In the crowded premium compact SUV field, the 2021 Acura RDX is an impressive entry, offering value for money, plenty of safety features, an athletic ride, and excellent build quality and resale value. Now in its third generation, the 2021 RDX carries over largely unchanged from last year, but it is still very good. Power comes from one engine choice, a 272-hp turbocharged-4-cylinder, connected to a 10-speed automatic. It provides plenty of oomph to get the RDX moving and earns 28 mpg on the highway. Be aware, however, that the RDX’s maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.
Front-wheel drive is standard, although every trim level can be optioned with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive for an extra $2,000. A bold exterior look is matched by a comfortable interior with seating for five and a useful 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats that expands to 79.8 with them folded flat.
Standard features include keyless ignition, a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and a 10.2-inch display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, satellite radio, Wi-Fi, and 9-speaker/350-watt premium audio system. Also standard is the AcuraWatch suite of safety features that includes forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and road-departure mitigation. NHTSA gives the 2021 RDX a 5-star safety rating.
Four Trims
The base model RDX starts at $39,225 ($38,000 + $1,025 destination) or $41,225 with all-wheel drive. As a premium crossover, it comes well equipped, with 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, panoramic moonroof, dual-zone climate control, heated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, automatic high beams, 10.2-inch display with Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and 9-speaker/350-watt premium stereo. Also included on all trims is the AcuraWatch suite of safety features.
Bringing more safety features such as blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors is the Technology package ($42,125 or $44,125 with SH-AWD). Also included are navigation with real-time traffic, leather upholstery, two USB ports front and rear, and 12-speaker ELS sound system.
A-Spec ($45,125 or $47,125) is an Acura term for an appearance package. This includes some darker elements, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, LED foglights, and 16-speaker audio ELS sound system.
At the top is the Advance ($47,025 or $49,025), with all the bells and whistles. To the above, it adds a head-up display, 360-degree camera system, rain-sensing wipers, 16-way power-adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, wood trim, hands-free tailgate operation, acoustic front side glass (for noise insulation), and rear camera washer. With some extra options, a fully loaded 2021 Acura RDX will run about $55,860.
2021 Acura RDX Fully Loaded Features:
- Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive: $2,000
- 360-degree camera
- 16-speaker ELS premium sound system
- Body Side Molding: $277
- Roof Rails (chrome or black): $597
- Midsize Roof Box: $555
- Welcome Light: $267 (added visibility when the door is unlocked)
- Cargo Protector: $234
- Rear Seat Covers: $266
- All-Season Protection Package I: $481
- Diamond Cut Wheel Package: $3,549
Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive
While the name is a bit flashy, SH-AWD is actually quite a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Not only can it deliver as much as 70 percent of power to the rear as needed, but it’s also able to send power from side to side, which helps the RDX handle corners. It contributes to a much more reassuring driving experience and makes the RDX a more capable handler in snow and mud.
Diamond-Cut Wheel Package
If you want to add a little flash and pizzazz, this package includes a running board, black wheel locks, black wheel lugs, and 20-inch black diamond-cut wheels and tires.
ELS Premium Sound System
Many manufacturers offer high-end stereos in their top trims and the ELS system in the RDX is an exceptional one, developed with help by a Grammy-winning recording engineer. The sound is crisp and clear, making for hours of listening pleasure.
Roof Rails and Roof Box
With all seats folded, the 2021 Acura RDX offers 79.8 cubic feet of storage space; with all seats occupied, that goes down to 31.1 cubic feet. But why not be extra comfortable and store some stuff on the roof? The water-tight roof box locks for added security.
All-Season Protection Package
If you take your RDX up to the mountains for a ski trip, or just have an adventurous lifestyle, the inside is going to get dirty and muddy. This package includes all-season floormats, a cargo tray that protects the rear compartment, and a splash guard.
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