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2019 Acura RDX review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Acura RDX highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Upscale material finishing
  • Expansive cabin dimensions
  • Responsive steering and road handling

Cons

  • Single powertrain option
  • Feature upgrades are only available in packages

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 26 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

A luxury SUV in a compact package

Admired for its sharp handling, spacious cabin, and smart cargo features, the 2019 Acura RDX is a sophisticated five-passenger crossover for you if you're someone that seeks out life's luxuries. This model was redesigned for 2019 and ushers in the RDX's third and current generation. With it comes a handful of model enhancements, including a responsive powertrain and a more premium cabin with tech-savvy touches. Whether you are looking for a stylish vehicle to shuttle your family around or a high-end crossover to carry your clubs to the greens, this Acura SUV is an impeccable choice.

All Acura RDX years

What is new for the 2019 Acura RDX?

  • The RDX is available in a new trim called the A-Spec.
  • RDX trims have been upgraded with A/C Seat(s), Parking Sensors, Panoramic Sunroof, Leather & Suede Seats, Rear Seat Heaters, Heated Steering Wheel, Head Up Display, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, Turbo Charged Engine, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.

2019 Acura RDX trims

Curious how Acura RDX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • The Base trim includes standard features, such as 19-inch glitter silver-painted aluminum-alloy wheels, a one-touch panoramic tilt-and-sliding moonroof with a power sunshade, a height-programmable power tailgate, an acoustic windshield, and more.

Technology:

  • The Technology package adds 19-inch pewter gray-painted and machined-face aluminum-alloy wheels, a four-door smart-entry system, front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert, and more.

A-Spec:

  • The A-Spec package adds 20-inch shark-gray painted-aluminum-alloy wheels, LED fog lights and dark-tinted LED headlights, large-diameter exhaust finishers, A-Spec badges, and more.

Advance:

  • The Advance package adds 19-inch medium alloy silver-painted aluminum-alloy wheels, a satin-brushed stainless-steel tailgate garnish, a rear camera washer, a surround-view camera system, and more.

View all Acura RDXs in stock

Acura RDX photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Acura RDX

1. Sharper handling

Acura RDX Review: Tech Dash | CarMax

The 2019 Acura RDX comes standard with FWD, but an optional Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD) is available for more confident handling. This system works to deliver optimum torque to the front and rear axles, as well as the right and left rear wheels, designed for sharper responses in tough road conditions, especially when cornering on wet and dry roads. The 2019 RDX is also equipped with Agile Handling Assist, which selectively uses the brakes for more precise turning responses and overall control.

2. An updated engine for 2019

Acura RDX Review: Engine | CarMax

Equipped with a new direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, the third-generation (2019 onward) RDX is a little kinder on long journeys than the outgoing second-generation (2013–2018) RDX. With the FWD configuration, the 2019 2.0L model earns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (24 mpg combined), while 2018 FWD models with the larger 3.5L V6 earn an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).

The 2019 RDX also boasts Idle-Stop, which is designed to automatically turn off the engine when the vehicle stops and restarts it when the brake pedal is released.

3. Rich design features

Acura RDX Review: Backseats | CarMax

Whether cruising down the highway or parked in your driveway, the RDX will garner attention with its stylish design. The 2019 crossover sports a sophisticated diamond-pentagon grille and is flanked with sparkling standard LED headlights on all models. Inside the cabin, luxury reigns supreme with perforated Milano leather upholstery on 2019 Technology models and a perforated leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with larger paddle shifters on 2019 A-Spec grades. The front row also boasts a high-deck floating center console, which provides space underneath to store electric devices, purses, charging cords, and more.

4. Innovative tech

Acura RDX Review: Tech Dash | CarMax

All third-generation 2019 RDX models feature the Android-based Acura True Touchpad Interface™, which includes a 10.2-inch HD display that's paired to an intuitive touchpad for ease of use. Apple CarPlay® compatibility is also standard on all 2019 models, while Technology grades and above include a satellite-linked navigation system to help you find your way. Reverse parking is designed to feel effortless with the standard multi-angle rearview camera on all models. If you're looking for visibility, you can add a heads-up display and a surround-view-camera system to the 2019 RDX on Advance models.

5. Overflowing with space

Acura RDX Review: Trunk Cargo | CarMax

The 2019 RDX features a redesigned platform that's built for more interior space and comfort. This includes 15 percent more second-row knee space compared to 2018 models, as well as 38 inches of adult-friendly rear-seat legroom due to the 2019 model's 2.6-inch-longer wheelbase. If you need cargo room to carry luggage or bulky items, the 2019 RDX provides up to 76.9 cubic feet of volume with the second row folded. There's even a hidden storage compartment under the cargo floor that can hold up to 1.7 cubic feet of valuables.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2019 Acura RDX, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Honda CR-V

If you're not looking for all-out luxury, but want some great features, the Honda CR-V is an excellent choice. The trim-topping 2019 CR-V Touring includes a hands-free power liftgate and a navigation system with voice recognition for your convenience, as well as plush leather upholstery for a comfortable in-cabin experience. There are also some smart confidence-inspiring tech features on the 2019 Touring, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Utility is a strong point of the 2019 CR-V as well, with 39.2 cubic feet of trunk volume behind the rear seat, which can be folded to open up a total of 75.8 cubic feet of volume. 2019 Touring trims also come standard with roof rails for extra versatility.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Acura RDX an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Acura RDX 7th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Acura RDX

Acura RDX features and specs

Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

272

Torque (ft-lbs)

280

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

17.1

Wheelbase

108.3"

Overall length

186.8"

Width

74.8"

Height

65.7"

Leg room

F 41.6"/R 38.4"

Head room

F 39.6"/R 38.3"

Front tires

P235/55HR19

Rear tires

P235/55HR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Acura RDX FAQ

More about the 2019 Acura RDX

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Apex Blue Pearl

  • Canyon Bronze Metallic

  • Fathom Blue Pearl

  • Gun Metal Metallic

  • Lunar Silver Metallic

  • Majestic Black Pearl

  • Modern Steel Metallic

  • Performance Red Pearl

  • White Diamond Pearl

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