While Reviewing the 2025 Acura RDX, One Big Thing and One Small Thing Were Holding Me Back From a Ringing Endorsement Until I Spoke to an Owner Who Changed My Perspective
The Acura RDX is among the top-selling crossover SUVs in its premium segment. It outsells models from Volvo and Genesis (which are fantastic in their own right) and has seen double-digit growth in recent quarters. We were excited to test the RDX and reveal to our readers the many reasons why it is a good choice for those shopping for an approximately $55K five-passenger premium crossover. However, after a short ride, two things, one large and one small, were stuck in my head, preventing me from pouring forth all the great attributes of the RDX. Luckily, I have a friend who owns an RDX, and with his help, I saw the RDX in a different light.
Beyond the Typical RDX Review - Infotainment Perspectives
Almost exactly one year ago, my good friend MA asked me for advice about buying a new vehicle. He was already an Acura/Honda fan and former owner, so I suggested he look at the RDX and MDX. We did a profile on his vehicle search. He ended up with an RDX Technology Package, and drove it home last March.
When the infotainment touch pad controller made me a bit concerned about the RDX overall, I remembered that MA had the RDX and figured I’d ask for his opinion since he uses it as a daily driver. I’m now used to touch-screens. I own multiple vehicles with them, and nearly every vehicle we test other than Mazda and Acura (coincidentally, two of my favorite brands) now use touch screens in pretty much every model. I reached out to MA, and he had some good insight. He told us:
As you’ve probably seen online, the trackpad gets a lot of heat online. People are just so habituated to touching screens these days that it’s an adjustment. This car is solid.
Having had MA give us this point of view, we will let our readers decide what they think of the track pad and not give the RDX any demerits for it.
Beyond the Typical RDX Review - Spare Tires
I won’t pretend that many of my colleagues don’t roll their eyes at me when I bring up spare tires, but I’ve had media vehicles arrive with TPMS warning lights on, have had three flats in one day, and have had flats far from home over the past couple of years. I drive off-pavement on a weekly basis, and a tire repair kit isn’t going to help me at all in a snowstorm at night. There is no spare in the A-Spec Advance trim of the RDX.
However, of the five trims that Acura offers the RDX in for 2025, there are three with spares. RDX, Technology Package, and Advance. Only the two A-Spec trims lack a spare tire. So. I’m cool with that for two reasons. First, all of the RDX trims offer a great set of features. Second, the brake rotors are all the same diameter from trim to trim, so perhaps a spare tire from Acura’s spare parts desk may fit in the A-Spec’s cargo area with some encouragement. One way or another, it’s a solvable problem for those RDX shoppers/owners who want a spare tire.
2025 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec Advance - What Makes It Special?
From my point of view as a professional vehicle tester for going on two decades, I can safely say I’ve never heard a better audio system than the Acura ELS Studio 3D Premium audio system in the RDX I tested. It has sixteen speakers and 710 watts of power. All I can tell you is that nothing is crisper, cleaner, and offers more punch than this system at this price point. Possibly at any price point. The sound is simply at another level than most of the premium systems I am blessed to test.
Then there is the drive. The 2.0-turbo and geared transmission are a perfect pairing. The RDX always feels fast, and it is also able to brake with confidence, allowing you more room to run. The handling is best in class, and big potholes don’t jar you, despite the 20-inch wheels wearing low-profile tires. In real world driving, the RDX is a gem of a driver’s vehicle.
Pricing and Some Important Details
Our fully-loaded top-trim RDX tester had a consumer cost of $56,400 including Destination and Handling, but not including dealer Doc Fees and added content. That seems like a bargain, given the debasement of the dollar. One big deal-breaker for me is having to use premium gas in turbocharged premium vehicles, but the RDX does NOT require premium. Smart move, Acura. Also, I’m super annoyed by any premium crossover with summer-only high-performance tires because I’d have to swap them out in winter. Again, Acura made the right choice and used all-season tires.
Conclusion - RDX For the Win
Acura’s RDX is the ideal companion to the larger MDX for those looking for a driver’s crossover with five seats. It side steps every deal breaker and pitfall many other brands require buyers to put up with. If you're an audiophile and love to drive, the 2025 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec Advance should be at the top of your shopping list.
John Goreham is a credentialed New England Motor Press Association member and expert vehicle tester. John completed an engineering program with a focus on electric vehicles, followed by two decades of work in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain before becoming a news contributor. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE int). In addition to his eleven years of work at Torque News, John has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. He is known for offering unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. You can connect with John on Linkedin and follow his work on his personal X channel or on our X channel. Please note that stories carrying John's by-line are never AI-generated, but he does employ grammar and punctuation software when proofreading and he also uses image generation tools.
Images of the 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance trim by John Goreham.