2026 Acura RDX Trim Level Page
The 2026 Acura RDX continues to stand out as one of the most well-rounded luxury compact SUVs on the market. It brings together a turbocharged engine, Acura’s torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, a premium interior, and a comprehensive standard safety suite — all at a price that consistently undercuts its European competition. With five trim levels to choose from, there is an RDX for every type of driver, from the value-focused base to the fully loaded A-Spec Advance. This guide breaks down every trim so you can make a confident decision before you visit Frank Leta Acura in St. Louis.
2026 Acura RDX — What Stays the Same Across All Trims
Every 2026 RDX shares the same powertrain, dimensions, and safety foundation regardless of trim level — which means there are no compromises on the things that matter most. Every RDX is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive is standard; Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is available across all trims. Every RDX also comes standard with the full AcuraWatch safety suite — including Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross-Traffic Monitor, Pedestrian Detection, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Standard features on every trim also include a panoramic moonroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, heated front seats, a 12-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a power tailgate.
Fuel economy is rated at approximately 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models and 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway with SH-AWD. Towing capacity is 1,500 lbs when properly equipped. Cargo space measures 29.5 to 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
2026 Acura RDX Trim Levels
RDX (Base) — Starting at $45,100 MSRP (FWD)*
The base RDX delivers more premium content than most competitors at this price point. It arrives with leatherette-trimmed upholstery, a 10.2-inch HD center display, LED interior lighting, body-color exterior trim, Jewel Eye LED headlights, and a standard ELS Studio premium audio system. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, a 12-way power driver’s seat, and the full AcuraWatch safety suite are all included. A panoramic moonroof and power liftgate round out the standard equipment list. For buyers who want the RDX experience without stretching to a higher trim, the base model is a genuinely complete package that feels premium from the first drive.
RDX Technology Package — Starting at $47,700 MSRP (FWD)*
The Technology Package is the most popular RDX trim, and it’s easy to see why. It upgrades the interior to perforated Milano premium leather seating with contrast stitching, adds a GPS-linked climate control system, remote engine start, and a surround-view camera system. The audio system steps up to the 16-speaker ELS Studio premium system for a noticeably more immersive listening experience. Navigation is enhanced with real-time traffic integration. Additional AcuraWatch features including front and rear parking sensors and a cross-traffic alert system are added. SH-AWD is available. For most buyers who want the right balance of comfort, technology, and value, this trim hits the sweet spot.
RDX A-Spec Package — Starting at $50,200 MSRP (FWD) / $52,400 MSRP (SH-AWD)*
The A-Spec Package gives the RDX a more assertive, sport-inspired personality without sacrificing everyday comfort. Outside, gloss-black exterior accents, 20-inch Shark Gray alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, and unique front and rear sport fascias set it visually apart from the rest of the lineup. Inside, the interior switches to perforated Milano premium leather combined with Ultrasuede sport seat inserts with contrast stitching and piping, alongside a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, red ambient lighting, and A-Spec badging throughout. The 16-speaker ELS Studio audio system, GPS-linked climate control, and surround-view camera from the Technology Package are all carried over. If you want your RDX to have more personality and turn more heads, the A-Spec is the natural choice.
RDX Advance Package — Starting at $53,000 MSRP (SH-AWD)*
The Advance Package is the comfort-focused flagship, built for drivers who prioritize luxury and refinement on every mile. SH-AWD is standard. It adds ventilated front seats, a 10.5-inch head-up display, a 16-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, an Adaptive Damper System for a more refined and responsive ride, heated rear outboard seats, and hands-free power tailgate operation. The interior uses perforated Milano premium leather throughout, and the full 16-speaker ELS Studio audio system, surround-view camera, and GPS-linked climate control carry over from the Technology Package. For buyers who spend a lot of time in the driver’s seat and want every comfort feature Acura offers short of the A-Spec styling, the Advance is the clear choice.
RDX A-Spec Advance Package — Starting at $54,850 MSRP (SH-AWD)*
The A-Spec Advance is the top of the RDX lineup and the most complete version of the vehicle Acura builds. It combines everything from the A-Spec — the sport exterior styling, 20-inch Shark Gray wheels, Ultrasuede sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and red ambient lighting — with all the comfort and technology upgrades from the Advance Package, including the Adaptive Damper System, 10.5-inch head-up display, ventilated front seats, 16-way power driver’s seat with memory, and heated rear outboard seats. SH-AWD and the hands-free power tailgate are standard. For buyers who refuse to choose between sport character and luxury comfort, this trim delivers both without compromise.
2026 RDX Key Specs
| Spec | Detail |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbocharged VTEC Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 272 HP |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters |
| Drivetrain | FWD Standard / SH-AWD Available |
| Fuel Economy (FWD) | ~22 City / 28 Highway / 23 Combined MPG |
| Fuel Economy (SH-AWD) | ~21 City / 27 Highway / 23 Combined MPG |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (when properly equipped) |
| Cargo (Behind Rear Seats) | 29.5–31.1 cu ft |
| Cargo (Seats Folded) | 58.9 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Passengers |
| Fuel Type | Premium Recommended |
2026 RDX Feature Comparison by Trim
| Feature | Base | Technology | A-Spec | Advance | A-Spec Advance |
| Starting MSRP* | ~$45,100 | ~$47,700 | ~$52,400 | ~$53,000 | ~$54,850 |
| SH-AWD | Optional | Optional | Optional | Standard | Standard |
| Leatherette Seating | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Milano Leather Seating | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ultrasuede Sport Seats | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Heated Front Seats | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ventilated Front Seats | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| 12-Way Power Driver’s Seat | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| 16-Way Power Driver’s Seat w/ Memory | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flat-Bottom Sport Steering Wheel | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Red Ambient Lighting | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Panoramic Moonroof | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AcuraWatch Safety Suite | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ELS Studio Audio | Standard | 16-Speaker | 16-Speaker | 16-Speaker | 16-Speaker |
| GPS-Linked Climate Control | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Engine Start | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Surround-View Camera | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 20-Inch Shark Gray Wheels | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Sport Exterior Styling | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Damper System | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-Up Display (10.5-inch) | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hands-Free Power Tailgate | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tailgate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Exterior Differences
Every 2026 RDX wears Jewel Eye LED headlights, Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille, a panoramic moonroof, and a clean, athletic body that remains one of the better-looking designs in the compact luxury SUV segment. The base and Technology trims share a refined exterior with standard alloy wheels and body-color trim that looks polished without being flashy. The A-Spec and A-Spec Advance make their presence known with 20-inch Shark Gray alloy wheels, gloss-black exterior accents, unique front and rear sport fascias, and LED fog lights that give the RDX a noticeably more aggressive, road-planted stance. The Advance Package maintains the traditional luxury look with the same exterior styling as the Technology trim. Across all trims, a standard panoramic moonroof and power liftgate add to both function and curb appeal.
Interior Differences
The base RDX uses leatherette seating — premium and durable, but not genuine leather. From the Technology trim upward, every RDX gets perforated Milano premium leather with contrast stitching for a genuinely luxurious feel. The A-Spec and A-Spec Advance add Ultrasuede sport seat inserts, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, and red interior ambient lighting for a more driver-focused, athletic environment. The Advance and A-Spec Advance step further into luxury with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 16-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, and the Adaptive Damper System — the feature that most noticeably changes the character of the drive, delivering a smoother, more composed ride over imperfect pavement. The head-up display, exclusive to the Advance and A-Spec Advance, keeps critical information in the driver’s sightline without requiring them to glance down.
All trims share the same 10.2-inch HD center display, 12.3-inch digital driver cluster, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging pad, and panoramic moonroof — meaning even the base RDX feels genuinely well-appointed from the moment you sit down.
Which 2026 RDX Trim Is Right for You?
The right RDX trim depends on what matters most in your daily driving. If you want the best price of entry into the RDX lineup and are comfortable with leatherette seating, the base model delivers a surprisingly complete package. The Technology Package is the most popular choice for good reason — it adds genuine leather, the 16-speaker ELS Studio audio system, GPS climate control, and surround-view camera without a dramatic jump in price, and it represents the best overall value in the lineup.
The A-Spec is the right call if you want your RDX to have a sportier identity — more assertive wheels, bolder exterior accents, and a more driver-oriented interior. The Advance Package is the choice for buyers who prioritize passenger comfort above all: the Adaptive Damper System, ventilated seats, head-up display, and heated rear seats make long drives significantly more enjoyable. And if you want everything — sport styling and luxury comfort in the same vehicle — the A-Spec Advance has no compromises.
We invite you to visit Frank Leta Acura in St. Louis to see every 2026 RDX trim in person, experience the interior quality for yourself, and schedule a test drive. Our team is here to help you find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.
FAQ
Q: What is the starting price of the 2026 Acura RDX?
A: The 2026 Acura RDX starts at approximately $45,100 MSRP for the front-wheel-drive base model. The top-of-the-line A-Spec Advance with SH-AWD starts at approximately $54,850. Prices include destination and handling and exclude taxes, license, and optional accessories.
Q: Does the 2026 Acura RDX come with all-wheel drive?
A: Yes. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is available on all five trim levels. It is standard equipment on the Advance and A-Spec Advance trims and optional on the Base, Technology, and A-Spec trims.
Q: What engine does the 2026 Acura RDX have?
A: Every 2026 RDX is powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Q: What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Acura RDX?
A: Front-wheel-drive models are rated at approximately 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway. SH-AWD models are rated at approximately 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.
Q: What safety features come standard on the 2026 Acura RDX?
A: Every 2026 RDX includes the full AcuraWatch safety suite as standard equipment. This covers Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross-Traffic Monitor, Pedestrian Detection, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Q: What is the difference between the 2026 RDX A-Spec and Advance packages?
A: The A-Spec Package focuses on sport styling — 20-inch Shark Gray wheels, gloss-black exterior accents, Ultrasuede sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. The Advance Package focuses on luxury comfort — adding an Adaptive Damper System, 10.5-inch head-up display, ventilated front seats, 16-way power driver’s seat with memory, and heated rear seats. The A-Spec Advance Package combines both, giving you sport styling and luxury comfort in the same vehicle with SH-AWD standard.
Q: How much cargo space does the 2026 Acura RDX have?
A: The 2026 RDX offers 29.5 to 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and expands to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat — making it one of the more practical options in the luxury compact SUV segment.
Q: Is the 2026 Acura RDX a good choice compared to the BMW X3 or Audi Q5?
A: The 2026 RDX is priced competitively below the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 at comparable equipment levels, while offering similarly strong performance, a premium interior, and one of the most comprehensive standard safety suites in the segment. The RDX tends to offer more standard features per dollar and carries Acura’s well-established reputation for long-term reliability.
