2025 Acura RDX

How does the Acura RDX drive? The RDX feels powerful when you first hit the gas but trails off a bit once you're rolling. At the Edmunds test track, our RDX test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. That's about the same as a Lexus NX 350 but a second slower than a Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The RDX's brakes feel strong even on mountain roads, and the light and responsive steering helps you feel connected to the road.

Acura's all-wheel-drive system is designed to route power to the wheels with the most traction. It's mostly invisible in its operation, which is a good thing, and it enhances handling by ensuring power goes to the ground where it's most useful. In A-Spec Advance trims like our test car, the shocks adjust their stiffness depending on the drive mode, varying between too soft Comfort, everyday Normal and firm-feeling Sport; we think most drivers will leave it in Normal most of the time and maybe switch to Comfort over rougher pavement. Acura makes most of its driver assist systems standard, and overall they work well, providing a good amount of assistance without being intrusive.

How comfortable is the Acura RDX? The upgraded front seats in our RDX A-Spec Advance are as comfortable as they are stylish thanks to a multitude of adjustments that include lumbar, seat cushion length and side supports. The roomy rear seats have heated outboard positions, but only on the top two trim levels; we'd expect a luxury brand to make them more widely available. Fitting child seats is a snap thanks to easily accessed anchor and tether points, although a rear-facing seat might require a front passenger to scooch up.

At speed, the RDX stays mostly quiet, and when you hit the gas, the engine has a pleasantly aggressive sound. The physical buttons Acura uses for climate control and elsewhere are easier to use than the touch-sensitive controls in many competitors. The climate system also keeps the cabin comfy and integrates with the front-seat heaters and coolers. Unfortunately Acura also uses buttons to select gears; we'd much prefer a regular lever.

How’s the tech? The touchpad interface for the RDX ruins what is otherwise an excellent system. The screen is big, sharp, clear and fast. There are tons of features like Amazon integration, standard wireless smartphone integration, and a decent number of USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and on our A-Spec Advance test car, the ELS audio system is simply superb.

Unfortunately, using all that means interacting with the touchpad system. While the touchpad is conveniently placed, in our experience it's more difficult to use than a touchscreen, like the one Acura recently gave the MDX. At least there are physical controls for frequently used functions, like controlling volume and skipping songs.

Is the Acura RDX a good value? The RDX represents a good value in the premium small SUV category. Even base models come standard with a solid set of tech options, including smartphone integration and a full set of driver assist technologies. Move up the ladder and there are meaningful upgrades, such as enhanced audio systems and, on the A-Spec and above, adaptive dampers that make a real difference in how the RDX drives and feels. While it doesn't win in any particular category, its overall competence and competitive pricing make it a strong contender against more expensive European brands.

The RDX is fun enough to drive that you might find yourself pushing it harder than you expect around freeway interchanges or traveling mountain roads briskly enough to make your rear passengers green, and not with envy. While its responses aren't as sharp as what you'd get from a BMW or Audi, the fact that it costs notably less makes it feel like you're getting away with something.