2018 Acura RDX: What's Changed

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• Most significant changes in the new Acura RDX: The RDX receives no major changes for the second year in a row.
• Price change: All RDX models are $130 more expensive except the Advance versions, which are $180 more for 2018.
• On sale: Now
• Which should you buy, 2017 or 2018? The 2018, unless you’re able to get a great deal on a 2017. The newer model year will help resale value and price increases are negligible.

The 2018 Acura RDX compact SUV is available with FWD or AWD and vies with the larger MDX SUV as Acura’s most popular model. The RDX seats five, and all versions come with a 279-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Related: 2016 Acura RDX: Car Seat Check

All Acura RDX versions are well-equipped, with standard features such as LED headlights, a power moonroof and liftgate, heated front seats and push-button start.

The base RDX with front-wheel drive is $36,775 (all prices include a $975 destination charge), and the all-wheel-drive version is $38,275 (AWD is available for an additional $1,500 on all trims).

The differences among versions are in their equipment packages. The first rung above the base model is the RDX with AcuraWatch Plus, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with collision-mitigation braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist for an additional $1,300.

Models with the Technology Package add blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, navigation, a premium stereo, leather upholstery and other features. The FWD version is $40,475, or $3,700 more than the base model. Combining AcuraWatch Plus with the Technology Package costs $5,000.

The top-of-the-line Acura RDX with the Advance Package is $6,700 more than the base RDX and includes all the features from the other packages plus front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, remote start and other features.

The RDX has ample cargo space and a fairly roomy — though somewhat bland — interior, plus good acceleration and surprising fuel economy from the efficient V-6. The current generation of Acura RDX debuted for the 2013 model year, and the lack of significant changes the past two years suggests Acura is getting ready to introduce a redesigned RDX.