2022 Acura RDX

The two-row Acura RDX SUV has been a part of the automaker’s lineup for over 15 years, and was one of the earliest compact luxury crossovers. Now enlarged to straddle the line between compact and midsize, sits below the MDX in the automaker’s lineup. The current, third-generation RDX debuted in 2019, receiving some mild style updates last year. Industry rumors persist that Acura is working on a new, smaller compact SUV to join the lineup, but for now the RDX is the entry-level Acura SUV. It offers sharp styling and a lively turbocharged powertrain, but isn’t as plush as much of its competition, and it lacks the level of customization options of some premium rivals. 

The 2022 RDX is available in several variants, including the base RDX, Technology Package, A-Spec, Advance Package and PMC Edition. Acura’s trims are a little different than most in that it offers a single trim with the ability to add packages to fine-tune the vehicle to taste without spending too much time perusing the options list. The RDX competes against an all-star cast of characters at multiple price points, including the Lexus NX, Porsche Macan, Mercedes GLC-Class, Genesis GV70, BMW X3 and many others. 

There’s no hiding that the RDX lacks the reflexes of the Macan or X3, but, like many Honda products, it offers its own brand of effortless precision and responsiveness that rewards a light touch, and it definitely feels sportier than the NX. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 272 horsepower, which is plenty to move the RDX with enthusiasm, and the ten-speed automatic transmission is responsive. The engine sounds decent, too, with a pleasant turbo whoosh under heavy acceleration. We’d be remiss if we didn’t temper any performance comparisons with the fact that the RDX starts nearly $10,000 less than the Porsche and about $3,000 less than Genesis and BMW.  

Similarly, the RDX’s cabin is upscale and premium but lacks the special feel, high-level finish and calm of SUVs like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The Genesis GV70 goes over-the-top in all categories and shames the European luxury brands with interior quality and luxury. Acura is aware of the disparity and, for 2022, has taken numerous measures to increase the comfort factor. Road noise is reduced by the use of new front fender liners, and the Active Sound Control (ASC) system is tweaked to eliminate extraneous noise; engine idle is reduced and two-wheel drive models get a new lower engine mount to quell vibration. 

The A-Spec Package adds what appear to be go-fast bits and even spicier styling, but the upgrades are mostly cosmetic, sort of like Lexus’ F Sport setup. That’s a slight disappointment in a segment that contains BMW’s M and Mercedes-AMG SUVs. 

Long one of the best values in a premium sporting compact SUV, the RDX’s truest competitors are the GV70 and NX. The Genesis is a little more expensive than the RDX but outperforms it in nearly every way. Though it’s down on power, the RDX’s sharp handling still holds an edge when the going gets twisty. The NX is decidedly less sporty, but offers whisper-quiet operation and both regular and plug-in hybrid options. Buyers looking for an SUV with good features and the ability to generate a few giggles now and then will find the RDX more than up to the job. 

Performance: 12/15

Every 2022 RDX comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 272 horsepower. It’s paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). The SUV manages lively handling and an engaging drive, but the suspension misses on several fronts, including rough roads, where bumps and bangs make their way into the cabin. The Advance Package’s adaptive suspension ($7,800 more than the base RDX AWD) includes 16-way power ventilated and heated seats with Milano Leather, a head-up display, open-pore wood and more) mitigates most of the ride-quality issues while sharpening handling.  

Steering and traction are both confidence-inspiring, especially with Acura’s excellent SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system. It uses torque vectoring to shift torque between the wheels that need traction the most, which helps the RDX rotate, claw its way out of corners and easily manage tricky weather. 

Acura has done a superior job of creating the sensation of performance in the RDX. The interior styling gives off a sporty vibe, with interesting lines and color contrasts, and the available A-Spec package dials it up even further. Digital gauges provide clear information on vehicle performance, such as G-forces, turbo pressure and more. 

Fuel Economy: 11/15

When equipped with front-wheel drive, the 2022 RDX returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. AWD subtracts one mpg from each figure. Those fuel economy numbers are somewhat competitive with the RDX’s rivals, the GV70 four-cylinder and BMW X3 matching its 24-mpg combined rating with the Porsche Macan coming in at 21 mpg; the Audi Q5 and Infiniti QX50 both return 25 combined. However, it’s a tightly grouped set and adding performance features to all selections reduces efficiency incrementally. 

Adding a hybrid model would be ideal for Honda to carve out a little more territory in the segment and give a proper answer to the most frugal vehicle the class, the Lexus NX, which is a bit smaller overall. Redesigned for 2022, even the least-efficient NX clocks 25 mpg combined according to the EPA, with the hybrid now earning 39 mpg in combined driving. Lexus has also added a plug-in hybrid variant with 37 miles of all-electric range and 33 mpg in combined driving once the juice runs out.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 15/15

The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick + award for 2022—the highest honor handed out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Scores include “Good” marks in all crash-test categories, a “Good” score for headlights, “Superior” scores for both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention and a “Good+” score for LATCH system ease of use. Likewise, it earned a top five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

All RDX models come standard with the AcuraWatch package of safety and driver assistance features. They include forward adaptive cruise control, collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, road departure mitigation and traffic sign recognition. Automatic headlights with auto high beams are also standard, along with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. Ten airbags add another layer of passenger security. 

Comfort & Room: 13/15

The front buckets are deep and supportive, and the A-Spec’s synthetic suede inserts help hold bodies in place during aggressive driving. The second-row bench is also quite comfortable, though it could use more support and shape to remain pleasing on longer trips. 

The RDX offers surprising space for both people and gear. Up front, passengers get 40 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom, while folks in the back see 38 inches of headroom and 38 inches of legroom. Those numbers align with the Genesis GV70’s interior dimensions, but the Acura is slightly ahead in front-cabin measurements. The X3 trails slightly in front legroom at 40.3 inches and rear-seat legroom at 36.4 inches. 

Infotainment: 11/15

Acura equips every RDX with a 10.2-inch screen that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice controls, app functionality, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa and more. Navigation with a 3D view, a head-up display and traffic rerouting are all available. Advance Package models gain a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area. 

Base models get a nine-speaker audio system while the tech package brings a nine-speaker setup; the 16-speaker ELS Premium system is on the A-Spec and Advance packages. There are two USB power ports, a data USB and an old-school wired auxiliary jack. 

There’s nothing particularly wrong with Acura’s infotainment interface. It’s colorful, works well in most situations, and is relatively responsive. The challenge comes from the touchpad controller, which can be moody and difficult to use when the vehicle is in motion. 

Cargo Space & Storage: 12/15

Cargo space checks in at 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which expands to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Small-item storage is solid, with a unique under-console cubby that houses the wireless charger in some trims. The center console is also spacious and offers enough room for most everyday-carry items. 

Those are respectable measurements, and they’re competitive in the class. The GV70 offers 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats, while the Audi Q5 offers just 26. It’s far better than the Lexus NX, which has just 22.7 cubic feet behind the second row. 

Style & Design: 8/10

Acura’s vehicles have grown into their styling over the years, and the RDX is no exception. The 2022 facelift brought a new front-end design with more aggressive vents and shapes, and the SUV’s overall look screams sportiness, even if there’s not a ton of performance to back it up. Inside, the RDX features interesting shapes and lines, with a busy but attractive front cabin area. Not afraid to work with color, Acura gives some models two-tone upholstery that contrasts the otherwise dark interior. 

Is the 2022 Acura RDX Worth it? Which RDX is the Best Value? 

The RDX starts at $40,345. That money buys a front-wheel drive SUV with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and a ten-speed automatic transmission, generous safety tech, a 10.2-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa capability and more. 

The Technology Package adds just over $2,000 to the base model’s price but brings a host of improvements worth the cash, making it our top pick. Since the A-Spec package is an appearance package that does not impact performance, it deserves consideration for those looking for sharper styling and aggressive accents. 

Buyers seeking an all-inclusive experience with a minimum of fuss can select the top-level PMC edition. Priced at $55,295, it’s approximately $13k more than our pick. But its limited production ensures some exclusivity, and it comes standard with AWD, adaptive dampers, a head-up warning system, rain-sensing wipers, a 10.5-inch head-up display and an Acura ELS Studio 3D premium sound system with 16 speakers. 

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2022 Acura RDX?

The Acura RDX costs about the same to insure as its rivals. According to our data, the average 30-year-old female driver with a good record can expect an average annual premium of $2,000. BMW’s X3 SDrive 30i would ring in at $2,100, an Infiniti QX50 $2,242, the Cadillac XT4 $2,055 and the Lexus NX $1,989. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, see our car insurance calculator.