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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda Pilot2023 Acura RDX: Premium Defined
The 2023 Acura RDX offers luxury interiors with a great stereo system. We look at powertrain, trim levels, and more. Find out review here.
What’s New for the 2023 Acura RDX?
Defining the premium slot between not-too-mainstream and not-too-luxury, the 2023 Acura RDX continues to be a strong value in the compact two-row crossover segment.
Part of the third generation that arrived in 2019, the RDX was facelifted last year and is mostly carryover this year aside from the addition of complimentary maintenance and three years of AcuraLink connectivity.
Sadly, the hand-built PMC Edition that we cover in this 2021 RDX review is no longer, but the 2023 model continues to be a compelling option in a seriously competitive segment.
2023 Acura RDX – acura.com | Shop 2023 Acura RDX on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Loads of standard luxuries
Touchpad control
Snazzy paint and cabin colors
No optional engine upgrade
So-so fuel economy
A-Spec is just for looks
The definition of premium
2023 Acura Specs
- 272 horsepower from base engine
- 280 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 31.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 79.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Top marks from the IIHS and NHTSA
- Great 16-speaker ELS Stereo
- Two years of included maintenance
2023 Acura RDX Powertrain
Acura offers only a single engine on the 2023 RDX, but it’s a peach. This turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder churns out 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, enough for comfortable on-ramp acceleration and easy highway passing maneuvers. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic to spin the front wheels, though all four wheels can be powered by the Super-Handling AWD (SH-AWD) system for $2,200 on any model.
What’s so super about it? Per Acura, the torque vectoring system is quite advanced with its ability to route a majority of available torque to the rear wheels, direct all that twist to a single side, AND rotate the outside wheel faster than the other three to aid handling in the twisties. It’s part of the reason this third-gen RDX is on our list of best-driving SUVs. Acura’s highly-regarded reliability is just icing on the cake.
It would be nice if the automaker offered a more potent engine, particularly in the sporty-looking A-Spec RDX, but at least all models are planted handlers with a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear design. All models also come with selectable drive modes via the Integrated Dynamics System, but only the Advance variants come with adaptive dampers that deliver more comfort on the regular and more aggressive handling when requested.
2023 Acura RDX Fuel Economy & MPG
In base form, the 2023 Acura RDX comes with EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. A-Spec models see a one-mpg drop-off for the highway figure. Adding SH-AWD reduces the fuel economy further to 21/27 mpg in city/highway driving. The 17-gallon gas tank does enable a strong highway range of up to 475 miles however, the 91-octane requirement means it’ll be a pricey day at the pumps.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Though the RDX isn’t considered a true luxury SUV, the cabin is a ritzy environment nonetheless. Leatherette is standard with genuine Milano hides included on Technology models. The A-Spec looks the sporty part with suede inserts on the seats and dash plus dark brushed aluminum accents. Opt for an RDX Advance and enjoy open-pore wood trim plus a gorgeous Orchid white upholstery color exclusive to the Advance A-Spec trim.
Cabin space is another highlight of this two-row 5-passenger crossover. The front console forms a bridge over a large storage area and has a push-button shifter array to free up space versus a shift lever. The rear bench split-folds in a 60-40 configuration with underfloor bins hidden below those seats and the rear cargo bay.
Maximum storage space measures an impressive 80 cubic feet or 31 behind the second row. A BMW X3, which we review here, comes in at just 63 cubes max or 29 with the rear bench upright.
Entertainment & Technology
Acura eschews the infotainment touchscreen approach with the 2023 RDX in favor of a center console touchpad interface. It promises less distraction while driving but will take some getting used to. The screen it controls measures 10 inches across on every trim line and features wireless smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices.
Other standard tech systems include a Wi-Fi hotspot and AcuraLink connectivity with app-based remote start and vehicle locator. Technology models come with navigation and a wireless charging pad, but the surround-view monitor (SVM) and head-up display (HUD) are only available on the Advance trim. For audiophiles, a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D system on the RDX A-Spec includes four speakers in the headliner for a true surround-sound experience.
Safety Features
The 2023 RDX earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-Star overall score from the NHTSA, both of which are the highest available safety ratings from each agency. It helps that the RDX has eight airbags and standard AcuraWatch, a suite of six advanced driver aids that includes adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, and forward-collision mitigation.
Automatic high beams are standard equipment with parking sonar and a surround-view monitor available on higher-spec models.
2023 Acura RDX Trims & Pricing
Base – $42,945
The entry-level 2023 RDX rides on 19-inch wheels, has all-LED exterior lighting, and a power-operated liftgate. Also included is a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, Active Sound Control, and heated front seats trimmed in leatherette. A 10-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual USB ports, and a 9-speaker stereo are also part of the deal.
Technology – $45,595
Stepping up to the Technology model unlocks access to a killer Phantom Violet Pearl paint job. It also nets perforated leather upholstery, 27 ambient cabin lighting colors to choose from, and GPS-linked climate control. Tech upgrades include a 12-speaker stereo system, a backup camera washer, navigation, and parking sonar front and rear.
A-Spec – $48,595
Acura-speak for sporty, the A-Spec model comes with 20-inch rims, gloss black exterior trim, larger exhaust tips, and the option for an Apex Blue Pearl finish. Inside, a flat-bottomed steering wheel is fitted along with a black headliner, climatized front seats, and a thumping ELS Studio audio system with 16 speakers.
Advance – $52,945
Sitting atop the trim hierarchy is the Advance model featuring a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated rear seats, and real wood trim. A 10 ½-inch HUD, SVM, and 16-way power-adjustable front seats are also included. For an additional $2,000, the Advance A-Spec trim blends these two models into one.
Warranties
Acura’s warranty means luxury with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic term and six years or 70,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Roadside assistance is on hand for four years or 50,000 miles and new for 2023, complimentary maintenance is included for two years or 24,000 miles.
What we think
2023 Acura RDX – acura.com | Shop 2023 Acura RDX on Carsforsale.com
Loaded with standard tech, safety, and luxurious amenities, the 2023 Acura RDX is a truly premium crossover with a value-oriented price point. The powertrain is just right, though it would be nice to see a hybrid or twin-turbo Type S variant.
The RDX manages to add plenty of upgrades as you move up the trim ladder without overdoing it on the price tag. As for the ideal trim, not only does the Technology model have a strong stereo system and handsome leather-trimmed cabin, but it also offers a snazzy purple paint job that would be hard to pass up. Regardless of which route you go, consult these latest new car incentives for opportunities to save some dough.
