Overall Rating
Updated on: July 27, 2020
Automotive Journalist
The 2020 Acura RDX SUV comes standard in FWD with an optional AWD offered to each trim. Starting at $37,600 for the FWD and $39,170 for the AWD, the powertrain offered is standard 2.0L Inline-4 Turbocharged Motor with a 10-speed automatic transmission which churns out 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The RDX is a spacious interior, great legroom and headspace, generous cargo volume and excellent safety rating.
See detailed review »Roomy Interiors
Spacious Cargo Area
Agile Handling
Premium Interior feel
Loaded with Features
Lack of Engine options
Acura branding against the likes of Audi, Mercedes or BMW
Android Auto now available as a part of an OTA update
$37800
4dr SUV
5
125 mph
front wheel drive
122
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
280 lbs.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
10-Speed Automatic
Independent front strut suspension
Independent rear multi-link suspension
12.6/12.4
108.3 in.
64.7 in.
74.8 in.
65.7 in.
3783 lbs.
8.2 in.
104 cu ft.
79.8 cu ft.
1500
1001
6.4 sec.
14.8
21/23/27 mpg
461.7 mi.
4 yr. /50000 mi.
6 yr./ 70000 mi.
5 yr. /unlimited
Yes
$37,800 - $39,800
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Starting at $37,800 MSRP | (21/23/27) | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-Speed Automatic | front wheel drive | 5 | |
SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Starting at $39,800 MSRP | (21/23/27) | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-Speed Automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
$41,000 - $43,000
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4dr SUV w/Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Starting at $41,000 MSRP | (21/23/27) | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-speed shiftable automatic | front wheel drive | 5 | |
SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Starting at $43,000 MSRP | (21/23/27) | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-Speed Automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
$44,000 - $46,000
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A-Spec 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Starting at $44,000 MSRP | (21/23/27) | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-Speed Automatic | front wheel drive | 5 | |
SH-AWD A-Spec 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Starting at $46,000 MSRP | (21/23/27) | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-Speed Automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
$45,900 - $47,900
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4dr SUV w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Starting at $45,900 MSRP | (21/23/27) | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-Speed Automatic | front wheel drive | 5 | |
SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Starting at $47,900 MSRP | (21/23/27) | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-Speed Automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine And Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
Final Verdict
7.4
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
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.
8.5/10
Features
7.0/10
Engine and Performance
4.0/10
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
Interior
7.0/10
Exterior
9.4/10
Safety
8.0/10
Final Verdict
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The RDX comes with a long list of standard features stuffed into every corner. Here is a list of few of the creature comforts
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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