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2020 Acura RDX review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Acura RDX highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Roomy cabin with ample passenger seating
  • Crisp and responsive handling
  • Lots of technology-forward features

Cons

  • Options are only available in packages
  • Slower acceleration than rival small SUVs
  • Rivals offer further powertrain options

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 26 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

Power meets practicality

If you're looking for something fun and sporty don't overlook an SUV. If you want to enjoy a curvy road or feel the pull of a well-tuned turbocharged engine, consider the 2020 Acura RDX. Not only is the Acura RDX a luxury SUV with the bells and whistles, but its athletic chassis and powerful engine make it a lot of fun to drive. The RDX received a redesign in 2019 and it carries over for 2020 with the only change being the addition of another color choice: Platinum White.

All Acura RDX years

What is new for the 2020 Acura RDX?

  • The RDX is available in a new trim called the SH-AWD A-Spec.
  • RDX trims have been upgraded with Remote Start, Running Boards, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • Full Roof Rack, Tow Hitch, and DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.

2020 Acura RDX trims

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

Standard:

  • Includes dual-zone climate control, sport seats with leatherette trimmed interior, LED headlights, panoramic moonroof, heated seats, and more

  • View all Acura RDXs in stock

Technology Package:

  • Adds sports seats in premium leather, leather-trimmed interior, GPS-linked climate control, premium audio system, and navigation

A-Spec Package:

  • Adds dark chrome and lighting details, LED fog lights, A-Spec-specific exhaust, steering wheel, front and rear bumpers, sport pedals, and more

  • View all Acura RDX A-Specs in stock

Advance Package:

Acura RDX photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Acura RDX

1. Practical performance

2020 Acura RDX: Engine | CarMax

The handling characteristics and power of a sports car are alluring to be sure, but if you need a little more space for your family and their belongings, it makes sense to turn to the practicalities of an SUV. That said, the 2020 Acura RDX gives you the best of both worlds. Its turbocharged 2.0L engine, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, provides effortless acceleration, while its athletic chassis results in responsive handling that makes twisty roads all the more exciting. Nicely bolstered sport seats are standard and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is an available option, furthering the RDX's driving dynamics even more.

2. Cargo space

2020 Acura RDX: Backseats | CarMax

The 2020 RDX's sporty demeanor is complemented by its excellent cargo capacity and seating for up to five passengers besides. The 60/40-folding rear seat provides the flexibility to haul a lot of cargo and still have passengers sitting comfortably in the rear as well. Cargo capacity behind the rear seat is 29.5 cubic feet, while folding it flat provides a total area of 58.9 cubic feet of space.

3. Cutting edge tech

2020 Acura RDX: Tech Dash | CarMax

The 2020 Acura RDX is a sporty SUV that's loaded with the latest tech. The standard infotainment system is controlled by a unique seven-inch color touchscreen on the center console near the gear selector. Its ergonomic design and convenient location make it simple and easy to navigate the infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard features, as is adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

4. Super handling all-wheel drive

While not a standard feature, the optional all-wheel drive on the 2020 Acura RDX is a popular addition to this sporty SUV. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive not only inspires driving confidence when the road conditions turn poor but also boosts performance on dry road surfaces as well. Cornering is also improved with Acura's all-wheel-drive system as torque can be applied to a specific wheel or wheels to improve traction going into a corner at speed, giving your SUV more stability as you drive.

5. Simple model choices

Technically speaking, there are no trim levels to the 2020 Acura RDX, it comes well equipped in its standard configuration and there are three packages that can be tacked on that add additional features; these include the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages. The A-Spec package is mostly cosmetic, adding features like specific A-Spec sport seats in premium leather, red interior trim, and dark chrome exterior details. A 2020 RDX equipped with the Advance package adds convenient features that include automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED fog lights (also included with the A-Spec), ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2020 Acura RDX, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Acura MDX

Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is a luxury three-row SUV that recently received a refresh in 2017. Its cabin is finely appointed with premium materials and provides a quiet, comfortable ride. The standard engine in the 2017–2019 MDX is a 290-hp V6 engine. There's also a hybrid model powered by a 3.0L V6 available from 2017 onward. Those that feel Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are a must should look for a 2018 or newer model as they become standard in the 2018 model year. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system is also an option on the 2017–2019 MDX. The MDX is a good choice for families that are looking for something a little more upscale. Standard features on the 2017 Acura MDX include:

  • Collision-mitigation braking system

  • Lane-departure warning

  • Adaptive cruise control

  • LED headlights

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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

Technology 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • 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
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Remote Start
  • 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

186.7"

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

2020 Acura RDX FAQ

More about the 2020 Acura RDX

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Apex Blue Pearl (A-Spec Only)

  • Canyon Bronze Metallic

  • Fathom Blue Pearl

  • Gunmetal Metallic

  • Lunar Silver Metallic

  • Majestic Black Pearl

  • Modern Steel Metallic

  • Performance Red Pearl

  • Platinum White Pearl

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