The popular Acura RDX underwent a refresh for 2025, with the middle SUV in the Japanese automaker’s lineup getting a revised front end, updated cabin, and improved tech.
The popular Acura RDX underwent a refresh for 2025, with the middle SUV in the Japanese automaker’s lineup getting a revised front end, updated cabin, and improved tech.
The luxury crossover is offered in three trims, with a starting price of $53,800. Our tester for the week was the top-tier RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec, which starts at $62,630, but options and fees brought the final tally to $66,424.20.
The Liquid Carbon Metallic paint adds $900, while the red leather Interior Is an extra $600. The tester also featured the A-Spec protection package for $582.20.
Powertrain: The RDX is all-wheel drive, featuring Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which determines optimal torque distribution not only from front to rear, but also side to side.
Under the hood sits a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission controlled via dashboard-mounted buttons, a setup that still isn’t my favourite.
Power output is a healthy 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine delivers smooth, confident performance, and the transmission complements it well.
Premium fuel is required, with an estimated combined consumption of 10.3 L/100 km. My weeklong test averaged 11.1 L/100 km.
Exterior: For 2025, the RDX adopts Acura’s latest design language, highlighted by a “frameless” Diamond Pentagon grille and a more aggressive mesh pattern.
The Platinum Elite A-Spec adds sportier details and more blacked-out trim compared to the gloss-black accents of the base model.
Our tester also rode on larger 20-inch Berlina Black 10-spoke wheels with a machine finish.
If Liquid Carbon Metallic isn’t your shade, two new colours join the palette: Solar Silver Metallic and Urban Grey Pearl.
Interior: The optional red leather upholstery is impossible to miss and gives the cabin real flair. Perforated Milano premium leather seats add to the sense of luxury.
Acura has refined the RDX interior for 2025, improving functionality with a redesigned centre console that offers more storage, bigger cupholders, and easier access to the wireless charging pad beside the driver’s leg.
Even with those tweaks, I still find the centre stack layout cluttered—the large drive-mode selector and gear buttons consume space that could be better utilized.
The A-Spec trim also adds ambient lighting and backlit speaker cones behind acid-etched grilles.
Overall, the cabin feels upscale, roomy, and impressively insulated from road noise.
Infotainment: The standard 10.2-inch infotainment screen now supports a widescreen layout and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The A-Spec model features an exceptional ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers, including a subwoofer. Crank it up, it sounds superb.
Navigation, Bluetooth, and satellite radio are included, but the touchpad controller still frustrates. It’s not intuitive and distracts from an otherwise pleasant tech experience.
Drive: On the road, the RDX shines.
Its turbocharged powertrain provides brisk acceleration and a strong mid-range punch, while handling remains sharp and responsive. Steering is precise and confidence-inspiring, especially on twisty roads.
Drive modes, Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Sport, are selectable via Acura’s Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), allowing the driver to tailor performance to conditions and mood.
Conclusion: The 2025 Acura RDX delivers a well-rounded mix of performance, refinement, and practicality. The improved styling and technology make it more appealing than ever, even if the centre-stack layout remains a weak spot.
If you’re shopping for a luxury crossover that’s engaging to drive yet comfortable and versatile, the RDX deserves a serious look.
2025 Acura RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec
Price as tested: $66,424
Freight: $2,595
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder/ 10-speed automatic
Power/torque: 272 horsepower/ 280 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (64.7 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 10.3 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 11.1 L/100 km
Warranties: 4-years/80,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Audi A5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, Volvo XC60
Website: Acura Canada