2018 Acura RDX Review

Name: 2018 Acura RDX
Brand: Acura

Price Range: $13,899 - $24,998

Good

Read full review See all features & specs

Price & Payment

Select year

Average price: $20,040

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise My 2018 Acura RDX

Acura RDX model years

Acura RDX for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Calvin Kim

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

What's new

No changes for 2018
Part of the second RDX generation introduced for 2013

For 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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

28 listings

Sort by:

New Listing
2018 Acura RDX
Technology Package 4dr SUV
$19,000
fair price
$75 below market
- 64,360 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 5 Seats, 20 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Ourisman Honda of Tysons Corner (15 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Vienna, VA
10 Speakers, 18' x 7.5' Aluminum Alloy Wheels, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, 4.25 Axle Ratio, ABS brakes, Active Cruise Control, Air Conditioning, Alloy wheels...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5J8TB3H59JL003523
Stock: T003523
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-07-2026
2018 Acura RDX
Technology Package 4dr SUV
$17,010
fair price
$412 below market
- 91,449 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 5 Seats, 20 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (2,222 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Temecula, CA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5J8TB3H57JL012270
Stock: JL012270A
Certified Pre-Owned: No

See all for sale

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.

Notably, we picked the Acura RDX as one of Edmunds' Best Used SUVs and Best Used Luxury SUVs for 2018.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

8.0 / 10

If you're ready to step up to a premium brand vehicle, the 2018 Acura RDX is a good place to start. Its powerful engine, comfortable interior, long list of standard features and handsome styling help differentiate it from the stiff competition in the compact luxury SUV class.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of a 2016 Acura RDX Advance (3.5L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	8.0 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	8.5
Interior	8.5

Driving

7.5

The RDX's smooth-revving V6 sounds great and is responsive. Equipped with the optional AWD system, the drivetrain can send up to 40 percent of its torque to the rear wheels if slip is detected from the front wheels, perfect for slippery roads and performance driving.

Acceleration

8.5

The V6 engine delivers strong acceleration for this 4,000-pound midsize SUV and is paired to a six-speed automatic that is silky smooth. A few competitors may be quicker to 60 mph, but they all carry a higher price tag.

Braking

8.0

The RDX resists brake fade and nosedive under continuous stops, and maintains a nice straight path and reassuring pedal feel. All-season tires turn a quiet cabin noisy momentarily if ABS is invoked. Its shortest stop from 60 mph is 122 feet, which is average for the class.

Steering

8.5

Having switched to electric power assist in 2014, Acura continues to improve steering control through stiffer mounts. Although road feedback is minimal, the response is excellent and precise with a nice level of effort.

Handling

8.0

The RDX is nimble by SUV standards, but long gone is the corner-carving Super-Handling AWD system in the early generation RDX. The new AWD with Intelligent Control is geared toward better fuel economy and traction maintenance in slippery conditions.

Drivability

9.0

Drivability is excellent overall. Normal mode skews toward efficiency, selecting the highest gear, which leads to occasional uphill gear ambivalence. Sport selects gears for optimum throttle response and improved performance, but fuel efficiency suffers.

Off-road

6.0

The RDX's torque transfer on-demand all-wheel drive is still primarily focused for slippery road conditions rather than true off-road environments. Also, the lack of any off-road electronic aids like hill descent control is telling.

Comfort

8.5

Acura achieves a high level of comfort in the RDX that makes it an excellent daily driver, yet provides the space and flexibility for a multitude of weekend activities. Plus, the comprehensive suite of optional AcuraWatch active safety features provides added peace of mind.

Seat comfort

8.0

Not a lot of lateral support to be had, but this RDX is less focused on throwing you into a bend than it is on everyday road comfort. The seat cushions are firm but sufficiently padded, while the optional power ventilation keeps you fresh over long stints.

Ride comfort

8.5

The RDX is equipped with a well-tuned suspension that manages to soak up bumps and impacts without delivering an overly soft and floaty ride quality. This is not an easy balance to strike from a nonactive/adjustable suspension.

Noise & vibration

8.5

A very quiet cabin with good insulation from road, wind and unwanted engine noise. Active Noise Control actually cancels out unwanted sound frequencies, while new active engine mounts (ACM) attenuate engine vibrations in a similar fashion.

Interior

8.5

The sleek-looking exterior of the RDX belies the generous space within. Highlights include an extra-wide cargo hatch opening and ample shoulder and legroom for all occupants. Also, the standard rearview camera provides three useful camera modes: normal, wide angle and a top bumper view.

Ease of use

8.5

The dual-screen infotainment system requires some time for familiarization, but it functions conveniently enough. Steering controls are clearly labeled and intuitively placed, and driver assistance systems are easily toggled on or off.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

Both front and rear doors open just shy of perpendicular for good access overall. The rear door apertures may be on the narrow side for some, with a medium-high step-in height to the seat bottom. A power liftgate is standard on all trims.

Roominess

9.5

Shoulder and legroom have been increased front to rear, with ample room for three adult passengers in the second row. A flat floor pan frees up more foot space for the middle passenger, and virtually no center seat hump means good headroom for all.

Visibility

8.5

Outward visibility through the windows and properly sized mirrors is already good, though having the optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert provides a state of hyperawareness. A multiview rear camera is standard.

Quality

8.5

Although Acura lacks some of the interior design flair of its competitors, build quality is spot-on. A critical improvement is the matching resolutions for the dual-screen infotainment system, a sore spot in some other models using the same layout.

Utility

At 26.1 cubic feet, it's not the largest trunk in class, but a significantly wider rear hatch opening makes loading a breeze. Redundant seatback releases for the 60/40-split bench (one trunk, one on either side of the bench shoulders) are highly convenient.

Technology

The Technology package adds a second screen, 10-speaker audio system, voice-operated navigation and climate control, and smartphone integration. While fumbling with the controls and screens can be distracting, the system is useful.

Which RDX does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend a fully loaded RDX with the Advance package and all-wheel drive since it's barely more expensive than the most basic BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace or Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and provides the gamut of driver assist and infotainment technology, not to mention V6 power.

Compare 2018 Acura RDX trim levels

2018 Acura RDX models

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 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.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$219/mo

$199/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Year

Make

Model

See pricing history

Reliability

The 2018 Acura RDX has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #7 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating 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

$408/yr

vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Frequency

1.26x/yr

vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Severity

vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 23V858000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: KGC, KGD
Number of vehicles affected:: 2490460
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Defect Consequence:: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Acura RDX Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

54 reviews

5(57%)

4(24%)

3(9%)

2(8%)

1(2%)

See all 54 reviews of the Acura RDX

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2018 RDX Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$35,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$219/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	26.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the RDX models:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

People who viewed this also viewed

Acura MDX
2.8 average Rating out of 4 reviews.
Starting at $51,800

See Acura MDX Inventory

Honda CR-V
4.1 average Rating out of 40 reviews.
Starting at $30,920

See Honda CR-V Inventory

Genesis GV70
4.5 average Rating out of 14 reviews.
Starting at $48,985

See Genesis GV70 Inventory

2018 Acura RDX Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Technology

Which RDX does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Acura RDX models

RDX AcuraWatch Plus

RDX Technology

RDX Advance

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Acura RDX Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2018 RDX Features & Specs

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed