2025 Acura RDX A Blend of Value and Performance in the Luxury SUV Market

The 2025 Acura RDX stands out as a compelling option in the competitive compact luxury SUV segment, offering a balance of performance, technology, and value that appeals to buyers seeking premium features without the premium price tag of European rivals like the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC. As Acura’s smallest SUV, the RDX combines a sporty driving experience, a well-appointed interior, and a suite of advanced safety and tech features, making it a practical yet engaging choice for discerning drivers.

Exterior Design: Subtle Refinements for 2025

The 2025 RDX receives a subtle but effective styling update, aligning it with Acura’s modern design language. A new frameless Diamond Pentagon grille with a mesh insert takes center stage, flanked by Jewel Eye™ LED headlights with seven light elements for a distinctive look. New wheel designs, including 19-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels and exclusive 20-inch options for A-Spec trims, enhance its athletic stance. The addition of fresh color options—Solar Silver Metallic, Canyon River Blue Metallic, and Urban Gray Pearl—further elevates its visual appeal. Large dual exhaust finishers and a body-colored rear diffuser on higher trims emphasize the RDX’s performance-oriented aesthetic.

Powertrain and Performance: Spirited and Capable

Under the hood, the 2025 RDX is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s signature Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), the RDX delivers responsive acceleration and confident cornering. The SH-AWD system enhances grip by distributing torque to the wheels with the most traction, making the RDX nimble and engaging, especially in spirited driving scenarios. Acura claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, competitive within its class, though some reviewers note the transmission can be slow to downshift when using the paddle shifters. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city and 26-27 mpg highway, slightly below some competitors like the Lexus NX 350.

The Integrated Dynamics System offers four drive modes—Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor the RDX’s performance to various conditions. Optional adaptive dampers, available with the Advance package, help smooth out the ride, though the suspension remains on the stiffer side, particularly with the 20-inch wheels on A-Spec trims.

Interior and Technology: Practical with a Tech Focus

Inside, the 2025 RDX offers a spacious and well-built cabin, though it leans more toward sporty functionality than outright luxury. The redesigned center console provides additional storage and a more accessible wireless charging pad, addressing previous usability concerns. Standard features include a panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 10.2-inch full-HD display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The A-Spec Advance trim adds luxurious touches like full-leather upholstery, a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system, and illuminated speaker grilles.

However, the RDX’s True Touchpad Interface remains a point of contention. The touchpad, which maps directly to the infotainment screen, can be distracting to use while driving, requiring precise hand-eye coordination. While voice controls via Amazon Alexa and natural language recognition help mitigate this, many reviewers express a preference for a traditional touchscreen. The available 10.5-inch head-up display and 16-way adjustable Milano leather seats enhance the premium feel, particularly in higher trims.

The RDX’s theater-style seating arrangement ensures good visibility for rear passengers, with 38 inches of legroom and a cargo capacity of 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. This practicality, combined with easy-to-use LATCH connectors for child seats, makes the RDX family-friendly.

Safety and Reliability: A Strong Foundation

Safety is a hallmark of the RDX, with the 2025 model earning a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a 2024 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The standard AcuraWatch suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure further enhances crash protection. With a J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 81/100, the RDX ranks above average in its class, and Acura’s reputation for strong resale values adds to its long-term appeal.

Pricing and Trims: Value-Driven Luxury

Starting at $44,700, the 2025 RDX is competitively priced against rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, offering significant value. The lineup includes the base model, Technology package ($47,300), A-Spec ($50,300), Advance package ($52,450), and A-Spec with Advance package ($54,450). The Technology package adds a 12-speaker ELS audio system and navigation, while the Advance package includes adaptive dampers and a head-up display. The A-Spec trims focus on sporty styling with 20-inch wheels and exclusive interior accents like red leather or Orchid with contrast stitching. Kelley Blue Book suggests buyers can negotiate $2,513 to $3,203 below MSRP, depending on the trim.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Competitive pricing and strong resale value
Engaging driving dynamics with standard SH-AWD
Spacious interior and versatile cargo space
Comprehensive standard safety and tech features

Cons:

Infotainment touchpad remains distracting
Ride can be stiff, especially with 20-inch wheels
Lacks the luxury cachet of European competitors
Transmission can feel hesitant during downshifts

Verdict

The 2025 Acura RDX is a well-rounded compact luxury SUV that prioritizes value, performance, and practicality over outright prestige. Its sporty handling, robust standard features, and strong safety ratings make it a compelling choice for buyers who want a premium experience without breaking the bank. While the True Touchpad Interface and slightly firm ride are drawbacks, the RDX’s combination of style, technology, and Acura’s renowned reliability ensures it remains a strong contender in its class. For those willing to overlook the lack of European badge appeal, the RDX offers a rewarding and versatile driving experience.