DecodedCars2023 Acura RDX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- A-Spec 4dr SUV, Base/Tech 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 272 hp
- Transmission
- 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 22 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 187.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,035–4,090 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 24 MPG combined, 12% below the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 272 hp, versus about 362 hp for similar 2023 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Acura RDX is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 188 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,090 lb (A-Spec 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 28 highway), 12% worse than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 RDX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 RDX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: East Liberty, Ohio
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 RDX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Spec 4dr SUV | 187.8 in | 74.8 in | 65.7 in | 108.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,090 lb | 57/43 |
| Base/Tech 4dr SUV | 187.8 in | 74.8 in | 65.7 in | 108.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,035 lb | 57/43 |
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 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | -12% | $3,400 | 370 |
| RDX FWD A-SPEC | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | -12% | $3,400 | 375 |
| RDX AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -8% | $3,550 | 385 |
| RDX AWD A-SPEC | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -8% | $3,550 | 388 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Acura RDX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15% |
| 2023 Acura RDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.5% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Acura RDX (this car) | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y | 330 mi | Not rated | 17 |
| 2023 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Lexus RX | 36 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2023 Volvo XC90 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2023 Porsche Macan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Land Rover Discovery | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Jun 15, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V430000 · 386 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel.
- Risk
- Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
Not every 2023 Acura RDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Acura RDX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 3 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,100 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 2023 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 |
| 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 |
| 2018 RDX | 23 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 78 |
| 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 →