2025 Acura RDX Review

Acura’s compact RDX lives in the shadow of the MDX, which outsells it consistently.

If you don’t truly need the MDX’s third-row seats, the smaller of the two is probably the better choice anyway. The 2025 Acura RDX has been updated however mildly with three new colour choices, a revised grille, and a redesigned centre console. However, some frustrating features carry on in this crossover’s sixth year on the market.

Styling: 7.5/10

The RDX’s multi-faceted headlights and new frameless grille with a giant Acura badge in the centre help set it apart, while the top Platinum Elite A-Spec trim sports a new 20-inch wheel design and new colour choices, including this tester’s shade of Urban Grey Pearl ($800). Also optional is the gorgeous red leather upholstery seen here ($500) that extends to parts of the dashboard.

Trimmed with metal accents, microsuede, and a modest amount of glossy plastic, the cabin feels as nicely tailored as some of its more expensive German rivals. With its performance focus, a large silver dial for changing drive modes sits front and centre on the dashboard.

Power: 8/10

The small premium crossover segment is crammed full of entries using turbocharged 2.0L engines, but the one under the RDX’s hood is a derivative of what powers the Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra Type S. It’s got the same basic character and eagerness to rev, too. It’s also reasonably efficient and rated to produce 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, forward progress is swift and effortless.

Driving Feel: 8.5/10

The RDX feels light on its toes and has direct steering with just the right amount of weight, but it does get a bit too light in the comfort drive mode. The top trim gets adaptive dampers that really loosen up when set to comfort, and the artificial engine noise pumped through the speakers seems to turn off. It rides wonderfully, too, even over winter-ravaged roads, but dial it up to sport and everything tightens up. The RDX drives more like a grownup hot hatch than a compact crossover. It wants to be hustled down a back road and is genuinely fun to drive.

Comfort: 8/10

The red leather upholstery feels as good as it looks, and the front seats are equal parts comfortable and supportive, standing up to long drives with little issue. Rear-seat passengers have generous leg- and knee room, stadium-style seating, and a panoramic roof that helps the cabin feel airy.

User-Friendliness: 6.5/10

The RDX would score much higher here if it wasn’t for its infuriating touchpad controller for the infotainment system. You use it by sliding your figure on the surface like a mouse pointer (the only way to use it with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) or like it’s one big button that you push to select a corresponding part of the screen. If the icon on the screen is in the top left corner, you have to press the touchpad with your finger positioned in the top left corner.

While it’s a valid attempt at creating a new type of infotainment controller, it’s hard to use and very frustrating. And there’s no touchscreen backup, so you’re stuck using it.

On the other hand, the RDX has more physical buttons than many of its competitors. I’m particularly fond of the auto setting button for the heated and ventilated seats, something most brands bury in their infotainment systems. Even the drive mode controller is a big dial that sits prominently on the centre of the dash.

Practicality: 8/10

With a roomy back seat and a cargo area, the RDX is the perfect size for growing families for whom the three-row MDX might be a bit overkill. Large door pockets and a handy space under the gear selector are perfect for storing small stuff, and the redesigned centre console positions the cup holders for easier access. The wireless charging pad has also been relocated next to them. 

Features: 8/10 

The top Platinum Elite A-Spec carries the highest price tag but also comes with all sorts of standard equipment. It’s the only one to get adaptive dampers, plus there’s a 16-speaker stereo that belts out crisp highs and thumping lows — particularly effective if you like bass-heavy electronic music. There’s also an ambient lighting system with 27 different lighting themes to choose from. 

Fuel Economy: 7/10

The BMW X3 with a similarly powerful four-cylinder does better at the pumps than the RDX. A week of mixed driving produced a result of 11.1 L/100 km, about a litre more than its combined factory rating. It was, however, a particularly frigid week, which affects fuel economy.

Safety: 9/10 

The RDX gets five stars from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both represent the highest ratings the agencies can bestow on a vehicle. All trims come standard with a suite of driver assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and more.

Value: 7.5/10

There are so many entries in the segment that choosing the right one can be hard. The BMW X3 is one of the more popular choices, but its starting price isn’t far from a fully equipped RDX, which lists for about $64,000 before options and taxes. The Lexus NX is cheaper and offers a hybrid option, but it isn’t as fun to drive and has a tighter back seat and less cargo space.

The Verdict

The 2025 Acura RDX gets so much right, but some interior foibles — mainly the touchpad — add blemishes on an otherwise excellent package. Its blend of driving engagement, luxurious interior trappings, and practicality make this one of the better picks in the compact luxury SUV segment.