2020 Acura RDX vs 2019 Acura MDX

2019 Acura MDX
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura RDX
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$44,300

MSRP

$37,800

Average price

$25,027

Average price

$26,914

Listings

374

Listings

413

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology

2019 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

Slowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors?

2020 Acura RDX Reviews Summary

It should no longer be breaking news that, to new-car buyers, crossovers are king. Within that market, the small luxury crossover segment has been growing at an incredible rate. Every automaker wants to get a piece, but Acura has long been an early adopter with its 2-row, 5-passenger RDX.

The Acura RDX, built at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant, was first introduced for the 2007 model year. It’s a crossover built in America for American shoppers. From the start, the RDX enjoyed great success. It entered its third generation with the 2019 model year, and it offers plenty of space, creature comforts, and safety tech. That 2019 model carries over to the 2020 vehicle we tested.

The RDX competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, and BMW X3, and it holds its own against all three. It offers more content at a lower price, and in some cases, it has better safety technology. It also competes with the Lexus NX, Jaguar F-PACE, and Lincoln MKC.

We reviewed the 2019 RDX and came away with a very favorable conclusion. But seeing as this is one of the best selling small luxury SUVs—and Acura’s best selling vehicle—it seemed like a good time to take a closer look and unpack more of what we like and dislike about the RDX. We’ll also determine which trim of the RDX provides the best value to shoppers.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 272 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

28
2019 Acura MDX
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura RDX
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$44,300
$37,800
Average price
$25,027
$26,914
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
Summary
Slowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors?

It should no longer be breaking news that, to new-car buyers, crossovers are king. Within that market, the small luxury crossover segment has been growing at an incredible rate. Every automaker wants to get a piece, but Acura has long been an early adopter with its 2-row, 5-passenger RDX.

The Acura RDX, built at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant, was first introduced for the 2007 model year. It’s a crossover built in America for American shoppers. From the start, the RDX enjoyed great success. It entered its third generation with the 2019 model year, and it offers plenty of space, creature comforts, and safety tech. That 2019 model carries over to the 2020 vehicle we tested.

The RDX competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, and BMW X3, and it holds its own against all three. It offers more content at a lower price, and in some cases, it has better safety technology. It also competes with the Lexus NX, Jaguar F-PACE, and Lincoln MKC.

We reviewed the 2019 RDX and came away with a very favorable conclusion. But seeing as this is one of the best selling small luxury SUVs—and Acura’s best selling vehicle—it seemed like a good time to take a closer look and unpack more of what we like and dislike about the RDX. We’ll also determine which trim of the RDX provides the best value to shoppers.

Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 290 hp V6
2.0L 272 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
MPG City
20
22
MPG Highway
27
28
Look and feel
2019 Acura MDX
9/10
2020 Acura RDX
9/10

The 2019 Acura MDX has been a dominant force in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment for over a decade. It offers continuous improvements, including the addition of the A-Spec Package trim level, improved interior materials, and an adaptive damping suspension. The A-Spec model boasts a unique and aggressive exterior design, along with a comfortable and high-quality interior.

The 2020 Acura RDX maintains its impressive appearance from the previous year, featuring a sleek and modern design. It offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with eye-catching red leather upholstery and a range of available packages for additional visual and functional enhancements.

Performance
2019 Acura MDX
9/10
2020 Acura RDX
9/10

The 2019 Acura MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It offers an optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, providing excellent handling and performance. The MDX Sport Hybrid model offers a delightful driving experience with its 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and impressive fuel economy.

The 2020 Acura RDX is equipped with a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It offers solid acceleration and precise handling, making it a compelling option for driving enthusiasts.

Form and function
2019 Acura MDX
9/10
2020 Acura RDX
9/10

The 2019 Acura MDX provides a comfortable and practical interior, with spacious front seats, a versatile cargo area, and ample storage options. However, the third-row seating may not be suitable for everyday use.

The 2020 Acura RDX offers a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, along with a generous cargo area and convenient storage features, making it a practical choice for daily use.

Technology
2019 Acura MDX
5/10
2020 Acura RDX
6/10
Both the 2019 Acura MDX and the 2020 Acura RDX come with advanced infotainment systems. The MDX features a dual-screen approach, while the RDX is equipped with the True Touchpad Interface. Both models offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a range of available tech packages for enhanced connectivity and entertainment.
Safety
2019 Acura MDX
8/10
2020 Acura RDX
9/10
The 2019 Acura MDX and the 2020 Acura RDX are equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features, including driver-assistance systems, airbags, and advanced safety technologies. Both models have received favorable safety ratings from reputable organizations, ensuring peace of mind for occupants.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Acura MDX
8/10
2020 Acura RDX
9/10

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the comparison, the 2020 Acura RDX edges out the 2019 Acura MDX with its slightly higher overall rating of 8.5 out of 10. The RDX offers a compelling combination of performance, comfort, technology, and safety, making it a strong contender in the luxury compact SUV segment.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the comparison, the 2020 Acura RDX edges out the 2019 Acura MDX with its slightly higher overall rating of 8.5 out of 10. The RDX offers a compelling combination of performance, comfort, technology, and safety, making it a strong contender in the luxury compact SUV segment.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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