2020 Acura RDX

Acura has equipped the RDX with a standard 2.0L Inline-4 Turbocharged Motor which is mated to 10-soeed automatic transmission. There are no other engine upgrades available which is one of the flaws that the 2020 RDX carries. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available for extra $1,500. Prices start just over $37,000. 

 

The 2020 Acura RDX is a five-seater luxury SUV and is powered by a standard 2.0L engine. Acura has equipped the RDX with five optional trims. The AcuraWatch Technology package includes a 12-speaker sound system, navigation, and sports seats. The Advance package bundles all the packages together and adds additional luxury features such as ventilated seats and a remote ignition start. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available.

Trim	Standard	Technology	A-Spec	Advance
MSRP (FWD)	$37,800	$41,000	$44,000	$45,900
MSRP (AWD)	$39,800	$43,000	$46,000	$47,900
Key Features	Panoramic Moon Roof with Tilt and Slide	Adds/Upgrades to Standard Trim	Adds/Upgrades to Technology Trim	Adds/Upgrades to A-Spec Trim
	Auto On/Off LED Headlights with Wiper Integration	GPS Iinked Climate Control	LED Foglights	Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
	LED Taillights, Turn Indicators, CHMSL	Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel	A-Spec exclusive Front and Rear Bumpers	Heated Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
	Heated, Reverse Tilt Down Side Mirrors	Natural Language Voice Recognition	Red Ambient Cabin Lighting with Dark Brushed Aluminum Trim	Natural Olive Ash Burl Wood Trim
	Sport Seats with Leather Trimmed Interiors with 7" Color MID	Sport Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching	Sport A-SpecSeats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather and Ultrasuede Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching and Piping	Sport Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching and Piping
	Front 12 Way Powered, Heated Seats with Power Lumbar Support	Acura Navigation System with 3D View, Traffic Rerouting, Real-Time Traffic with Street and Freeway conditions	Heated and Ventilated Front Seats	Front 16-Way Power Seats with Power Lumbar Support, Power Thigh Extension and Power Side Bolsters and Heated Outboard Rear Seats
	9 Speaker Acura Premium Audio System with 10.2" Touchscreen Infotainment	12 Speaker Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio	16 Speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D Audio System	10.5" Heads-Up Display

Which trim to go for?

Go with the fully loaded RDX with the Advance package and all-wheel drive as it is barely more expensive than the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60. The Advance package adds a plethora of driver assistance features along with infotainment techs.

Powered by 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo which comes mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the RDX produces 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The power delivery is optimal and has no hiccups in low-end torque delivery for quick acceleration. It makes for a comfortable drive and cruising the highway is a joy. The transmission is well optimized and responsive to the engine speed and has no hassle of cutting or shifting to greater gears. 

Models	Acura RDX	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Lincoln MKC
MSRP	$37,800	$40,195	$41,995	$34,990
Engine	2.0L i4 Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium             Unleaded
Transmission	10 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	6 Speed automatic
Horsepower	272 hp@ 6500rpm	250 hp@ 5700rpm	248 hp@ 5200rpm	245 hp@ 5500rpm
Torque	280 ft-lbs@ 1600rpm	258 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm	258 ft-lbs@ 1450rpm	275 ft-lbs@ 3000rpm

Every other car in this field falls short to the Acura. They all offer lower engine output and torque, while also beating it in 0-60 mph and quarter-mile tests which are listed below. In particular, the Acura leaves every other car in the dirt. It’s the most powerful and quickest car amongst the competition.

Acceleration

The 2020 Acura RDX is mated to a 2.0-liter engine that delivers strong acceleration for a 4,000-pound midsize SUV. It takes 6.4 seconds to make 0-60 which is good when compared to rivals like the Volvo XC60 and the BMW X3. The BMW X3 falls a little short as it goes to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds however it also carries a higher price tag.

Models	Acura RDX	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Lincoln MKC
0-60 MPH	6.4 sec	6.5 sec	6.7 sec	7.1 sec
Quarter mile	14.8 sec	15.2	15.1 sec	15.3 sec
Engine	2.0L i4 Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	9.3	7.7	6.8	8.4

The RDX comes out to be the faster car of the lot here. It showcases the best times in both 0-60 and quarter-mile timings. While the Lincoln MKC comes out as the slowest car with 7.1 seconds for 0-60mph.

Ride and Handling

The Acura RDX SUV is one of the most stable and balanced compact SUVs in the market. It handles extremely well, offers excellent nimble suspension and maneuverability, and greatly responsive to the input given. It sticks rather well to the road, without weaving towards any direction.

The car is very smooth and comfortable to drive. While steering, it turns accurately at the same time feeling light. The Acura, by no means, feels sporty or screams any sporty perception. It feels like a well-built car with precise craftsmanship.

The midsize SUV however, behaves like a front-wheel-drive until challenged on slippery condition that requires extra traction from the rear wheels. The handling, however, feels composed and secure when driving through turns and the response from the steering is excellent with minimal feedback from the road.

Braking 

The Acura RDX stops form 60 mph in 116 feet, which is average for the class. There is also a noticeable amount of nosedive while continuous stops and the all-season tires make a quiet cabin noisy when ABS is applied. 

Model	Acura RDX	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Lincoln MKC
Brake Front (in.)	12.4	13.6	13	13.2
Brake Rear (in.)	12.2	12.6	13	12.4
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3783	4109	4034	3823
60-0 MPH (ft.)	116	114	127	119

The BMW X3 takes 127ft which is below average while the Lincoln MKC takes a shorter distance of 119ft.

The engine on the 2020 Acura RDX is refined, but it is still a thirsty engine. The RDX with front-wheel drive checks in at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 combined. Meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive system drops the rating by mpg as it is rated at 19/27/22. Even after shiting from the 3.5L V6, the RDX has not gained a lot on the fuel economy side which positions it apart from the rivals.

Model	Acura RDX	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Lincoln MKC
MPG (city)	22	22	23	20
MPG (highway)	28	29	30	27
MPG (combined)	24	24	26	23
Range (miles) (city/highway)	376/479	414/545	396/516	314/424
Tank Capacity (gal)	17.1	18.8	17.2	15.7

 All the rivaling SUVs showcases similar numbers. but the X3 comes on the top with 26mpg combined. While the Volvo XC60 shows a combined fuel economy of 24mpg.

Once you enter inside, there’s plenty of space and feels solidly built. The cabin is elegant in amalgamation with sporty design elements and neatly arranged buttons. The front and the rear seats are very comfortable with generous legroom and headspace. It can accommodate 5 passengers, where the rear seats can easily accommodate 3 adult passengers, a feat some similar but taller sized SUV’s struggle with. The Acura RDX SUV has excellent interior spacing and comfort, unlike some similar priced cars and type.

 

Both front and rear doors open wide for easy ingress and egress while the large windows make for good visibility of the road. Though, the availability of blind spot-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert increases the level of awareness. 

Model	Acura RDX	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Lincoln MKC
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.6/59.7/41.6	38.0/58.2/41.5	41.1/57.6/40.3	39.6/56.0/42.8
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.3/56.6/38.4	38.0/56.3/38.0	39.1/56.0/36.4	38.7/55.3/36.8

The RDX is one of the roomiest luxury compact SUVs. It makes for one of the most generous rear-seat legroom in the class with 38.3 inches. The shoulder room is similarly generous making ample space for three adults passenger in the second row. The back seats also have three tether anchors for installing child safety which is easy to use.

Infotainment

The RDX infotainment system has seen a big upgrade as the screen size has been increased to 10.2 inches. Earlier it consists of a 5-inch display screen which most drivers say takes time to get familiarize with. The upgraded system complicates things even further as it adds a second screen and removes many redundant buttons but it still isn’t intuitive. Features like Apple CarPlay and plug-and-play connectivity remains standard across all trims.

Interior Features

The RDX comes with a long list of standard features stuffed into every corner. Here is a list of few of the creature comforts

• Front And Rear Door Pockets
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Electric Power Steering
• Rear View Camera
• Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
• Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
• Interior Air Filtration
• Front, Side, And Rear View Camera
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Climate Control
• Turn Signal In Mirrors
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors

Cargo Space

The 2018 Acura offers 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. The back-seat folds with a 60/40 split to make 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space. These numbers are above average for the segment and there is no rival that offers more cargo than the Acura RDX. A power liftgate comes standard.

Model	Acura RDX	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Lincoln MKC
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	29.5	28.7	28.7	25.2

 In terms of dimensions, The Acura measures neither too long, wide, nor short. The wheelbase also comes in between the X3 and the Lincoln. It is wider and taller than the Lincoln and weighs the lightest at 3783 lbs. In terms of ground clearance, the Acura is quite practical, measuring 8.2 inches tall while the Volvo XC60 is tallest.

Model	Acura RDX	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Lincoln MKC
Curb weight (lbs.)	3783	4109	4034	3823
Length(in)	186.8	184.6	185.9	179.2
Width(in)	74.8	78.7	74.4	73.4
Height(in)	65.7	65.3	66	65.2
Ground clearance (in)	8.2	8.5	8.0	7.8
Wheelbase (in)	108.3	112.8	112.8	105.9
Track width (in) F/R	64.2/64.7	65.1/65.2	63.8/64.4	62.4/62.5

The new SUV is a different vehicle altogether, and not just an engine overhauled car. The RDX stands out as a tad more prominent than the old model in terms of dimensions. Although not much has changed in terms of looks, though, you will appreciate more space. The RDX is 186.8 inches in length and 74.8 inches wide. 

Exterior Features

Like the Interiors, Acura has stuffed the RDX with a large number of features on the outside. Some of the highlights of the 2020 RDX's exteriors include the following

• Power Moonroof with Tilt and Slide function
• Auto On/Off LED Headlights with Wiper Integration
• LED Fog lights, Brake lights, and CHMSL
• LED Turn Indicators on Exterior Powered and Heated Mirrors
• Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
• 20" Alloy Wheels

The 2020 Acura RDX has performed well in the crash tests conducted by the IIHS and NHSTA. It earned a five-star rating overall in each category by the NHSTA expect for the rollover rating where it got a 4-star. The IIHS meanwhile granted it a “Good” score in crashworthiness. The agency, however, rated the LATCH and headlight as “Acceptable.” The RDX has also earned a Top Safety Pick award this year.

In terms of reliability, the Acura covers the RDX with a 4-year/ 50,000-mile limited warranty and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

• Multi view Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Surround View Camera System
• Rear Camera Washer
• Collision Mitigating Braking System
• Adaptive Cruise Control with lane speed follow
• Front, Side, Side Curtain and Knee Airbags
• Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control and Motion adaptive steering
• 4 Wheel ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
• Hill Start Assist with TPMS and LATCH tethers
• Front and Rear Parking sensors with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross traffic monitor

Acura RDX vs BMW X3

The BMW X3 offers more cargo capacity and sporty performance. It also offers an optional turbocharged engine with up to 300 horsepower, unlike the 2020 Acura RDX which only comes with one engine specification. The X3 also handles well and feels nimble around corners. The RDX is priced several thousand dollars less than the BMW and when equipped with the Advance package it matches the X3’s performance and still costs a couple of thousand dollars less. Driving enthusiasts would love the X3’s sporty demeanor but the RDX is also a good SUV to go with.

Acura RDX vs. Lincoln MKC

Lincoln has not updated anything in the 2020 MKC, apart from the front grill. On the other hand, the RDX has been upgraded on every part possible, which made the MKC seems a little dull. In the engine department, Lincoln produces lesser horsepower than the RDX, and the same has been proven in the acceleration comparison above.  In terms of cabin space, there is the use of cheap plastics. On top of that, the cargo volume is low, along with packed rear seats.

 

Being a little costlier than the MKC, the RDX has improved in every part of additional horsepower, cargo volume, and better interior quality.

Acura is an excellent deal for what it offers; a compact and spacious luxurious SUV offering a good amount of features and excellent drivability with above-average fuel economy for its price range. While still being the faster SUV in the segment. The RDX also comes with best in class cargo and interior space making it a solid choice for family and also a comfortable daily driver. 

The AWD drivetrain is recommended if anything, while the Advance Package is the choice-of-trim for it comes packed with a plethora of features and safety conveniences. The RDX is also one of the safest cars to drive in the market which all the more makes it a top choice to buy.