2024 Acura RDX: Specs, Features, Performance & Real-World Review

The 2024 Acura RDX continues to be one of the most talked-about compact luxury SUVs in its class. Blending sporty driving dynamics with everyday practicality, it’s a vehicle that appeals to drivers who want performance and comfort without venturing into full-blown luxury pricing. In this detailed review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from specs and fuel economy to safety, tech, and whether this model is worth buying or not.

What’s New in the 2024 Acura RDX

For 2024, the RDX maintains much of what made previous model years popular while standardizing the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system across the lineup — giving every trim better traction and control.
Despite the lack of a full redesign, this SUV still brings a spirited 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a balanced sense of refinement that many buyers appreciate.

Engine, Performance & SH-AWD System Explained

Under the hood, the 2024 Acura RDX specs include a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.

That combination gives the RDX a fun-to-drive feel whether you’re commuting on highways or weaving through city streets — and having Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) standard means grip is there in slippery conditions, too.

From a driving perspective, I’ve always appreciated how the AWD system doesn’t just kick in reactively; it actively distributes torque for cornering confidence and responsiveness that people often overlook in this segment. It’s not just about straight-line speed — it’s about making everyday driving feel reassuring and engaging.

Fuel Economy & Real-World MPG Insights

One of the biggest questions drivers ask is: “Does the 2024 Acura RDX require premium fuel?”

While premium unleaded is recommended for optimal performance, the real-world fuel figures are quite reasonable for this class — the SUV is rated at 21 mpg city and up to 27 mpg highway, with a 23 mpg combined rating.

In everyday use, especially on longer drives with mixed traffic and highway cruising, I’ve personally seen combined figures hover close to that EPA estimate. Yes, fuel prices fluctuate, but the efficiency here keeps running costs competitive with rivals.

Interior, Comfort & Cargo Space

Step inside, and the 2024 Acura RDX interior feels both practical and premium enough for daily life. There’s seating for five and a well-proportioned cargo area — about 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats that expands to close to 58–59 cubic feet when folded.

During long road trips, I’ve noticed that the rear seating and cushion support strike a good balance between comfort and posture — not overly plush, but definitely supportive for hours on the road. Some drivers still find the center stack layout and controls a bit dated compared with rivals, a sentiment echoed across enthusiast communities.

Infotainment & Connectivity

Technology in the RDX centers around a 10.2-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility included. Wireless smartphone integrations come standard, and options like navigation and premium ELS audio are available on higher trims.

I’ll be honest — this SUV’s setup isn’t the slickest or most intuitive interface out there, and some users find the touchpad controller less than ideal — a frequent topic in owner conversations. That said, once you’re accustomed to it, it does the job without much frustration.

Read Also: 2026 Honda HRV

Safety Ratings & Driver-Assist Technology

Safety is a strong point for the 2024 RDX. It scores top overall safety ratings and comes with a robust suite of systems that assist in everyday driving scenarios, like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

These features add real-world peace of mind, whether you’re navigating crowded urban streets or cruising through suburbs on a weekend getaway.

Pricing & Trim Levels — Which One to Choose?

The 2024 RDX pricing starts around the mid-$40,000 range, depending on package and options.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Base AWD: A well-rounded entry trim
• Technology Package: Adds premium audio, LED cabin lighting, and more
• A-Spec Package: Sportier visuals and stance
• Advance Package: Heated/ventilated seats, luxury touches
  Each trim carries its own flavor, meaning you can tailor your choice to comfort, sportiness, or tech comfort.

Real-Life Case Study: RDX in Daily Use

To make this truly practical, let me share a real-world case. A friend of mine — let’s call him James — purchased a 2024 Acura RDX Advance AWD as his first family SUV earlier this year. Initially, he was considering the Lexus NX and even a BMW X3, but the RDX struck a nice balance between performance, interior space, and value.

After six months and nearly 6,000 miles, his average fuel economy stayed close to the EPA combined number of about 23–24 mpg, even with heavy suburban commuting and weekend road trips. The SH-AWD system was particularly helpful during a snowy winter trip, where traction and stability made a noticeable difference.

James did mention that the touchpad interface took some getting used to, but overall he praises the practical cargo space and comfort for passengers.

Ownership Costs & Reliability Questions

A common query is “How reliable is the 2024 Acura RDX?” and “What about maintenance cost?”

While we don’t have long-term data for this exact model yet, Acura generally enjoys decent reliability ratings from owners and automotive sources. Regular maintenance on turbocharged engines can cost a bit more than a non-turbo SUV, and using premium fuel does add to operating costs, but nothing out of the ordinary for a compact luxury SUV.

Also keep in mind that certain technology preferences, like the touchpad, may not appeal to every driver — which is reflected in some owner discussions online.

Final Thoughts

In a crowded compact luxury SUV segment, the 2024 Acura RDX specs and features deliver a coherent package that fits the needs of many drivers — from daily commuters to small families. It combines power, comfort, and technology in a way that’s practical and enjoyable without overhyping its luxury label.

If you’re after a fun-to-drive, versatile SUV with good fuel economy and sensible amenities, the RDX deserves a serious look. Just be sure to test drive it — especially to judge how you like that infotainment setup — because comfort and usability are deeply personal.

For a closer look at compact hybrid SUVs, check out our detailed review of the Ford Puma Hybrid.

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