2024 Acura RDX is a small luxury crossover SUV. Acura vehicles have always represented a kind of middle ground between mainstream and luxury vehicles by offering a more premium feel than their Honda counterparts but not quite as high-tech as something from Mercedes-Benz.
That’s still true today, even though the third-generation RDX is one of Acura’s best models. Last year brought a mid-cycle refresh, so we don’t expect any significant updates for 2024.
Those refreshes include a revised exterior styling, new in-car technology and driver assistance, a quieter cab, and adaptive suspension.
There’s a lot to like with RDX, though it doesn’t shine in one area and lags a bit in others. All RDX are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (272 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine is quite powerful but delivers disappointing fuel economy.
It is also the only powertrain available most of its competitors offer more options in the form of an upgraded engine with more power or a hybrid option and the RDX is offered with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The interior is one of the best we’ve seen from any Acura. However, we didn’t fall in love with Acura’s in-car technology, namely the touchpad infotainment interface.
2024 Acura RDX Review
2024 Acura RDX is a premium compact SUV that comes with a long line of standard comfort and safety features not to mention the Acura RDX at a lower price tag than many of its competitors including the Volvo XC60, BMW X3, Lincoln Corsair, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, and many others.
Enthusiastic RDX users expect the changes and additions to potential modifications that are limited to new wheel colors and designs with perhaps a few tweaks to the available packaging options.
Recent styling changes help bring the RDX design closer to Acura’s larger 3-row MDX luxury SUV. While the RDX isn’t the most extroverted SUV out there, its understated exterior style can entice car buyers with its increasingly wide-open front grille trend.
The updated 2024 Acura RDX also features wireless smartphone charging, more active safety technologies, and upgraded cab trims are also added to the updated RDX.
While some competition is faster or offers more luxury amenities the RDX’s reputation for value, reliability, good fuel economy, and agile driving behavior all back it up.
2024 Acura RDX Refresh
We expect changes to the Acura RDX which include an updated exterior style, the latest technology features, an adjustable ride mode, and an updated car suspension for the 2024 Acura RDX model which will be one of the best carryovers in its class.
This update is expected to feature a newly styled grille with rectangular exhaust tips and wide front air intakes. The RDX SUV is also expected to receive a redesign on the sides of the new 19-inch ve;g which is bigger for a dashing look.
The update will also be more interesting if the bulge of the Sporty RDX display is equipped with sharp lines and prominent body lines.
2024 Acura RDX Tech
2024 Acura RDX is known as a built-in model that features the same technology as the current models on sale. We expect a 10.2-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, nine audio speakers, a Wi-Fi hot spot, three USB ports, and a touchpad controller to be standard. Available features should include 16 audio speakers, a wireless charging pad, and navigation.
The technology is a tour de force from RDX. The touchpad-based infotainment system should appeal to tech-savvy buyers, just as an impressive audio system will appeal to dedicated audiophiles. But the learning curve required to get used to the system can be a deal breaker for buyers who don’t like learning new technologies.
Implement CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration with standard wireless connectivity. The Acura range of driver aids is also standard, which is an important strength in a class where such a feature can be an expensive addition.
2024 Acura RDX Interior
of the 2024 Acura RDX also has a sporty interior design with a V-shaped center console style that houses all the RDX controls with the HVAC system, infotainment system, driving mode, and transmission. Also added are flowing lines, clear gauges, and a bold steering wheel are some of the sporty elements on the inside.
Plus the 2024 Acura RDX has a mix of friendly basic ergonomics and some slightly different, if not polarized, ideas about how things should be done. In particular, the shifter settings, touchpad infotainment controller, and tiny climate control buttons might confuse drivers.
In terms of visibility, the front roof pillars are rather thick and can block visibility when cornering. Rear visibility is impaired by the rear hatch’s power-operated hinge.
On a more positive note, there is plenty of room for front and rear passengers. A wide variety of drivers should be able to find a comfortable driving position and more than adequate rear headroom for an average-sized adult.
The stylish heated and cold front seats will comfortably accommodate a variety of drivers. They also support keep you safe when turning.
The suspension does a respectable job of keeping you comfortable when riding on a variety of surfaces. The RDX avoids potholes and is well controlled over highway undulations.
Cabin noise is moderately suppressed, and wind noise is minimal at freeway speeds. A few engine noises were heard, but never intrusive. The climate control system has no problem regulating the cabin temperature but plenty of airflows is aimed at the driver’s hands which you may not like.
New Acura RDX Models
are not offered in traditional trim levels like other vehicles. If you configure it on the Acura website, you must first decide whether you want front-wheel drive or all (Acura calls it SH-AWD), and after that, you are presented with four package options: Technology, Technology A-Spec, Advanced, and Advanced A. -Spec.
The Advance package comes as standard with AWD. All RDX are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
2024 Acura RDX Engine
The 2024 Acura RDX has one engine option, although the 272-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is eager to please and provide excellent fuel economy for a small SUV.
With a capacity of over 29 cubic feet, the RDX’s cargo area is spacious for a compact premium crossover. With the second row folded, the available cargo space can be expanded to more than 58 cubic feet.
Acura offers the current RDX with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard. The RDX is equipped with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is available as an option.
RDX sold today come with the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety features as standard equipment. This suite includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane guard assistance, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control.
Available features include a surround-view parking camera and parking sensors. We hope this safety feature will continue to be offered in the 2024 Acura RDX.
New Acura RDX 2024 MPG
RDX gets an EPA estimate of 24 mpg combined with FWD or 23 mpg combined with AWD, lower mileage than the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. All three require premium fuel.
On our mixed driving evaluation route, our test RDX delivered a little over 20 mpg. Other patches are also below that number. Light feet may be needed to reach 23 mpg.
2024 Acura RDX Price
Look for the basic Acura RDX 2024 premium crossover starting at around $41,000. This is for the RDX in front-wheel drive format — adding all-wheel drive (AWD) raises the price by about $2,000.
At the top of the range, the full-choice RDX rings around $52,000. It brings additional features such as a surround-view parking camera, heated outboard rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, and a panoramic moonroof.
While that’s a hefty sum of money, many of the Acura RDX’s rivals – especially German luxury brands – can cost thousands of dollars more.
2024 Acura RDX Release Date
Based on the previous model year, we expect the Acura RDX 2024 to be out in Fall 2023.