DecodedCars2018 Acura RDX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 183.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,856 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Acura RDX is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,856 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 8% worse than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 RDX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 RDX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 183.5 in | 73.6 in | 66.5 in | 105.5 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 3,856 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDX FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -8% | $3,550 | 386 |
| RDX AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -5% | $3,750 | 402 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Acura RDX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2018 Acura RDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Acura RDX (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2018 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Porsche Macan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Audi Q5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Not every 2018 Acura RDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Acura RDX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 17 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 17 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 13 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Acura RDX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RDX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RDX | 23 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 RDX | 23 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 30 |
| 2024 RDX | 23 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 12 |
| 2023 RDX | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 24 |
| 2022 RDX | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2021 RDX | 24 | 186.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 117 |
| 2020 RDX | 24 | 186.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 349 |
| 2019 RDX | 24 | 186.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 440 |
| 2017 RDX | 23 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 80 |
| 2016 RDX | 23 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 41 |
| 2015 RDX | 23 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 414 |
| 2014 RDX | 23 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 235 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →