleasant enough inside, too. We award it a 7 here.
The slim LED lights up front have a complex design, and they frame a big grille that has a new texture this year. There’s no ring of chrome (or black) around the grille this year, a look that’s been repeated around the windows along the sides. Base versions have 19-inch wheels, while hefty 20-inchers are available.
Inside, the RDX’s cabin is draped in nice materials, though Acura has usually been a bit stingy about trim colors. The look itself is clean and cohesive, if a bit button-heavy just below the touchscreen. Still, it’s miles better than last year’s alien-like affair. The revamped center console this year tones things down a bit and provides better access to the essentials: cupholders and the available wireless charging pad.
2025 Acura RDX Performance
The RDX is a decidedly sporty choice, even if it’s not available with prodigious power.
The 2025 Acura RDX is a lot of fun to drive, but it also has a docile, comfortable ride. It’s an easy 7 here thanks to its good driving dynamics.
Is the Acura RDX 4WD?
The RDX comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system that can send most of the available power to the rear wheels as needed for sportier handling. It’s certainly no off-roader, but it’ll be fine for snowy days.
How fast is the Acura RDX?
The 2.0-liter turbo-4 puts out 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, which is delivered to the wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers confident power for highway passing, and it’s reasonably refined as well. You’ll also find various drive modes and paddle shifters for zippier driving.
Base RDXs have a well-tuned ride with their 19-inch alloy wheels. Models with the Advance package pair 20-inch alloy wheels with a much-needed adaptive suspension that quells small bumps that would otherwise be transmitted into the cabin
The A-Spec version has a firmer ride, but no actual performance modifications for better acceleration. It doesn’t drive all that differently than the standard RDX. It’s a shame that this well-tuned platform isn’t available with a more powerful engine option to take on models like the BMW X3 M50, but Acura likely doesn’t see enough of a market there.
2025 Acura RDX Comfort & Quality
The 2025 Acura RDX has a nice interior, though rear-seat comfort is just so-so.
The 2025 Acura RDX measures a relatively large 187.4 inches long and rides on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, which endows it with decent interior room. We give it points for its cargo space and its front seats, bringing it to a 7 on the TCC scale.
The front seats have standard power adjustment and heating, though you’ll pay extra for real leather since the base model comes with synthetic hides. Most trims have 16-way power seats with better lumbar support as well as cooling, so try before you buy.
Rear-seat riders will find a reasonable 38 inches of legroom, though the bench itself is a bit light on support and some passengers find it both too low to the ground and too upright.
Behind row two, the RDX can handle a reasonable 29.5 cubic feet of cargo, which expands to 58.9 cubes with the second-row seatbacks down. The RDX also has some small hidden storage areas scattered about, including one below the cargo floor.
Interior materials generally impress, at least once you step up to the Technology package that adds real leather seats and additional acoustic glass for a quieter driving experience. This version is also available with more interior hues.
2025 Acura RDX Safety
The 2025 Acura RDX comes well-equipped with safety features.
How safe is the Acura RDX?
Based on last year’s model, we award the 2025 Acura RDX an 8 out of 10 for safety. It received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, plus it comes with good crash-avoidance and driver-assistance tech across the board.
We’ll update this space when full results for the 2025 model become available.
The NHTSA did note a four-star frontal crash test rating for the RDX.
Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and lane-departure warnings on all versions of the RDX.
2025 Acura RDX Features
The 2025 Acura RDX comes well equipped, but its infotainment system isn’t great.
The 2025 Acura RDX comes in a handful of configurations. Overall, the lineup scores a 7 here with points for good standard fare, many available extras, and two years of free maintenance. The RDX would score an 8 if not for its lousy infotainment system that’s loaded with menus and has a downright distracting touchpad mounted in the center console.
Likely to cost around $46,500 (though we’ll update this space when we know more), the base RDX should include 19-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, a 10.2-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and power-adjustable front seats. It’s backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty that includes the first 24 months’ worth of basic maintenance.
Which Acura RDX should I buy?
Acura has usually charged around $2,500 more for the Technology package, which has ELS audio, a navigation system, leather seats, and a wireless charging pad. It’s worth the extra cost.
The A-Spec model is likely to be another $3,000 or so for similar equipment plus sportier styling cues. It’s less of a value, unless you’re really smitten with its synthetic suede upholstery.
How much is a fully loaded Acura RDX?
The Advance package should check in at around $54,000 for the standard RDX, or $56,000 for the A-Spec. It adds such niceties as a surround-view camera system, cooled front seats, and a head-up display, plus adaptive dampers that help take the edge off of its 20-inch alloy wheels.
2025 Acura RDX Fuel Economy
The 2025 Acura RDX is pretty thirsty.
Is the Acura RDX good on gas?
Not really. It scores just 2 on the TCC scale. Most versions are estimated at 21 mpg city, 27 highway, 23 combined, while the A-Spec trim checks in at 21/26/23 mpg. You’re not likely to see much real-world difference.
Premium fuel is required.