2009 Acura RDX Review
Price Range: $9,887 - $9,998





+100
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Responsive handling, powerful turbocharged engine, many luxury features come standard, excellent crash test scores.
Cons
- Below-average cargo space, disappointing fuel economy, rear seats don't adjust, ride quality could be harsh for some, minimal towing capacity.
What’s new
For 2009, the Acura RDX gets a standard four-way power passenger seat and increased coverage for the AcuraLink real-time traffic system.
Edmunds says
Big S, little U, big V. The 2009 Acura RDX goes all-in for sport but comes up short when it comes to real-world utility.
For sale nearby
29 listings
- $9,887good price$974 below market
- 91,711 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 17 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Gerald Subaru of North Aurora (11 mi away)
- Five Star Dealer
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in North Aurora, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5J8TB182X9A001359
Stock: R96037A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-03-2025 - $8,299good price$792 below market
- 118,992 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 17 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Uman Freight (25 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Crystal Lake, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5J8TB18259A005366
Stock: 005366
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
Think of the Acura RDX as a certain type of athletic friend: he's fun to play with during the game, but he can be annoying off the court or field. (Do you think Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman hung out at Bennigan's after shooting hoops? Um, no.) Just as many of us have friends for different situations, the 2009 Acura RDX also does its best work under limited, specific circumstances.
As Acura's compact crossover SUV, the RDX puts heavy emphasis on the sport part of the "sport-utility vehicle" name. Its muscular turbocharged engine, grippy "Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive" (SH-AWD) system and agile, firmly tuned suspension with big tires are clearly aimed at driving enthusiasts who'd like a little extra cargo room. On the flip side, there's not much utility here -- the cabin is on the tight side when it comes to both passenger and cargo space, the ride quality can occasionally be harsh and the ground clearance is hardly better than a regular sedan's.
Comparable in size to the Honda CR-V (but without the cabin versatility), the Acura RDX sports a number of upscale features to validate its premium branding, such as its advanced AWD system, leather sport seats, a high-power audio system and Bluetooth connectivity. The optional Technology Package adds an array of high-tech goodies that should please any technophile.
Essentially, the 2009 Acura RDX is a sport sedan disguised as a small SUV. Although some may lament that the RDX's sport-tuned focus comes at the expense of ride comfort, there's no denying that the RDX is one of the most nimble utes around. This design approach worked for the BMW X3, and indeed, the two models are prime competitors. The RDX is a bit quicker from zero to 60 mph (albeit at the expense of fuel economy) and has a lower price, but lacks the X3's extra interior space and elegant cabin ambiance.
Although we find a few aspects of the RDX's personality irksome, overall we have no problem recommending it to like-minded driving enthusiasts. That said, one should also consider the BMW X3 and the Infiniti EX35, as well as top non-premium picks like the similar-performing Mazda CX-7, Volkswagen Tiguan or the larger, more practical Toyota RAV4 V6.
Performance & mpg
Under the RDX's hood is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes a stout 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard. Power is sent to all four wheels through an AWD system (SH-AWD) similar to the one used for the larger MDX SUV as well as the RL and TL luxury sedans. It's not only able to distribute torque between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right wheels, to promote optimum traction and better cornering performance.
In testing, we've found the RDX can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, one of the quickest times for this segment. Fuel economy is disappointing, however, with EPA estimates of 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Towing capacity is a minimal 1,500 pounds.
Safety
Every 2009 Acura RDX comes standard with front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, active front head restraints, antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control and traction control.
The RDX has proved to be very crashworthy; in government testing, it earned a top five-star rating for protection of occupants in both frontal and side-impact crashes. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the RDX a top score of "Good" in its frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing.
Driving
The 2009 Acura RDX is so sport-oriented, it should come with a free subscription to ESPN HD. When the turbo kicks in with a minimum of lag, it does so with a delicious whooshing sound. The transmission is well matched to the engine's power delivery, though there is no rev-matching feature for downshifts. The ride quality is firm -- perhaps overly so on rough city streets. In return, the RDX is eager to play when driven on curvy roads. Its firm suspension and big wheels and tires provide plenty of grip, while the signature SH-AWD system maximizes traction and cornering capability.
Interior
Thanks to its leather seating, metallic accents, blue gauge illumination and symmetrical dash design, the RDX's interior looks considerably more upscale than that of the average small SUV. There is a bit more plastic than expected in an Acura, but not enough to be bothersome. A deep center storage compartment between the front seats can hold a briefcase or laptop bag.
The chief demerit for the RDX is its lack of utility. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seat allows 61 cubic feet of cargo room, which is cavernous compared to a sedan but less roomy than other small crossovers. Rear passengers are stuck with the position of the rear seats, as they don't recline or slide fore and aft (unlike those in the RDX's plebian cousin, the Honda CR-V).
2009 Acura RDX models
The 2009 Acura RDX is a small five-passenger luxury crossover SUV. Standard features are plentiful and include 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a moonroof, full power accessories, heated front seats, a tilt/telescoping steering column, a power driver seat with memory, a power passenger seat, Bluetooth phone connectivity, leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control. A seven-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an auxiliary audio jack is also standard.
The RDX's available Technology Package adds a navigation system with real-time traffic, a rearview camera, solar-sensing and GPS-linking features for the climate control and a 10-speaker Panasonic/ELS premium surround-sound audio system.

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Compare 2009 Acura RDX trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$291/mo for RDX Base
RDX Base
vs
$190/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#7 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$408/yr
vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Frequency
1.26x/yr
vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Severity
7%
vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal
Acura RDX Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Know what you're buying
4.38 out of 5 starsNick, 03/20/2010
2009 Acura RDX Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
We wanted a AWD vehicle to travel in winter to Northern NV and Sierra Nevada mtns. We wanted a small SUV. We loved the CR-V but it was a Dog (4 Cyl.) and the Rav4 was stylish 10 years ago, so we checked out the RDX. It has impressive quickness & handling and it's really fun to drive. What we didn't expect is the gas mileage. We have only gotten 17 mpg in town once and highway isn't … much over 20. On long trips be prepared to gas up frequently (and always with premium). Overall I really like the SUV and the fact that the turbo doesn't lose power with elevation. Know what your buying -an AWD SUV w/ a turbo- and accept that you won't get great mileage.
A fun, fun, fun sporty little SUV
4.63 out of 5 starsaccurashopper, 07/09/2009
2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
I absolutely adore this SUV! I drove a mid-size sedan for many years and it did take some time to adjust to the RDX. The tilt down mirror on the passenger side is wonderful when backing. The interior is well laid out with all of the controls within easy reach. The center console is deep - it holds my large purse with room to spare. The front seats are comfortable and there's ample knee … space in the rear with the front seats all the way back. Ride is firm - you feel some of the bumps and hear a little road noise, but the fun factor outweighs any of this. Fits my small family perfectly. Represented an excellent value for the money compared w/competition. Currently get 19 mpg city.
Love this car
4.75 out of 5 starsLindsey, 03/29/2010
2009 Acura RDX Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
I'm really enjoying this SUV! I really love the size and room it has on the inside! The only problems that I've had are the speakers, I blew three of them! And I have no idea how! This car is fun to drive and everyone that rides in this car loves it! I looked at many SUV's before purchasing this one! This one was by far the best! Perfect size and not a lot of people have this car! SO you … wont have the same car as everyone else!
Comparing the RDX to BMW X3
4.75 out of 5 starsjmh12, 12/28/2011
2009 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
I traded my X3 for a used RDX. While the X3 was a good car, it's reliability was waning after 100K. The RDX was a great choice. Reminds me of the X3. Ride is about the same (choppy over rough spots) but handles even better than the X3. Seems roomier and gets a bit better gas mileage. Sure you can get low miles if you keep your foot in the turbo. I'm getting 23 to 27 on the highway and 19 … in town. This is the AWD version too. I have an MDX that's been a reliable car. I expect the RDX to follow suit. It's a great car for one who enjoys driving and isn't put off by the tight suspension. Plus it's an Acura.
2009 RDX Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $33,895 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $291/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 28.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the RDX include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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