Acura RDX specifications and photos
The 2021 Acura RDX is a premium compact crossover that received a mid-cycle update for its third generation. It brings refined styling, enhanced cabin quietness, and upgraded safety technology to an already capable platform.
Acura RDX at a glance
Quick model context before comparing photos and trim-level specifications.
Introduced in September 2021, the facelifted third-generation Acura RDX focuses on subtle but meaningful improvements over its predecessor. Rather than overhauling the vehicle, the updates target refinement and driving dynamics. The standard procedure for this mid-cycle refresh involved light exterior styling tweaks, significant sound insulation upgrades, chassis component re-tuning, and active safety system enhancements. Positioned as a versatile five-seat luxury SUV, it continues to offer a strong balance of performance and practicality. Buyers looking for a dynamic daily driver will appreciate the recalibrated electronics, which create a more distinct difference between the four available driving modes.
- Power: 276 hp
- Engine displacement: 1996 cc
- Transmissions: 10-speed automatic
- Seating: 5 seats
Photos, trims and specifications for Acura RDX
This model page brings gallery images, trim comparison, and detailed technical data together for the 2021 generation.
Estimate fuel cost
Use trim-level fuel consumption data to estimate monthly and yearly fuel spending.
Fuel costs are estimates. Real consumption can change with driving style, traffic, tires, weather, load, and market-specific equipment.
Acura RDX overview
Editorial context for design, cabin, performance, practicality, and buyer notes.
Design
The exterior changes on the 2021 RDX are subtle, aligning its look more closely with the larger MDX. The most noticeable update is the redesigned front bumper, which swaps the previous C-shaped intakes for vertical slots. At the rear, the exhaust layout features rectangular tailpipes instead of the older round ones, a design element now associated with the sportier A-Spec configurations. These minor adjustments maintain the crossover's athletic stance while keeping its overall profile familiar.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the layout remains largely identical, but Acura has focused heavily on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness. Standard models now include upgraded front fender liners and an enhanced Active Sound Control system. For those who opt for the Technology or Advance packages, the RDX gains comprehensive extra insulation across the doors, glass, dashboard, roof, and cargo area. The lower engine mount was also revised, and cold idle speed was lowered to minimize vibrations. The familiar 10.2-inch touchpad-controlled display carries over, now featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration as standard.
Performance
Under the hood, the RDX retains its energetic 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 276 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It is paired exclusively with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between standard front-wheel drive or Acura's highly regarded Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which uses individual clutches for each rear wheel to improve cornering agility. For this update, engineers tweaked the control electronics and recalibrated the optional adaptive suspension dampers, resulting in more responsive handling and improved ride quality across different driving conditions.
Practicality
As a daily driver, the RDX offers practical dimensions for a compact luxury SUV, measuring 4,766 mm in length with a 2,750 mm wheelbase. The five-seat layout provides comfortable space for passengers, while the cargo area offers a generous 835 liters of storage capacity. With a ground clearance of 208 mm, it easily handles rougher pavement and light weather challenges. Fuel economy remains reasonable for its class, with the front-wheel-drive model rated at an estimated 9.8 L/100 km in mixed driving.
Safety and tech
Safety improvements are a key focus of the 2021 restyling. The updated RDX features enhanced blind-spot monitoring and introduces low-speed automatic braking for parking situations. The forward automatic emergency braking system has been upgraded to recognize pedestrians, adding an extra layer of urban safety. Additionally, the traffic sign recognition system now relies on a dedicated camera rather than GPS data, providing more accurate and timely speed limit information to the driver.
Buyer notes
When comparing trims, shoppers should note that the base powertrain remains identical across the lineup, meaning performance is consistent regardless of the package chosen. The main differences lie in convenience features and cabin isolation. Upgrading to the Technology or Advance packages significantly improves interior quietness due to added sound deadening. Wireless charging is available as an option, and the sport-oriented trims offer unique exterior styling cues like the rectangular exhaust finishers.
Trims and key specifications
Use this table to compare the main differences between available configurations.
| Trim / modification | Engine | Power | Seats | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 VTEC Turbo (276 hp) 10-speed automatic | 1996 cc | 276 hp | 5 | 10-speed automatic |
| 2.0 VTEC Turbo (276 hp) 10-speed automatic 4x4 | 1996 cc | 276 hp | 5 | 10-speed automatic |
Specifications can vary by market, model year, and equipment package. Use the trim sections below to review the full data for each configuration.
Acura RDX photo gallery
18 images are collected here with the main specifications and trim data for this model.
Photo Acura RDX
Specifications by trim
Choose a configuration below to open full technical data grouped by category.
2.0 VTEC Turbo (276 hp) 10-speed automatic 37 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption city, L/100 km | 10.7 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 8.4 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 9.8 |
Engine
| Engine | 2.0 VTEC Turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine code | K20C4 |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 1996 |
| Cylinder layout | Inline |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves | 16 |
| Turbocharger | + |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Power, hp | 276 |
| RPM at max power | 6500 |
| Torque, Nm | 380 |
| RPM at max torque | 1600–4500 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4766 |
| Height, mm | 1668 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2750 |
| Front track, mm | 1631 |
| Rear track, mm | 1643 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1830 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2280 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 65 |
| Turning circle, m | 12 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 208 |
| Width without mirrors, mm | 1900 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 835 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 10 |
| Transmission manufacturer | Honda |
| Automatic transmission | + |
| Transmission country | Japan |
2.0 VTEC Turbo (276 hp) 10-speed automatic 4x4 37 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption city, L/100 km | 11.2 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 8.7 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 10.2 |
Engine
| Engine | 2.0 VTEC Turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine code | K20C4 |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 1996 |
| Cylinder layout | Inline |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves | 16 |
| Turbocharger | + |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Power, hp | 276 |
| RPM at max power | 6500 |
| Torque, Nm | 380 |
| RPM at max torque | 1600–4500 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4766 |
| Height, mm | 1668 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2750 |
| Front track, mm | 1631 |
| Rear track, mm | 1643 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1830 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2280 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 65 |
| Turning circle, m | 12 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 208 |
| Width without mirrors, mm | 1900 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 835 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 10 |
| Transmission manufacturer | Honda |
| Automatic transmission | + |
| Transmission country | Japan |
Acura RDX questions
Short answers based on the specifications and photos available in this catalog.
What generation is the 2021 Acura RDX?
This model represents the mid-cycle facelift for the third generation of the Acura RDX.
What engine comes with the RDX?
It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 276 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque.
Does the 2021 Acura RDX have all-wheel drive?
Yes, it is available with front-wheel drive as standard, or Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system as an option.
What changed in the 2021 update?
The update focused on exterior bumper styling, extensive cabin sound insulation, recalibrated driving modes, and upgraded safety features like pedestrian detection and low-speed braking.
How much cargo space does it have?
The RDX provides up to 835 liters of trunk space, making it highly practical for family trips and daily errands.