2021 Acura RDX Review

The third-generation Acura RDX made a solid first impression since its debut in 2018. Over the years, it has transformed into an impressive package that provides great safety features, dependability, comfortability, and finally, the best value for money. Today, the Acura RDX continues to wow with its sharp, angular A-Spec styling and its nimble all-wheel-drive performance. If that isn’t enough to get you interested, the 2021 RDX also earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the last version a Top Safety Pick.

If you’re interested in test driving a 2021 Acura RDX after reading the review, contact Dick Hannah Acura of Portland. A friendly sales associate will gladly take you on a 2021 Acura ILX automobile test drive or road test.

Highs

• Well-made premium compact crossover
• Plenty of standard equipment
• Reasonable pricing
• Relatively powerful engine
• Top safety scores
• Roomy cabin

What’s New

For the 2021 model year, the RDX is mostly the same as it ever was, meaning there’s a lot to love.

Pricing

Acura offers the RDX in one trim but provides several distinct packages to jazz it up.

Also, Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel-drive is available for $2000. If you want better audio, navigation, and fancier leather-trimmed seats, we recommend upgrading to the technology package for an extra $3,200.

• FWD: $39,445
• SH – AWD: $41,225

2021 Acura RDX Engine & Performance

Under the hood, you’ll see a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that peaks at 272 horsepower paired nicely with a 10-speed automatic transmission—all allowing 280 pound-feet of torque. The standard front-wheel-drive should be enough for city use, but an upgrade to all-wheel drive is available if you find yourself needing a boost. On-road tests and test drives, the 2021 Acura RDX showed a sweet combination of responsiveness, excellent acceleration, confident handling, and good fuel economy, making it a great choice in the luxury mid-size SUV segment. The torque-vectoring SH-AWD system also helped the RDX change directions quickly and was backed by precise-feeling steering.

Interior & Tech

One look inside, and you can see that the 2021 Acura RDX delivers a sportier experience than something like a Honda CR-V. That comes as no surprise because Acura has always presented as Honda’s sophisticated counterpart. The A-Spec package (shown below) has comfortable sporty red seats and several other exclusive styling bits. The installed in the cabin, you’ll find more desirable standard features such as ambient lighting, power-adjustable, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control – all to enhance the Acura experience.

The 2021 Acura RDX has a 10.2 touch screen mounted high on the dashboard. It’s intuitive and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and Wi-Fi hotspot. The technology package upgrade adds built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and more. The touch screen can also be operated via touchpad on the center console.

The 2021 Acura RDX has a versatile and intuitive cargo system. A small handle on the outboard seats easily releases the back row and lays it flat. Alternatively, you can lower the seat backs from the cargo hold using the secondary releases. The space can easily accommodate up to eight carry-on bags with the seats up and 22 with the seats folded down. Additional storage compartments can be found under the cargo area mat.

Safety & Driver-Assistance

As mentioned before, the 2021 RDX earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the last version a Top Safety Pick. All models come with a host of standard driver-assistance technology. Additional assists like rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross-traffic alert are available with the Technology package.

Key Features

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty

• The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

In Conclusion

If you are looking for a versatile sporty yet sophisticated mid-size SUV with excellent safety ratings and fun, confident handling, we recommend you give the 2021 Acura RDX a look. It’s an outstanding, tried-and-true automobile for today’s modern lifestyle that comes at an affordable price. Don’t just take our word for it; visit Dick Hannah Acura of Portland for a friendly test drive/road test and try it out yourself. Thanks for reading our review of the new 2021 Acura ILX. It is genuinely an amazing mid-size SUV with the best value for the price.