The 2021 Acura RDX lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average brake wear and engine sensor issues reported. At $29,500 to $43,850, it’s a great value for a compact luxury SUV which comes loaded with a lot of technology features.
Is the 2021 Acura RDX a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Acura RDX since it offers an upscale cabin and great reliability ratings. Owner reviews praise the safety technology, smooth suspension, along with the fun engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are good for a luxury SUV in its price range, the seats are supportive, cargo space is also great behind the seats.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 RDX. Models from 2019 have some engine issues, while 2013–2018 and 2020–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is fine from the standard turbo engine, although it’s not as fast as some of the competition on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 RDX is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include a head-up display and blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is fine at up to 24 MPG, giving 410 miles of range from the 17.1 gallon tank. Gas costs are $5 higher than average at $209 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Acura RDX is cheaper than other small luxury SUVs on the market, making it a good value for shoppers on a budget.
What Do Critics Say About the Acura RDX?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Acura RDX offers agile handling and a nice modern interior, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Acura RDX at 3.8/5, enjoying the standard technology features, but doesn’t like that every option is bundled into packages.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the RDX a 4/5, praising the roomy cabin for a small SUV, but owners don’t like that it has a very low towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Acura RDX Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Acura RDX include excessive brake wear, the engine stalling, along with a frozen stereo system. Overall, these problems are similar to other small luxury SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the RDX ages.
Excessive brake wear is the most widespread complaint from 2021 RDX owners, showing up at around 15,000 miles. The front brake pads, in particular, tend to wear down quickly, and have to be replaced. Changing out the brake pads costs around $200, while rotors are an additional $450 if they have been damaged.
The engine stalling has also been reported by some RDX owners within the first 2,500 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a mass airflow sensor issue, which causes the system to have an incorrect air to fuel ratio. Most dealerships will replace the part for free under warranty, but it’s about $250 out of warranty.
A frozen stereo system is another problem mentioned with the RDX at around 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improve its reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50 for labor.
There’s only one recall on the 2021 RDX, which is better than other small luxury SUVs from the same year. The recall covers the driveshaft, which may fail, and can let the vehicle roll away when parked. Acura will replace the left front driveshaft for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2021 Acura RDX Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Acura RDX can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long lasting Lexus NX. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other luxury SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $497 per year.
As a used 2021 RDX reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the purge valve for $200, transmission shift cable for $300, along with the intake manifold gasket, which costs around $500.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, and includes a 10.2-inch screen, which includes a touchpad controller as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include premium sound systems.
The standard safety technology is great for an SUV in its price range, with:
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Road-departure mitigation
- Automatic high-beam assist
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Head-up display
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Is the 2021 Acura RDX a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Acura RDX is a good value for a small luxury SUV since it’s less expensive than the competition, while still offering advanced features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $29,500 to $43,850, making it cheaper than a Mercedes GLC or Volvo XC60. When new, the price range was $38,400 to $51,000. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Acura RDX?
There are four main models of the 2021 Acura RDX offered from the entry-level Base through to the Advance package. The RDX comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
2021 Acura RDX Base is the entry-level model with:
- True Touchpad Interface
- 2-inch display infotainment system
- Satellite radio and HD Radio
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Siri Eyes Free and Bluetooth connectivity
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Two USB ports
- Nine-speaker stereo system
- Voice recognition and AcuraLink
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Panoramic moonroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Push-button start and proximity keyless entry
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated, 12-way power-adjustable front sport seats
- Dynamic rearview camera with guidelines
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning and forward automatic emergency braking
- Road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist
- Automatic high-beam assist
- Optional hands-free liftgate
- Available front and rear parking sensors
- Optional 20-inch alloy wheels
2021 Acura RDX Technology Package is a step up, adding:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Premium leather upholstery
- GPS-linked climate control system
- Upgraded 12-speaker premium audio system
- Two rear-seat USB ports
- Integrated navigation system
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
2021 Acura RDX A-Spec Package has more items such as:
- Ventilated front seats
- 16-speaker ELS audio system
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- LED fog lights
- Upgraded premium leather with Ultrasuede inserts
- A-Spec performance and styling enhancements
2021 Acura RDX Advance Package is the flagship model with:
- Hands-free liftgate
- Adaptive damper system
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- 5-inch head-up display with head-up alert
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated rear outboard seats
- 16-way power-adjustable front seats
- Surround-view parking camera system
What Engines Come In the Acura RDX?
The 2021 Acura RDX is equipped with a single engine option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers a robust 272 horsepower, providing a spirited and responsive driving experience. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and efficient gear shifts. The fuel economy of this engine is rated at 24 MPG, offering a balance between performance and efficiency. In terms of acceleration, the RDX can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in about 6.4 seconds, demonstrating its quick and agile nature, making it well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising.
What Colors Does the Acura RDX Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Acura RDX?
The 2021 Acura RDX is renowned for its comfort, blending luxury with ergonomics to create a driving experience that is both indulgent and practical. The vehicle’s interior is crafted with high-quality materials that exude a sense of sophistication and durability. The seats are a highlight, offering plush, supportive cushioning, ideal for long drives. The front seats come with multiple adjustment options, including lumbar support, making sure that both the driver and front passenger can find their optimal seating position for comfort and visibility. Additionally, the RDX features a climate control system that efficiently maintains a pleasant cabin temperature, further enhancing passenger comfort.
Beyond the physical comfort, the RDX’s cabin is designed to be a serene and quiet space, effectively insulating passengers from road noise and vibrations. This is achieved through the use of sound-deadening materials and acoustically engineered glass, which together create a peaceful environment conducive to conversation or enjoying the vehicle’s premium audio system. The spacious interior also contributes to overall comfort, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. This sense of space is further amplified by the panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light and enhances the airy feel.
In terms of ride quality, the 2021 Acura RDX strikes a fine balance between sporty handling and a smooth, comfortable ride. The suspension absorbs road imperfections easily. The RDX’s advanced all-wheel-drive system also adds to the comfort by providing excellent traction and stability, giving drivers a sense of confidence and ease in various driving conditions. Overall, the 2021 Acura RDX is a testament to Acura’s commitment to comfort, offering a refined and relaxing experience that caters well to both the driver and passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Acura RDX Have?
The 2021 Acura RDX offers a generous amount of storage space, tailored to accommodate the needs of both daily commuters and adventure seekers. The vehicle boasts a considerable cargo capacity of 29.5 cubic feet behind the second row of seats. This space can be further expanded to about 58.9 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded down, providing ample room for a variety of storage needs. The design of the cargo area is such that it can easily accommodate larger items like golf bags, multiple large suitcases, or camping gear. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the space is enough to hold a couple of mountain bikes or a few snowboards, making the RDX a suitable choice for weekend getaways.
In addition to the main cargo area, the 2021 Acura RDX also includes several smaller storage solutions that enhance its utility. The vehicle features an underfloor storage compartment in the cargo area, perfect for stowing away valuable items or keeping smaller objects organized and out of sight. Within the cabin, there are numerous compartments and pockets, including a sizable glove box, door pockets, and a center console compartment. These spaces are ideal for storing items like smartphones, water bottles, small umbrellas, and other everyday essentials. The RDX also offers cup holders and an armrest storage area for added convenience.
Overall, the 2021 Acura RDX strikes an impressive balance between luxury and practicality, offering a spacious and versatile cargo area complemented by well-thought-out smaller storage spaces. Whether it’s for daily errands, business trips, or outdoor adventures, the RDX provides enough room to comfortably transport both passengers and their belongings, making it a highly functional choice in the luxury SUV segment.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Acura RDX was introduced for the 2019 model year.
2015: No major changes from previous models.
2016: Redesigned front grille with new headlights, an updated touchscreen stereo system, and more safety technology.
2017: Same features as the 2016 model
2018: No changes from earlier years.
2019: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new engines, more technology, and improved exterior styling.
2020: No major changes after the full redesign last year.
2021: All-new PMC limited-edition model launched.
How Does the Acura RDX Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Acura RDX is a great compact luxury SUV which offers a lot of technology and features for the money, which helps it earn our recommendation for shoppers.
The Lexus RX is a popular luxury SUV which costs around $7,500 more. Passenger room and interior materials are both better in the Lexus RX, while the Acura RDX offers more responsive steering. We recommend the Lexus RX, but both are great luxury SUVs worth looking at to see which you prefer.
The Acura MDX is a larger SUV offered by Acura, which costs about $5,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Acura MDX, while the Acura RDX offers a sportier driving experience. We recommend the Acura RDX for most shoppers, unless you need the extra space found in the MDX.
