The 2023 Acura RDX comes with some extras after a light refresh.
The two-row compact SUV is adding premium services as standard for its new model year. For three years customers will receive complimentary connected services, called AcuraLink.
The smartphone-based app gives access to owner’s manuals, recalls notices, service reminders, roadside assistance, vehicle health updates and info on oil levels and some navigation features. Previously, features from the Security and Remote Packages like remote start and lock and unlock, in-vehicle Wi-Fi, driver monitoring and training services and Amazon Alexa voice control were only available for a paid upgrade.
For 2022 the base model with a 2.0-L four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque started at $40,345. For the new model year it’s bumped up to $41,350 (excluding $1,195 destination charge), but the extra AcuraLink service is included. The connected services are worth up to $110 per year.
In our 2022 evaluation, Forbes Wheels recommended adding the Technology Package (a $2,650 add-on for 2023), which includes a live traffic navigation system, parking sensors, 12-speaker sound system and sport seats among other niceties, to round out the most worthwhile purchase. Acura is also including a Maintenance Package for the first time, which gives two years (or 24,000 miles) of free factory-scheduled maintenance at dealerships. That includes oil changes and tire rotations.
The RDX rates highly for safety and driver assistance already, especially with its standard AcuraWatch package. That package includes adaptive cruise control, collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance and other advanced features.