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Used 2018 Acura RDX Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
1...

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Pros
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5 out of 5 stars

2018 RDX TECH PACKAGE

Bill Kramer, 08/21/2018
2018 Acura RDX Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
54 of 54 people found this review helpful

We bought the car for my wife’s daily driving and long trips. We compared the 2018 RDX with the tech package to a 2019 RDX with tech package, CRV, RAV4, and an Audi. While the 2018 doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles, i.e. Apple play. It had more than enough. The 6 cylinder normally aspirated engine with the 6 speed tranny are more than adequate. It’s quick and handles great. We especially like the the split screens. We have NAV and music choices going on separate screens and don’t find them distracting at all. Oh and did I mention it was about 10,000 + dollars cheaper than the Audi, BMW, or the 2019 RDX. All in all great value and great fun to drive.

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
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5 out of 5 stars

Happy Camper

Optionier, 12/16/2017
2018 Acura RDX Advance Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
105 of 108 people found this review helpful

Came from a BMW X-3 that I had been driving since purchasing new in 2011. The RDX is an easier daily driver. I had been driving on run flat tires for so long I had forgotten how bad they are. The RDX is simply more comfortable over all road conditions. Test drove the 2018 X-3 and was disappointed in the BMW’s turbo 4 pot. Even though it had good acceleration it’s still displays an economy car feel, sound and characteristics. Visibility is super, comfort is excellent. Just finished a 650 mile road trip that I had taken many times in the X-3 and felt more comfortable and much less fatigued in the RDX. Throw in at least $10,000 lower price than a similarly equipped X-3 and I’m simply a happy camper.

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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4 out of 5 stars

Awesome SUV that is a bit long in the tooth

jrasero, 02/28/2018
2018 Acura RDX Advance Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
108 of 116 people found this review helpful

While the RDX 2nd gen has been around since 2013 the car has aged well and received a nice mid cycle refresh in 2016. The car is basically unchanged for 2018 and with the 3rd gen 2019 RDX on its way this summer you probably can score a good deal on a current gen or get one if you refuse to adopt to a high speed transmission w/ a turbo engine. One of the best parts of the 2nd gen RDX is the bullet proof 6 speed transmission paired to the 3.5L V6 engine, that has 279 hp and 252 lb-ft of toque, which means a healthy amount of instant power to the wheels. The car emits a healthy growl and is equipped with VCM so even with a V6 the RDX's 19/27 MPG is very respectable since a Lexus NX 200t AWD w/ a 4 cylinder turbo gets 22/28 MPG. Even though most luxury compact crossovers are oriented for utility and comfort it's sad that Acura omitted SH-AWD from the 2nd gen. The basic AWD system is fine and probably more than enough in most situations, but Acura's SH-AWD system is almost equal to Audi's Quattro system and it could have helped in acceleration since the RDX does suffer from some wheel squeal. I mostly cross shopped the RDX against the Lexus NX 200t AWD and while the Lexus just is more luxurious and offers more high end features it can costs thousands more than a RDX, it lacks the cargo/utility of an Acura, and noise wise it is louder, which is odd to say about a Lexus. The top of the line Advance trim offers some nice features as nice rims, heated & ventilated seats, remote engine start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fog lights, and front and rear parking sensors but still lacks Android/Apple compatibility, heated steering wheel, heated outboard seats, panoramic moon roof, high grain leather, thigh extenders, wireless charging, 360 cameras, plus the RDX lacks some of the materials associated with a luxury car. If these aforementioned features aren't required than I think the RDX sits in between something like a loaded Honda CR-V and a Buick Envision, Infiniti QX50, Volvo XC60. RDX's resale and reliability are top notch and compared to German cars Acura maintenance is considered normal to even cheap. Acura recommends premium fuel but regular does just fine. The trim I wouldn't recommend at minimum to get is the Tech package since it provides sports seats w/ perforated leather, 8 way front passenger seat, on demand multi use display, voice recognition for Nav and Climate, navigation, AcuraLink, Real Time Traffic, ELS audio system, Siri Eyes Free, Blind Spot Info, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor. Overall the 2018 RDX is a very good car and really its biggest issue is that feature wise it falls behind the pack, but if you don't need the latest and greatest and want something that has a luxury caché and has a V6 engine with a smooth a quiet ride there aren't really many choices besides the RDX.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 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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4 out of 5 stars

Best vehicle ever own

Tony Lee, 09/02/2018
updated 03/11/2024
2018 Acura RDX 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
39 of 41 people found this review helpful

I had a 2014 CRV. It had ultra uncomfortable seats and sand paper steering wheel. It was also under power. I didn't like the 2018 CRV because of the Turbo & SVT, So I traded it for a 2018 RDX Basic AWD. I love the RDX because it had the same simple controls as my CRV. I beat myself for not buying this sooner. I couldn't careless about MPG. nor premium fuel. I test drove but didn't like the following on the 2019 RDX : Turbo, SVT, nice looking console and interior, but complicated entertainment controls. I also test drove the following cars: 2018 Lexus RX350 - Suspension was too soft, and AWD was hard to find in my area. 2018 4-Runner - Rode like a truck, under power. It was 2 rear wheel drive unless shifted to 4H (under 55 MPH) or 4L. I did wish I have SH-AWD on the 2018 (Another one of those MPG related item from Honda Corporate philosophy). My 2018 RDX has plenty of power, comfortable seats and firm ride, best LED headlights, excellent brake, air conditioning, .good AWD in snow. I drove my RDX with confidence and not worry about a steep hill. The only thing I didn't like were the useless pedal shifter and the small 15.5 gal gas tank. I did change the tires to Michelin Defender at 10,000 miles and threw the OEM Michelin away. I owned this car for over 4 years. It is still the best car I ever owned with no problem whatsoever. It was always a pleasure to take it to a long trip. I would add that the normal maintenance of this car is not that cheap. The RDX required more frequent maintenance than the CRV. My RDX have been serviced by local Acura dealer. Now is 2024 and my RDX had 68,000 miles, and still had the original brake. The are half worn. There is no other car that I wanted to buy at 2023. Most car came with stupid 4 cyl and turbo and CVT.

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4 out of 5 stars

Great ride and versatile vehicle!

Tim Peters, 07/11/2018
updated 07/27/2020
2018 Acura RDX Advance Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
35 of 37 people found this review helpful

I was driving a 2015 Acura TLX sedan. We moved to a new home that lies on a ridge at the top of a steep drive. After the first snow I realized we needed an AWD vehicle. I did not want to give up the precision, technology or the fun factor of my TLX but I knew that I needed something that had AWD and sat higher off the ground while still offering the precision, technology and the fun factor of my TLX. The RDX provides all of these qualities. The transmission is very smooth (more so than my TLX) and the 279 HP V6 is responsive and quick. The ride is quiet and comfortable, yet has responsive handling and steering. It has a sport mode with paddle shifters like my former TLX. The AWD system sends 50% of the torque to the rear wheels when needed. More than enough to navigate a snow covered steep drive. The voice controlled audio, navigation and climate control are top notch and the Siri hands free option works great. Cargo room is great for a five passenger SUV as is the fit and finish. Lane keep assistance and auto sensing speed cruise control make longer trips less tiring. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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