MSRP: $33,895 - $37,195
Invoice: $31,164 - $34,190
MPG: 17 City / 22 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.4
Performance:8.7
Exterior:7.4
Interior:7.7
Safety:9.9
Reliability:7.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Drives like a sports sedan
  • Loaded with high-tech standard features
  • Comfortable, supportive seating for four adults
  • Limited off-roading and towing capabilities
  • Poor-quality cabin materials
  • Hard-to-see digital readouts in dashboard
  • Poor fuel economy

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Acura RDX - What the Auto Press Says

The RDX provides a good combination of sporty performance and a comfortable, high-tech cabin. With standard all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, it's a worthy -- and less costly -- competitor to the high-performing BMW X3. However, the X3 boasts better fuel economy.

Test drivers thoroughly enjoy driving the 2009 Acura RDX, with most praising the fact that it drives more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Most are also impressed with the RDX's high-tech features, most of which are standard. "We think the RDX proves that driving fun doesn't necessarily take a back seat when you have to buy a sport utility," says MarketWatch. "If you're in the market, this SUV's well worth a test drive." However, reviewers are disappointed in the RDX's poor fuel economy and surprisingly low-quality cabin materials. The RDX receives only minor updates for 2009, including the availability of four new exterior colors and a standard four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat.

The RDX comes in two trim levels -- the base and the RDX with Technology Package, which adds such high-tech features as a navigation system, real-time traffic system, and premium sound system.

  • "Acura's stylish little SUV marries a hard-working turbo four with a smart-driving package that is basically a five-door sports car. The flinty chassis delivers fun but also a head-tossing ride. The BMW X3 is a better compromise, although the RDX impresses with its styling and features." -- Car and Driver
  • "RDX aims to be as sporty and upscale as Acura's TSX compact sedan, which it is. But the choice of a turbo 4-cylinder engine is debatable for a small SUV, especially one that starts at more than $33,000. Acura's record for reliability and resale strength help offset premium pricing, but RDX comes across as more a marketing tactic than a strong value, even among premium compact SUVs." -- Consumer Guide
  • "The RDX just didn't elicit the emotional experience I like to get from driving a vehicle. Competitive models like the BMW X3 require more from the driver and provide more of a connection with the road. However, if you want an 'automatic vehicle' where everything is managed for you in a certain range, then RDX fits the bill." -- Chicago Sun-Times
  • "The Acura RDX is unique in the sense it addresses many consumer issues: You've got higher-up seating found in a SUV, but the look of a smaller crossover that handles like a sporty sedan." -- The Auto Channel 

RDX Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)

The 2009 Acura RDX is stands out for its lively turbocharged engine, sporty handling and standard all-wheel drive. In fact, test drivers like its performance so much that they compare it to the BMW X3. "In road tests, we've found that the Acura RDX drives like a sport sedan," says Edmunds. "It's quick and extremely nimble through corners." While several test drivers like the four-cylinder engine, they have a specific complaint about acceleration. Read More

RDX Exterior - 7.4 (Good)

The 2009 Acura RDX's exterior styling receives mixed reviews. "Though a few angles make it look a bit odd, especially anything low that catches the oddly-upswept front end in profile, the RDX presents a handsome overall image," says Motor Authority. "It will probably win a lot of fans that simply aren't turned on by the staid Germans." Read More

RDX Interior - 7.7 (Good)

The 2009 RDX's cabin receives good reviews for its comfort and high-tech features. However, it falls short on ease of use and even more on quality of materials. "Actually the only area that garnered any real reaction from me was the less than satisfying materials and interior design," says the Chicago Sun-Times. "The logos and nameplates on the inside said Acura but looked and felt like Suzuki." Read More

RDX Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Acura RDX performs extremely well in federal government crash tests. It also earns rave reviews for its impressive standard safety gear, including standard all-wheel drive. Read More

RDX Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 Acura RDX reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The RDX comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 8/25/09