2022 Acura RDX Review

Name: 2022 Acura RDX Review
Brand: Acura
Price: 31998 USD

2022 Acura RDX SH-AWD PMC Edition 4dr SUV Exterior

2022 Acura RDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+273

There's certainly a lot to like about the RDX. It's roomy, comfortable and packed with features. On the downside, there isn't an optional engine upgrade for buyers looking for more power or a hybrid option. Additionally, we're not terribly fond of the RDX's infotainment system. Overall, though, the Acura RDX is worth checking out if you're looking for a good value on a luxury SUV, especially compared to European rivals such as the Audi Q5, the Jaguar F-Pace and the Mercedes GLC.

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2022 Acura RDX Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.},

rating written byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Roomy cabin and cargo area
Sharp steering and handling
Well-trimmed cabin
Lots of available tech for much less than competitors

Cons

No choice of powertrain
Options are bundled solely into packages
Touchpad controller can be difficult to use

What's new

Mild exterior styling updates
New technology and driver assist features
Retuned drive modes and adaptive suspension
Reduced road noise for a quieter cabin
Part of the third RDX generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Budget luxury can certainly be an oxymoron when it comes to cars, but that intersection of affordability and refinement is where the 2022 Acura RDX finds its place in the world. Sure, there are some compromises to be made, but overall the RDX compares quite well to more expensive small SUVs from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Acura RDX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$225/mo

$201/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2022 Acura has given the RDX a round of updates. The visual changes on the outside are fairly minor, but inside you'll find a new wireless charging pad and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. There's also extra sound-deadening material and a new active sound-reducing system to help make the cabin quieter. Mechanically the RDX is pretty the same, though Acura has revised the available adaptive suspension to provide more distinct settings for comfort and handling.

Overall, the 2022 Acura RDX proves you can get luxury and performance on a budget, as long as you keep your higher aspirations in check. Check out our test team's Expert Rating for more detail on where the updated RDX shines and where it could use a little improvement.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the RDX drive? Overall, the RDX is a solid performer. Its turbocharged engine provides strong power at low rpm to get you away from stoplights quickly, and the transmission is adept at picking the right gear for the situation. In Edmunds' testing, we recorded a 0-60 mph time of 7 seconds. That's a little slower than some other top competitors, but it's respectable. The brakes inspire confidence thanks to predictable engagement and good feel.

When you drive around turns, there's not much body roll. You'll definitely want SH-AWD to maximize the RDX's sporting potential since it helps the RDX power out of turns. The steering is nicely tuned. It's light and makes for easy maneuvering in parking lots but also firms up appropriately at higher speeds to give you a feeling of control.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the RDX? The stylish heated and cooled front seats will accommodate a wide variety of drivers in comfort. They're also supportive to keep you secure when turning. The suspension does a respectable job of keeping you comfortable when driving over a variety of surfaces. The RDX shrugs off potholes and is well controlled over highway undulations.

Cabin noise is reasonably well muted, and there's minimal wind noise at freeway speeds. Some engine noise comes through, but it's never obnoxious. The climate control system doesn't have any issues regulating cabin temperature, but a lot of airflow is aimed at the driver's hands, which you may not like.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The RDX has a mix of friendly basic ergonomics and some rather different, if not polarizing, ideas for how things should be done. In particular, the shifter arrangement, touchpad infotainment controller and small climate control buttons might fluster the driver. In terms of visibility, the front roof pillars are a bit on the thick side and can block some visibility when cornering. Rear visibility is compromised by the rear hatch's power-operated hinges.

On a more positive note, there's plenty of room for front and rear passengers. A wide range of drivers should be able to find a comfortable driving position, and rear headroom is more than sufficient for average-size adults.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The tech is the tour de force of the RDX. The touchpad-based infotainment system should appeal to the tech-savvy buyer, just as the impressive audio system will appeal to the dedicated audiophile. But the learning curve required to get accustomed to the system could prove a deal-breaker for buyers who don't like picking up new tech.

Apply CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration with wireless connectivity is standard. Acura's suite of driver aids is also standard, which is a notable strength in a class where such features can be pricey extras.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? Acura really has interior packaging figured out, and the RDX is yet another showcase of space efficiency. From a generous cargo area to flexible interior storage solutions, the RDX makes carrying a lot of stuff easier than it should be.

At 31.1 cubic feet of storage behind the back seats, the RDX offers more space than most competitors, and there's an abundance of storage options up front thanks to the tiered center console. Car seat anchors are clearly marked, and the large back seat means there's plenty of room for car seats.

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? Rated at 24 mpg combined with FWD or 23 mpg combined with AWD, the RDX returns lower mileage than the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. All three require premium fuel. On our mixed-driving evaluation route, our test RDX only returned a bit more than 20 mpg. Other fill-ups were below that number too. A light foot might be required to hit 23 mpg.

Value

8.0/10

Is the RDX a good value? Luxury SUVs are supposed to be well built and packed with features. The RDX does that while undercutting the popular competitors by thousands of dollars, even when fully loaded. Build quality is excellent inside and out, and the RDX offers something a little different from competitors in terms of interior design and ergonomics.

It's not as refined or efficient as competitors, but it's a solid value for buyers looking for something outside the usual German luxury box. Unfortunately, the RDX doesn't offer any particular advantages in terms of warranty coverage or ownership compared to rivals.

Wildcard

7.5/10

If the aggressively angular exterior design doesn't give it away, the tech-forward interior certainly will. The RDX is about providing a distinctive and modern driving experience. It's certainly a distinctive offering in the compact luxury SUV class. Unfortunately, while the SH-AWD holds the promise of a bit of physics-defying handling, you only sense the full effect of that technology when exiting certain medium-speed corners.

Which RDX does Edmunds recommend?

The Technology package maximizes the RDX's value yet still provides a suitable luxury experience thanks to leather, navigation and a wireless smartphone charger, among other upgrades. Also consider adding all-wheel drive. It enhances traction on icy or snowy roads and makes the RDX feel a little more nimble when driving around turns.

2022 Acura RDX models

The 2022 RDX is not offered in traditional trim levels, but rather as a single base level with five option packages: Technology, A-Spec Technology, Advance, A-Spec Advance and PMC Edition. All RDXs are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (272 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive (Acura calls it SH-AWD) is optional for the base RDX and Technology packages. The Advance packages and the PMC Edition come standard with AWD.

Base
Standard equipment on the RDX include:

19-inch wheels
Panoramic sunroof
Keyless entry and ignition
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Simulated leather upholstery
10.2-inch central display with touchpad controller
Nine-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot

Every RDX also comes with:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the RDX and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Lane keeping assist (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

Technology
The Technology package adds some appealing upgrades and safety features, such as:

Leather upholstery
Navigation system
Acoustically insulated front windows
Wireless charging pad
12-speaker premium audio system
Interior ambient lighting
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

A-Spec Technology
The A-Spec is the sport-themed RDX with:

All the features from the Technology package
20-inch wheels
Foglights
Sporty exterior styling elements
Ventilated front seats
Leather and simulated suede upholstery
16-speaker audio system

Advance
The Advance package has the features from the Technology package plus:

Adaptive suspension dampers (enhance ride comfort and handling)
Remote ignition
Power-folding mirrors
Acoustically insulated rear windows
Wood cabin trim
Heated steering wheel
Thigh extension and side bolster adjustment for front seats
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
16-speaker audio system
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the RDX and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

A-Spec Advance
Combines the Advance's features with the sporty A-Spec looks.

PMC Edition
This limited-edition RDX is similar to the A-Spec Advance but with:

Exclusive paint color and interior stitching
Gloss black treatment for the wheels, roof, grille, wheels, side mirrors and exhaust tips

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#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

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

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).}

vs. 8.6%
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 2022 Acura RDX.

5 (51%)

4 (16%)

3 (11%)

2 (13%)

1 (9%)

3.9

85 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

A 4.5 star review

A, 11/19/2020

2021 Acura RDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

Updated after 4 months of ownership: Running gas mileage is about 21-22 mpg. Under the rating, but about as expected based on an earlier vehicle. We really have no gripes about this car except the rearview camera. We learned the infotainment pad quickly, the drivers aids are helpful but not intrusive. This car eats up miles on a road trip and is comfortable around town. I stand by 4.5 … stars. Good car, not perfect. Happy with the purchase! Earlier reviewafter a few days of ownership: If you are reading this, you're probably considering this car and cross shopping similar cars, like the BMW X3, Infinity QX50, Volvo XC60, Lexus NX, etc. I will focus on comparisons with those and items that that you notice after a few days that you may not have caught on the test drive(s). First up: things that you may not catch at first 1. This car is cheaper for a fully optioned model than competitors. But, you will notice a few cost cutting places: A) the standard floor mats are awful. Truly atrocious. Budget for a set of premium floor mats from Acura as part of your purchase. B) vanity mirror lights, glovebox light, rear turn signals are not LED but everything else is. C) the back of the front seats is cheap feeling plastic - even fake leather would have been more in place with the rest of the interior. 2. The physical spare tire on AWD, non Aspec cars was a purchasing decision, after an awful experience with harsh-riding, quick-wearing, and hyper-expensive run-flats on our last car. A spare is rare in this segment. But, the flat tire and wheel you take off the car WILL NOT FIT back under the car. the big plastic bag near the jack under the cargo floor is for placing the tire in when you have to put it back in the car. 3. Pay careful attention to the rear view camera. In our advance package model, it is among the worst I have EVER seen and way out of place in a car of this level. It is manageable in bright daylight, but essentially unusable at night. The tech package camera is apparently better - drive this car at night, and try to back up into a dark parking spot if this is important to you. Next: Things you wonder if you can live with: 1. We are having mixed success with the weird dash layout. The open spot under the floating gear selector is more useful than we thought. However, since this pushes back the cupholders, they are less useful than expected. Pay attention to this if you are shorter driver. You will have to move the armrest forward, permanently reducing to 1 cupholder in the middle. Most of the other cars in segment (X3, QX50) have more logical placement. The QX50, in particular, has a perfect armrest for a shorter driver. 2. Screens and infotainment: Again, mixed. We are liking this better than the complex all touch screen controls of the XC60 and the odd ergonomics of the QX50 double screen. The menus are slightly better organized vs X3. But, you will need to spend quite some time setting it up. There is a huge learning curve. Once you get it customized, you don't need the trackpad much while driving, but it will take a while to get there. Watch out for the bluetooth integration if you don't use CarPlay or Android Auto. It works with one of our devices, but does not play well with the other. 3. Artificial engine noise. Yeah, on your test drive you heard it revving along. It is fake and a little obnoxious after a bit. Comfort setting makes it better, but you cannot turn it off without also disabling noise canceling features. Drive on a freeway with concrete roads and accelerate around in traffic while having a conversation with a rear seat passenger. Evaluate if this noise bothers you. 4. No AC control in rear. There is no reason why this car should not have it (another cost-savings?). Our main rear seat passenger is mostly colder than us most of the time, so seat heaters back there help. But there is no recourse if your main passenger likes more air in their face. More standard Pros and Cons: 1. Great driving car. Comparable turn-in with the BMW, sportier than the Volvo or Lexus. Some might find it slightly twitchy. The steering is more appropriately weighted than the QX50 and the ride is softer than that or the X3. On balance, we liked this one best. 2. Looks awesome from the front. But, it looks oddly tall and narrow from the back. I could do without the silly chrome strip on the side. The Qx50 is the best-looking car in segment, but we felt this was right behind it. 3. The cargo area is more useful than competitors, even if the cubic feet are the same. It is longer and flatter, with less volume going up. This leads to more useable floor space. 4. Seat comfort is second in class, with only the QX50 being better (possibly the most comfortable car seats EVER on that).The adjustability on RDX seats is incredible. 5. Sound system is best-in-class. I wish it had a better subwoofer and controls to specifically pump up lowest notes, but this a pretty minor gripe.

Not Perfect but a Great Car

Robert Horwitz, 12/20/2020

2021 Acura RDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

Looking for a very well priced semi luxury crossover then this might just fit the bill. Is this a perfect SUV, No. Is it a very well rounded vehicle for a good price, Yes. To be honest I love this car. For me it is a perfect balance for everything I was looking for. This car has the power that most people want with decent gas milage. It has the comfort and luxury found only in …

Great Lux SUV

Acura RDX Advanced, 10/02/2022

2022 Acura RDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

I have had my RDX for 4 months now and am very happy with my purchase. I drove the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and the Audi Q5. All the European models were at least a few thousand dollars more for the same level of equipment and yet I found myself enjoying the engaging drive more from the Acura. The track pad does require some time to master but once you do, its easy and provides a less …

Very pleasantly surprised

Joe in AZ, 05/23/2022

2022 Acura RDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

New Acura RDX Advanced purchased February, 2022 now with 4000 miles; 25% highway/75% urban driving. Mileage per trip computer 26.2 mpg (all Comfort or Normal modes and non hooligan driving style). Quiet interior, good handling, adequate power without rattles, squeaks, or problems and much more comfortable seats for long distance driving than Audi. Track pad sucks but we use Apple CarPlay …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Acura RDX, so we've included reviews for other years of the RDX since its last redesign.

See all 85 reviews of the Acura RDX

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2022 RDX Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$40,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$225/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	31.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the RDX models:

Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically lowers the set cruise speed when you approach slower-moving cars.
Lane Keeping Assist System: Detects when the car is approaching the lane's edge and applies steering torque to help recenter it in the lane.
Collision Mitigation Braking System: Automatically applies the brakes when it detects an impending front collision.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 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 Rollover16.5%

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

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2022 Acura RDX Review

2022 Acura RDX Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Acura RDX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which RDX does Edmunds recommend?

2022 Acura RDX models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

A 4.5 star review

Not Perfect but a Great Car

Great Lux SUV

Very pleasantly surprised

2022 RDX Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Acura RDX 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}