2023 Acura RDX

If you can look past the badge value of a Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Porsche, the Acura RDX offers one of the most complete packages in the compact luxury crossover market segment. While it doesn't dominate its class in any single criterion, its balanced spread of sporty driving dynamics, spacious and high-quality cabin with loads of features, and distinctive styling make it an appealing choice on its own merits.

Motive power is provided by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the power can be sent to either the front wheels only or to all four wheels through the brand's SH-AWD system. There are no other engine options available, which is a bit of a downside in a segment where buyers can choose hybrid- or higher-output power units, but with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque on tap, aiming for the middle ground should serve the RDX well enough.

The Acura RDX competes in a crowded market segment in the USA, however, with such stellar luxury crossovers as the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 also fighting for buyers' attention. Fortunately, as we found in our Acura RDX review, it is distinctive enough to set itself apart from the rest of its class, and its relative rarity may even increase its appeal to some buyers.

The price of the Acura RDX starts at an MSRP of $41,350, while the Technology trim retails for $44,000. Upgrade to the A-Spec trim, and you'll have to fork over $47,000. These models are FWD as standard, but you can add AWD for an additional $2,200. The Advance model comes standard with AWD and retails for $51,350, while the A-Spec Advance starts at $53,350.

These prices exclude tax, licensing, registration, and a destination charge of $1,195 in the US.

The 2023 Acura RDX drives in a manner that betrays its crossover positioning and is one of the better driver's cars in its market segment. The steering is light at low speeds but firms up nicely as speed mounts, giving the impression of feedback even if there's very little real road feel coming through the steering wheel. Cornering is secure and offers plenty of road grip, and the overall handling balance is neutral up to high limits.

These positive attributes are only amplified when the all-wheel-drive option box is ticked, because Acura's SH-AWD system has a near-supernatural ability to eke out more grip where there seemingly is none to be found. The result is even more confidence on a winding road, more speed carried through corners, and extra security in adverse conditions. AWD is a $2,200 option on the RDX, and it is an option well worth having on this car.

Straight-line performance is class-competitive but not quite class-leading, but the AWD option makes a big difference. In base FWD trim, expect the available 272 hp and 280 lb-ft to send the RDX to 60 mph in about seven seconds, but the addition of AWD could slash that to as little as 6.2 seconds by removing the possibility of wheel spin. And, thanks to that multitude of gear ratios and the fact that it's an actual automatic gearbox and not a CVT, overtaking performance is also rapid and effortless.

The Acura RDX competes in a very crowded market segment, and doesn't really outperform all of its competitors in any specific area. It does do a lot of the important things really well, however, with a premium cabin finish, loads of space both in the cabin and in the cargo hold, superior standard equipment levels, lots of available high-tech packages, strong performance, and handling dynamics that are far above average.

The Acura badge may not have the same curbside appeal as a BMW roundel or a Mercedes-Benz star, but the RDX's inherent qualities will be enough to win over many buyers from the establishment. Most of the cars in its class are excellent propositions, but the Acura RDX adds some personality and fun to the formula to carve out its own niche.

There's nothing basic about the RDX's base model and, if budget is important and performance isn't, there's a lot of vehicle for the money there. If performance is important, then you'll want to add the SH-AWD system for an additional $2,200.

Beyond the RDX base model, there's something to suit everybody's preferences and needs, although we would go for the Technology trim, tick the SH-AWD option, and call it a day. That adds the performance and bad-weather ability plus tech bells and whistles, a Milano leather interior, and a nicer sound system for just over $46,000.

Unfortunately, the A-Spec is still just an appearance package bar an upgrade to the 3D version of the ELS Studio sound system and one or two other extras that we could live without. The Advance model is well worth considering for going full luxury for $51,350. We wouldn't consider the A-Spec Advance package.