2020 Acura RDX

Is the Acura RDX a Good SUV?

Yes, the 2020 RDX is a superb luxury compact SUV. It boasts roomy, comfortable seats and an ample list of standard and available features. This crossover has an engaging and relaxing ride, but some reviewers bemoan not having a more powerful engine option.

Should I Buy the Acura RDX?

The Acura RDX is an excellent value. It comes with one of the lowest starting prices in its class, and it has a ton of standard features. However, there are other vehicles that offer nicer interiors and better performance, like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

Compare the RDX, Q5, and X3 »

Should I Buy a New or Used Acura RDX?

The RDX was redesigned for the 2019 model year, and there are no major changes for 2020. We recommend going with the 2019 RDX because it's nearly identical to the new model, and it likely costs less. A 2018-or-older RDX will cost even less, but these models don't benefit from the redesign.

For 2019, the RDX gained a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's more fuel-efficient and nearly as potent as the V6 it replaced. It also received more standard features, such as lane departure warning and Acura's True Touchpad Interface, as well as available amenities like a head-up display and a surround-view parking camera.

Be sure to read our 2017, 2018, and 2019 RDX reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts on used vehicles.

Compare the 2018, 2019, and 2020 RDX »

We Did the Research for You: 31 Reviews Analyzed

We’ve analyzed 31 Acura RDX reviews, as well as performance specs, interior dimensions, fuel economy ratings, and more, to give you all the information you need to make a smart car-buying decision.

This review uses applicable research and data from all model years of the current RDX generation, which includes the 2019 and 2020 model years.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News & World Report has been reviewing cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our Best Cars team has more than 75 years of combined automotive industry experience. To remain impartial, we do not accept extravagant gifts from automakers, and an outside source handles our advertising.

How Much Does the Acura RDX Cost?

The 2020 Acura RDX's starting price of $37,600 is below average for the segment. Only a few classmates cost less. The RDX only comes in one trim, but there are several packages available that can increase the price to about $45,700.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Acura dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Acura deals page.

Acura RDX Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Acura RDX or Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5’s ride is similar to that of the RDX, with a mix of athleticism and comfort. Both SUVs also have lots of standard features, good cabin space, and a refined interior. The Audi has more powerful engine options, but the Acura has better steering feedback. The Q5 has an available twin-turbocharged V6 engine, while the RDX only offers a turbocharged four-cylinder. You’ll save money by going with the RDX over the Q5.

Which Is Better: Acura RDX or BMW X3?

The BMW X3 features athletic handling, good steering feedback, and two powerful engine choices. The X3’s base engine is a tad more fuel-efficient, but the RDX’s is slightly more powerful. The Acura features more premium cabin materials and standard features – including heated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay – at a lower price. These two are close in our luxury compact SUV rankings, so the decision may come down to preference.

Compare the RDX, Q5, and X3 »

RDX Interior

How Many People Does the RDX Seat?

The RDX has seating for up to five people. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even in the second row.

RDX and Child Car Seats

There are two full sets of LATCH car-seat connectors on the RDX's rear outboard seats and an upper tether on the rear middle seat. The middle seat has the ability to borrow from the adjoining lower anchors when they are not in use. For ease of use, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the system the highest rating of Good+, a rating few vehicles earn. The tether anchors are easy to find and can’t be confused with other hardware.

RDX Interior Quality

The RDX has one of the most refined cabins in the luxury compact SUV class. It's filled with mostly high-quality materials, and reviewers say that even its minimal plastics have a nice feel. Synthetic leather upholstery is standard, and Milano leather upholstery is available.

RDX Cargo Space

The RDX has a good amount of cargo space for the class, with 29.5 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Every RDX features an under-floor storage compartment.

RDX Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The RDX comes with Acura’s 10.2-inch True Touchpad Interface, which has a touchpad controller at the bottom of the center console. The system has a lot of features, but it may take some getting used to.

Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free, a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, a nine-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and the AcuraLink telematics system. Available features include 12- and 16-speaker ELS audio systems, two additional USB ports, and navigation.

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay?

Read more about interior »

RDX Performance

RDX Engine: Good Power, but No Options

A 272-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine propels the RDX. It works well with the 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver quick acceleration. It provides enough muscle for most shoppers, but those looking for a more potent or hybrid engine will have to look elsewhere.

RDX Gas Mileage: Solid Numbers

The RDX earns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, which are above-average estimates for the class.

RDX Ride and Handling: Responsive, Comfortable Ride

It's not the sportiest SUV, but the 2020 RDX boasts confident, poised handling and responsive steering that make it enjoyable to drive. Additionally, the Acura's suspension system helps mitigate bumps in the road.

Read more about performance »

RDX Reliability

Is the Acura RDX Reliable?

The 2020 Acura RDX does not yet have a predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power, but the nearly identical 2019 RDX gets an above-average rating of four out of five.

Acura RDX Warranty

The RDX comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Read more about reliability »

RDX Safety

RDX Crash Test Results

The 2020 Acura RDX was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests. Depending on the trim, the RDX's headlights received a rating of Good or a second-best rating of Acceptable for how well they illuminate the road ahead. The RDX earned a top rating of Superior for front crash prevention.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 RDX an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. It earned five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover evaluations.

RDX Safety Features

The RDX comes standard with a rearview camera and the AcuraWatch system, which includes forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. Available features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera, and a head-up display.

Read more about safety »

Acura RDX Dimensions and Weight

The 2020 RDX measures about 15.6 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 3,780 to 4,020 pounds.

Where Is the 2020 Acura RDX Built?

Acura builds the 2020 RDX in Ohio.

Which Acura RDX Model Is Right for Me?

The RDX is available in only one trim, and it comes standard with a 272-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available for $2,000.

Additional features are available through Acura’s Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages. The Technology package is a good choice for many shoppers. It adds niceties like genuine leather upholstery, as well as safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Acura RDX

The RDX starts at $37,600 and comes with Acura’s 10.2-inch True Touchpad Interface, satellite radio, a nine-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the AcuraLink telematics system. It also includes synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a moonroof, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and forward automatic emergency braking.

Acura RDX Technology Package

The starting price of the RDX with the Technology package is $40,800. It adds front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a 12-speaker ELS audio system, two additional USB ports, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, and Milano leather upholstery.

Acura RDX A-Spec Package

The RDX with the A-Spec package starts at $43,800. It includes ventilated front seats, performance and styling enhancements, and a 16-speaker ELS audio system.

Acura RDX Advance Package

The RDX with the Advance package has a starting price of $45,700 and includes nearly all of the car's available features, including a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, 16-way power-adjustable front seats, a surround-view parking camera, and a head-up display.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Acura dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Acura deals page.

See 2020 Acura RDX specs and trims »

The Final Call

The high-ranking 2020 Acura RDX is a luxury compact SUV that does it all. It has a balanced ride, a generous list of technology features, and a premium interior at a budget-friendly price.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "The Acura RDX offers something a little different in the small luxury SUV class. It has a lot of available technology features, a well-built interior, excellent ergonomics, and better-than-average cargo and passenger space. There's certainly a lot to like and, feature for feature, it's significantly less expensive than European alternatives." -- Edmunds
• "We were surprised by how much we liked the … Acura RDX, quite frankly. It's nice to look at outside, great to live with inside, and thoroughly competent everywhere in between." -- Left Lane News (2019)
• "If you want a 5-passenger luxury SUV with standout style, the latest safety features and a wealth of features all at a price that undercuts rivals, turn your attention to the … Acura RDX." -- Kelley Blue Book (2019)