Plush cabin; smooth power; quiet at highway speeds; slightly sporty edge
Pricey; missing some key features, such as a panoramic sunroof and heated rear seats; no high-mileage hybrid or diesel option
Other than some new exterior and interior color changes, the 2017 Acura RDX carries over unchanged. See the 2017 Acura RDX models for sale near you
Although SUVs are thought of as 4-wheel-drive off-roaders, most of us do fine with the cheaper, more fuel-efficient front-wheel-drive versions, especially when they're equipped with modern traction and stability control systems. It therefore makes sense to save money on the purchase and save gas during ownership by choosing the front-wheel-drive version. Unless you're all about premium audio and factory navigation, we'd say to skip the Technology package and go for the base trim with AcuraWatch. Find an Acura RDX for sale
The 2017 Acura RDX comes in one trim, with no stand-alone options but a number of packages.
The front-wheel-drive RDX ($36,510) includes a power moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, auto on/off headlights, an 8-way power front driver's seat with power lumbar support, a 4-way power passenger seat, leather seat trim, heated front seats, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, hill-start assist, cruise control, keyless access with push-button start, a tilt-telescopic steering column, a 360-watt 7-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, a rear backup camera and the Active Noise Cancellation system.
The RDX with the Technology package ($40,210) brings a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, the AcuraLink satellite communications system, voice-activated navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates, SMS text messaging, GPS-linked climate control, and the ELS premium sound system with 410 watts, 10 speakers, DVD audio, Dolby Pro Logic II and 15 gigabytes of hard-drive music storage.
AcuraWatch Plus can be added to the base RDX or the RDX with the Technology package. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning.
The RDX with the Advance package ($43,160) adds unique 18-in machined alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, bi-directional keyless remote engine starting, fog lights, ventilated front seats and the AcuraWatch system.
All-wheel drive adds another $1,400 to the bottom line of each version.
The GPS-linked solar-sensing dual-zone climate control system seemed a bit gimmicky and didn't provide any noticeable benefit to cabin comfort. Credit goes to Acura for adding the automatic 3-flash turn-signal function for lane changes to the RDX. This is a handy feature that remains uncommon among Asian vehicles, although American and European brands have embraced it for some time now.
| Sport Utility | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDX AWD | $37,170 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 279 | 19 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX AWD w/AcuraWatch Plus | $38,470 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 279 | 19 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX AWD w/Advance Pkg | $43,820 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 279 | 19 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX AWD w/Technology Pkg | $40,870 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 279 | 19 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX AWD w/Technology/AcuraWatch Plus Pkg | $42,170 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 279 | 19 / 27 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX FWD | $35,670 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 279 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX FWD w/AcuraWatch Plus | $36,970 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 279 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX FWD w/Advance Pkg | $42,320 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 279 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX FWD w/Technology Pkg | $39,370 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 279 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| RDX FWD w/Technology/AcuraWatch Plus Pkg | $40,670 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 279 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
The availability of the AcuraWatch Plus suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies includes adaptive cruise control, which keeps a safe distance from the traffic ahead, while systems such as lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist help keep drowsy or distracted drivers safe. Collision-avoidance and mitigation braking also helps avoid accidents by alerting the driver to an impending accident. Although the AcuraWatch system won't always bring the car to a full stop as some other systems do, it will slow the vehicle while simultaneously tightening the seat belts and preparing the safety systems for impact.
In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the 2017 Acura RDX performed near the top of its class, earning five out of five stars in the front-end and side-impact tests and four stars in the rollover test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also thinks highly of the RDX, handing it a Top Safety Pick rating in 2016.
| Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 6 Years/70,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
2017 BMW X3 -- The X3 offers a range of powerful turbocharged engines, including a diesel option. Checking off options on the X3 can push the price well beyond the most expensive RDX trim, but you'll get many more features when doing so.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC --The GLC offers a bit more sophistication and there's a sporty 4-door Coupe version as well. The GLC's turbocharged 4-cylinder engine gets better fuel economy than the RDX, while the sporty V6-powered AMG offers better performance.
2017 Audi Q5 -- Audi has quickly made itself the understated favorite in many vehicle categories, and the Q5 certainly qualifies. It has the curb presence and visible quality to state its case.
Used Lexus RX 350 -- A 2012-2015 Lexus RX offers a more luxurious ride and more interior room, plus the option of a hybrid model.
Here's a look at 10 of the best luxury SUVs you'll find for $20,000 or less.
