2011 Acura RDX Review
2011 Acura RDX Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sporty handling
- compelling performance
- well-equipped
- relatively low price
- strong crash scores.
Cons
- Firm ride
- lacks a certain premium look and feel.
What’s new
The Acura RDX is unchanged for 2011.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Acura RDX might often be overlooked, but with its entertaining driving dynamics and strong value, it deserves consideration from savvy shoppers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Acura RDX 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.02 per gallon for premium unleaded in Minnesota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Minnesota
$236/mo for RDX Base
RDX Base
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Some say the 2011 Acura RDX looks like a metal-beaked angry chicken. You can blame the front grille that debuted last year for that, but even so, the RDX has plenty of reason to be angry. Now in its fifth year in production, this compact luxury crossover has been overlooked in favor of newer competitors. Perhaps it's due to styling (pre- and post-beak grille) or perhaps it's simply that consumers didn't realize they wanted a small luxury SUV until Audi and Mercedes started selling them. Whatever the reason, though, the RDX deserves better.
For one, the Acura RDX is one of the most pleasing compact crossovers to drive. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine has less horsepower than many of its competitors, but robust torque and a lighter curb weight result in energetic acceleration. In fact, the RDX is quicker than all its competitors with the exception of the 297-horsepower Infiniti EX35.
Complementing the RDX's swift acceleration is the optional "Super Handling" All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that truly makes this Acura stand out from the pack. By proportioning power automatically to the outside wheels during cornering, the MDX corners more crisply and with a livelier feel than the competition. If your significant other wants the added utility of a crossover, but you're not quite willing to give up the driving experience of a sport sedan, the RDX could be a great choice.
Beyond performance and handling, the RDX features a well-constructed (though visually unremarkable) cabin available with a full load of high-tech features like solar-sensing climate control, an iPod interface and an easy-to-use navigation system. Its optional Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system is also one of the best in its class. Best of all, a loaded RDX hits the register at a price that undercuts its similarly equipped competition by thousands.
So as you can see, the 2011 Acura RDX is worth consideration alongside newer competitors like the 2011 Audi Q5, 2011 BMW X3, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK and 2011Volvo XC60. Each has its own benefits, however, with the Volvo in particular being the best choice for families. They also benefit from arguably more compelling designs, which in the luxury segment means a lot. Unfortunately for the RDX, an angry robotic chicken just isn't the most premium of visuals.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Acura RDX is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is standard, but there is a choice between standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Dubbed SH-AWD, it distributes power not only between the front and rear axles as is typical, but also between the left and right wheels, ensuring optimal traction in all conditions.
With front-wheel drive, the RDX went from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds in Edmunds testing, making this Acura one of the quickest crossovers in the class. The heavier SH-AWD model should be just a bit slower. In terms of fuel economy, the front-drive RDX is rated at an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined, while the SH-AWD version rates 17/22/19. Both are about average for the class.
Safety
The Acura RDX comes standard with antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is optional. In Edmunds brake testing, a front-drive RDX came to a stop from 60 mph in a reasonable distance of 125 feet.
The RDX has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to the new methodology) were a perfect five stars for both frontal and side-impact crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the RDX a perfect score of "Good" in its frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing.
Driving
The 2011 Acura RDX's audible turbo whooshing sound is a pleasant departure from the standard six-cylinder soundtracks in this segment. Turbo lag is minimal, and power plentiful enough to make you question its relatively paltry horsepower number.
On the move, the RDX has a firm ride quality -- overly so on rough city streets. However, the payoff comes around corners, where the RDX is as eager to play as any model in its class. It feels smaller than many others in the segment and has steering that is on the light side, but reassuringly precise nonetheless. With Acura's signature SH-AWD, the RDX's handling is improved further, yanking this little ute around corners with poise and tenacious grip.
Interior
The RDX's interior design is a bit unremarkable compared to what's found in newer competitors, but we still feel that most buyers will be satisfied with the RDX's environment. Materials quality is adequate, though there's a little too much hard plastic relative to its competitors. A deep center storage compartment between the front seats can hold a briefcase or laptop bag.
There are 28 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, and folding down the 60/40-split rear seatback affords 61 cubic feet -- mid-pack numbers for a small luxury crossover. The Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLK are tighter, the SRX about the same, and the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 notably roomier. Rear legroom is good, but the rear seats don't recline or slide fore and aft (unlike those in the Audi Q5 and the RDX's plebian cousin, the Honda CR-V).
2011 Acura RDX models
The 2011 Acura RDX is a five-passenger compact luxury crossover available in a single trim level. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, privacy glass, automatic xenon headlamps, foglamps, a sunroof, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way driver and four-way power passenger seats, heated front seats, leather upholstery, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Technology package adds GPS-linked and solar-sensing automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a navigation system, real-time traffic and weather, voice controls, a larger infotainment display screen, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with DVD audio capability.
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
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Acura RDX from 2008-2022.$408/yr
vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.26x/yr
vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).7%
vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Acura RDX.
5 star(76%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
63 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
One happy buyer here
May 2010 Buyer, 10/08/2010
2010 Acura RDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Having used these reviews in my decision, I'm repaying my debt to the forum. Great car, would buy it again. I would recommend to anybody looking for something fully loaded for base price, V6 power in a V4, and luxury without the price. Five months and 8,000 miles later, I can appreciate the quality and workmanship even more.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Great Purchase
Will , 03/21/2010
2010 Acura RDX 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Bought this instead of the CR-V and GLAD we did. My wife and I have a small family and wanted something bigger than our Accord but with decent gas mileage but still fun to drive. This fits the ticket. Averages 22 mpg w/ mixed driving and got 28 on a road trip. Ride is a little rough but not bad and is more than likely the quality roads we have in Louisiana. Love the ability to play … my mp3's. Very happy with purchase.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Love it
Pleased, 11/25/2009
2010 Acura RDX Technology Package 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
I love Honda Motor Company. Had an MDX before...which loved. Opted for 2wd b/c I don't need SH-AWD in TX. Better mpg...but just barely. Only complaint on RDX is that any 4 cyl. should get 20 MPG at least. I'm no lead-foot, but I only average 17 MPG in city. The tech package is great. Very similar to my MDX's, but also controls my ipod and weather forecast. Love hands-free talk … features and the feel of steering. I don't use paddle-shifters. Ride is sportier and quicker than MDX, but just slightly bumpier. Road noise is great...not an issue. Plenty of room for us, but we don't regularly haul anything other than groceries. I don't tow anything and don't plan to.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Nice certified off-lease ride
njrdx, 04/16/2015
2011 Acura RDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Purchased my 2011 as an off-lease Acura certified SUV. Got it for just under $23k with 30k miles and warranty good until 65k miles.
Bought it Fall of 2014 and used it thru a tough winter, the SH-AWD was great! Has 36k miles now so have had it enough time to get very familiar. Do a mix of local and highway driving and it handles both well. With the rear seats down, plenty of … room to haul things, the dog, etc.
This is a good used car buy if all maintenance and servicing has been done. Turbo engines need on time oil changes. Buying as certified used from Acura is a good way to make sure this is the case.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Acura RDX, so we've included reviews for other years of the RDX since its last redesign.
2011 RDX Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,895 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $236/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 27.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front 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
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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