ACURA RDX Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Acura introduced a facelift for the third generation of the RDX in 2021 as a model 2022, and it made it more dynamic than before.

After more than half a million units sold between 2006 and 2021, the carmaker decided to give the RDX a bump to boost its sales, even though it was only two-year-old. While some changes added visual updates, there were others that improved the car’s handling.

The RDX was the most agile SUV in the carmaker’s stable, and it tried to match its performance with an adequate design. Its pentagonal grille featured thinner chromed surroundings and an option for LED fog lights. The car featured round exhausts at the back for the A-Spec model, while the rest of the range received rectangular ones. The carmaker installed 19,” or 20” light-alloy wheels with five, ten, or 15 spoke design.

For the interior, the most important changes were barely visible, but they included additional paddings on the ceiling, dashboard, and firewall. Thus, the cabin was quieter than before, adding more comfort for passengers’ ears. The rear doors also received sound-deadening materials and acoustic glass.

Under the hood, the carmaker opted for the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, but with a cold-idle speed lowered at 950 rpm instead of 1,100 rpm as before. In addition, a retuned adaptive suspension system included a four-setting switch that allowed the car better handling depending on the driver’s needs and road conditions.

Acura unveiled the third generation of the RDX at the 2018 New York International Auto Show and went from bald to the bold design.

Honda's premium brand Acura was an excellent choice for the premium SUV compact segment. The carmaker entirely made its design in the U.S., and that was a big step forward. It also showcased the trend for future Acura products.

From the outside, the grille looked dynamic. Besides its watermelon-sized badge, the grille sported a 3D mesh that looked like Star Trek warp lines. Its angular Jewel Eye headlights used seven LEDs instead of five as on its predecessor. The raked windshield continued with a slightly sloped-down roofline ended into a raked-forward windscreen in the back.

Inside, the carmaker installed an NSX-inspired instrument panel with two large dials that flanked a center LCD and two digital gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. On top of the center stack, Honda installed a 10.2" full-HD center display accessed via a touch-pad mounted high atop the center console. Fortunately, the carmaker used a physical volume turn-knob on the driver's side. The high-bolstered front bucket seats provided good support while high-speed cornering, while the flat-folding rear bench increased the trunk size from 28.9 cu-ft (818 liters) to a cavernous 58.9 cu-ft (1,668 liters) with the seatback folded.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit paired to the SH-AWD system via a ten-speed automatic gearbox.

Launched at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, the facelift for the second generation of the Acura RDX impressed due to its high luxury interior and important safety features.

Acura introduced the first generation of the compact-size SUV RDX in 2006. It was based on the proven platform of the Honda CR-V and it kept it that way to the second generation as well. Its qualities were from the start of a comprehensive package that included safety and comfort features. The second generation came in 2012 and switched from the 2.3-liter turbocharged engines to the smoother 3.5-liter V6, which kept it for all trim levels.

The changes applied in 2015 were big, especially for the look. It featured a new front fascia with standard LED headlights and a new bumper. The grille was modified according to a new 3D concept. In the rear, a new set of taillights and a new bumper improved the look from behind.

Inside, the driver received a 4.2” TFT display in the instrument cluster. The top trim level, named Advance, received the AcuraWatch safety package as standard, while it was available as an option on the other versions. It included Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and multi-view rear camera with cross-traffic alert.

The engine was revamped and received 6 additional horsepower when compared to the non-facelifted version, reaching to 279hp. More important was the better fuel-efficiency achieved by the 2016 version, due to the new Variable Cylinder Management system, which shuts of cylinders on steady driving situations. The RDX featured a standard 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive, while the all-wheel-drive system was included in the options list.

ntroduced for the first time in 2013, the RDX was the best selling model in the class.

The compact premium utility from Acura was well made and well equipped and it was based on the Honda’s CR-V platform, however, it featured a more upscale interior and more powerful engines.

The RDX was among the few compact SUV’s to offer a standard V6 engine. The 3.5-liter V6 unit that cranked out 279 hp and 252 lb.-ft of torque.

An extensive list of standard features were included and three optional packages were available: the AcuraWatch Plus, the Technology and the Advance package.

The AcuraWatch Plus offered driver assist equipment, the Technology added an upgraded audio system, a navigation system and sport seats. The more expensive Advance package included the features of the first two packages mentioned and added vented seats and remote engine start.

A standard front-wheel-drive system was included, however, customer could choose the optional all-wheel-drive system.

The standard RDX included 18-inch wheels, a rearview camera, LED headlights, cruise control, keyless entry and keyless go, a power liftgate, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, an USB port, an auxiliary audio jack and a 7-speaker audio system.

Generous interior room was included in the package, offering impressive should and legroom for all occupants.

Perfect for daily driving, the RDX provided a high level of comfort and increased safety.

Acura introduced its smallest crossover model at the 2006 New York International Auto Show for the 2007 model-year, thus entering competition against other premium compact vehicles in that segment.

The Japanese automaker described its new model as a 24/7 CUV for urban activities and beyond. But there was some truth behind that marketing line since the new model in Acura's lineup was backed up by Honda's first turbocharged and intercooled gasoline engine.

Thanks to a new design language, the 2007 RDX featured a slim V-shaped upper grille adorned with four dents, making it look like a shark mouth. This air intake was flanked by angular-looking headlights with a narrower inner side toward's the car's center. On the lower side of the bumper, the automaker added not one but two additional air intakes needed to cool the said intercooler and other mechanical parts fitted on the bottom of the engine bay. The RDX's profile showed a sporty look, with a generous window area and a raked-forward tailgate adorned by a roof spoiler at the top.

Inside, depending on the trim level, the RDX boasted a pair of bolstered seats at the front and a split-folding bench in the back fit for three adults on short jaunts. The automaker added the sat-nav system on the center stack, depending on the trim level, the HVAC controls, and the stereo. In front of the driver, the binocular-style instrument panel was arranged into three separate clusters where the speedometer took center stage, flanked on the left by the tachometer and water temperature, and on the right by the fuel-level gauge and the automatic transmission lights.

Thanks in part to its intelligent all-wheel drive system (named SH-AWD), the RDX could surprise bystanders with its about six-second acceleration time from zero to 60 mph (0-97 kph), although Acura was reluctant to provide an official figure for that test.