2020 Acura RDX vs 2019 Acura RDX

The 2019 Acura RDX showcased a significant design overhaul, echoing the aesthetic of its larger sibling, the MDX. The front end featured angular headlights flanking a broad, demonstrative grille, a welcome departure from the previous "beak" design. The more upright layout of the 2019 model provided additional cabin space, and the overall look was modern and sharp. The A-Spec trim added dark accents, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the RDX boasted soft-touch surfaces, unique stitching, and brushed aluminum accents, although the latter could be blinding in direct sunlight. The redesigned center console featured Acura’s unique shifter design and the new True Touchpad infotainment system.

The 2020 Acura RDX retained the striking design of the 2019 model, with minimal changes. The imposing grille and rakish headlights remained, along with the large logo set within the grille. The upper character line swooped from the windshield to the rear hatch, giving it a dynamic appearance. Inside, the 2020 model continued the trend of sharp, precise styling with eye-catching red leather upholstery in the A-Spec trim. Standard features included synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec trim added ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and sport pedals, while the Advance Package included rain-sensing wipers, acoustic front glass, and natural Olive Ash wood trim.

The 2019 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the option of front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system could divert 70% of torque to the rear wheels, with 100% of that torque going to either rear wheel independently. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to switch between Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting throttle response, shift mapping, and steering feel. Fuel economy for the front-wheel drive model was 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AWD version returned 21/27/23.

The 2020 Acura RDX featured the same turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD system remained, providing solid acceleration and impressive handling. The Integrated Dynamics System offered Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus modes, controlling throttle response, shift patterns, and power delivery. Fuel economy for the A-Spec model with SH-AWD was 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined. The 2020 model also required premium fuel, which could impact annual fuel costs. Despite this, the RDX provided great acceleration and handling, with minimal turbo lag and a comfortable ride.

The 2019 Acura RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, an increase of 3 cubic feet from the previous year. With the 60/40 split-fold rear seats down, cargo capacity was 58.9 cubic feet. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample head- and legroom in both the front and second rows. The floating center stack design allowed for additional storage space, including a tray with power and USB ports. The center console featured a cupholder tray with a brushed metal cover, and all four doors had room for multiple water bottles.

The 2020 Acura RDX also provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable and supportive front seats and good head- and legroom in the second row. The front row had space for large water bottles in the doors and center console, while the second row featured a fold-down center console with cup holders and in-door cup holders. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a load floor at a convenient height and a hidden cargo area beneath a liftable panel.

The 2019 Acura RDX came standard with the True Touchpad infotainment system, replacing the previous 2-screen setup. The high-definition screen was sharp and easy to read, but the touchpad interface had a steep learning curve. Changing radio stations or saving presets required multiple steps, and the system lacked the simplicity of a tuning dial. Apple CarPlay integration was available, but navigating it with the touchpad was cumbersome. The Technology Package added navigation, real-time traffic updates, and the ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec trim featured the ELS Studio 3D system with 16 speakers.

The 2020 Acura RDX also featured the True Touchpad Interface, which operated the vivid widescreen infotainment system. However, the touchpad's design made it difficult to use, as it lacked the ability to scroll from item to item. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the touchpad negated their simplicity. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth, two USB ports, a WiFi hot spot, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added two more USB ports, navigation, and the ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec trim included the ELS Studio 3D system with 16 speakers. The Advance Package added a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2019 Acura RDX came standard with a reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, and a full array of front and side impact airbags. The AcuraWatch suite included forward-collision warning, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, road-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance trim included a head-up warning system.

The 2020 Acura RDX also featured a full complement of airbags, LATCH child-seat mounting systems, a tire pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, and a rear-view camera. Standard driver-assistance features included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, road-departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Advance Package included a 10.5-inch head-up display, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear-view camera washer. The 2019 RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.