2018 Acura RDX
What’s new
- No changes for 2018
- Part of the second RDX generation introduced for 2013
Pros
- Strong acceleration and fuel economy from standard V6 engine
- Elevated rear seat provides generous legroom and a commanding view
- More features than competitors at a similar or much lower price
- Generous cargo capacity for the segment
Cons
- Technology interface can be distracting to use
- High-tech safety features and adaptive cruise control don't work as well as some rival systems
- Cabin lacks overtly luxurious look and feel
2018 Acura RDX pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which RDX does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
8.0 / 10For many reasons, the Acura RDX is one of our top picks in the luxury compact SUV segment. It's a well-made and well-equipped SUV that is a clear, premium step up from mainstream compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V. Its value is undeniable and a must-drive for buyers who value smart engineering and style equally.
Chief among the RDX's virtues are space and value for your money. Although a "compact" SUV, the RDX has plenty of family-friendly space. Should you need a back seat big enough to affix a rear-facing baby seat, or a pair of growing teenagers, the RDX is better suited to the task than most other vehicles in the segment. Cargo capacity is also generous, both in terms of its on-paper measurements and real-world practicality.
From a value perspective, the RDX is one of the few compact SUVs to come with a standard V6 engine. It also has a long list of standard features, but it also remains competitive with its European counterparts even after you load it up with all the available options. In fact, a fully loaded RDX with the optional all-wheel drive is priced on par with some of the base models of many competitors.
2018 Acura RDX configurations
The 2018 Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV that seats five people and is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 (279 hp, 252 lb-ft). Although there are no trims, the RDX can be equipped with three options packages. AcuraWatch Plus adds driver assist features; Technology adds ELS audio, navigation and sport seats; and the Advance package bundles the first two together and then pads on additional luxury features such as vented seats and remote engine start. Finally, the RDX can be optioned with all-wheel drive; it comes standard with front-wheel drive.
Even without any packages, the RDX standard features list is packed. It includes 18-inch wheels, a rearview camera, automatic LED headlights, cruise control, keyless ignition and entry, a power liftgate, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), premium vinyl upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio, and a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio, Pandora internet radio control (streams from smartphone), an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port and a media player interface.
RDX AcuraWatch Plus
The AcuraWatch Plus package adds a forward collision warning and automatic braking system, a lane departure warning and keeping system, adaptive cruise control and a color trip computer display.
RDX Technology
The Technology package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, a navigation system, traffic information, GPS-linked climate control, leather upholstery, an eight-way power passenger seat, smartphone apps with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, HD radio, Aha internet radio capability and a 10-speaker sound system.
RDX Advance
The Advance package includes all of the features from both AcuraWatch Plus and Technology package and adds front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, foglights, auto-dimming side mirrors, remote ignition, and ventilated front seats.
Trim tested
Driving
7.5Acceleration
8.5Braking
8.0Steering
8.5Handling
8.0Drivability
9.0Off-road
6.0Comfort
8.5Seat comfort
8.0Ride comfort
8.5Noise & vibration
8.5Interior
8.5Ease of use
8.5Getting in/getting out
8.0Roominess
9.5Visibility
8.5Quality
8.5Utility
Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Acura RDX.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite RDX safety features:
- Collision Mitigation Braking and Warning
- Uses lights and sounds to warn you if the car in front of you has abruptly stopped, and can even apply the brakes to minimize damage.
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Actively keeps the car in the lane with a measured amount of steering assist. It is not a self-driving system.
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Helps keep a set distance to the car in front by adjusting the speed through throttle and brake application.
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Acura RDX vs. the competition
2018 Acura RDX
2018 Lexus NX 300
Acura RDX vs. Lexus NX 300
The Lexus NX 300 (renamed the 300 for 2018; previously, it was the NX 200t) is close in size and price to the RDX. It has a bolder design inside and out, but whether that's good or not comes down to your personal tastes. The NX 300 comes standard with some driver assistance features that are optional on the RDX, such as adaptive cruise control. The RDX has more cargo space, and its V6 is more powerful but thirstier than the NX's turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Acura RDX vs. Infiniti QX50
Infiniti's 2018 QX50 model is similar in size to the RDX, but it prioritizes performance and handling. Like the RDX, the QX50 comes with a V6, but it's more powerful (and less fuel-efficient). Despite how similar they are in size, the RDX has a much larger cargo area and a roomier interior.
Acura RDX vs. Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 asks a higher price than the RDX, but its premium materials, handsome exterior and higher towing capacity might make the difference worth it. Though its turbocharged inline four-cylinder doesn't make as much power, the Q5 boasts better fuel economy. Exterior and interior dimensions, from cargo volume to seating space, are similar. If you're considering a lease, the Audi has slightly stronger residual values, too. The Q5 has an Edmunds overall rating of 4 stars.
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Is the Acura RDX a good car?
The RDX's primary attribute is its value. It is one of a few premium small SUVs with a powerful V6 engine standard, and it remains competitive in terms of price even when you tick every option. Families will enjoy generous cargo space that's easily accessed by a wide rear hatch opening. The RDX does have a few downsides, such as a dated-looking infotainment system and an interior that isn't dressed as nicely as those of other premium SUVs. But for the money, these shortcomings are easy to overlook.
Does the Acura RDX have good MPG?
Because the RDX uses a larger V6, its fuel economy is a little worse than that of competitors powered by smaller engines. The EPA rates the base model at 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 highway). The rating for all-wheel-drive models is 1 mpg lower across the board, at 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway).
Does the Acura RDX have good resale value?
If you're ready to buy, you're probably wondering about the Acura RDX's resale value. How much will a 2018 Acura RDX be worth in two or five years — or whenever you decide to sell? Check out the Edmunds True Cost to Own (TCO) calculator. It includes projected annual depreciation over the first five years of ownership based on Edmunds' robust market transaction data.
2018 Acura RDX Overview
The 2018 Acura RDX is offered in the following submodels: RDX SUV. Available styles include Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Advance Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A), 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Advance Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Technology and AcuraWatch Plus Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Technology and AcuraWatch Plus Packages 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), AcuraWatch Plus Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A), and AcuraWatch Plus Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 Acura RDX?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Acura RDX and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 RDX 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 RDX.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Acura RDX and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 RDX featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Which 2018 Acura RDXES are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Acura RDX for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Acura RDX.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Acura RDX?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Acura lease specials