2016 Acura RDX review
Acura RDX highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Spacy cabin
- Powerful V6
- Generous standard features
Cons
- Distracting infotainment
- Finicky driver-assist tech
- Lacking luxurious feel
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 28 highway, 22 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Lots of room and features
The 2016 Acura RDX strikes a great balance of luxury, performance, and style. Its interior is relatively simple and boasts premium materials you’d expect from a luxury vehicle, including standard perforated leather seating. The RDX will also check your boxes in terms of standard features. All RDX models have dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, push-button ignition, Bluetooth® connectivity, a seven-speaker audio system, and a multi-view rearview camera. You can also level up to the Advance and Technology Packages for additional features.
All Acura RDX years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Acura RDX generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2016 Acura RDX?
- RDX trims have been upgraded with A/C Seat(s), Automated Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Leatherette Seats, Parking Sensors, and Remote Start as standard equipment this year.
- Full Roof Rack and Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Base trim now comes with Power Hatch/Deck Lid and Navigation System as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Acura RDX
1. Powerful and smooth engine
The 2016 Acura RDX comes equipped with a standard 3.5L V6 engine that delivers 279 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain mates with either standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive for added grip in slippery conditions. While the RDX isn’t built for straight-line performance, it delivers its power very smoothly, so you never feel like it's struggling to get up to speed. On top of refined power delivery, the RDX has respectable EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers of 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined with front-wheel drive.
With all-wheel drive, these EPA-estimate fuel economy numbers fall to 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.2. Plenty of interior room
The 2016 Acura RDX’s cabin is spacious for occupants of all shapes and sizes, from young kids to adults. It has space for five passengers and offers 38.3 inches of rear seat legroom, which is ample for young children, teens, and even adults. Plus, the rear seat sits high, giving rear passengers plenty of forward visibility. If you do a lot of hauling, the RDX has you covered with 26.1 cu-ft of cargo space with the rear seats upright and 61.3 cu-ft with them folded.
3. Premium amenities come standard
As a luxury SUV, you expect a certain level of class from the 2016 Acura RDX. It delivers on this expectation with a collection of high-end standard features. Its long list of standard features includes dual-zone climate control, perforated leather seating, SiriusXM® satellite radio, Pandora® compatibility, keyless entry with push-button ignition, a 10-way power driver’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a multi-view rearview camera, and so much more. If you need even more equipment, upgrade to the available Technology Package, which includes blind-spot monitors, HD Radio®, a multi-rearview camera, and a dual-screen infotainment display.
4. Refined exterior styling
The RDX had slightly vanilla styling in years past, but a refresh in 2016 brought in a nice new look. This update included new LED headlights, revised taillights, a new grille, and a handful of other changes to give it a more premium look. You’re sure to appreciate this more modern, updated look for years to come.
5. Great handling and comfort
The 2016 Acura RDX stands more on the performance side than the luxury side in terms of ride and handling. However, Acura has struck a delicate balance that makes this a fun daily driver that's also practical. This means you can go from enjoying a twisty mountain road to loving the pillowy ride on your daily commute.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Acura RDX an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Acura RDX 7th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Acura RDXAcura RDX features and specs
Curious how Acura RDX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Full Roof Rack
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.5L
Horsepower
279
Torque (ft-lbs)
252
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
16
Wheelbase
105.7"
Overall length
184.4"
Width
73.7"
Height
65"
Leg room
F 42"/R 38.3"
Head room
F 38.7"/R 38.1"
Front tires
P235/60VR18
Rear tires
P235/60VR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Acura RDX FAQ
The 2016 Acura RDX is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- AWD: 19 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Base: 20 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
The Acura RDX received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Acura RDX as 6 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUV
The 2016 Acura RDX has received an average 4.1 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Acura RDX, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Acura RDX Reviews.
The 2016 Acura RDX has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Acura RDX:
- Leatherette Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- A/C Seat(s)
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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