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Used 2017 Acura RDX Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
94 reviews

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Get into an RDX if you value your money

Miguel, 04/07/2019
2017 Acura RDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

This base model is just that base. No extra pampering or extra gizmos but that’s what we wanted. However, being an Acura this SUV does deliver a great product for what you spend. Love that this RDX came with standard things like power lift gate, sunroof, etc. that most other manufacturers charge. We love the practical setup of the instruments. Granted it’s seems a lil archaic in this day of touchscreens and such but it’s simple and safer for eyes on the road. iPhone 8 works ok for pandora and music. Every now and then it will require a reattaching of the usb cable to clear up an error. Bluetooth works well for calls and audio. But a problem persists with loading my phone book which is annoying. Text option isn’t compatible another downer. But all in all it’s a decent base system. Oh and also the subwoofer if you call it that is a joke. Barely audible lows. The comfort is great Plenty of space for 5. Flat rear floor which is great. Leatherette feels ok just cross fingers it lasts. Enter and exit very easy, doors open just wide enough. Cargo space is typical. Love the power lift gate especially when you got your hands full. Powertrain is awesome. Has great power when needed. The 6 banger of yesteryear is an oldie but a goodie. Turbo 4’s are the rave with minimal mpg gains. Our engine seems like it’s bulletproof and will last. I typically get 28-29 highway and 25-26 mpg mixed driving. Plus it’s premium recommended not required, another plus. The old 6 speed shifts smoothly and paddle shifters don’t add any excitement just a “neat” feature. Love the headlights. I travel primarily dark 2 lane highways and owe it to the LED lights for saving a few furry road obstacles and damage. It has a significant cutoff that doesn’t bother until I get into hilly roads. Road noise isn’t an issue. Pretty good but don’t expect a vault silent ride. The ride is well composed and might I say a lil fun when on twisty roads. Handles well for an SUV. As far as issues or problems that take us to the shop? None. This may be the last of the stalwart Acura’s for the time being. Mechanically it’s stout. Just simple and cheap maintenance. All power options thumbs up. No rattles, leaks, or things coming apart. The paint/finish looks good but compared to my wife’s one year older Lexus, well let’s just say it’s not as glossy and rich in color. We want to keep this for a long time and are confident it will last for that. Honda needs to get back on the saddle as far as reliable vehicles in their Acura division. I sure hope so because eventually we will need another RDX in the distant future.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Daily Driver and Roadtrip Cuiser

John, 06/08/2018
2017 Acura RDX Advance Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
37 of 40 people found this review helpful

I purchased a very low mileage (less than 1,000 miles!) CPO AWD RDX Advance, had it shipped from out of state due to wanting Fathom Blue Pearl and none were available locally and Advance trim was even more difficult to find. Traded in an Infiniti G37x due to needing more space but not wanting to sacrifice too much performance and I love the RDX more than I thought I would. Very comfortable as a daily commuter and navigating through rush or driving hours on end up to the cabin. I thought I really wanted a BMW X3 or Audi Q5 but after looking at maintenance expenses and higher insurance costs ($20-30$ more/month for the German cars and RDX is same as my G37) plus long term Honda reliability and resale value, RDX was an easy choice. I drove all three SUVs in heavy snow storms (I live in Minneapolis) before purchasing which I highly recommend doing and despite the less sophisticated AWD system in the RDX, it performed just as well on both slick roads and unplowed parking lots as the X3 and Q5. For those who do not know, the AWD system in the RDX was updated for the 2016 refresh with a larger rear differential, thicker drive shaft, and larger rear axle drive shafts to handle a 60/40 front/rear power split as well as provide better dry road handling. The 2013-15 RDX can only manage a 75/25 power split and in testing another family members '13 RDX, the updated AWD system handles foul weather significantly better and the rear differential does not overheat as it does in the earlier models. The RDX rides much softer than the X3 and the V6 is incredibly smooth and quiet. A recent 1,000 mile road trip yielded 30.5mpg round trip so no disappointment there. I thought my Infiniti was quiet on the highway but wow is the RDX hushed when cruising at 75mph. Other reviewers said this car was noisy inside but I highly disagree as do the professional auto publications. In comparison, I was disappointed by how much road and wind noise the BMW let into the cabin at highway speeds. The seats are extremely comfortable (I am 5'7"), ACC cruise control and lane keep assist work well, and the rear cross traffic alert is nice to have in busy parking lots. ELS stereo has great sound quality and thump from the subwoofer and having both heated and cooled front seats is game changing. I actually like the two screen setup and the NAV system will redirect you if there is a traffic incident. I also like how it shows your next turn in the meter display along with the compass and other vehicle information. My only gripe which I knew when buying this car is it a FWD platform with a transversely mounted motor and unequal length drive shafts so hard acceleration does bring just a slight, slight hint of torque steer but again, the updated AWD system does mitigate this compared to base FWD models and earlier production AWD RDX's. Otherwise, I really enjoy this car for its looks, features, and all around handling/daily livability.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

So far so good.

Scott, 12/27/2016
updated 12/28/2017
2017 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
19 of 20 people found this review helpful

UPDATE 12/27/17 - after owning this car for 13 months and 12k miles, nothing has changed. Basic maintenance and same comfort and performance. My only minor complaint is the passenger window occasionally goes down about a half inch on its own. I notice because it rattles. I don't know why it dies this- almost like road bumps rattle it loose. I switch between regular and premium gas and notice no difference in mpg. Car feels like it runs better on premium but not enough to justify the 70 cents + per gallon difference. Overall, I really enjoy this vehicle. I chose the base AWD because I did not like the stereo and navigation interface on the technology package and above. I also did not get Acura watch package because it's not perfected. The only options I wish I had are blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic. Get about 21 mpg overall so far and it is winter. The past 3 days has been 32-40 degrees and I've been getting about 24 in mixed driving on regular. Overall, the RDX has great acceleration and great value vs its main competitors. Nothing else comparable with a luxury nameplate comes close. I only have 3 minor complaints. 1) use of cargo space could be better. My wife has a Mazda CX5 and her car holds way more and has nice little cubbies the RDX lacks. 2) handling. Again, comparing to the CX5 steering is vague and lacks feedback. 3) When using the Bluetooth it's really hard to hear. Voices very tinny and have to have volume on very high to hear the other line. It's a little odd because the stereo and speakers are otherwise fine. Overall, I definitely recommend. Bulletproof engine and transmission and again, it's hard to match at its price point.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

2017 Acura RDX Advance AWD

Dave Hagan, 09/26/2016
updated 03/28/2022
2017 Acura RDX Advance Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
45 of 50 people found this review helpful

Updated 3/28/22 Still, zero issues with this car. My wife loves it. Just hitting 70k miles. She does Home Health patient visits, so frequent short trips. The V6 is still pulling about 21.5 MPG. Wouldn't mind that being better, but a fantastic vehicle with no issues, not even a squeak or a creak! Updated 3/27/19: Absolutely zero problems or warranty issues since purchasing almost 2 and 1/2 years ago. My wife loves to driving the RDX. Gets good mileage, around 24mpg on average. Technology could definitely use some improvement (voice recognition, slow interface). Could definitely use Google Maps / Apple Car Play. Extremely happy with the RDX still. As the owner of a 2016 Acura MDX, my wife loved driving it but wanted something a little smaller. She drove a number of vehicles and came back to the Acura RDX. It was the best mix of comfort, luxury, sportiness, and safety of any vehicle she test drove. She is currently 3 weeks in to ownership and completely loves it. She was coming from an Infiniti G37, so was used to great acceleration. The RDX doesn't disappoint as it's one of the quickest vehicles in it's class. The only complaints would be average to below average navigation system and lack of power folding mirrors, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, backseat climate controls, and Android Auto / Apple Car Play. The car excels in just about every other area. The Modern Steel Metallic with Graystone interior is gorgeous. Averaging 23 mpg around town. 3-26-18 Update: 18,000 miles later,My wife still loves the car as much as Day 1. Still zero issues with the RDX. Only complaint is really the outdated and slow navigation system.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Almost perfect RDX

Robert Nordlie, 11/18/2016
2017 Acura RDX Advance Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful

I've had my RDX for a month and already have 2000 miles on it. Overall, I love the car. Very comfortable seats and ride, however, I've had a little difficulty finding and ideal driving position. I am very tall and with the seat all the way back to accommodate my legs, the steering wheel does not telescope quite far enough to be completely comfortable. Many complain about the two screen technology but I like it very much. I also own a Corvette so I like to go fast, and as a result I'm only averaging about 21 mpg around town, but that's fine with me since I had a Ford Explorer Sport before this and only got 17 mpg with that. Overall, I am very satisfied and would highly recommend this vehicle. I really like the styling, with the door handles contoured to the belt line and the LED headlights. I also like the clean back end with no bumper sticking out below the hatch and not visible exhaust tips (and yes I do like the four exhaust trumpets on my Vette).

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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