Last week I brought you the impressively refreshed 2025 Acura MDX. But if Acura's 3-row flagship is a little big for you, this week I bring you the smaller, two-row 2025 RDX premium sport crossover. The RDX is an incredibly popular SUV for the brand - with nearly 800,000 sold since it first came to market in 2006. Like its sibling, the RDX also sees enhancements for the 2025 model year with style updates and nice tweaks in the cabin, though a few tech upgrades are lagging.
Exterior
The RDX is first and foremost a head-turning SUV. Its new-to-the-RDX Urban Gray Pearl hue pairs exquisitely well with new, exclusive to the A-Spec, 20-inch Berlina Black machine-finished alloy wheels. The A-Spec's gloss-black accents round out a sporty, sophisticated look that stands out on the road.
For 2025, all RDX models get new front-end looks that reflect the brand's latest design direction. A new frameless Diamond Pentagon grille and grille mesh give it edgier, more aggresive look.
Other exterior features include Acura's Jewel-eye LED headlights and "Chicane" LED daytime running lights along with LED fog lights and puddle lights. It's also equipped with power-folding side mirrors and LED-Illuminated tail lights.
Powertrain
The RDX's turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is paired with a sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission. It's the only engine in the lineup. The powertrain delivers 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque - and both feel great. Super-handling All-wheel drive- with true torque vectoring - is standard.
Interior
The RDX cabin is eye-popping in a sporty red and black. Build quality, materials, hardware are upscale, and everything, includig the ultra-suede accents, is well-crafted thoughout. New for 2025, the A-Spec with Advance now features full leather upholstery.
Red Sport Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather with Contrast Stitching and Piping are wonderful, and they are 16-way power adjustable and feature side bolsters and a thigh extender. Also new for 2025, additional ambient lighting on the new center console, and lit front- and rear-door speaker cones behind acid-etched speaker grilles. A-Spec Advance models also enjoy an ebony headliner, sport pedals, and leather-wrapped, flat-bottom, heated, sport steering wheel.
The RDX doesn't get all the tech updates the MDX does. It still has a bright, colorful and easy-to-read 7-inch digital driver display flanked by analog dials and, more noticeably, Acura's True Touchpad Interface. Unlike the larger MDX, it does not switch to a new multimedia interface yet with a new touchscreen.
For 2025, Acura does, however, give the RDX's current 10.2-inch non-touchscreen a new wide-screen mode (with great graphics) along with Alexa Built-In. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are one USB-A and three USB-C ports and a WiFi hotspot.
I continue to be a huge fan of Acura's ELS premium audio system. It sounds amazing and the speaker grilles look great in the door panels. Acura's 27-theme Iconic Drive Ambient LED Cabin Lighting is also fun.
Like the MDX, the RDX also receives a redesigned center console, although it's not as dramatic since the aforementioned Acura Touchpad is still there. Designers did give the console area increased storage, larger cupholders and easier access to the wireless smartphone charger.
A roomy 60/40-split second row will keep passengers in plenty of comfort. There's a great drop-down center console and they have their own A/C vents. On the downside the front seat backs are plastic.
The power lift gate opens up to an impressive amount of cargo space, (you won't have trouble packing for a road trip that's for sure.) Other standard features on the A Spec Advance include remote start, heated and ventilated front seats, a power panoramic sunroof, and 12-volt in the cargo area.
Options
Options on this RDX include a tech package that adds front and rear parking sensors, low speed braking control, a wireless phone charger, Acura navigation with voice recognition, a rear camera washer, and customizable ambient lighting.
The Advance Package adds a hands-free power tail gate, 16-way power front seats, surround view camera, perforated leather-trimmed sport seats with piping, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, ELS 16-speaker audio, head up display, rain sensing wipers, power folding side mirrors, remote engine start, exterior puddle lights and heated windshield.
Ride and Drive
The RDX, equipped with sport-tuned suspension, is just a fun SUV to drive. The driving dynamics are terrific. Its engaging with a sporty steering feel and acceleration and handling impress.
Sport mode is, of course, where it's at. The ride is also super smooth thanks to an Adaptive Damper System. Its size also makes it easy to maneuver in parking lots and U-turns.
Safety
The RDX features standard AcuraWatch that includes Blind Spot Information, Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, Forward Collision Warning System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning System, Traffic Sign Recognition and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.
Verdict
The 2025 RDX gets some nice updates, although tech updates are lagging behind the MDX. Still, it's fantastic upper trim cabin updates are noteworthy and as always its driving dynamics make it an alluring package.
- What I liked most: Looks, interior, ELS sound, driving dynamics.
- What I would change: Update the technology.
- MSRP: Base price $54,450, as equipped $56,400 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 21 city/26 highway/23 overall.
- Official Color: Urban Gray Pearl ($600).
- Odometer reading when tested: 233miles.
- Weight: 4,058 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Tire Repair Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 187.4" high /74.8"wide/65.7" height.
- Ground Clearance: 8.2 inches.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17. 1 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds.
- 2025 Acura RDX in a few words: A fun, stylish and luxurious SUV that's been a big success for Acura for a reason.
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles new vehicle warranty; 6 years/70,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, complimentary maintenance for one year or 12,000 miles.
- Final Assembly Location: East Liberty, Ohio.
- Manufacturer’s website: Acura