2021 Acura RDX review
Acura RDX highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Long list of attractive standard features
- Impressive 31.1 cu-ft of standard cargo storage
- Predictable, highly-engaged braking
Cons
- Competitors offer more powertrain options
- Touchpad tech controller may not appeal
- Some front and rear visibility impairment
Mileage (EPA estimate)
21 city, 26 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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A powerful, elegant, and stylish SUV.
There are quite a few five-passenger SUVs on the market that will do the job of carrying people and cargo, but few do it with the style of the 2021 Acura RDX. Its sleek exterior gives this car loads of curb appeal and its roomy and well-appointed interior creates a welcome space. The RDX has a powerful turbocharged engine that engages the driver and a smooth, quiet ride that passengers enjoy no matter how rough the road. Redesigned for the 2019 model year, this design carries over into 2021 with the addition of the new PMC Edition. This limited edition of 360 units features exclusive Thermal Orange Pearl paint and comes equipped with both the A-Spec and Advance Package.
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 2021 Acura RDX?
- The RDX is available in a variety of new trims, including the PMC Edition, SH-AWD Advance, and SH-AWD Technology.
- RDX trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s) as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Sunshade features are now available as options on select trims.
- The A-Spec trim now comes with Leatherette Seats, Head Up Display, Heated Steering Wheel, and Leather Seats as standard equipment.
2021 Acura RDX trims
Curious how Acura RDX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesAcura RDX photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Acura RDX
1. Smooth and luxurious
As a luxury SUV, the 2021 Acura RDX offers a very comfortable ride. It has a quiet interior that keeps the outside world from intruding into the cabin and a suspension system that evens out rough roads. Seating is supportive no matter where you sit, with beautiful materials and plenty of soft-touch surfaces that put the priority on passenger comfort.
2. Super handling all-wheel drive
The 2021 Acura RDX is available with standard front-wheel-drive or optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. If you look for an RDX with all-wheel-drive, you'll find it not only makes it a more capable SUV in poor weather conditions, but it also enhances performance in dry weather. The all-wheel drive system adjusts torque to each wheel to improve traction and increase overall stability in all conditions.
3. Cargo room
Room for cargo is no doubt a priority if you're looking for an SUV and the 2021 Acura RDX is up to the challenge. There is 29.5 cu ft of space behind the rear seat, so even with a full load of passengers it can handle plenty of cargo. The rear seats are also 60/40 split-folding to offer more versatility for cargo while still allowing for rear passengers. Cargo room increases to 58.9 cu ft with the rear seats fully folded.
4. Concise trim lineup
There aren't technically trims of the 2021 Acura RDX, but rather a single configuration with three available packages. The A-Spec package adds sporty design elements and the Advance package adds convenience features. The Technology package draws from both of those packages and upgrades audio. Even the limited PMC Edition comes in a single configuration with both the A-Spec and Advance packages as standard features.
5. Responsive engine
The turbocharged 2.0L engine in the 2021 Acura RDX delivers an engaging driving experience. It responds quickly to a light foot on the accelerator so merging with highway traffic is effortless. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers power easily with smooth shifting. It has the power to inspire confidence behind the wheel without any of the harshness found in purely performance-focused vehicles.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Acura RDX, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The BMW X3 features sharp, responsive handling and plenty of space, with a generous 62.7 cu ft of cargo room with the rear seats folded for 2017–2021 models. Lively and good-looking, it also comes with AWD as standard. This compact SUV was fully redesigned for 2018, with the standard engine power boosted to 248 hp.
2019 introduced a rear-wheel drive model and an increased roster of driver aids, including lane departure warning, surround-view parking camera system, and parallel parking assist. A plug-in hybrid of the BMW X3 was introduced in 2020.
These features come as standard on BMW X3 2017–2021 models:
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Rain sensing wipers
Keyless entry
Memory seats
Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is an attractive luxury SUV that received a refresh in 2018, including a revised chassis design for a smooth ride. All 2018-2019 trim levels come standard with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine (252 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque) that connects to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also standard on 2018-2019 models, so you have the freedom to travel where and when you need to. With seating for five passengers, the Q5 is spacious and comfortable, including the rear seat with 37.8 inches of legroom. For 2019, the trim-topping Prestige includes the following standard features:
Dual-pane acoustic glass for front side windows
Tilt and telescopic power-adjustable steering column
Head-up display
Top-view camera system
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a compact crossover that offers comfort, available all-wheel drive for driving confidence, and a performance trim. For model years 2017-2021, the GLC offers standard LED daytime running lights on all trims, as well as available adaptive headlights that turn with the car. Standard dual climate control allows you and your passengers to keep your zone tuned to your comfort.
Standard features on the 2017-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC include:
Seven-inch infotainment screen
Five drive modes, from Comfort to Sport+
Standard 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine or optional V6 engine (AMG model)
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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
Advance 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Head Up Display
- Heated Mirrors
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Full Roof Rack
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
272
Torque (ft-lbs)
280
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
17.1
Wheelbase
108.3"
Overall length
186.7"
Width
74.8"
Height
65.7"
Leg room
F 42"/R 38"
Head room
F 40"/R 38"
Front tires
P235/55HR19
Rear tires
P235/55HR19
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Acura RDX FAQ
The 2021 Acura RDX is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SH-AWD: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD Technology: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD A-Spec: 21 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD Advance: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- Advance: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Base: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- A-Spec: 22 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- Technology: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- PMC Edition: 21 MPG City and 27 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 2021 Acura RDX has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Acura RDX, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Acura RDX Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Acura RDX:
- PMC Edition
- Heated Mirrors
- Android Auto
- Leatherette Seats
- A/C Seat(s)
More about the 2021 Acura RDX
Color options
Exterior colors
Apex Blue Pearl (A-Spec Only)
Canyon Bronze Metallic
Fathom Blue Pearl
Gunmetal Metallic
Lunar Silver Metallic
Majestic Black Pearl
Modern Steel Metallic
Performance Red Pearl
Platinum White Pearl
Thermal Orange Pearl (PMC Edition Only)
Interior details
Seating for up to five passengers
60/40 split-folding rear seat
29.5 cubic feet behind rear seats, 58.9 cubic feet behind front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control with humidity control and air filtration
Infotainment includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, seven-inch color touchscreen
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 Acura RDX received received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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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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