Acura RDX Review 2026: Good Luxury Deal?

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Acura

RDX

Acura | Premium | SUV

In this Acura RDX Review, we break down what to expect from the 2026 Acura RDX as a value-minded luxury SUV that leans more sporty than plush. It pairs standard SH-AWD with a 272-hp turbo four and a roomy, well-equipped cabin, even if it does not feel as rich as some pricier rivals.

The 2026 Acura RDX is a great choice if you want a small SUV that won’t break the bank. It doesn’t have as nice an interior as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class or the BMW X3, but it’s still a fun ride and costs a lot less to buy than those SUVs. It comes with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower. The handling is quick, but we don’t like how soft the stop pedal feels. The cabin has enough space for everyone in both rows of seats, and it features many useful, high-tech features, such as a 10.2-inch infotainment screen that can be controlled via a touchpad on the center armrest or used as a touchscreen. The RDX is a high-end SUV that doesn’t cost a lot if you don’t mind how plain it looks.

What's New?

This is not a mid-cycle update, but a timing issue. Acura has already talked publicly about a next-generation RDX moving toward a hybrid direction, and the company has said production of the current RDX will be suspended later in 2026 in anticipation of that shift. That does not change what the 2026 RDX is, but it can affect how you shop, especially if certain trims or colors get harder to find as the year progresses.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 10.2-inch touchscreen is placed high on the dashboard of every RDX. A touchpad on the center panel can also be used to control it. We needed some time to adjust to it. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all built into the RDX. The Technology package, which is extra, comes with an ELS Studio music system with 12 speakers, USB ports in the back seats, and built-in navigation.

Engine and Performance

The RDX has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 272 horsepower. It comes with an automatic transmission with 10 speeds and all-wheel drive, or “SH-AWD” in Acura speak. Most drivers find it easy to get the RDX to move away from stoplights at low speeds. In some cars, the transmission can downshift faster when the driver uses the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The RDX’s turbocharged engine makes a high-pitched growl when accelerating quickly, just like the NSX, which is no longer being made. Many of those sounds, though, come from the audio system and are sent into the cabin through the speakers. The RDX we tried came with 20-inch wheels and adaptive dampers, which let you change how the car rides. Our test car was never unpleasant or noisy, but on the roughest roads, it couldn’t protect the inside from major impacts. Along with precise-feeling handling, the torque-vectoring SH-AWD technology enabled the RDX to change direction quickly. The RDX we tried is very well balanced. The stop pedal’s uneven firmness and sensitivity made the ride less enjoyable.

The A-Spec model got to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds on our test track, which is about average for small luxury SUVs.

Fuel Economy

The 2025 model got up to 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg overall, but the EPA hasn’t yet released fuel-economy figures for the 2026 RDX. As part of our thorough testing process, we put an RDX A-Spec through our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route. It got 26 mpg, which matches the EPA’s estimate. Visit the EPA website to learn more about the RDX’s fuel efficiency.

Safety Features

Different types of driver-assistance technology come standard on all cars, but the Technology package adds extras. Some of these include blind-spot recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, and front- and rear-parking sensors. Visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) websites to learn more about the RDX’s crash test findings. The following are important safety features:

Automatic emergency braking, along with a standard forward collision alert.
Standard lane exit warning and help staying in your lane
It comes with adaptive speed control.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

There are a lot of buttons, a touchpad, and a large rotary drive-mode selection in the middle of the center stack. The model we looked at had flashy red seats and other style cues exclusive to the A-Spec. The RDX doesn’t look too fancy, even though it’s well-built and comes with basic but nice features. While driving the Honda CR-V is more relaxed, the Acura is more exciting. The seat is low enough for drivers to be comfortable and high enough for SUV fans to be happy. The cabin doesn’t feel tacky or cheap. The second row can be removed from the back of the cargo hold, and the back row can be folded flat using handles on each side of the back seats. We could fit eight carry-on bags in the back of the RDX with the seats up. For 22 bags, we could fold the seats down.

Other cars, like the BMW X3, can tow more than 4,000 pounds, while the RDX can only tow 1,500 pounds.

Price and How to Choose

Acura’s RDX could cost between $46,450 and $56,200 in 2026, depending on the model and options. We suggest the Technology model instead, which has a better sound system, GPS, more luxurious leather-trimmed seats, and other features. The A-Spec model, on the other hand, is expensive and doesn’t offer any significant performance gains. People who want adjustable dampers and a head-up display will have to pay more for the Advance grade, which significantly increases the price.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Standard SH-AWD and a 272-hp turbo engine give it confident, sporty everyday driving.
Handling feels sharp and balanced for the segment, especially in A-Spec and higher trims.
Cabin space is generous for a small luxury SUV, with comfortable room in both rows.
Technology trim delivers the most useful upgrades, including the ELS Studio audio and built-in navigation.
Strong suite of standard driver-assist features makes it an easy daily driver.

Cons

Touchpad-based infotainment control has a learning curve and can feel distracting at first.
Brake pedal feel can be inconsistent, which takes away from the otherwise polished drive.
Interior materials and design are not as rich as top rivals like the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC.
No hybrid option is offered, which matters if you are prioritizing fuel savings.
Limited towing capacity at 1,500 pounds makes it more of a commuter than a gear hauler.