Used 2018 Acura RDX for sale 

The 2018 Acura RDX is a five-seater luxury SUV and is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine. There are no trims to choose from but Acura has equipped the RDX with five optional packages which might be termed as "trim levels". The AcuraWatch Plus package adds driver-assist features while the Technology package includes a 10-speaker sound system, navigation, and sports seats. The Advance package bundles all the packages together and adds additional luxury features such as ventilated seats and a remote ignition start. FWD layout is offered as standard while the AWD layout is an optional feature.

Confused? We will help you find the best trim

Go with the fully loaded RDX with the Advance package and all-wheel drive as it is barely more expensive than the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class. The Advance package adds a plethora of driver assistance features along with infotainment techs.

The 2018 Acura RDX is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is the biggest among its competitors. The engine produces 279-hp along with 252 lb-ft of torque. While the engine of this size generally produces way above 300-hp, sadly for the RDX, it has to make do with a sub-300 horsepower output.

The engine is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission which is electronically controlled to engage with the best possible gear at a particular speed. The transmission is smooth and quick and you would hardly notice the upshift or downshift of the gearing system. The power is transferred to the front wheels as standard, but you have an option to choose the all-wheel-drive variant. The refinement levels of the motor are excellent and even under a full load, it keeps its performance intact.

The 2018 Acura has the biggest engine in the comparison and thus has the highest power output. But it does lack pulling power, like the 2018 Lincoln MKC since it provides a peak torque of 275 lb-ft which is the highest among the competitors on the list. Except for the Acura RDX, all the other vehicles are equipped with 2.0-liter turbocharged in-line 4 engines. Thus the power output is very similar to each other.

Acceleration

This engine setup assists in the quick acceleration of the vehicle. The Acura RDX reaches the 60-mph mark from a standstill in just 6.2 seconds. A similar performance is seen in the quarter-mile acceleration, where the RDX covers the distance in 14.8--seconds. These are impressive numbers for a vehicle of its size and weight. Along with that, the RDX has a decent top speed of 125-mph. 

The Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum is very close to the RDX in terms of acceleration, while the Lincoln MKC is the slowest of them all with a 0-60-mph acceleration time of 7.1-seconds. The BMW X3 sDrive 30i has the highest top speed of 155-mph while the Volvo tops out at 140-mph.

Braking and Handling

Every 2018 Acura RDX comes standard with the front-wheel-drive and an optional all-wheel drive. The midsize SUV however, behaves like a front-wheel-drive until challenged on slippery condition that requires extra traction from the rear wheels. The handling, however, feels composed and secure when driving through turns and the response from the steering is excellent with minimal feedback from the road.

The Acura RDX stops from 60 mph in 122 feet, which is average for the class. There is also a noticeable amount of nosedive while continuous stops and the all-season tires make a quiet cabin noisy when ABS is applied.

Towing Capacity

With a towing capacity of 1,500-pounds, the 2018 Acura RDX will help you take care of smaller chores that you cannot do with a sedan. It has the least towing capacity in the class and if your need requires towing small boats or ATVs then go with the BMW X3 since it is rated to tow a maximum of 4,409-pounds.

Even after housing a bigger engine as compared to its competitors, the 2018 Acura RDX is decent on fuel efficiency. It provides a fuel economy of 19-mpg in the city which is improved to 27-mpg on the highway. Thus combined together, the RDX provides a mileage of a decent 22-mpg. Considering the size of the vehicle, the Acura RDX does a pretty good job. These figures are for the FWD variant, as the AWD model would see a further drop in the fuel economy. The fuel tank capacity of the SUV is not the largest in the segment. With just 16-gallons of fuel storage capacity, the RDX can provide a maximum range of 432-miles. 

The BMW X3 xDrive 30i proves to be the most efficient SUV on the list. It provides a combined mileage of 26-mpg which is an amazing number for an SUV. This is followed by Volvo XC60 and Lincoln MKC with 24-mpg and 23-mpg respectively. With the largest fuel tank of 18.8-gallons onboard, the Volvo provides the maximum range of 545-miles. 

The new Acura RDX manages to strike a perfect balance between comfort and interior features which makes life easier inside the cabin. As we enter the front row, we see a padded steering wheel with what seems like a zillion buttons all over it. But this provides every control you need at your fingertips as you drive. The front seats are well padded and feel comfortable, but could improve on the lateral support provided to the driver.

The driver seat has a 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger enjoys an 8-way power adjustment. The driver sits high above the floor to get a clear view in front. It is the same scenario when we move to the second row. The flat seats are high and along with the flat floor, the rear passengers sit comfortably. 

The 2018 Acura RDX provides multiple features as standard, like ventilated seats, a ten-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, manual tilt/telescoping steering column, remote keyless entry, and many more. Thus the RDX is a complete package which makes it perfect as a family SUV. All the passengers and drivers have more than enough headroom and legroom for a comfortable long ride. The rear passengers enjoy best-in-class shoulder room and thus not have to crouch to adjust themselves at the back. Here is the list of all the standard features that are available in the 2018 Acura RDX:

• 10-way power-adjustable driver seat
• Ventilated & Heated Front seats
• Power Rear Windows
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Memory Settings on Driver Seat and Door Mirrors
• Air Filtration

Infotainment

With the standard setup, the infotainment system in the 2018 Acura RDX gets a single 8-inch touchscreen display integrated into the upper side of the dashboard. But like most of its competitors, the RDX’s infotainment system does support smartphone integration using the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is a major downfall of the infotainment system. Along with that, you get a seven-speaker audio system, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Pandora music streaming, and MP3/auxiliary input jack. 

You have the option to upgrade the system with a Technology Package which adds a second 7-inch touchscreen display below the first one. The package also adds a few more features to the infotainment system like navigation, voice control, Acuralink app for smartphone connectivity, and Aha app for movie streaming. The Technology package upgrades the sound system to a 10-speaker ELS sound system which provides better quality audio. The addition of the second touch screen makes the operation of the infotainment system complicated, but once you get a hang of it, it becomes easier to use. Here is the list of features that are provided in the new Acura RDX’s information system:

• Dual touchscreen display
• ELS Studio Premium Audio System with 10 speakers
• Siri Eyes Free
• Bluetooth 
• Aha compatibility
• HD Radio 
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• AcuraLink Next Generation
• Pandora capability
• USB audio interface w/iPod integration

Cargo Space

The 2018 Acura RDX can comfortably accommodate a decent amount of luggage for five passengers in its trunk. Along with the best-in-class spacing for the passengers, the RDX has a generous cargo space measuring 26.1 cu-ft behind the second seat. With the rear seats folded, the cargo space increases to 61.3 cu-ft.

The Lincoln MKC has a decent 25.2 cubic feet behind the second row, but the BMW X3 xDrive 30i leads the competition with 28.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats which increases to 62.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Volvo XC60 has the best cargo capacity among all the competitors on the list and proves to be the most practical one.

The 2018 Acura RDX carries forward the same design updated back in 2016. But with the addition of Jewel Eye LED headlights, the front supports a relatively fresh design. The RDX looks similar to its bigger brother, the Acura MDX but with a shorter length. The design is not something that would turn a lot of heads on the road but seems to be well put together. 

The front three-dimensional grille is not that great looking, as compared to the five-sided grille available on other Acura models. At the rear we see LED taillamps extending on the liftgate. The roof is high and runs straight to the rear, thus providing better hearing for the rear passengers. The sides are pretty clean with power auto-dimming rearview mirrors and 18-inch aluminum wheels completing the look of the vehicle

The 2018 Acura RDX is not the heaviest among its competitors weighing at around 3946-pounds, while the Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum weighs the maximum at 4109-pounds. The Acura RDX has the shortest wheelbase among the competitors along with a decent overall length of 184.4-in. It is also not as wide as the Volvo and also has a lower height. The Acura RDX sits close to the ground at 5.4-in. While it may help in lowering the center of gravity for better handling, the SUV would struggle to tackle the uneven off-road terrains. Here is the list of some of the exterior features of the 2018 Acura RDX:

• Sunroof
• Speed Sensitive Rain Detecting Wipers
• 18-inch Aluminium Wheels
•  Rear privacy glass 
• Power Liftgate
• Daytime Running Lights
• LED Brakelights

The Acura RDX has a great track record when it comes to providing safety in case of an accident. The vehicle has high structural integrity which has helped it achieve an overall 5-star rating in the NHTSA Crash Test. Along with that, the IIHS has also awarded the 2018 Acura RDX as its Top Safety Pick in the midsize luxury SUV segment. The RDX is also equipped with various safety features and driver-assistive technologies to avoid accidents in the first place. Here is the list of all the key safety features provided in the 2018 Acura RDX:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Driveline Traction Control
• ABS 
• Blind Spot Information System
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) 
• Side Impact Beams
• Collision Mitigation Braking System 
• Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Back-Up Camera

Acura RDX vs BMW X3 xDrive 30i

The BMW X3 offers more cargo capacity and sporty performance. It also offers an optional turbocharged engine with up to 300 horsepower, unlike the 2018 Acura RDX which only comes with one engine specification. The X3 also handles well and feels nimble around corners.

The RDX is priced several thousand dollars less than the BMW and when equipped with the Advance package it matches the X3’s performance and still costs a couple of thousand dollars less. Driving enthusiasts would love the X3’s sporty demeanor but the RDX is also a good SUV to go with.

Acura RDX vs Volvo XC60 T5 momentum

The 2018 Volvo XC60 T5 momentum offers a plush interior with niche material quality. It is also hard to beat the XC60 when it comes to offering advanced safety and high-tech features. The RDX on the other hand offers much more cargo capacity than the XC60. The Acura has also earned the Top Safety Pick award making it one of the safest SUVs on road.

Acura RDX vs Lincoln MKC

Both the SUVs carry a low-price tag, but the Lincoln MKC is a better alternative to the Acura RDX as it offers more interior spacing and mileage. It also inches ahead of the RDX in terms of towing capacity. The Acura however is more athletic on wheels and offers better driving dynamics. But the Lincoln MKC has more ground clearance than the RDX and is a better off-roader.

The 2018 Acura RDX is a powerful midsize luxury SUV that has outperformed its competitors in almost every segment. Its powerful engine proves to be slightly lower on the fuel economy but provides us with better performance. The interior of the vehicle is comfortable for all five passengers including the driver and ensures the safety of occupants with all the integrated safety features and driver assistance technologies. Thus the Acura RDX proves to be a complete package that is offered at a much lower price than its competitors and should be definitely on your list.