2020 Acura RDX Review

Price Estimate: $20,588 - $32,990

Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec 4dr SUV Exterior

Just looking at the 2020 RDX A-Spec should tell you everything you need to know thanks to the the tech-forward angular bodywork. Sure, there's a hint of performance thanks to the black trim and larger wheels, but the new RDX is all about integrating technology into every aspect of the driving experience. It doesn't offer quite the performance of competitors, but it compensates with a price that's thousands less when fully loaded.

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2020 Acura RDX Review

Pros

Roomy cabin and cargo area
Sharp steering and handling
Well-trimmed cabin
Lots of available tech for much less than competitors

Cons

No choice of powertrain
Options are bundled solely into packages
Overall performance lags behind competitors

What's new

No significant changes this year
Part of the third RDX generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Written by automotive expert Will Kaufman

6/20/2019

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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26 listings

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New Listing
2020 Acura RDX
SH-AWD A-Spec 4dr SUV
$24,518
good price
$2,781 below market
- 69,450 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 21 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (951 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Wexford, PA
CarFax 1-Owner,Rare Find,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Keyless Start,Lane Keeping Assist,Leather...
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:
23 Combined MPG (21 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5J8TC2H60LL018995
Stock: H018995A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Price Drop
2020 Acura RDX
Base 4dr SUV w/Technology Package
$23,321
fair price
$814 below market
- 67,773 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 22 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (1,084 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Smyrna, GA
CarFax No Accidents Reported,CarFax 1-Owner,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Keyless Start,Lane Kee...
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:
24 Combined MPG (22 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5J8TC1H53LL004056
Stock: LL004056P
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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But the RDX has a few weaknesses compared to top competitors. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides decent power, but there isn't an optional engine upgrade for buyers looking for more power or a hybrid option. Additionally, we're not terribly fond of the RDX's infotainment system. And the required learning curve to operate it may turn off shoppers who aren't interested in picking up new technology.

Overall, though, the 2020 Acura RDX is worth checking out if you're looking for a good value on a luxury SUV, especially compared to European rivals such as the Audi Q5, the Jaguar F-Pace and the Mercedes GLC.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Acura RDX on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the RDX drive? Overall, the RDX is a solid performer. Its turbocharged engine provides strong power at low rpm to get you away from stoplights quickly, and the transmission is adept at picking the right gear for the situation. In Edmunds testing, we recorded a 0-60 mph time of 7 seconds. That's a little slower than some other top competitors, but it's respectable. The brakes inspire confidence thanks to predictable engagement and good feel.

When you drive around turns, there's not much body roll. You'll definitely want SH-AWD to maximize the RDX's sporting potential at it helps the RDX power out of turns. The steering is nicely tuned. It's light and makes for easy maneuvering in parking lots but also firms up appropriately at higher speeds to give you a feeling of control

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the RDX? The stylish heated and cooled front seats will accommodate a wide variety of drivers in comfort. They're also supportive to keep you secure when turning. The suspension does a respectable job of keeping you comfortable when driving over a variety of surfaces. The RDX shrugs off potholes and is well-controlled over highway undulations.

Cabin noise is reasonably well-muted, and there's minimal wind noise at freeway speeds. Some engine noise comes through, but it's never obnoxious. The climate control system doesn't have any issues regulating cabin temperature, but a lot of airflow is aimed at the driver's hands, which you may not like.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The RDX has a mix of friendly basic ergonomics and some rather different, if not polarizing, ideas for how things should be done. In particular, the shifter arrangement, touchpad infotainment controller and small climate control buttons might fluster the driver. In terms of visibility, the front roof pillars are a bit on the thick side and can block some visibility when cornering. Rear visibility is compromised by the rear hatch's power-operated hinges.

On a more positive note, there's plenty of room for front and rear passengers. A wide range of drivers should be able to find a comfortable driving position, and rear headroom is more than sufficient for average adults

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? This tech is the tour de force of the RDX. With an intriguing new touchpad interface, the infotainment system should appeal to the tech-savvy buyer, just as the impressive audio system will appeal to the dedicated audiophile. But the learning curve required to get accustomed to the new system could prove a deal-breaker for buyers who don't like picking up new tech.

Apply CarPlay is standard, but Android Auto is not yet available (Acura says it's coming and capability will be available to existing cars). Acura's suite of driver aids is standard, including adaptive cruise control, which is a notable strength in a class where such features are often pricey extras.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? Acura really has interior packaging figured out, and the RDX is yet another showcase of space efficiency. From a generous cargo area to flexible interior storage solutions, the RDX makes having a lot of stuff easier than it should be.

At 31.1 cubic feet of storage behind the back seats, the RDX offers more space than most competitors, and there's an abundance of storage options up front thanks to the tiered center console. Car seat anchors are clearly marked, and the large back seat means there's plenty of room for car seats.

Fuel Economy

6/10

How’s the fuel economy? Rated at 24 mpg combined with FWD or 23 mpg combined with AWD, the RDX's mileage is lower than what the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 return. All three require premium fuel. On our 119-mile evaluation loop, our test RDX only returned a bit more than 20 mpg. Other fill-ups were below that number, too. A light foot might be required to hit 23 mpg.

Value

8/10

Is the RDX a good value? Luxury SUVs are supposed to be well-built and packed with features. The RDX does that while undercutting the popular competitors by thousands of dollars, even when fully loaded. Build quality is excellent inside and out, and the RDX offers something a little different from competitors in terms of interior design and ergonomics.

It's not as refined or efficient as competitors, but it's a solid value for buyers looking for something outside the usual German luxury box. Unfortunately, the RDX doesn't offer any particular advantages in terms of warranty coverage or ownership compared to rivals.

Wildcard

7.5/10

If the aggressively angular exterior design doesn't give it away, the tech-forward interior certainly will. The RDX is about providing a distinctive and modern driving experience. It's certainly a distinctive offering in the compact luxury SUV class. Unfortunately, while the SH-AWD holds the promise of a bit of physics-defying handling, you only sense the full effect of that technology when exiting certain medium-speed corners.

2020 Acura RDX trim level differences

Like all Acuras, the new RDX is offered not in trim levels per se but as a single trim available with three option packages. On top of the base vehicle, buyers can add the Technology, A-Spec and Advance packages.

Which RDX trim does Edmunds recommend?

Much of the RDX's appeal relates to value. As such, we think the Technology package — which adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, along with leather upholstery, premium audio, parking sensors, and navigation — is the way to go. It gets most of the features you'll want at an agreeable price. You should also consider getting the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which improves traction in wet weather and slightly enhances the RDX's handling abilities.

Compare 2020 Acura RDX trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

$199/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#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

Frequency

1.26x/yr

vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Severity

vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Acura RDX Owner Reviews

3.9

83 reviews

5(60%)

4(8%)

3(6%)

2(15%)

1(11%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Jack of All Trades

Panzrwagn, 11/08/2019

2020 Acura RDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

The RDX doesnt have the overall interior panache of an Audi Q5, or the powertrain options and steering feel of a BMW X3. It's a bit tighter than a Lexus RX, or the presence of a Mercedes GLC. So why bother, right? Because while it may ring up nothing but second places, at the end of the day, its the sum of all those, and the consistency of its performance that wins you over. And even … fully loaded with the SH-AWD. Tech, and Advanced packages it comes in between $5,000 and $10,000 less than its competition. I got the Advanced package primarily for the adustable suspension. While the lower spec RDXs offer 4 driving modes, they don't change the suspension calibration, just steering, throttle, and transmission. And while no one would accuse those shocks of performing the witchcraft of the magnetodynamic shocks in all the high-end sports and go-fast cars, they are a big step in that direction. And that .matters to Acura as they reinforce their position as the sportier luxury brand. Theres more than a little NSX DNA here. Even the styling, striking from most angles evokes that, without the staidness of the European brands or the overdone 'angry samurai" front end of the Lexus. For reference the last few years I've owned a Mercedes ML350 (incredible utility and maneuverability, a great engine/transmission pairing, except when the transmission failed at 65,000 miles, and a "too bad, so sad" dealer response to the $9 ,000 replacement bill, and very overboosted steering) and a totally awesome, totally reliable 2016 Golf GTI that reminds you everytime you drive it that greatness comes in all shapes and budgets. Also there was a Boxster S and my wife's Z4 in the mix. Swapping the Benz for the Acura, after driving the others was easy. My biggest gripe? The font in the main display requires reading glasses for anyone over 50. Seriously. Much has ben said about the infotainment touchpad, but very little about the voice recognition. Which i now use for about 90% of all my nav and infotainment system control. Its not quite Siri or Alexa, mostly in its speed, but its quite reliable at address voice inputs, station selection, etc. That leaves the driving experience. I am 5' 11 and 235 lbs, and i can dial up accomodations in the seating and driving position that make multi-hour drives very comfortable, and the heated and vented sport seats I find both supportive and comfortable. Around town, comfort mode is fine, and sport mode definitely tightens things up a notch. SportPlus, make that 2 or maybe 3 notches. Power from the 2 liter, 272 hp turbo-4 matches the overall demeanor of the RDX very well, but boy, what 2.4 liter 325 hp turbo-4 would add. Or, more likely an NSX-style hybrid arrangement with a couple of electrics adding 100hp or so. The chassis feels up to it. In the end, though. I paid my money and took my choice. I could have afforded any of the others, but none of the so took my breath away as to make me want to part with an extra $10 grand. Fast forward 6 months and a few thousand miles. The RDX is a spectacular cruiser. I have learned to trust the ACC and the other automations. I'm still not in love with the user interface or the transmission selector. Both could stand some 'un-engineering' and made simpler. The sound system continues to amaze with the sound quality. The SH-AWD handling is mostly invisible, but on a couple occasions I have been startled by some athletic moves that I am unaccustomed to in an SUV. Power is adequate, but another 50 HP would be awesome. Reliability, as I would expect from a Honda product, has been absolute. Highway mileage is acceptable at around 26-27 MBG, but in town I can't get it above 16 MPG or so. Blame the smallish engine and largish turbo.

Great vehicle but not perfect - better with age

Auto Buyer in KC, 10/09/2019

2020 Acura RDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

Updated at 46K. - everything still holds true from the previous reviews. Love the car but changed original OEM tires (Continentals) to Pirelli's and man what a difference. Car is much quieter (than when we had the car new) and is more athletic. The replacement of the intercooler DID fix the problem as I've not had a reoccurrence. Have driven newer models as loaners for service and I … don't notice any differences in the newer generations. I have switched over to doing my own service and everything is pretty simple so far. Have changed all the fluids (Crankcase, transmission, differential, oil, filters, and brake fluid) and followed the recommended services (on my own). Brakes are still like new. Not much wear so expect them to go to 100K. Still Love the car and I've found you can get better gas milage being laying off the gas a bit, but our Audi Q5 was MUCH better (over 30 MPG on the road). I'd have no reservations buying this as a used car - the Advance package. Updated on 03/29/2022 - Okay 3 yrs and 36K miles on the car. Still love the car. The gas mileage is poor and I've never been able to achieve more than 24 MPG (and that's on the road around 65 MPH), typical is ~20 mpg. I've had problems with Apple Car play and had it in which they fixed some cables but that really didn't fix the problem. The most concerning issue was as I was passing a truck in the rain, I got a check engine light flashing and the car went into limp mode. Almost caused a huge accident - dangerous situation. Pulled over and restarted the car and continued on my trip without a problem. Dealer said there is a TSB related to the turbo intercooler so hopefully that fixes the problem. Still love the car although the windshield seems a bit susceptible to rock chips. It's a very comfortable cruiser and love all the tech. Sound system is off the charts. Everything else below is still valid. Updated on 07/24/2020 - One year and 8K miles into the car and we love everything except the gear "shifter" - still have to think too much to shift - not intuitive. Gas mileage on the road is running about 26 but in the city it's still at 19. You would think it could do better. The infotainment has rebooted a couple of times so that's a bit annoying - usually on long drives. One service issue with the rear hatch catching when opening (made a popping noise) but the dealer fixed it by adjusting the lift gate's hinges. This is a great cruiser and very comfortable and quiet. Can't say enough about the sound system and now like the touchpad after getting used to it. Love the Heads-Up Display more every time I drive it. In my opinion you won't go wrong with the RDX.--> end of update 2020 RDX Advanced. Overall a great car. Replaced an Audi Q5. $7K less and more features. We looked at Audi, Volvo, Lincoln, Mazda, Honda, etc. Initially felt the Advance package was a bit pricey but worth it since we'll keep the vehicle for 10 years. Love: Heads-up display, quiet, roomy, BLIS, Audio System is excellent, under the floor storage in rear, very quick and fun, dash, seat comfort, SH-AWD (thought this was a gimmick but it really works nice), 360 degree camera, and Apple CarPlay. Like the auto-lock feature in case you forget it automatically locks the car. Dislikes: Push button transmission (hate), ugly HUGE ride mode selector (hate), touch pad (Getting used to it),POOR GAS MILEAGE - averaging 18 MPG after 1K miles - not using sport mode - seems very low.

Great Performance, Fun To Drive!

Pete K., 06/25/2019

2020 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

UPDATED 12-29-20 - After a call with Acura Client Services, they instructed my dealership to replace the amplifier on my RDX to correct the "No Audio Connection" problem it was giving me. This did correct the problem, and my ACS advisor was a pleasure to work with. The only remaining bug is that Apple Car Play crashes with some regularity, but I don't use the feature much (would be … more useful to me if it were wireless). I am pleased with my vehicle, even had it out in the snow once (finally) and it was fine. Recommended. ----- Original Review: After researching small luxury SUVs for a few months and test driving the Lexus NX 300 and the Acura RDX, it was clear that the Acura RDX with SH-AWD and the A-Spec and Technology packages was the vehicle for me. The only extras I got were the remote start on the keyfob (works great from a football field away, or less if there are buildings in the way) and the Zurich Shield offered by the dealership, which I've used before on my Hondas to great success (didn't have to wax them for five years, water still beaded up). Here's what impresses me after 1000 miles, and what doesn't (no car is perfect, btw). Pluses: quiet, comfortable ride, Sport + mode is insanely fun compared to the Comfort mode (and unlike the Lexus, changes more than your shift points), huge moon roof really "opens up" the interior, lane assist and adaptive cruise control works WAY better than I expected, sensors really help you avoid fender benders via multiple visual and audible alerts, infotainment system is STELLAR and EASY TO USE, despite people ragging on it (there was one bug... wait for it), the A-Spec styling is REALLY sharp, especially the black contrast pieces and the 20" gray wheels, and there's tons of room inside for a small SUV. Minuses: the infotainment system gave me a "no audio connection" error once, which disappeared (then reappeared many times after this original review). This is a known issue that seems to be persisting with no known fix, according to the dealer, who told me to wait for software updates. Also, the brakes make some noise initially when wet or cold, but it quickly clears up for me after I drive a bit and use them. That's it. This is an absurdly nice vehicle with plenty of power as compared to the Lexus NX 300 F-Sport. The 10-speed (8 in Sport + mode) transmission shifts smoothly and effortlessly, and I find the overall experience of driving this vehicle simply excellent. I would have wanted to see better combined gas mileage than around 20 mpg, but with a 17 gallon tank the cruising range is acceptable. Super-nice vehicle, especially for the price. Love the Platinum White Pearl paint as well, the fleck looks incredible (was the reason I got the 2020 instead of the 2019, which would have been cheaper, but this color was not available).

A very Nice Small Luxury SUV

Lewisr, 03/09/2020

2020 Acura RDX 4dr SUV w/Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

We have now lived with the 2020 RDX for about 1.5 years and are ready to update our review. We still like the handling, responsiveness, and ride very much. The font size on the navigation system, however, is much too small for a senior citizen to see from the driver’s seat. The screen itself is quite large, but it seems that the people designing this system just lacked common sense. …

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2020 RDX Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$37,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$199/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	31.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the RDX models:

Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically lowers the set cruise speed when you approach slower-moving cars.
Lane Keeping Assist: Detects when the car is approaching the lane's edge and applies steering torque to help recenter it in the lane.
Collision Mitigation Braking: Automatically applies the brakes when it detects an impending front collision.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2020 Acura RDX Review

2020 Acura RDX Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale nearby

2020 Acura RDXSH-AWD A-Spec 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Acura RDXBase 4dr SUV w/Technology Package

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2020 Acura RDX trim level differences

Which RDX trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Acura RDX Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Jack of All Trades

Great vehicle but not perfect - better with age

Great Performance, Fun To Drive!

A very Nice Small Luxury SUV

2020 RDX Highlights

Safety

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2020 Acura RDX
SH-AWD A-Spec 4dr SUV

2020 Acura RDX
Base 4dr SUV w/Technology Package