2025 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec: Three Quick Takes

What Is The Acura RDX?

The 2025 Acura RDX is the middle child in Acura’s crossover lineup, slotting above the smaller ADX and below the three-row MDX. Sharing underpinnings with the Honda CR-V and Civic, the RDX is stylish, reasonably well-equipped and seats five. It was lightly refreshed for the 2025 model year with a new grille, updated center console with larger cupholders, and improved compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The VTEC 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission that carries over from the ‘24 models.

I tested the RDX SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) in A-Spec trim, which adds a sporty vibe thanks to the black and silver 20-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out exterior design elements. My test RDX had the Tech Package with navigation, parking sensors, and ambient lighting. It also had the Advance Package with remote start, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, puddle lighting, and voice recognition. The interior, done up in bright red leather, is this crossover’s most striking feature. All told, my RDX stickered for $56,400, including destination, which feels like a lot of content for a decent price.

How Does The Acura RDX Drive?

Acura takes a big swing at Lexus and the Germans, though it lands somewhere between them and Mazda. I’m not a huge fan of the infotainment, but Acura has made it better over the years. There are voice commands and a feature that lets you trace the radio station number on the touchpad, which are decent hacks. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio channeled through 16 speakers is excellent, and I found myself letting my Chinese takeout congeal while listening to the final strains of an old Blues Traveler song.

On the road, I generally enjoyed the RDX. The steering is light, though dialing up sport mode gives more feedback and weight and tweaks the shift pattern to a more aggressive tune. The turbo four has decent energy, and the 10-speed takes its job seriously, especially at lower speeds. The paddle shifters are fun, and the large exhaust tips give the powertrain a throaty finishing note. The RDX handles well, above average for the segment and close to the Mazda’s athletic CX-50. Honda and Acura’s motorsports heritage comes through in the A-Spec trim, as the exterior has character.

The RDX reminds me a bit of the Lexus RX, effectively using the format of a big grille, big wheels, and a tapered silhouette. The ‘jewel-eye’ LED headlights pop at dusk and are in line with the Cadillac and Audi vibe, delivering just a bit of bling.

I like the interior, but it’s not for everyone. It’s sporty, offering a cockpit vibe with dual silver and red gauges in front of the driver and a large center console that cocoons the driver. The layout features a lot of angles, and it’s a bit chunky. Black suede bisects the dashboard, and shiny black accent pieces further dress things up.

Should I Buy An Acura RDX?

There are better options in this huge segment. If you want Honda’s strong quality and reliability reputation dressed in Acura’s sporty styling, then yes, this is a crossover worth considering. And you get a lot of stuff for a fair price.

That said, if you want to dial up the style, think Land Rover Velar. The BMW X3 and X4 siblings aren’t as flashy but have better infotainment and simpler cabins, while the Mercedes GLC is the best overall execution. Throw in things like the Lincoln Corsair and Audi Q5—or perhaps this is the segment you want to think about an EV—and it’s hard for the RDX to separate from the pack.

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