2026 Acura RDX Review: A Blend Of Style And Performance

Shoppers in the premium compact SUV segment usually arrive with priorities that pull against one another. Comfort across a long commute, steady footing in poor weather, and genuine reward on an open road rarely gather in a single vehicle at a reasonable price. Acura has aimed the 2026 Acura RDX at that exact intersection for several model years, refining the formula rather than reinventing it. The result deserves a much closer look than a printed spec sheet can reasonably allow.

So, what does the RDX actually offer a driver today?

The Turbocharged Engine and Ten-Speed Transmission

Every trim shares the same 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder, rated at 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Peak power arrives at 6,500 rpm, though the more useful number sits lower down, since full torque holds flat from 1,600 all the way to 4,500 rpm. That broad plateau means passing traffic on Highway 21 rarely calls for a heavy right foot. A 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters handles the gear changes, keeping the engine in its sweet spot without hunting between ratios. Fuel economy lands at 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined on most trims, with A-Spec models giving up a single mile per gallon on the highway.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and Road Manners

Traction rarely announces itself until the moment you need it, which makes Acura’s torque-vectoring system worth understanding before winter arrives. Standard equipment on all five trims, SH-AWD moves power side to side across the rear axle rather than simply front to back, actively pushing the outside rear wheel to help rotate the vehicle through a corner. Wet interstate ramps and snow-dusted side streets feel noticeably more settled as a result. Advance and A-Spec Advance models add an Adaptive Damper System that reads the road surface and adjusts firmness continuously. Ride quality stays composed over rough and broken pavement without trading away the steering precision that gives the RDX its character.

A Cabin Built Around the Driver

Sliding into the front seat reveals where Acura spent its attention. A 10.2-inch full HD center display anchors the dashboard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad sits within easy reach. Twelve-way power front seats with power lumbar support and heating come standard, alongside leatherette upholstery and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. Moving up the range brings perforated Milano leather, GPS-linked climate control that adjusts for sun position, ventilated front seats, remote engine start, and a head-up display. A panoramic moonroof stretches overhead on every trim, opening up the five-seat interior far beyond what the modest 187-inch exterior length suggests.

Exterior Design and the Five Trim Levels

Parked in a driveway, the RDX carries itself with proportions that read athletic rather than bulky. The Diamond Pentagon Grille and Jewel Eye LED headlights create a signature visible before the badge comes into focus. Buyers choose among the RDX, Technology Package, A-Spec Package, Advance Package, and A-Spec Advance Package, with A-Spec models adding darker exterior accents and a more aggressive stance. Cargo room measures 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and towing capacity reaches 1,500 pounds for a small trailer. AcuraWatch safety technology arrives standard on every single configuration, while the Advance trims add a surround-view camera that helps in tight parking situations.

Ready To Feel the RDX From the Driver’s Seat?

Turbocharged output, standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, a cabin finished well above its price point, and five trims covering a wide range of tastes give the RDX a genuinely broad appeal. Our team at Frank Leta Acura keeps the full lineup on the lot, and we will gladly arrange a back-to-back drive between an A-Spec and an Advance so the differences stop being abstract. Every new RDX leaves our showroom with our Leta for Life promise attached, covering a lifetime warranty, lifetime car washes, and lifetime pickup and delivery with a complimentary loaner. Down the road, our Acura Accelerated Service handles routine maintenance without an appointment.

Visit our showroom in South St. Louis County, or schedule your own RDX test drive with us online whenever it suits you.

FAQs

How much horsepower does the 2026 Acura RDX have?

Every RDX trim produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder. Peak power arrives at 6,500 rpm, though full torque stays available from 1,600 through 4,500 rpm. That broad plateau gives you strong midrange response for highway merging without demanding a downshift or heavy throttle input.

Does the 2026 Acura RDX come with all-wheel drive on every trim?

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is standard on all five trims rather than optional. The system distributes torque side to side across the rear axle, actively driving the outside rear wheel to help the vehicle rotate through a corner. That behavior improves stability on wet interstate ramps and adds confidence during Missouri winters.

What are the five 2026 Acura RDX trim levels?

The lineup includes the RDX, Technology Package, A-Spec Package, Advance Package, and A-Spec Advance Package. All five share the same engine, transmission, and SH-AWD system. Advance and A-Spec Advance models add an Adaptive Damper System and a surround-view camera, while A-Spec trims bring darker exterior accents and a sportier overall stance.