• 2013

• 2012 Acura RDX

• Used Acura RDX
• Repairs Acura RDX

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Acura RDX U.S. News Best Cars 7.7
Critics' Rating:	7.8
Performance:	8.2
Interior:	7.3
Safety:	9.3
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Great handling
• Lots of high-tech features
• Powerful turbocharged engine

• Cheap cabin materials
• Engine has delayed acceleration
• Poor fuel economy

Research Other Years

• 2013 Acura RDX
• 2011 Acura RDX
• 2010 Acura RDX
• 2009 Acura RDX
• 2008 Acura RDX
• 2007 Acura RDX

The 2012 Acura RDX has a low price for its class, nimble handling and plenty of standard features, but you might find its engine that is slow off the line, poor fuel economy and cheap interior hard to live with.

On paper, the 2012 Acura RDX is the obvious choice for shoppers looking for an SUV. It is one of the least expensive models in the class, has a turbocharged engine and a bunch of standard features, like heated, leather-trimmed front seats and a rearview camera. However, test drivers start to dislike the Acura RDX when the turbocharged engine hesitates, they see their poor fuel economy and notice that the cabin has too many hard plastics.

Consumer Guide says these faults make the RDX a poor value for the money, but if you want a lot of features without the high price tag that comes with similarly-equipped small luxury SUVs, choosing the RDX could be worth it, especially if all you're looking for is a luxury badge.

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

The Volvo XC60 costs about as much as the RDX, but you’ll get more cargo and passenger space for your money. However, you will pay more to equip the XC60 with the same features as the base RDX because heated front seats, leather-trimmed seats and a rearview camera aren’t standard on the XC60.

The Audi Q5 is more expensive than the RDX, but the automotive press loves nearly everything about it. It has some of the highest fuel economy ratings in the class, even with its standard all-wheel drive. The Q5 also has a cabin that is classy, comfortable and well-equipped. Add to that exceptional performance from its base engine, and it may be hard to pass up the Q5 after you test drive it.

Details: Acura RDX

The 2012 Acura RDX is available in two trims: base and base with the technology package. All-wheel drive is optional on each trim. This year, the RDX doesn’t see any significant changes.

See the full list of 2012 Acura RDX specs.

• "The RDX continues into 2012 with a sport-luxury formula that makes this one of the more entertaining small crossovers to drive." -- Car and Driver
• "While RDX is among the least expensive premium-compact SUVs, its non-linear power delivery, stiff ride, and subpar cabin appointments make it a weak value in this class." -- Consumer Guide