Acura RDX
Compact luxury SUV · 2007–present. 42,988 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
Honda’s North American luxury brand Acura created it. Acura describes the original RDX as the first new Acura whose Japanese development team was led by an American engineer. An original Ralph Kisiel Automotive News interview, published by Autoweek on August 8, 2006, identifies Gary Evert as chief engineer. John Mendel, then senior vice president of automobile operations, spoke at the 2006 reveal. The third generation was styled at Acura’s Los Angeles studio and developed in Raymond, Ohio.
The concept originated in California and the first RDX was developed in Japan. It was built at Marysville, Ohio, on the Acura TL line, as the first Acura light truck produced there. Second-generation production began at East Liberty on March 19, 2012. Honda’s 2026 table identifies East Liberty for RDX assembly, Anna, Ohio for its engine and Tallapoosa, Georgia for its transmission.
The production version debuted at the New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006, as a 2007 model. Acura released its full press kit on August 31, 2006.
Its role is documented in the 2006 introduction: the RDX was the new entry point to Acura’s luxury SUV lineup for model year 2007. Acura described it as the SUV soul mate of the TSX sports sedan.
Acura wanted to enter the entry-luxury SUV class with something sportier than a traditional SUV. It was aimed at young professionals who work in the city during the week and escape to the mountains, countryside or coast on weekends. That is why Acura called it the "SUV soul mate" of the Acura TSX sports sedan: a high driving position and cargo room, with the sharp handling of a sports sedan. It was Acura's first Entry Premium SUV.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 12007–2012 · TB1
The first turbocharged Acura
Photo: Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0 What changed. It was an all-new model with no predecessor. It used a 2.3-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder with 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, a 5-speed automatic and paddle shifters. SH-AWD all-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels were standard. Acura built it in Marysville, Ohio.
The innovation. It brought two Acura firsts: the brand's first turbocharged engine, with a variable flow turbo (up to 13.5 psi of boost), and the first use of SH-AWD on an SUV, which splits torque between the axles and between the left and right rear wheels to help the car turn into corners.
If you buy one usedThe 2007–2012 model years fall within the 2007–2016 RDX range of Takata campaign 16V061: certain driver airbag inflators can rupture after moisture intrusion. Campaign 19V182 concerns specified replacement inflators installed during an earlier recall or as service parts; a manufacturing error can cause them to explode. A previous airbag replacement does not establish that the later campaign is complete. Confirm applicability and repairs by VIN with Acura/NHTSA. Acura specifies premium unleaded for this turbo engine. - Gen. 22013–2018
The RDX goes V6 and moves to East Liberty
Photo: Tino Rossini · CC BY 2.0 What changed. Production moved to the East Liberty, Ohio plant, with a launch event on March 19, 2012. The turbo four gave way to a 3.5-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive became optional. In 2015 the V6 made 273 hp; the 2016 update raised it to 279 hp and added Jewel Eye LED headlights, a new grille and a standard power tailgate.
The innovation. The V6 uses Variable Cylinder Management: at cruising speed it shuts off three cylinders to save fuel and brings them back under hard acceleration. From 2016, AcuraWatch was offered, with adaptive cruise control, Collision Mitigation Braking, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Keeping Assist.
If you buy one used2013 RDX models have recall 13V143: in sub-freezing weather, the shift interlock could let the lever leave Park without pressing the brake. The 2013–2016 model-year range is included in Takata 16V061 and the replacement-inflator campaign 19V182; some 2015 cars also fall under replacement-inflator campaign 19V500. Actual VIN and installed parts control eligibility, including after an earlier repair. 2018 models are in 23V858 for the fuel pump, which can fail and stall the engine. The 2016 update brought 279 hp and available AcuraWatch: standard with Advance and optional on base/Technology. Check the actual package and equipment rather than assuming every 2016-or-later car has it. - Gen. 32019–present
The first RDX designed and developed in the U.S.
Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It debuted an all-new, Acura-exclusive platform, and it was the first time the RDX was designed and developed in the U.S. The turbo returned: a 2.0-liter with 272 hp and 280 lb-ft, paired with a 10-speed automatic, a first in its segment. Production started in East Liberty in May 2018, backed by a $54 million investment, and it went on sale in June. For 2022 it got MDX-inspired styling and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The innovation. The True Touchpad Interface, a first for Acura: the touchpad uses absolute positioning, so each spot on the pad matches a spot on the screen, which Acura describes as the first such use in a driving environment. The torque-vectoring SH-AWD can send up to 70% of torque to the rear and up to 100% of that to a single rear wheel.
If you buy one usedCheck actual VIN eligibility and completed work for these selected campaigns: the low-pressure fuel pump on 2019 RDX (20V314), 2019–2020 (21V215) and the expanded 23V858; failure can stall the engine and the pump module is replaced. On 2019–2020 cars, 23V158 concerns front belt buckles that may not latch. On 2021 cars, 21V939 concerns improperly heat-treated front driveshaft components; failure can cause loss of drive or parked rollaway without the parking brake. Seat-weight sensor campaigns 24V064 (2020–2022) and expanded 26V332 (2019–2024, filed May 2026) concern cracking/shorting that can allow unintended airbag deployment during a crash; the sensors are replaced. On 2024 cars, 24V114 concerns insufficiently tightened steering gearboxes that can admit water, corrode and bind; the EPS rack is replaced. On 2025 cars, 25V582 concerns EPS software that can cause loss of assist; dealers reprogram it.
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