The 2018 Acura RDX lasts around 250,000 miles with some relatively minor transmission software and headlight issues reported. At $24,990 to $32,650, it’s a great value for a long-lasting small SUV with some nice luxury features.
Is the 2018 Acura RDX a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a great year for the Acura RDX since it has decent amounts of technology with luxury features. Owner reviews praise the strong V6 engine, low ownership costs, along with the nice interior.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials offer a good mix of durability and luxury, the seats are comfortable, cargo space is also great for a compact SUV.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no mechanical issues mentioned on the 2018 RDX, models from 2013–2018 are all great. There are some engine problems for 2019, and then 2020–2022 are improved.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is good from the standard V6 engine which offers more power than a lot of other SUVs in the same price range.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 RDX is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are available as optional upgrades.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 368 miles of range from the 16 gallon tank. Gas costs are $23 higher than average at $236 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Acura RDX is cheaper than many compact luxury SUVs with reasonable depreciation rates, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Acura RDX?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Acura RDX offers excellent functionality with reasonable luxury, while also getting good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the RDX at 4.3/5, enjoying the strong acceleration from the V6 engine, but doesn’t like that the technology system is distracting to use.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the RDX a 4.4/5, praising the excellent reliability and luxury, but owners don’t like the poor off-road performance.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Acura RDX Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Acura RDX include changing gears slowly, burnt-out headlights, along with excessive brake noise. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to some other small luxury SUVs, leading to lower repair costs as the RDX ages.
Changing gears slowly is the most widespread complaint from 2018 RDX owners, showing up within the first 2,500 miles. There is a transmission software update available which improves the speed of gear changes. Some owners also report that flushing the transmission fluid makes it feel smoother as well.
Burnt-out headlights are another problem mentioned on the 2018 Acura RDX at around 10,000 miles. The bulbs simply burn out quicker than some competitors, and have to be replaced. There are some aftermarket bulbs on the market which last longer and can be installed for around $60 per bulb.
Excessive brake noise shows up on some RDX models at roughly 20,000 miles as well. Usually, the problem is simply caused by worn-out brake pads which leads to metal-on metal contact noise. Replacing the brake pads is just part of normal maintenance, costing around $250.
There are no recalls on the 2018 Acura RDX, which is better than a lot of competitors and simply means none of the issues with the SUV have been widespread or affected safety.
How Long Will the 2018 Acura RDX Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Acura RDX can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Lexus NX. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than a lot of competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $473 per year.
As a used 2018 RDX reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the fuel door release actuator for $200, hood latch costing $255, along with the wheel bearings which costs $450.
Yes it is reliable. It has a 7 year warranty so if there were issues it would be covered under warranty. I have not had any problems yet.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is okay with a 5-inch infotainment screen. Optional upgrades in the technology package include adding an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation for a dual screen infotainment system, along with a more powerful stereo system.
The standard safety technology is a bit basic, only offering a rearview camera with multiple view settings.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Collision mitigation braking system
- Lane keep assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2018 Acura RDX a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Acura RDX is a good value for a small luxury SUV since it’s cheaper than some of the competition while offering great features and practicality. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $24,990 to $32,650, making it less than Porsche Macan or Audi Q3. When new, the price range was $36,000 to $44,200. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Acura RDX?
There is only one model of the Acura RDX offered, but there are three major options packages available including the technology package, AcuraWatch Plus Package, and advance package. The RDX comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 18-inch wheels
- Rearview camera
- Automatic LED headlights
- Cruise control
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Power liftgate
- Sunroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger)
- Premium vinyl upholstery
- Leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Auto-dimming mirror
- Bluetooth phone and audio
- Seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio
- Pandora internet radio control (streams from smartphone), an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port, and a media player interface.
AcuraWatch Plus Package adds:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic braking system
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Color trip computer display
Technology Package has more items such as:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert systems
- Navigation system
- Traffic information
- GPS-linked climate control
- Leather upholstery
- Eight-way power passenger seat
- 10-speaker sound system
Advance Package offers additional features including:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic wipers
- Fog Lights
- Auto-dimming side mirrors
- Remote ignition
- Ventilated front seats
- Includes all features from AcuraWatch Plus and Technology packages
What Engines Come In the Acura RDX?
The Acura RDX is powered by a reasonably strong 279 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine which gets up to 23 MPG. The vehicle uses a six-speed automatic transmission and accelerates from 0-60 mph in around 6.5 seconds.
What Colors Does the Acura RDX Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Acura RDX?
The 2018 Acura RDX is lauded for its superior comfort, catering to both drivers and passengers alike. With its premium materials and elegant design, it delivers a luxury experience that can make even long drives pleasurable.
The RDX seats offer plush yet supportive comfort, suited for long trips or a quick drive around town. The front seats, in particular, provide ample space, and with standard features like power adjustments and heating, it’s easy for drivers and front passengers to find their ideal seating position. The rear seats, too, are well-padded and spacious, offering generous legroom and headroom even for taller passengers.
The ride quality in the 2018 RDX is remarkably smooth, thanks to its refined suspension system. Whether you’re driving through city streets or navigating through a country road, the RDX absorbs most bumps and rough spots, providing a tranquil ride. Road and wind noise is also impressively muted, creating a quiet cabin environment.
How Much Storage Space Does the Acura RDX Have?
The 2018 Acura RDX is a luxury SUV that provides ample storage space for its passengers. The cargo area in the back offers around 26.1 cubic feet of room when the rear seats are in use. This spaciousness is perfect for handling the demands of a regular grocery run or packing in a few pieces of medium-sized luggage for a weekend getaway.
However, the Acura RDX showcases its true cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded down. In this configuration, the space expands to an impressive 76.9 cubic feet. This substantial amount of room can accommodate larger items such as a small kayak, multiple bicycles, or a full-size refrigerator. Furthermore, this makes moving large furniture pieces or carrying bulky equipment for your hobby easy.
Moreover, the RDX is also designed with small-item storage in mind. It includes a variety of cubbies, compartments, and cup holders throughout the cabin, providing convenient spots to store personal items like phones, wallets, and water bottles. With this blend of large cargo space and practical interior storage options, the 2018 Acura RDX exemplifies its capabilities as a versatile luxury SUV.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation for the Acura RDX came out for the 2013 model year.
2015: No major changes from earlier years.
2016: Redesigned front grille, upgraded headlights, a new touchscreen, along with more safety features.
2017: Offers the same features as the 2016 model.
2018: No changes from earlier years.
2019: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2020: No changes from last year’s redesign.
2021: PMC limited-edition model introduced.
How Does the Acura RDX Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Acura RDX is a very nice luxury compact SUV, offering a lot of features found in more expensive competitors, while also having a very reliable Honda engine.
The Acura MDX is a larger SUV offered by Acura which costs about $9,000 more. Passenger room is much better in the Acura MDX, while the Acura RDX feels more nimble and exciting to drive. We recommend the Acura MDX since it offers more standard technology, but if you don’t need the extra room then the RDX is a great choice.
The Lexus NX is another small luxury SUV which costs about $3,000 more. Standard safety technology is better in the Lexus NX, while the Acura RDX offers a more powerful engine. We recommend the Lexus NX since it’s more luxurious, although both are great SUVs worth testing.
Do Owners Recommend the Acura RDX?
Yes - it's very comfortable, affordable. It gets good gas mileage. It's a very safe vehicle. Luxury without luxury price