Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
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Find all cars near me?Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Overall Rating
The new 2013 RDX gains a lot in exterior styling and interior comfort and refinement. The RDX now offers a plethora of advanced interior features, and the design has been made much more appealing and stands out.
The 2013 Acura RDX has been fully redesigned and now offers a better powered 3.5L V-6 engine. The engine has more horsepower at 273 and better fuel economy than the outgoing 2.3L inline-4. The car has better features like cylinder deactivation and even gets an all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox replacing the older 5-speed unit. The new variant of the RDX does not have the SH-AWD, although the newer system is just as capable, and is adapted from the Honda CR-V.
The new 2013 RDX gains a lot in exterior styling and interior comfort and refinement. The RDX now offers a plethora of advanced interior features, and the design has been made much more appealing and stands out. Though the newer setup loses some of the predecessor’s spirited handling capabilities, it is still quite responsive and is now a much better offering in the small crossover segment. The Acura RDX stands up to the likes of the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.
The Technology Package asks for a lot more money and doesn't offer any standout upgrades except Navigation, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. The base variant is the recommended choice. Since the car will not be coming with the SH-AWD, the front-wheel-drive will satisfy your performance needs.
Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The new 2013 RDX gains a lot in exterior styling and interior comfort and refinement. The RDX now offers a plethora of advanced interior features, and the design has been made much more appealing and stands out.
The 2013 Acura RDX has been fully redesigned and now offers a better powered 3.5L V-6 engine. The engine has more horsepower at 273 and better fuel economy than the outgoing 2.3L inline-4. The car has better features like cylinder deactivation and even gets an all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox replacing the older 5-speed unit. The new variant of the RDX does not have the SH-AWD, although the newer system is just as capable, and is adapted from the Honda CR-V.
The new 2013 RDX gains a lot in exterior styling and interior comfort and refinement. The RDX now offers a plethora of advanced interior features, and the design has been made much more appealing and stands out. Though the newer setup loses some of the predecessor’s spirited handling capabilities, it is still quite responsive and is now a much better offering in the small crossover segment. The Acura RDX stands up to the likes of the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.
The Acura RDX has been completely redesigned for 2013. The small luxury crossover SUV gets only two trims for 2013, base and Technology Package. Either trim is powered by a 3.5L V-6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The RDX comes standard with a front-wheel-drive, though an AWD is optionally available.
Trim |
Base |
Technology Package |
---|---|---|
MSRP (FWD) |
$34,320 |
$38,020 |
MSRP (AWD) |
$35,720 |
$39,420 |
Key Features |
18” wheels |
Everything on the base + |
|
Heated mirrors |
Xenon headlamps |
|
Rear privacy glass |
Fog lights |
|
Automatic headlights |
Power liftgate |
|
Sunroof |
Navigation system |
|
Rear-view camera |
Automatic climate control |
|
Dual-zone climate control |
10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound Audio |
|
8-way power driver’s seat |
|
Leather upholstery |
||
7-speaker sound system |
We Recommend
The Technology Package asks for a lot more money and doesn't offer any standout upgrades except Navigation, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. The base variant is the recommended choice. Since the car will not be coming with the SH-AWD, the front-wheel-drive will satisfy your performance needs.
While the previous iteration of the car came powered with an inline-4 turbocharged motor, it has reverted to a 3.5L V-6 from 2013 onwards. The engine has better throttle response and horsepower than the previous motor and also has a much better fuel economy.
The V-6 engine makes 273 horsepower and 251 foot-pounds of torque. The six-speed automatic gearbox provides sleek shifting and a seamless drive. The basic AWD system on the car does take a bit away from the RDX’s outstanding cornering capability of the past.
Model |
Acura RDX SH AWD |
Audi Q5 |
BMW X3 |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$35,720 |
$35,900 |
$38,850 |
Engine |
3.5L V-6 |
2.0L inline-4 Turbocharged |
2.0L inline-4 Turbocharged |
Drivetrain |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Power |
273 hp @ 6200 rpm |
211 hp @ 4300 rpm |
240 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Torque |
251 ft-lbs. @ 5000 rpm |
258 ft-lbs. @ 1500 rpm |
260 ft-lbs. @ 1250 rpm |
0-60 mph (seconds) |
6.4 |
7.5 |
6.9 |
Quarter-mile (seconds) |
14.9 |
15.7 |
15.2 |
Top Speed (mph) |
136 |
139 |
136 |
Comparing the power output amongst the German competition, the RDX has the largest motor and the best power output. Unsurprisingly, the Acura RDX is also the fastest to get to the 60 mph mark as well as the quarter-mile. The BMW is also quite well powered and comes with a rear-wheel-drive as standard. When comparing the price, BMW X3 is the most expensive option on the block.
The 2013 Acura RDX has a V-6, which is surprisingly quite a bit more efficient than the previous model. The Honda sourced motor has the delectable refinement and the rugged lasting character expected from Japanese cars. The V-6 also has the cylinder deactivation system to help with maximizing the fuel economy. The Acura RDX gives 20 mpg in cities, 28 mpg on highways, and 23 mpg combined. Adding the all-wheel-drive takes away 1 mpg from urban, highway, and city figures each.
Model |
Acura RDX |
Audi Q5 |
BMW X3 |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) (mpg) |
20 |
20 |
21 |
MPG (Highway) (mpg) |
28 |
28 |
28 |
MPG (Combined) (mpg) |
23 |
23 |
24 |
Fuel Capacity (gallon) |
16.0 |
19.8 |
17.7 |
Range (City/Hwy) |
320/448 |
396/554 |
372/496 |
The 2013 Acura RDX does have the smallest fuel tank of the lot, with just 16 gallons of capacity. The Audi Q5 has the largest tank, which gives it the capability to go over 450 miles after a fill-up. The Acura has the lowest range of the lot, with the ability to reach just 380 miles on a full tank. With 24 mpg of combined mileage, BMW X3 is the most frugal of the lot.
Accents in the Acura RDX’s interiors are now more mature and better styled. Tacky and glossy finished chrome accents have been replaced with matte finished decorations.
The newer model has better fit and finish and even offers interiors comparable with the likes of Audi, Mercedes, and Lexus. The front seats are rather spacious and comfortable, while the rear seats are a bit cramped, although they still can fit larger passengers.
Model |
Acura RDX |
Audi Q5 |
BMW X3 |
---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
38.7/58.7/42.1 |
39.4/57.7/41.1 |
40.7/57.3/39.9 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
38.2/57.2/38.2 |
39.0/56.4/37.4 |
39.1/56.0/36.8 |
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
26.1 |
29.1 |
27.6 |
The 2013 Acura RDX offers the most legroom in the competition, though the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 are better in terms of headroom. Comparing storage space, the Acura RDX has the least boot space in the competition. Audi Q5 manages to provide the most cargo space of 29.1 cubic feet. Some standout interior features of the car are:
The Acura RDX gets a wide variety of high tech features. Basic ones include AM/FM/CD layer, an iPod audio system, and even a USB port. Other features include Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio.
The Technology Package adds a navigation system and a 410-watt 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround sound system. The basic sound system in the car is a 7-speaker setup. Some standout infotainment features in the car are:
The all-new 2013 Acura RDX is now completely different with fresh and refined exteriors. The RDX is no more the SUV meant for the driver and is instead being offered for families and to compete better with its German small-SUV rivals. The design is stylish yet not flashy or too gaudy.
The bright chrome grille stands bang in the center, though it does remain in proportion. The RDX looks like a smaller vehicle owing to its smooth curves and sleek proportions. The SUV even has stick-out fenders, which give it some off-road capability.
Model |
Acura RDX |
Audi Q5 |
BMW X3 |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3838 |
4079 |
4112 |
Length (in.) |
183.5 |
182.6 |
183.0 |
Width (in.) |
73.7 |
74.0 |
74.1 |
Height (in.) |
66.1 |
65.2 |
65.4 |
Ground Clearance (in.) |
8.1 |
7.9 |
N/A |
Wheelbase (in.) |
105.7 |
110.5 |
110.6 |
The 2013 Acura RDX has the shortest wheelbase in the competition, although in overall length, it does make up a bit. Considering the weight of the car, the capably designed and optimized frame by Honda is the lightest of the lot, though the Acura RDX does offer a lower ground clearance, which takes away from its off-road capability. Some standout exterior features in the car are:
NHTSA has not tested the vehicle for crashworthiness, and the IIHS has only conducted a partial test. The Acura RDX gets a “Good” in front and side-impact tests, though it gets only “Marginal” in roof strength. Acura does include some of the most advanced features in the market, though a lot of features that competitors offer are not even available in the Technology Package. Some standout safety features in the car are:
The 2013 Acura RDX has redesigned itself to now be a car meant for the family buyer more than the driver. It nevertheless is much more responsive and fuel-efficient, and with Honda’s reliable V-6, it is sure to last for quite a bit. The car offers some well-outfitted and comfortable interiors, and some techno-savvy features. The car does lack some of the safety features that its competitors offer. Overall the Acura RDX offers much better value for money than the German cars, and as such, is highly recommended.